Burson Strengthens its EMEA Leadership Team with the Appointment of a Head of Clients and Corporate and Public Affairs Co-Leads

London, 3^rd July 2025 - Burson, the global communications agency purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, today announced key leadership appointments: Ross Hall has been named Head of Clients, EMEA, and Lisa Welsh and Peter Gitmark will jointly lead the EMEA Corporate and Public Affairs (CPA) practice. 

“Building and nurturing our client relationships and continuing to grow our corporate and public affairs practice, while consistently delivering exceptional service is paramount,” said Jon Hughes, CEO, EMEA, Burson. “I am thrilled to see Ross, Lisa and Peter take up these critical roles and am confident that their deep expertise and seasoned leadership will be of immense benefit, empowering our teams and clients to tackle the most complex reputational challenges.”

Hall brings to this role a proven track record in navigating complex client challenges and leading multidisciplinary teams in developing and executing high-impact international campaigns that deliver clients’ strategic business goals. His expertise spans leadership communications, issues & crisis management, and corporate and brand strategy. Hall joined Burson two years ago to lead the agency’s Corporate & Public Affairs practice in EMEA. Prior to joining Burson, Hall served as Regional Client Services Director, EMEA, at Edelman. He has also held senior roles at Ketchum and FTI Consulting.

Welsh has been with the Burson organization in the Middle East for over 15 years as a key senior leader on some of the agency’s largest and most complex client relationships both regionally and globally. As an expert in crisis communications and a specialist trainer, she has consistently been recognised as one of the Middle East’s most influential PR professionals in the PRWeek Global & MENA Power Books. 

Gitmark offers more than 20 years of public affairs leadership experience, having spent the last 11 across the Burson organization working with industries including technology, energy and life sciences to name just a few. Gitmark began his career as Conservative Party Spokesperson in the Norwegian Parliament, focusing on international development, foreign affairs and defense, finance and economic affairs, and energy and the environment.