Stockholm, Sweden September 2, 2024 – Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, today announced changes to its Swedish leadership team. Marta Karlqvist has been appointed Head of Growth for the EMEA region and Marie Schjölin has been promoted to CEO of Burson Sweden.
Marta has led the agency’s business in Sweden since 2010, when she joined as CEO of Cohn & Wolfe, which became BCW in 2018 through a merger with Burson-Marsteller. For Burson, formed in 2024 by the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton, she now takes on a regional role as Head of Growth for EMEA while continuing as Chairman of the Board for the three companies within Burson Group in Sweden: Burson, Hill & Knowlton and Axicom.
Marta has worked for many years at both the Swedish and Nordic levels, and among other things, in her role as CEO of BCW in the Nordics, led the agency to be named "Nordic Consultancy of the Year" by PRovoke Media in 2023. In her new role, Marta will focus on strategic growth opportunities and be responsible for leading new international business and pitches, as well as focusing on developing existing clients across different sectors and markets.
"I am incredibly excited and proud to take on this new role within Burson,” said Marta. “To continue working with the fantastic team and our clients, as Chairman of the Board, while driving growth at the EMEA level, is very inspiring.”
Marie Schjölin, with 25 years of experience in leading roles in communications and marketing, has been promoted to CEO of Burson Sweden. Marie has been part of the management team at BCW for the past eight years, successfully leading the agency’s healthcare team and the multi-award-winning creative team.
"Marta has built Burson Sweden into a thriving business and a creative powerhouse,” said Schjölin. “I am honored to take on the CEO role and to continue building this great agency and working with all of our talent, smart and kind employees,” said Marie.
"It feels very reassuring to hand over to Marie, who is not only driven and wise but also very kind,” said Marta. “Being the kind agency, both in our interaction with clients and target groups and in how we treat each other as colleagues, is a central part of our success.
"I am thrilled that Marta and Marie are stepping up to take on these new opportunities within Burson," said Scott Wilson, CEO EMEA. "Marta's strategic thinking, client focus and creative expertise will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen across the EMEA region. Marie's deep industry knowledge and leadership skills make her the perfect person to lead Burson Sweden into the future."
