Burson appoints Johnson & Johnson’s Gemma Hudson to Group CEO Australia + New Zealand

Burson, the global communications agency purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, has today announced that Gemma Hudson has been appointed CEO, Burson Group Australia and New Zealand, effective immediately.

Hudson will oversee the agency’s business across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, including the agency’s specialist government relations firms, Hawker Britton and Barton Deakin. Based in Sydney, Hudson reports to APAC CEO HS Chung.

Hudson joins Burson from Johnson & Johnson, where she was Director, Communications & Public Affairs, AUNZ, responsible for internal and external communications, including brand communication, public affairs and corporate reputation. She brings more than two decades of experience to the role with extensive experience in healthcare and deep expertise in brand and consumer, corporate and public affairs, and technology communications. Prior to Johnson & Johnson, Hudson 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.

Says Chung: “Australia and New Zealand are strategically important growth markets for Burson, rich with expertise and scaling potential. We are thrilled to welcome Gemma to lead our AUNZ business as we accelerate our growth ambitions and continue to expand our offering. 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.”

Says Hudson: “I’m excited to be returning agency side and joining Burson at such a significant time for the communications industry. 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.”

Across both in-house and agency roles, Hudson has a proven track record of building and leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams and delivering award-winning integrated communications programs that drive business impact.

Adds Hudson: “AUNZ is a dynamic market full of opportunity, and I am looking forward to unlocking that potential with an exceptional team. Burson’s enviable data and tech stack will underpin everything we build in Australia, helping us deliver smarter, more impactful solutions for clients as they navigate an increasingly complex communications landscape.”

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