Burson, the global communications agency purpose built to create value for clients through reputation, has appointed Bridget von Holdt and Karl Haechler as Co-CEOs of Burson Africa and Lerato Songelwa as Managing Director for Burson South Africa. Burson was created by the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton.
With a powerful network of both global and local specialist agencies, Burson offers access to thousands of creative problem solvers worldwide, ensuring innovative solutions for every client. Burson clients benefit from industry-leading technology, innovation, and unmatched scale.
The agency has a rich heritage in Africa spanning three decades and covering over 50 markets. Burson Africa, headquartered in Johannesburg, has built its partner network across Africa with strong in-country agencies whose local knowledge, insights and connectivity are the foundation of delivering market-appropriate, award-winning, strategically driven communications support to clients in-market.
Haechler and von Holdt had previously led BCW Africa as Co-Market Leaders since March 2021 and Songelwa served as MD of Hill & Knowlton SA since October 2022. The trio brings the perfect combination of experience and expertise across sectors and markets.
Bashar AlKadhi, CEO, Burson Middle East, Turkey and Africa, stated: “Bridget, Karl and Lerato bring a wealth of experience and a clear vision to Burson Africa. I am confident that they will drive value creation for both our customers and our talent across the continent, which we see as a significant growth area for the business.”
Bridget von Holdt, Co-CEO, Burson Africa, adds: “Our new identity reflects our expertise and ambition in Africa. It’s a powerful statement of who we are and what we’re capable of achieving together. Our goal is to create competitive advantage for our clients through reputation. I am looking forward to building and growing our clients across the continent.”
Karl Haechler, Co-CEO, Burson Africa, said: “The new Burson brings together highly specialised teams, incisive technologies and cut-through creative to redefine reputation to help our clients to lead today and into the future. I am extremely excited for the journey ahead and look forward to creating even more value for our clients, our people and our African network.”
Lerato Songelwa, Managing Director, Burson South Africa, concludes: “At such an exciting time for Burson globally, it is an honour to take on this new role. I am proud of our highly skilled and diverse team of professionals with a shared passion for excellence and leveraging reputational capital for our clients, ensuring growth and value generation.’