LONDON 2 June, 2025 - Today, Edelman UK announces the appointment of Julian Payne as CEO.
Julian, who previously served as Global Chair of Crisis and Risk and Chair of Corporate Affairs for Edelman EMEA, will now lead Edelman’s UK operations, overseeing the business based in London. Julian will take on this role alongside his existing role as Global Chair, Crisis & Risk.
Julian succeeds Ruth Warder, who has taken the decision to pursue a new role outside of Edelman following over 15 years at the firm. Ruth leaves at the end of the month and will be announcing her next move imminently.
Julian joined Edelman in 2022 and has made a significant impact across the firm's corporate, crisis, and leadership communications offerings. A recognised leader in communications and public relations, Julian has over 25 years' experience across in-house and agency roles. He has held senior positions at some of the world's most high-profile organisations, including the BBC, Burberry, and Sky Television. Prior to Edelman, he served as Communications Secretary to Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (now King Charles III and Queen Camilla), where he led the communications strategy across the Royal Household.
Earlier in his career, Julian built extensive experience in agency roles, beginning at Lynne Franks PR and later as a partner at boutique agency Henry’s House, where his clients included BT, ITV, Honda F1, and Virgin Media.
During his time at Edelman, Julian has counselled a wide range of multinational clients on reputation, leadership, and trust in an increasingly complex stakeholder environment. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding Edelman’s Corporate Affairs capabilities across the EMEA region.
Edelman President & CEO, EMEA, AJ Hesselink commented: “I want to sincerely thank Ruth Warder for her outstanding leadership as UK CEO over the past four years, for the impact she has made as a steward of our Brand practice across EMEA and for the significant impact she has had within the firm for the past 15 years. Ruth has played a critical role in winning and growing some of our largest clients, advancing our integrated capabilities, and driving creative excellence — including nine Cannes Lions wins last year. She leaves behind a strong and dynamic leadership team and a UK business well-positioned for the future.
As we look to the next chapter, I’m delighted that Julian will step into the role of UK CEO. He is a proven leader with deep expertise in corporate affairs, reputation, and crisis advisory. His strategic judgement and trusted counsel have already made a real difference to our clients and our business. I’m excited to see him build on our momentum as we continue to grow, innovate, and evolve Edelman UK.”
Ruth Warder commented, “It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to be part of the Edelman journey over the past 15 years. A huge and heartfelt thank you to our outstandingly talented and brilliant team and to our incredible clients who partner with the UK business. I am delighted to pass the baton to Julian, who I have worked alongside for the past four years and know will be brilliant in the role, Edelman UK will go from strength to strength under Julian’s leadership.”
Julian Payne added, “It’s an enormous privilege to take on the role of CEO for Edelman UK. This is a business with exceptional talent, an enviable roster of clients, and a deep commitment to innovation and impact.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to support organisations as they have navigated their way through times of profound change — whether geopolitical shifts, the climate crisis, or the rapid evolution of technology. That experience has shaped my belief that the most successful businesses are those that anticipate what’s coming next and stay relentlessly focused on building trust with their audiences. I am also honoured to be working alongside our talented teams to build the next chapter of Edelman here in the UK — it is an exciting time to be working in our industry, and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead not just for Edelman UK but our industry as a whole.” Julian will report to AJ Hesselink, Edelman President & CEO, EMEA and will take role from June 9th.
For any questions please contact:
Helen Lee, Head of Marketing, EMEA
Mob: +44 7800639048
Email: Helen.lee@edelman.com
