Global communications agency, Burson, has announced the appointment of Gemma Hudson as CEO, Burson Group Australia and New Zealand, with immediate effect.
Based in Sydney, Gemma will oversee the agency’s business across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, including its specialist government relations firms, Hawker Britton and Barton Deakin. She will report to APAC CEO, HS Chung.
Gemma brings more than two decades of experience across healthcare, brand and consumer, corporate and public affairs, and technology communications. She was most recently at Johnson & Johnson, where she was Director, Communications & Public Affairs, AUNZ, responsible for internal and external communications, including brand communication, public affairs, and corporate reputation.
Prior to that, Gemma 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.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gemma to lead our AUNZ business as we accelerate our growth ambitions and continue to expand our offering,” said HS Chung, Burson’s APAC CEO.
“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 Gemma.
“Today's geopolitical environment has made it more important than ever for organisations 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.”