Burson-Marsteller appoints Terri-Helen Gaynor as Asia Pacific CEO

Burson-Marsteller has announced the recent appointment of Terri-Helen Gaynor as President and Chief Executive Office, Asia Pacific, effective immediately.  

Terri-Helen succeeds Patrick Ford, who had been Chair since 2012. Ford will continue as Worldwide Vice Chair, Chief Client Officer and as Chair of the Asia Pacific region during the transition.

Gaynor’s career spans over a 30 year period, with her most recent role being Managing Director and Founding Partner of Reputation Pty Ltd. in Australia. During her 12 years there, Gaynor specialised in corporate communications, government relations and investor relations assignments. Terri-Helen has also worked with a number of top global brands including Marriott International, Optus, Qantas, Bupa, IBM, Nike, Philips and Becton among others.  

“Terri-Helen is widely respected across Asia-Pacific and the global communications sector as an expert strategist with broad expertise managing complex issues in partnership with CEOs, boards of directors, financial authorities and government ministers,” said Burson-Marsteller Worldwide Chair and Chief Executive Officer Donald A. Baer. “She is an extraordinary communications professional who brings strong entrepreneurial drive to the role of building our business prospects and expanding our reach in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region. Her success in building a leading firm across Australia, her unparalleled commitment to client service and her great passion for nurturing the next generation of communications professionals will make her a tremendous addition to our firm.

“All of us are very grateful to Pat Ford for leading the region during these past two years,” Baer continued. “Under his strong guidance, we have grown our business, added exceptional talent and produced award-winning work, all while leading the region in ideas-driven, evidence-based communications”.

“I am absolutely delighted for the opportunity to lead Burson-Marsteller’s operations in Asia-Pacific,” said Gaynor. “The firm has built an outstanding business in its more than 40 years in the region and boasts an enviable roster of talent and clients. I am eager to build on this most impressive foundation.”