Hill & Knowlton Appoints Kelli Parsons as Global CEO

Kelli Parsons has been appointed as the global CEO of Hill & Knowlton, which will function as a full-service global firm within the Burson group of brands. Hill & Knowlton and BCW will merge on July 1, 2024, to form Burson. As previously announced, Parsons will take over as global chairman and CEO of Burson on July 1st, replacing AnnaMaria DeSalva, who has led Hill & Knowlton as global chairman and CEO since June 2019.

Hill & Knowlton promotes Kelli Parsons to Global CEO

In today’s complex operating environment, the company has concentrated on developing significant capability to serve clients as a creative and strategic partner for growth, reputation capital and resilience, and long-term value creation. As the first communication consultancy with almost a century of experience, Hill & Knowlton has continued to lead the way in the changing corporate affairs scene by consistently coming up with new ideas to satisfy the increasing need for strategic communication solutions.

 Kelli Parsons to succeed AnneMaria DeSalva

AnneMaria DeSalva commended Parsons’ leadership abilities and expressed her belief in Hill & Knowlton’s future expansion under Burson. After returning to H&K in 2020, Parsons has held prominent leadership positions in the past. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a clear vision for the company’s future growth. Within the Burson Group, Hill & Knowlton will function as a full-service international firm. The company offers intelligent and innovative strategic communication, marketing, and corporate affairs solutions, and counsels clients on journeys of transformation.

Kelli’s previous endeavors

Parsons joins the position with thirty years of journalism, agency, and corporate leadership experience. She has played a key role in the expansion of Hill & Knowlton’s global advisory business as the current global chair of corporate affairs and advisory. She assists clients in overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities at the nexus of corporate strategy and communication. In her previous role, Parsons oversaw marketing and communications for Fortune 50 companies, concentrating on creating multi-stakeholder communication plans that fostered trust during significant changes. She previously oversaw H&K’s corporate and technological practices, the largest worldwide client relationship, and markets in New York and Washington, D.C. Parsons is committed to the advancement of the communication industry and the training of its next generation of leaders. She is a trustee of the Institute for Public Relations and the chair of the Page Board of Trustees.

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Here’s what they said

DeSalva said,

“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. We are thrilled that H&K will continue to grow its central role in strategic communication as part of Burson, and that Kelli Parsons will lead the firm going forward. Kelli is a highly trusted and admired leader in our field. She has been a guiding force on our leadership team since rejoining H&K in 2020. Following her years in major client leadership roles and two substantial tours of duty as a senior leader at Hill & Knowlton, as CEO Kelli will bring deep knowledge of our industry, our people and clients, and vision for the opportunities ahead. I am proud to advance this leadership transition, and I look forward to continuing to work with Kelli and to supporting Hill & Knowlton’s future success in my new role.”

Corey duBrowa, global CEO, BCW added,

“Hill & Knowlton brings exceptionally complementary expertise and brand equity to the flagship Burson and will serve as a powerful offering alongside Axicom, Buchanan Communications and GCI Health in our group of brands, which together offer clients world-class expertise across every global industry and sector. H&K’s expert strategic counsel and focus on the business impact of reputation creates significant value for clients, and I look forward to its continued success under Kelli’s leadership.”

Parsons noted,

“I’m honored to lead my exceptional colleagues in earning our clients’ trust as a strategic and creative partner. A former CCMO, I understand the imperative to create value for the business and its stakeholders amid myriad expectations in a dynamic operating environment. Communication has never played a more transformative role as companies drive growth, innovate and engage with their communities. We’re proud of our clients and their impact on business and society. I’m excited to support their growth and influence with the unmatched resources of the Burson network.” 

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