sitemaps.org/schemas/sitemap/0.9/sitemap.xsd BrandArena: WPP Merges BCW and Hill & Knowlton to Create a $1bn PR Firm Named Burson

Monday 12 February 2024

WPP Merges BCW and Hill & Knowlton to Create a $1bn PR Firm Named Burson

...New Leadership Appointed as H&K Global President Takes a Bow 


Following WPP Group's recent announcement of Hill & Knowlton and Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW) merger, which will take effect as of July 1, 2024, to form Burson, the first round of leadership shakeup has been named for all major regions and certain large single markets, comprising senior leaders from each agency. Other appointments are expected to be communicated as the integration progresses.

The merged company will create a $1bn PR firm that could arguably be the industry's biggest player offering a full-service communications agency focused on building and protecting reputation.

“This is an outstanding group of colleagues, each of whom has decades of experience - whether in-house or at agencies - building and protecting client reputations, creating environments where people can perform their best and thrive, and driving business growth,” said Corey duBrowa, Global CEO, BCW. “These leaders have performed exceptionally in their current roles and will bring that same commitment and rigour to their new positions at Burson.”

Appointments include Kristine Boyden, currently CEO of Americas, BCW, who will become CEO, Americas, Burson. Craig Buchholz, currently CEO of U.S., Hill & Knowlton, will become CEO, U.S., Burson. Scott Wilson, currently CEO of EMEA, BCW, will become CEO, EMEA, Burson, while Simon Whitehead, currently CEO, UK, Hill & Knowlton, will become CEO, UK, Burson.

Bashar AlKadhi, currently CEO of EMEAx, Hill & Knowlton - covering Continental Europe, Nordics, Middle East, Turkey, India and Africa, Hill & Knowlton - will become CEO, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Burson. HS Chung, currently President, Asia-Pacific, Hill & Knowlton, will become CEO, North Asia-Pacific – covering greater China, Japan and Korea - Burson.

Matt Stafford, currently President, Asia-Pacific, BCW, will become CEO, South Asia-Pacific – covering India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia - Burson. Also, Brian Burlingame, currently CEO of Latin America, Hill & Knowlton, will become CEO, Latin America, Burson.

“As we unify our companies, this group of leaders embodies a core premise behind the merger – that together we can draw on the best talent in the industry to create considerably more value for our clients and employees,” said AnnaMaria DeSalva, chairman and CEO, Hill & Knowlton. “Our regional leaders will shape how we go to market in July as Burson to create an unstoppable force in modern communications, in every region around the world. We are excited to continue to build our leadership team and communicate our progress as we move forward.”

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