Edelman has appointed Campbell Hanley (pictured left) as CEO and Representative Director of Edelman Japan, succeeding Meghan Barstow (pictured right), who will leave the firm on 31st December 2026 following a 20-year career with Edelman.
Campbell brings more than two decades of experience in Japan across communications, journalism, digital, creative and agency leadership.
He joins from Omnicom Public Relations, where he served as Head of Client Experience & Growth for Asia Pacific. Previously, he was Managing Director of Weber Shandwick Japan and spent nearly a decade as a journalist and editor at The Mainichi earlier in his career.
Rakesh Thukral, CEO, Asia Pacific at Edelman, said: “Japan is a high priority market for Edelman, with significant opportunities to help both Japanese and international companies navigate an evolving communications and business environment.
“Campbell combines a deep understanding of the market with broad experience across communications, media, digital and creative. His strong client orientation and integrated perspective make him the right leader to build on our foundation and take the Japan business into its next phase.”
Meghan has led Edelman Japan as CEO and Representative Director since 2020. She first joined the firm in Japan in 2006 before spending more than a decade in Edelman’s Washington, DC office.
Since returning to Japan, she has strengthened the business, its client relationships and culture, while contributing to the development of the firm’s workforce advisory capability across Asia Pacific.
Rakesh added: “Meghan’s contribution to Edelman over the past two decades has been tremendous. Her leadership has made a lasting difference to our colleagues, clients and business in Japan and across the region. We sincerely thank her for everything she has contributed.”
Campbell will work alongside Meghan during the transition period ahead of her departure at the end of December 2026.
Campbell said: “Japan is home to companies with enormous influence and ambition, both domestically and globally.
“There is a clear opportunity for Edelman to bring together our deep expertise in trust, integrated communications and stakeholder engagement to help clients grow, transform and strengthen their relationships with the audiences that matter. I look forward to working with our colleagues in Japan and across the global network to build on the strong foundation that Meghan Barstow and the team have established.”