Burson has announced the appointment of Kelli Parsons as Global CEO of Hill & Knowlton (H&K). As H&K's current Global Chair of Corporate Affairs and Advisory, she will succeed AnnaMaria DeSalva, who has led H&K as Global Chairman and CEO since June 2019 and will become Global Chairman, Burson, as previously announced. 

With three decades of experience in journalism, agency and corporate leadership, Kelli previously served as Chief Communication and Marketing Officer for various Fortune 50 companies, where she focused on developing multi-stakeholder communications strategies during large-scale transformations.

Prior to this, Kelli worked with H&K in New York and Washington, D.C., where she led its corporate and technology practices and largest global client relationship. She currently serves as Page's Chair of the Board of Trustees and as a trustee of the Institute for Public Relations.

Kelli commented on the appointment, "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."

Hill & Knowlton will operate as a full-service global firm within the Burson group of brands after its merger with BCW on 1^st July 2024. The firm advises clients on business and brand transformation, providing strategic communication, marketing and corporate affairs solutions.