Global communications agency Burson has appointed Gemma Hudson as CEO, Burson Group Australia and New Zealand, effective immediately.
Hudson will oversee the agency’s business across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, including its specialist government relations firms, Hawker Britton and Barton Deakin. Based in Sydney, Hudson reports to APAC CEO HS Chung.
Hudson joins Burson from Johnson & Johnson, where she was Director, Communications & Public Affairs, AUNZ, responsible for internal and external communications, including brand communication, public affairs and corporate reputation. She brings more than two decades of experience to the role, with experience in healthcare and expertise in brand and consumer, corporate and public affairs, and technology communications.
Prior to Johnson & Johnson, Hudson spent 11 years at WE Communications, including three years as Executive Vice President, APAC and EMEA, for its International Health practice. Before that, she spent eight years building and leading the firm’s Australia and New Zealand business, including three years as CEO.
“Australia and New Zealand are strategically important growth markets for Burson, rich with expertise and scaling potential,” said HS Chung, APAC CEO, Burson.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gemma to lead our AUNZ business as we accelerate our growth ambitions and continue to expand our offering. Gemma brings a valuable client-side perspective and deep sector experience which will bolster our healthcare practice and elevate the unique ‘culture to cabinet’ positioning in AUNZ – supporting clients across consumer and brand, advocacy and influence, corporate affairs and government relations.”
“I’m excited to be returning agency side and joining Burson at such a significant time for the communications industry,” said Hudson.
“Today’s geopolitical environment has made it more important than ever for organizations to navigate culture, reputation and policy. I’m delighted to be joining a business that brings together the capabilities to support clients across that full spectrum.”
