Edelman, the global communications firm, has appointed Julian Payne as Chair of Corporate Affairs, EMEA as it strengthens its capabilities in this crucial area in one of the region’s first major appointments of 2021.
Julian is currently Communications Secretary to Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. He will join Edelman as an Executive Director, leading Edelman’s corporate affairs offer across the EMEA region beginning in the spring. With a wealth of in-house and agency experience in reputation management, FTSE financial, digital and corporate communications, Julian will be responsible for growing and deepening Edelman’s approach to corporate affairs in EMEA.
Julian has over 25 years’ experience in the communications industry. In his role at The Royal Household he leads on public presentation of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s work both in the UK and around the world including through charities such as The Prince’s Trust and The Prince’s Foundation. He has also held the position of VP Global PR and Corporate Relations for Burberry and Director of Communications for the BBC, as well as a senior role at Sky Television. Julian also has extensive experience in agency roles beginning his career at Lynne Franks PR and, later on, as a partner at boutique agency Henry’s House where his clients included, BT, ITV, Honda F1 and Virgin Media.
Ed Williams, President & CEO, Edelman EMEA said: “In Julian we have a leader, and communicator of the highest calibre. The breadth of his global experience will be invaluable to our clients across the region as they seek to build trust and successfully navigate a rapidly shifting set of societal expectations. He is highly attuned to the reputational challenges that businesses and their leaders face today and has outstanding experience advising high-profile global brands and individuals. This hire reflects our strategy of having our most senior advisers work transversally across the region, not just focused on one market.”
Julian Payne added: “This is a crucial time for so many organisations as they seek to recalibrate their position and approach in a world that is changing in so many ways. To be able to contribute to that process as part of the Edelman team will be a fantastic challenge and great privilege.”