WPP merging Hill & Knowlton and BCW to form “powerhouse” Burson
WPP is merging its two largest communications agencies, Hill & Knowlton and BCW, to form Burson. According to a release Burson will be “a powerhouse delivering modern communications leadership at scale to clients across the world. The merged company will become an industry-leading, full-service communications agency focused on building and protecting reputation.”
Hill & Knowlton has a public affairs practice based in Washington, D.C.
According to the release; “This union of agencies will enable Burson to best serve clients in a complex and volatile environment in which strategic stakeholder communications has never been more critical. The new agency will draw on both organisations’ unrivaled talent base, exceptional global networks, investments in technology, creative capabilities, and public affairs and advisory specialties to drive reputation and value creation through the interdisciplinary solutions that clients demand now.
“The combination also creates immediate scale in sectors driving today’s most consequential innovation and economic growth, including healthcare and technology. The newly formed Burson will have more than 6,000 employees in 43 markets worldwide. Its name honours the late Harold Burson, a pioneer and founding figure of modern public relations and strategic communications.”
Corey duBrowa, global CEO of BCW, has been named global CEO of Burson and AnnaMaria DeSalva, global chairman and CEO of Hill & Knowlton, has been named global chairman of Burson. Together, they will oversee agency strategy, client service, employee experience and culture.
Burson will be operational from July 1 2024, and its new brand will be unveiled later this year.
In October 2023, WPP announced it was combining Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R to create VML
WPP plc is a British multinational communications, advertising, public relations, technology, and commerce holding company headquartered in London,
WPP image of AnnaMaria DeSalva, left, and Corey duBrowa, right.
