Kelli Parsons Appointed Global CEO of Hill & Knowlton After Merger with BCW

Kelli Parsons has been named the next global CEO of Hill & Knowlton, which will continue to operate under its own brand following its merger with BCW to form a new entity, Burson, effective July 1.

Parsons, currently serving as H&K’s global chair of corporate affairs and advisory, will take over from AnnaMaria DeSalva, who has held the position of global chairman and CEO of Hill & Knowlton since June 2019. DeSalva will assume the role of global chairman of Burson once the merger is complete.

Hill & Knowlton credits Parsons with significantly expanding the firm’s global advisory business since she rejoined in 2020, following a 12-year tenure in-house.

Prior to her return to Hill & Knowlton, Parsons served as Chief Communications
Officer at United Technologies, where she oversaw global communications, marketing, and social impact for the aerospace and defense conglomerate. Her previous roles include Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at New York Life and Chief Communications Officer at Fannie Mae.

During her first tenure with H&K, which spanned from 1998 to 2008, Parsons led H&K’s New York and Washington markets, its corporate and technology practices, and largest global client relationship.

She currently serves as chair of Page (formerly the Page Society).

“Hill & Knowlton has played a seminal role in our industry since its inception, and our team has pursued a period of rigorous development over the last several years,” said DeSalva.