Fin Bird is appointed Executive General Manager at government department

Edelman has announced a leadership transition across its EMEA business, with Julian Payne (pictured left) appointed CEO, EMEA, and Justin Westcott (pictured centre) appointed CEO, Middle East, in addition to his role as EMEA Chief Operating Officer. Arent Jan (AJ) Hesselink (pictured right), who currently holds the role, will step down after a decade at the firm.

AJ has played a central role in shaping Edelman’s EMEA business, having previously served as General Manager of Amsterdam and EMEA COO before becoming CEO in 2023. He will remain with Edelman until 1st June to support the transition.

Julian Payne will assume the role of CEO, EMEA, alongside his current responsibilities as Global Chair, Crisis & Risk. During the transition period, he will continue in his role as UK CEO. Julian joined Edelman in 2021 and has held senior leadership roles across corporate affairs and crisis advisory, including as Chair of Corporate Affairs for EMEA.

Julian brings more than 30 years of experience across agency and in-house roles, including senior positions at the BBC, Burberry, and Sky, as well as serving as Communications Secretary to The King and Queen in their roles as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

“It’s a privilege to take on the role of CEO for EMEA at such a dynamic moment for our business and our industry. We are operating in a more complex environment than ever before, geopolitically, technologically and socially, and our clients need clear, integrated and forward-looking counsel. Edelman has exceptional talent across the region, and I’m excited to work with our teams to build on our momentum, deepen our capabilities and continue delivering for our clients. It really is a fantastic time to be in communications," Julian said.

Justin Westcott will take on the additional role of CEO, Middle East, while continuing as EMEA COO. He has held several senior roles across the firm, including Global Chair, Technology, UK COO, and previously served in the Middle East, where he led the Dubai office.

Justin commented on his appointment, “The Middle East represents a significant opportunity for Edelman, with ambitious clients and rapidly evolving markets. Having worked in the region earlier in my career, I’ve seen first-hand its pace of growth and potential. I’m looking forward to working with our teams to continue building a business that brings together our full range of capabilities to deliver impact for clients across the region." 

Leon Communications has announced a strategic partnership with Edington Advisors, combining Leon’s financial PR services with Edington Advisors’ editorial capabilities across private banking, wealth management, and global finance.

Under the partnership, Founder of Edington Advisors, Elliot Wilson (pictured right) will join Leon as Consulting Editor. He will work alongside the consultancy’s senior team to advise clients on thought leadership content, awards strategy, and senior executive profiling. Elliot was previously a Global Private Banking and Wealth Management Editor at Euromoney.

Leon Communications and Edington Advisors will also collaborate on joint client pitches and networking events across markets, including Singapore and Hong Kong.

Commenting on the partnership, Tim Williamson, Managing Director of Leon Communications, said, “Everything we do is built around helping clients communicate with substance, clarity and credibility. That matters particularly in financial and professional services, where clients need more than just visibility. They need strong ideas, well-structured arguments and content that stands up to scrutiny.”

“Elliot is one of the most respected editorial voices in wealth management and private banking. His experience adds real depth to the work we already do for clients across thought leadership, awards and strategic content. We’re delighted to bring that perspective into Leon and to work together on opportunities across the region.”

Elliot said, "Leon has the strategic relationships and communications capability across Asia Pacific. What I add through Edington Advisors is editorial rigour: including helping senior professionals find their public voice. I’m excited to be working with Tim and the Leon team.” 

Carson Leung has been promoted to Senior Brand and Communications Manager at Procter & Gamble (P&G) in Hong Kong.

Carson has been with the company since 2023, managing similar function. Prior to P&G, he held journalism roles, reporting for i-Cable News, PCCW Media, and TVB.