Newsroom: PressReleases

New Survey Reveals E-Fluentials' Cynical About Commercial Activity on Consumer Web Sites

Elizabeth.Vicenzino — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:56:10 GMT

Content:

New York, October 24, 2007 – A new survey released today by Burson-Marsteller shows that an increasing number of the most powerful and influential online consumer segment, the e-fluential, is concerned that "advocates for hire" leave biased opinions on consumer Web sites. The majority of these influencers are less likely to purchase a product when they suspect a paid professional has left biased comments about the product on a consumer website. E-fluentials are opinion leaders who shape perceptions of brands, products and services, ultimately driving billions of consumer dollars.

"E-fluentials have gotten savvier about online dialogue since we first identified them in 2001. They are increasingly frustrated about commercial activity on discussion boards and opinion Web sites intended for consumers," said Ame Wadler, Chief Strategic Officer of Burson-Marsteller. "Their mounting concern calls for complete transparency because arousing suspicion among e-fluentials can trigger negative word of mouth as opposed to the intended positive buzz."

The research offers insights to guide online and offline communications with these influencers:

1. Be transparent. Forty-eight percent of e-fluentials say they believe there is commercial activity on opinion Web sites, up from 39 percent in 2001. And, 30 percent of e-fluentials today say this is a big problem as compared with only 20 percent in 2001. However, revealing commercial affiliations assuages concerns. It is the subterfuge that creates cynicism and could result in backlash.

2. Avoid the hard sell. Fifty-seven percent of e-fluentials are less likely to purchase a product when they suspect a paid professional has left biased comments on an opinion Web site. E-fluentials are receptive to new messages from companies, as they enjoy being the gatekeepers of information. However, they are not receptive to direct sales tactics and prefer to be approached as respected opinion leaders in their communities.

3. Substantiate messages with third-party back-up. Seventy-six percent of e-fluentials double-check information with other online sources when they suspect commercial activity on opinion Web Sites. Provide links to consumer blogs and news articles that support the message with credible third-parties.

E-fluentials Talk … Online and Off

E-fluentials' love to talk and they spend nearly one full day (over 21 hours) per week conversing both with colleagues at work (9.2 hours) and with friends and family outside of work (11.7 hours). E-fluentials spend approximately 21 hours online each week:

· Eight hours per week are spent interacting with others and sharing opinions about entertainment and consumer topics such as movies (82 percent), retailers (82 percent), restaurants (75 percent) and celebrities (66 percent), followed by more serious topics such as national and global issues (64 percent), doctors and health issues (46 percent) and local and community issues (45 percent).

· E-fluentials spend seven hours reading email, four hours reading news online and three hours reading discussion boards.

However, these digital divas still spend a significant amount of time using old-fashioned in-person and telephone conversation to get their messages across. Ninety-six percent of e-fluentials talk about good and bad product experiences face-to-face and 79 percent share product news over the phone.

What Do E-fluentials Enjoy? Being E-fluential.

E-fluentials share information for the sheer joy of being "in the know." While they are most likely to tell others about a good or bad product experience simply because they want their friends and family to know about it (94 percent), 72 percent say that "sharing opinions and experiences is part of who I am." An equal number (72 percent) feel it is their obligation to "warn people about problems" with products. A small minority share opinions with friends because they get paid to do so (15 percent) or to get free stuff (10 percent).

E-fluentials also enjoy sharing their knowledge in public forums. Sixty-four percent have offered their opinion at an organization meeting in the past 12 months as compared to only 25 percent of non-fluentials. However, nearly identical proportions – 57 percent of e-fluentials and 56 of non-fluentials have voted in a political election in the past year. E-fluentials distinguish themselves from non-fluentials is in their desire to have their voices heard publicly, but are not any more likely to privately offer their opinions at the voting booth.

E-fluentials Tracked Since 2001

The Burson-Marsteller e-fluential^® research series also includes e-fluentials^®2001, Tech-fluentials, Mom-fluentials and Youth-fluentials.

# # #

Survey Methodology
Burson-Marsteller partnered with MSI International to conduct a survey of online U.S. adults, age 18 and older. A total of 1,000 online interviews were completed in July 2007. Among the respondents, 150 were identified as e-fluentials.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and public affairs firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising, and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 57 wholly-owned offices and 46 affiliate offices, together operating in 59 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 10/24/2007 8:00 AM

E-Mail: elizabeth.vicenzino@bm.com

Company Main Phone: 212-614-5244

ContactName: Elizabeth Vicenzino

Headline: New Survey Reveals E-Fluentials' Cynical About Commercial Activity on Consumer Web Sites

Release: New York

As Midterm Elections Near, Republican Members of Congress are Far More Active on Twitter, Study Finds

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:52:26 GMT

Content:

Washington, D.C., September 10, 2010 – Eight of the ten most followed Twitter accounts maintained by members of Congress are held by Republicans, according to a new study of congressional Twitter usage. The research is part of an ongoing series of digital public affairs studies published today by Burson-Marsteller.

According to this study of all current sitting members of the House and Senate, Republican members of Congress are utilizing Twitter for outreach and engagement at significantly higher rates than their Democratic colleagues. Seventy-two percent of Republicans have active Twitter accounts compared to just 55% of the Democrats who utilize the micro-blogging platform.

In addition, Republican members of Congress up for reelection were more likely to have campaign-focused accounts (39%) than Democrats (31%). Republicans also exceed Democrats in the number of followers per campaign-focused account (4,820 for Republicans vs. 2,972 for Democrats).

“The 2008 presidential election demonstrated the potential of the social and digital media space to engage supporters and build online communities to impact electoral outcomes,” said Dallas Lawrence (@dallaslawrence), managing director of digital public affairs for Burson-Marsteller. “2009 highlighted the power of social media to impact public opinion and influence legislative and regulatory outcomes at the state and federal level. As we enter the final stretches of the 111^th Congress, 2010 is clearly emerging as the year of social media’s dominance in the advocacy, stakeholder outreach and legislative arenas. This study clearly indicates that with two months before the general election, Republicans in Congress are much more visible and better positioned within the Twittersphere.”

These findings come as the entire House of Representatives and 22 senators face re-election this November. Key findings of the study include:

Republicans make up 65% of the most followed congressional Twitter accounts.
Republicans are also more likely to retweet other users’ posts (64%) when compared with Democrats (41%), signaling that Republican members of Congress are more engaged and listening to other Twitter users.
More Republican members of Congress are using the “@” function to directly refer to other users (67%) than House Democratic accounts (50%).

The Top 10 most followed congressional accounts overall:

Rank	Most Followed Congressperson
1	John McCain (R)
2	John Boehner (R)
3	Jim DeMint (R)
4	Claire McCaskill (D)
5	Scott Brown (R)
6	Eric Cantor (R)
7	Barbara Boxer (D)
8	Michele Bachmann (R)
9	Chuck Grassley (R)
10	Paul Ryan (R)

To access the complete analysis of the study, including specific Twitter rankings for the House and Senate, click here for the report.

About this Study

Burson-Marsteller investigated the Twitter accounts of all 533 current representatives and senators. Data was collected by Burson-Marsteller’s Global Research Team from June—July 2010 based on tweets from June 2010.

About Burson-Marsteller

Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 67 offices and 71 affiliate offices, together operating in 98 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 9/9/2010 1:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: 646-331-1827

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: As Midterm Elections Near, Republican Members of Congress are Far More Active on Twitter, Study Finds

Release: As Midterm Elections Near, Republican Members of Congress are Far More Active on Twitter, Study Finds

Burson-Marsteller Appoints Nathan Ballard and Cheryl Heinonen Co-Market Leaders for Northern California

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:31:03 GMT

Content:

San Francisco, September 7, 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, announced today the appointment of Nathan Ballard and Cheryl Heinonen as Co-Market Leaders in Northern California. As Market Leaders, Ballard and Heinonen will be responsible for leading the team in San Francisco and working together to grow and expand Burson-Marsteller’s Northern California operations. In these roles, they will both report to U.S. President and CEO Patrick Ford.

Heinonen, a managing director in B-M’s US Corporate Practice, and Ballard, a managing director in the Media Practice and the Issues and Crisis Group, will continue in their current roles in those practices.

“Burson-Marsteller is committed to strengthening our West Coast operation, and we are confident that with Cheryl and Nate at the helm we can continue our progress,” Ford said. “Cheryl and Nate are proven leaders with complementary specialties and skills and deep government and corporate relationships. They have already shown that together they make a great management and business development team and will be a great asset to our current and future clients.”

Both Heinonen and Ballard joined Burson in early 2010. Jennifer Graham Clary, who served as interim market leader, will continue in her role as Global Technology Practice Chair.

“We are grateful to Jennifer for wearing many hats as we searched for new market leadership,” said Ford. “Now that Cheryl and Nate are co-market leaders, Jennifer will have a greater capacity to flourish in her vitally important global leadership role in the Technology Practice and our key client relationships.”

Heinonen’s areas of focus are reputation management, corporate social responsibility, organizational communications, consumer branding, C-suite coaching, and international public affairs. She has had extensive experience in managing corporate reputations for large, global consumer brands and in-depth experience in the financial services and payments industries.

Heinonen currently works with a variety of Burson-Marsteller clients in the consumer brand, technology, and financial services areas. Before joining Burson-Marsteller, Cheryl spent the majority of her career at Visa, where she was a senior communications executive. She developed communications strategy and managed all communications programs for Visa International through its three-year corporate restructuring. Her early career was spent in executive search and organizational development consulting in the Bay Area.

Ballard specializes in media relations, crisis communications, and new media, advising some of Burson-Marsteller’s most important clients as they face challenging issues.

Ballard, an attorney, has served as a spokesman for presidential candidates John Kerry and Wesley Clark. He has been a communications director for San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, the Democratic National Committee, the California Democratic Party, and California’s largest labor organization, the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. He has also served as a communications strategist for a wide range of clients including Fortune 500 companies, labor unions, nonprofit organizations, law firms, and initiative campaigns.

Recently Burson-Marsteller also announced that Jim Goldman, former CNBC Silicon Valley Bureau chief, would join the firm as its U.S. Technology Practice Chair, based in San Francisco. Goldman started in this role on August 30.

“The promotions of Cheryl and Nate, along with the addition of Jim Goldman,” said Ford, “show that Burson-Marsteller is playing to win in the West.”

About Burson-Marsteller

PublishDate: 9/7/2010 11:30 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Burson-Marsteller Appoints Nathan Ballard and Cheryl Heinonen Co-Market Leaders for Northern California

Boston University Names Donald K. Wright the Harold Burson Professor and Chair in Public Relations

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:04:07 GMT

Content:

Boston, September 1, 2010 – Boston University today announced that it has named Donald K. Wright the Harold Burson Professor and Chair in Public Relations. The appointment, effective for five years beginning September 1, 2010, was announced by Tom Fiedler, Dean of BU’s College of Communication (COM), who called Wright an internationally known professor, researcher and corporate communications consultant.

Established in honor of Harold Burson, Founder and Chairman of Burson-Marsteller, one of the world’s largest public relations agencies, the endowment that established the professorship and chair was funded by Burson-Marsteller, its employees and clients, and by Young and Rubicam, Burson-Marsteller’s former parent company.

Burson co-founded Burson-Marsteller with Bill Marsteller in 1953 and has been credited with introducing integrated communication marketing to public relations practice. Throughout his career, the 89-year-old Burson has supported public relations research and education, developing training programs and mentoring young professionals. His company has a long history of collaboration with BU and has hired many of its COM graduates.

In 2000, PR Week named Burson as “the century’s most influential PR figure” in recognition of a culmination of more than 50 years of service as a counselor to and confidante of corporate CEOs, government leaders and heads of public sector institutions. That same year, the magazine also recognized Wright as one of the “top-ten public relations educators in the nation.”

According to T. Barton Carter, Chair of the Department of Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations, the decision to have the Burson chair and professorship at BU demonstrates a strong reflection on the fact that the university enjoys an impressive reputation in public relations teaching and research.

“BU is home to the world's oldest university degree in public relations – the Master of Public Relations degree – that has been offered continuously since 1947. In addition to this highly regarded master’s program, BU also offers a public relations emphasis as part of its undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree,” said Carter.

Carter pointed out that BU’s reputation for excellence in public relations education is enhanced by the faculty’s unique mix of practitioners and academics. The entire Department of Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations at BU is well-known for teaching and research success. The Chronicle of Higher Education recently ranked the department first in the nation on its Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index.

Wright, who is in his fifth year as Professor of Public Relations, is one of the world’s most published public relations scholars. The majority of his research focuses upon communication ethics, employee communication and social media.

In addition to teaching, conducting scholarly and applied research, and lecturing in more than 30 countries on five continents, Wright has worked full-time in corporate, agency and university public relations, and has been a communications consultant for three decades working with a number of major corporate clients including Bayer, Fidelity Investments, Lockheed Martin, Nortel, Siemens, the U.S. Postal Service, United Technologies and Westinghouse. Prior to moving to BU, Wright held faculty appointments at the Universities of Texas (at Austin), Georgia and South Alabama.

Wright serves on the boards of trustees of both the Arthur W. Page Society and the Institute for Public Relations. He is a past president of the International Public Relations Association and is a Research Fellow of the Institute for Public Relations. He is editor of Public Relations Journal, the quarterly, open-access, online, blind reviewed scholarly publication of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and also serves on the editorial review boards of the Journal of Public Relations Research and Public Relations Review and is director of two noted national professional development training programs for corporate and agency practitioners: the Public Relations Executive Forum and the Public Relations Leadership Forum.

Wright is the third BU faculty member to hold the Burson professorship and chair. The inaugural recipient was Otto Lerbinger, who taught public relations courses at BU for 50 years prior to his retirement in 2004 and held the Burson professorship and chair in 2003 and 2004. Chris Komisarjevsky, a former CEO of Burson-Marsteller, served in the position during the 2005-06 academic year.

The Harold Burson Professorship and Chair in Public Relations is one of two endowed professorships at COM. An international search currently is underway for the Feld Professorship in New Media in the college.

About Boston University
Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized private research university with more than 30,000 students participating in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. BU consists of 17 colleges and schools along with a number of multi-disciplinary centers and institutes which are central to the school's research and teaching mission.

PublishDate: 9/1/2010 11:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Boston University Names Donald K. Wright the Harold Burson Professor and Chair in Public Relations

Brand Marketing at Burson-Marsteller Bolsters Consumer Lifestyle and Brand Communications Capabilities with Appointment of Carline Jorgensen as Managing Director

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:13:23 GMT

Content:

Los Angeles, August 25, 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, announced today the appointment of Carline Jorgensen as a Managing Director in the U.S. Brand Marketing Practice. Jorgensen has more than 20 years of experience as a marketing communications executive. She has helped launch and build many brands, products and services in an array of sectors such as financial services, healthcare, lifestyle, travel and entertainment. She will be based in Los Angeles and will report to Sam Lucas, Chair of the U.S. Brand Marketing Practice, and Rhonda Brauer, Market Leader for L.A.

“Carline is a strong addition to our roster of talent in consumer and lifestyle communications across the U.S. and will be focused on applying her superior service experience to our brand clients,” said Lucas. “Her proven track record and exemplary leadership skills will be invaluable as she helps us expand and grow our practice on the West Coast through creative program development and flawless implementation.”

Most recently, Jorgensen was Founder and President of Kaplan Communications Inc, her own successful full-service marketing communications agency in Los Angeles. For more than a decade, she oversaw brand marketing and media relations campaigns for some of the world’s most respected brands like American Express, Ameriprise Financial, Cox Interactive Media, HBO, Champagne Taittinger, Sallie Mae Fund, Hint Mint and Icon Shoes, among others.

Jorgensen is an agency veteran with broad experience providing strategic counsel in corporate communications, crisis communications, brand marketing and more. She launched her public relations career at Fleishman-Hillard in New York. She then moved to Los Angeles to work with travel, leisure and luxury brands in the corporate division of Rogers & Cowan. Jorgensen then went on to work in the healthcare practice at Porter Novelli. Her former clients include Princess Cruises, Hilton Hotels, Schieffelin & Somerset (Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Moet), Johnson & Johnson, Baccarat, The March of Dimes, MGM Grand Air, Baskin-Robbins and others.

Jorgensen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from New York University. She has been an instructor of public relations at UCLA and has served on the board of Women in Communications in Los Angeles.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 67 offices and 71 affiliate offices, together operating in 98 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 8/25/2010 10:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Brand Marketing at Burson-Marsteller Bolsters Consumer Lifestyle and Brand Communications Capabilities with Appointment of Carline Jorgensen as Managing Director

Zaheer Nooruddin Joins Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific as Director, Lead Digital Strategist for Greater China

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:22:59 GMT

Content:

Singapore, August 19 2010 -- Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications consultancy, today announced the appointment of Zaheer Nooruddin as Director/ Lead Digital Strategist for its Greater China operations. Nooruddin, an experienced digital and social strategy business head, was previously head of Edelman Digital in China. He brings to the firm more than 12 years of international marketing-communications experience covering Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the U.S.

In his new role, Nooruddin will head Burson-Marsteller's digital team across the firm's five Greater China offices (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hong Kong). He will help identify business opportunities and will be charged to deliver innovative digital and social media solutions that provide measurable business outcomes for the firm's clients.

“Zaheer’s appointment reflects Burson-Marsteller’s focus on building the most modern platforms for integrated communications at a time when digital storytelling is increasingly central to an organization's success,” said Bob Pickard, president and CEO of Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific. “Zaheer’s wealth of experience extends our capabilities in online experience design, reputation management, and social media community development and brings an added dimension to the great work we are doing in this space with our Greater China clients.”

Nooruddin resigned from his previous role at Edelman Digital earlier this year. As the founding director of that firm's digital consultancy, he built inroads with several key clients in China, providing counsel on flagship online communication and social media projects. He also developed innovative social media solutions, nurtured a team of young digital executives, and attracted significant new business.

“I admire the diversity and impressive vision of the senior management at Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific.” said Nooruddin. “It's a firm that's truly open to new ideas in a world of technology and communications that's filled with subtle shifts and convergences. I hope to bring my insights to the table, and I feel very encouraged, right from the beginning, to do so.”

Nooruddin has previously worked in senior roles at multinational digital agencies including Proximity Worldwide/ BBDO and Ogilvy. He began his agency career as an integrated marketing/ communications specialist at Wunderman/Young & Rubicam, a WPP subsidiary company.

Zaheer’s client portfolio includes BMW, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, Motorola, Pfizer, PepsiCo, Hilton Hotels, the Waldorf-Astoria, Shell, Hewlett-Packard, Emirates Airline, P&G brands, IBM, and Citibank.

Born in Bombay, Nooruddin received his Bachelor of Arts from the College of Wooster, in Ohio, where he double-majored in Political Science and History.

About Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific
Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific (www.burson-marsteller.asia) is the leading consultancy for organizations communicating in Asia-Pacific and internationally, serving clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. With a presence in Asia dating back to 1973, the Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific Network today includes 30 offices across 16 countries integrated seamlessly into a global network operating in 98 countries. Our Evidence-Based approach to communications provides our clients with effective, data-driven programs delivered through multiple channels and focused on tangible, measurable results. We offer deep local knowledge for single-market programs, multi-market coordination and excellence for regional programs, and global reach for Asia-Pacific companies and organizations seeking to raise their profile internationally.

Established in 1953 and with a worldwide network of 68 offices and 67 affiliate offices, Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com) is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), the world’s leading communications services network.

PublishDate: 8/19/2010 7:00 AM

E-Mail: danny.tan@bm.com

Company Main Phone: +65 6829 9336

ContactName: Danny Tan

Headline: Zaheer Nooruddin Joins Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific as Director, Lead Digital Strategist for Greater China

Burson-Marsteller Appoints Consumer Marketing Veteran Jason Teitler as Managing Director in its U.S. Brand Marketing Practice

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:31:25 GMT

Content:

New York, August 17, 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, announced today the appointment of Jason Teitler as a Managing Director in the U.S. Brand Marketing Practice. Teitler has extensive experience in the execution of sports marketing, digital and entertainment and celebrity programs that build connections and relationships with target audiences. He has developed sports marketing campaigns that have enhanced the effectiveness of public relations and social media campaigns, business-to-business and employee communications, event management and experiential outreach. He will report to Sam Lucas, Chair of the U.S. Brand Marketing Practice.

“Jason is the latest talented addition to a consumer capability that is growing at Burson, not only in the US, but worldwide,” said Lucas. “As our roster of admired brand clients expands, we are aggressively developing and offering the best new products and services, world class talent and of course, the strategic thinking and execution that Burson is renowned for. Jason is a brilliant addition to the team and he is already bringing value to client business.”

Most recently, Teitler served as Executive Vice President of Piehead, a full-service online strategy agency based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Teitler was primarily responsible for business development and digital campaigns across multiple industries.

Prior to his position at Piehead, Teitler was Senior Vice President of Steiner Sports & Entertainment Marketing. There he developed and implemented online and offline sports-influenced campaigns, domestic and abroad, as well as negotiated and managed sponsorship and endorsement deals for leading and emerging brands. His brand experience at Steiner Sports included AutoTrader.com, Bacardi, Michael C. Fina, and TomTom.

Earlier in Teitler’s career, he worked for Porter Novelli. He held a number of positions at the firm during his 12 year tenure, most recently Partner. He founded the interactive marketing specialty when he first joined the firm in 1996, and he later acted as both Director of Global Marketing and Founder and Director of Sports Marketing until he left the firm in 2008.

Throughout his career, Teitler has worked with a number of professional sports teams and leagues, has experience with major sporting events such as The Masters and the Super Bowl, and has worked with some of the biggest legends in sports.

PublishDate: 8/17/2010 10:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Burson-Marsteller Appoints Consumer Marketing Veteran Jason Teitler as Managing Director in its U.S. Brand Marketing Practice

Interim Haiti Recovery Commission Selects Burson-Marsteller as Communications Agency

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:48:20 GMT

Content:

Port-au-Prince, August 13, 2010 – After an extensive competitive review, the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC) announced that it has appointed Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations firm, as its communications agency. The agency, in turn, announced it will waive all professional fees and provide its services on a pro bono basis. Burson-Marsteller is expected to donate more than $200,000 in time and services. The mandate of the IHRC, which is comprised of Haitian and international partners, is to conduct strategic planning, coordination and implementation of resources from bilateral and multilateral donors, non-governmental organizations, and the business sector in the wake of the January 12, 2010 earthquake.

“We are pleased to add Burson-Marsteller to the important list of partners who are contributing to ensure Haiti’s recovery program responds to our national agenda and priorities, and provides an agile, transparent and accountable means of identifying and funding projects,” said Gabriel Verret, Executive Director of the IHRC. “Effectively communicating the IHRC’s progress to the Haitian national and international communities is essential, and we look forward to having Burson-Marsteller’s team, experience and global resources to help us do so.”

“Our decision to pursue this important project pro bono is in keeping with the spirit and values of our firm,” said Burson-Marsteller Global President and CEO Mark Penn. “I believe it the right thing for us to do, and the entire management team is in complete agreement. This is a tremendous opportunity for us to support the people of Haiti and help the commission’s important work.”

Burson-Marsteller’s contract with the IHRC is for a four-month period. The firm will focus on helping the Commission communicate its work in coordinating effective planning and implementation priorities to aid Haiti’s recovery and long-term development.

About the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission
The Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC) was created by presidential decree on April 21, 2010, in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. The mission of the IHRC is to undertake the expeditious planning, coordination, and implementation of development projects and priorities, including reviewing and approving projects and programs funded by bilateral and multilateral donors, NGOs and the private sector. The IHRC is co-chaired by Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive and President Bill Clinton and is guided by a Board, which includes Haitian and non-Haitian stakeholders in reconstruction efforts.

PublishDate: 8/16/2010 9:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Interim Haiti Recovery Commission Selects Burson-Marsteller as Communications Agency

Burson-Marsteller Indonesia Names Daisy Primayanti as Managing Director and Market Leader

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:06:58 GMT

Content:

Jakarta, 11 August 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications consultancy, today announced the appointment of Daisy Primayanti as managing director and market leader for Indonesia. Daisy brings more than 15 years of experience working in the banking and pharmaceutical industries, public relations consultancy, advertising and marketing agency, and media. She will report to Asia-Pacific president and CEO Bob Pickard.

As market leader, Daisy will be responsible for the overall management and development of Burson-Marsteller’s expanding Indonesia business. She takes the helm of a thriving office that has become one of the leading public relations and communications consultancies in the market. Daisy will also have a seat on the regional board at Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific.

“We are excited to have Daisy as our new market leader for Indonesia. This is an important hire for Burson-Marsteller in a strategically important market. She will build on our strong track record in Indonesia and further develop our offerings in technology, digital and healthcare,” said Bob Pickard.

“I am delighted to be joining Burson-Marsteller,” said Primayanti. “The firm has built a strong reputation among government institutions and leading private companies in Indonesia. I look forward to working alongside the talented team to support our clients’ business in the country and throughout the region.”

Prior to joining Burson-Marsteller, Daisy was country head of communications at ABN AMRO Bank in Indonesia, during which time she was responsible for all external and internal communications initiatives through two acquisitions: by RBS (November 2008) and ANZ Bank (August 2009).

Daisy spent more than 10 years at Pfizer Indonesia holding senior positions in the company including director of public affairs and director of human resources. Daisy also worked for an international public relations consultancy and a boutique advertising and marketing firm. She started her career as a reporter for Jawa Pos, a leading regional daily in Indonesia where she covered social, cultural, education and current affairs.

PublishDate: 8/11/2010 8:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Burson-Marsteller Indonesia Names Daisy Primayanti as Managing Director and Market Leader

Burson-Marsteller Appoints New Singapore Market Leader

Paul.Cordasco — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:43:21 GMT

Content:

Singapore, August 2, 2007 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications consultancy, has announced the promotion of Allison Lim to Market Leader for Burson-Marsteller Singapore. Ms. Lim will report to Bill Rylance, President and CEO for Burson-Marsteller Asia Pacific.

Ms. Lim currently works in Burson-Marsteller’s Singapore operation where she directs government, public affairs and healthcare clients as well as leading the firm’s media practice. She began her Burson-Marsteller career in Singapore in early 2004, after working as a journalist for more than 10 years. She was previously health correspondent for Singapore’s national broadsheet, The Straits Times, and later went on to work as an international correspondent in the Middle East and North Africa.

“I am delighted with this new appointment, which will further strengthen our leadership position in this important market,” says Bill Rylance. “We have long placed an emphasis on training local staff, and Allison’s new market leader role demonstrates our commitment to this focus. Allison’s promotion also marks the beginning of an aggressive drive for talent in our Singapore operation and we will be announcing more senior appointments in the near future.”

Burson-Marsteller sees Singapore as a critical market in the region. “In addition to our robust technology and healthcare divisions, we see a growing need in Singapore for Burson-Marsteller’s traditional areas of strength of government relations, public affairs and corporate communications,” continues Rylance.

In her years with the firm, Ms Lim has worked with many domestic and international organisations including the Media Development Authority, AstraZeneca, Bayer Schering Pharma, Colgate and Numico. She is also the team leader on the ground-breaking communications program for Singapore Prisons Service, which is currently short-listed for the United Nations Award at the IPRA Golden World Awards.

A graduate of the National University of Singapore, Ms. Lim is fluent in English and Mandarin and speaks Malay and Arabic.

PublishDate: 8/2/2007 12:00 AM

E-Mail: mary.devereux@bm.com

Company Main Phone: 852-2963 6772

ContactName: Mary Devereux

Headline: Burson-Marsteller Appoints New Singapore Market Leader

Release: Singapore

Erin Garvey to Join Burson-Marsteller

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:54:48 GMT

Content:

NEW YORK, July 16, 2010 – Today Burson-Marsteller announced that Erin Garvey, an aide to San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom with White House and national campaign experience, will join its Issues and Crisis Group as a manager in San Francisco.

“Erin Garvey is a talented communicator with extensive experience in national campaigns, technology, and California politics and government,” said Jano Cabrera, practice chair of Burson-Marsteller’s Issues and Crisis Group. “Erin’s expertise in new media, media relations, and crisis management will strengthen our growing presence on the West Coast.”

Garvey, an attorney, currently serves as chief deputy communications director to Newsom, where she has served as a media-relations strategist, speechwriter, and spokesperson. During her three years of service to the mayor, she helped the administration develop a strong new media and social media operation. She also helped lead crisis communications efforts during the Olympic torch relay, a fatal tiger attack at the zoo, and two oil spills on San Francisco Bay.

“Erin Garvey is a topnotch communications strategist with an impressive background in political advocacy,” said Nathan Ballard, managing director in Burson-Marsteller’s San Francisco office, who worked with Garvey in the Newsom administration. “We are delighted that she is joining our team.”

Garvey was previously the executive director of Californians for Technology and Video Choice, where she led communications and legislative strategy for a statewide campaign to improve fiber optics networks. She has served as a White House intern, worked on the advance staff of President Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore, and served as advance lead on Senator John Kerry’s presidential campaign. She has also served as press secretary and deputy policy director to California Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante.

Garvey received a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis and a law degree from the University of San Francisco. She will report to Ballard and begin her job on August 1st.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 68 offices and 71 affiliate offices, together operating in 98 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 7/16/2010 3:00 PM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Erin Garvey to Join Burson-Marsteller

Mark Penn’s Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow’s Big Changes wins WPP Atticus Award

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:00:39 GMT

Content:

New York, August 2, 2010 – Penn Schoen Berland and Burson-Marsteller CEO Mark Penn has been named the winner of the Consumer Insights category in the 2010 Atticus Awards for his book Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow’s Big Changes, PSB announced today.

Open exclusively to professionals working in WPP companies, the annual Atticus Awards honor original published thinking in communications services. Winners receive a cash prize, and many recognized publications are reprinted or excerpted in WPP’s annual Atticus Journal, which will be released in November 2010.

The Awards were judged by Simon Clift, consultant and former chief marketing officer at Unilever; Rik Kirkland, principal and director at McKinsey & Company, and Judie Lannon, editor of Market Leader. Other entrants in this year’s Consumer Insights category included publications from WPP agencies Millward Brown, MVI, and Mindshare.

“I’m deeply honored that Microtrends has been recognized as one of the outstanding examples of WPP’s thought leadership from the last year,’ said Penn. “At Penn Schoen Berland and Burson-Marsteller, much of our work is predicated on the belief that companies must understand and respond appropriately to small shifts in behavior – as harbingers of tomorrow’s big shifts. We are gratified that WPP and the judges of the Atticus Awards have endorsed that perspective.”

The Atticus Awards specifically recognized the paperback edition of Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow’s Big Changes, by Mark Penn with E. Kinney Zalesne, published in June 2009 by Twelve.

About Penn Schoen Berland

Penn Schoen Berland, a unit of the WPP Group (NASDAQ: WPPGY), is a global research-based consultancy that specializes in messaging and communications strategy for blue-chip political, corporate and entertainment clients. We have over 30 years of experience in leveraging unique insights about consumer opinion to provide clients with a competitive advantage - what we call Winning Knowledge™. PSB executes polling and message testing services for Fortune 100 corporations and has helped elect more than 30 presidents and prime ministers around the world. More information is available at www.psbresearch.com

PublishDate: 8/2/2010 8:00 AM

E-Mail: blester@ps-b.com

Company Main Phone: 202.962.3042

ContactName: Beth Lester

Headline: Mark Penn’s Microtrends: The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow’s Big Changes wins WPP Atticus Award

Vast Majority of Leading U.S. Political Advocacy Groups Are Using at Least One Social Media Platform to Connect and Organize Stakeholders, Study Finds

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:00:41 GMT

Content:

Washington, DC, July 13, 2010 – Nearly all (97 percent) of political advocacy groups are using at least one social media platform to communicate with stakeholders, according to a new social media study published today by Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications consultancy. This study is the latest addition to Burson-Marsteller’s Evidence-Based Communications research series, which focuses on providing data to support insights-driven communications programs. It finds that social media is changing grassroots organizing in the U.S by political advocacy groups.

The study tracked the digital presence of 34 U.S. political advocacy groups such as the AARP, the Human Rights Campaign and National Taxpayers Union on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Of the 34 groups examined, only one group had no social media presence on any of the platforms, and 91 percent of groups used all three platforms (Twitter, Facebook and YouTube). The study found that nearly all of the advocacy groups examined that communicate via Twitter and/or Facebook use these social media as a platform to communicate their views on specific federal legislation and regulation. Advocacy groups were more likely to use Twitter than Facebook to relay messages about legislation and regulation with an average of 45 legislation/regulation tweets per group to 21 Facebook posts. An aggregate total of 1,474 tweets and 656 posts concerning legislation were recorded in the six-week period.

“Washington’s political advocacy groups are no longer sitting on the sidelines when it comes to social media,” said Dallas Lawrence, managing director of Digital Public Affairs for Burson-Marsteller. “This study’s findings reinforce the fact that in today’s social media age, any issue advocacy or public affairs campaign that relies solely on traditional media and paid advertising simply will not succeed. Advocacy groups understand this new reality and are actively using platforms like Twitter and Facebook to educate, connect and mobilize their members and stakeholders and to focus the lens through which legislators, policy makers and regulators view their key issues.”

Other findings include:

· The majority (61 percent of groups on Twitter and 56 percent of groups on Facebook) use social media to encourage direct outreach to Congress and other politicians. Almost all of these posts provided phone numbers or links to easy-to-fill-out-email forms.

· There is also evidence that stakeholders are actively seeking out and connecting with political advocacy groups. On average, political advocacy groups had 4,880 Twitter followers, 32,588 Facebook fans and 777 YouTube subscribers.

· Moreover, the study also found that many of the groups understand the value of engaging their stakeholders in a two-way dialogue. Political advocacy groups on Twitter are following an average of 2,261 accounts, and 73 percent of groups mentioned (or “@"-ed) other users to engage or acknowledge them.

· Only about one out of five advocacy groups (21 percent on Twitter and 19 percent on Facebook) use social media to ask for fundraising support.

· Seventy-three percent of political advocacy groups on Twitter retweet posts by users.

· In total, 32 groups had YouTube channels, and these groups have uploaded 3,432 videos in the complete lifetime of their channels. The average number of videos per YouTube channel was 107.

To access the complete analysis of these findings click here for the report.

About this Study

Burson-Marsteller selected 34 advocacy groups to evaluate, with data limited to the timeframe of March 15, 2010 to April 30, 2010 (six weeks). The sample breaks down as follows: 14 right-leaning groups, 15 left-leaning groups and 5 neutral groups. Because of the low sample size for neutral groups, results for the 5 neutral groups are included in the overall results, but this data is not broken out in the detailed analysis. At the outset of our research process, we could locate no definitive index or compilation of political advocacy groups. Therefore, for the purposes of this study, we selected 34 groups that we deemed to be politically influential. We sought to represent a range of political viewpoints and include groups that attempt to influence a range of key public policy issues. This study does not include the lobbying arms of corporations or specific industry groups nor does it include the efforts of organized labor. Data was collected by Burson-Marsteller’s Global Research Team on May-June 2010 from the groups’ social media accounts.

About Burson-Marsteller

Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising, and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 70 offices and 60 affiliate offices, together operating in 85 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 7/13/2010 12:00 PM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: 212-614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Vast Majority of Leading U.S. Political Advocacy Groups Are Using at Least One Social Media Platform to Connect and Organize Stakeholders, Study Finds

Burson-Marsteller Hires Regional U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director for Congressional and Public Affairs

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:10:39 GMT

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New York, July 13, 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, today announced it has appointed Pete Havel as a Director in the U.S. Public Affairs Practice. For the past 12 years, Havel has represented and advocated for three of the nation’s leading trade associations, and he was most recently the Executive Director for Congressional and Public Affairs for the Southwest and South Central Regions for the United States Chamber of Commerce. Havel will be based in Dallas and report to U.S. Public Affairs Practice Chair Mike Lake.

“Pete’s experience in political advocacy and government affairs and his relationships in business and politics are a great new asset for our clients as our practice continues to grow,” said Lake.

Havel has more than 12 years of experience as a strategic planner, spokesman, fundraiser, public policy strategist and manager. As the Executive Director for Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, he represented the nation’s largest business association in an eight-state region. His duties included fundraising, media relations, advocacy, public speaking and direct outreach to Congress. He organized and led a number of grassroots initiatives and lobbying in specific congressional districts to support the passage of key business votes in healthcare, energy, labor and taxation. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Congressional Business Forum program in key corporate markets to enhance the U.S. Chamber brand and relationship with key elected officials and corporate contacts.

He worked with elected officials and staff in state government on issues ranging from outsourcing legislation, data security, immigration, regional climate change initiatives, energy issues and legal reform to advance agenda of broad business community. As a U.S. Chamber spokesman, he conducted dozens of media interviews and press conferences and interacted frequently with national media outlets. During his tenure, Havel built high-level bi-partisan and non-partisan relationships with elected officials and their staffs and other contacts throughout the business community and Chamber community.

Prior to joining the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Havel was the Regional Political Director for the National Federation of Independent Business where he served as the liaison to elected officials, campaign staffs, media outlets and state affiliates in a 15-state region.

Havel’s political experience started in the Massachusetts House of Representatives when he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the House Minority Whip. Havel analyzed policy on transportation and public pension-related issues for the Minority Leader’s office. He then went on to work as a political and media consultant before joining the Associated Builders and Contractors as the Regional Political Manager. In this role, he managed and implemented PAC fundraising plans for the 13 chapters of the association within his four-state region. In addition, he launched grassroots lobbying efforts targeting lawmakers on tax and labor initiatives and directly lobbied Members of the House and Senate on targeted issues.

Harvel obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Baylor University in Texas. He also graduated from a four-year program from the Institute for Organizational Management, a nationally-recognized program for non-profit professionals.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 68 offices and 73 affiliate offices, together operating in 98 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 7/14/2010 12:00 PM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Burson-Marsteller Hires Regional U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director for Congressional and Public Affairs

Susanne Deegan Rejoins Burson-Marsteller as Managing Director in U.S. Public Affairs Practice

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:07:38 GMT

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New York, July 14, 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, today announced it has appointed Susanne Deegan (formerly Chasanoff) as a Managing Director in the U.S. Public Affairs Practice. Deegan has more than 17 years of experience working in public affairs, crisis communication and labor relations, and she is also a veteran of New York politics. Deegan will be based in New York and report to U.S. Public Affairs Practice Chair Mike Lake.

“Susanne is a Burson-Marsteller alumnus we are happy to welcome back to the firm,” said Lake. “Her expertise in labor and workplace communications will definitely strengthen our practice and client services, and her leadership will surely strengthen our New York public affairs team.”

Deegan previously worked for Burson-Marsteller from 1999 to 2007 and held a variety of posts in the Public Affairs Practice. Over the course of her previous eight-year tenure with Burson-Marsteller, she was promoted from Senior Associate to Manager to Director to Managing Director. As Managing Director, she provided strategic counsel to CEOs and senior level clients and developed a variety of communications programs for crisis planning and response, labor relations issues and stakeholder engagement. Her specialties include collective bargaining, M&A, litigation, workplace accidents and public affairs campaigns. She has worked with clients in the steel, newspaper, supermarket, hospitality, energy, real estate, textile and transportation industries.

Most recently, Deegan was a Managing Director for The Harbour Group, a public affairs firm. Along with counseling clients on the development and execution of communications campaigns, Deegan created and managed communications programs designed to protect clients’ reputations in the face of public attacks from stakeholder groups. She also provided strategic counsel to clients facing regulatory and legislative issues in the State of New York.

Before joining Burson-Marsteller in 1999, Deegan began her career by working in New York politics. She served as an Assistant Legislative Representative for the Office of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. In that role, she represented the Mayor’s Office on City Council legislative and oversight issues related to consumer affairs, economic development, public safety and environmental protection. Her duties included lobbying and negotiating with City Council Members and administration officials on legislation and administration initiatives.

She then went on to work at the New York City Department of City Planning/ City Planning Commission. As Deputy Director of Government Affairs, she acted as the chief legislative/intergovernmental liaison on legislative and land use matters before the City Council and City Planning Commission. She also represented the Department in matters involving multi-agency coordination of legislative/intergovernmental issues, community affairs and economic development efforts. In addition, she served as the Director of Public Affairs acting as spokesperson and point of contact for all media inquiries on regarding land use, real estate development and zoning.

Deegan obtained her Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Communications from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 68 offices and 71 affiliate offices, together operating in 98 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 7/14/2010 11:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Susanne Deegan Rejoins Burson-Marsteller as Managing Director in U.S. Public Affairs Practice

CNBC Silicon Valley Bureau Chief Jim Goldman Joins Burson-Marsteller As U.S. Technology Practice Chair

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:30:19 GMT

Content:

New York, July 8, 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, today announced it has appointed Jim Goldman as its new U.S. Technology Practice Chair. After a successful career in journalism, the former CNBC Silicon Valley Bureau Chief will now look to help companies develop strategies to bridge old media traditions and new media opportunities. Goldman will be based in San Francisco and report to U.S. President and CEO Pat Ford and Global Chair of the Technology Practice Jennifer Graham Clary.

“Jim has always been an entrepreneurial journalist on the forefront of the technology industry,” said Burson-Marsteller CEO Mark Penn. “His understanding of technology and his media savvy will be an enormous asset to our clients.”

Graham added: “Jim’s deep relationships in Silicon Valley and strong reputation will quickly make him an integral part of our technology practice. I am thrilled that we will be adding someone of Jim’s caliber to our already strong team.”

With more than 20 years of experience as a broadcast journalist working for top-tier outlets like CNBC, TechTV and ABC News, Goldman has been called one of the most influential tech journalists and has won several industry awards for his coverage. For the last seven years, he has acted as CNBC’s Silicon Valley Bureau Chief coordinating and managing all technology and Silicon Valley coverage for the world’s top business and financial cable news network. He has been one of the most prolific contributors at the network regularly appearing weekly across all CNBC programming and also on “NBC Nightly News,” “The Today Show” and MSNBC programming. His five-part series on nanotechnology was awarded a National Headliners Award, and his blog “TechCheck” on CNBC.com attracts 500,000 to 1 million page views monthly.

Before joining CNBC, Goldman opened TechTV’s Silicon Valley Bureau and acted as the Bureau Chief. Although TechTV, a 24-hour cable channel focused on technology, was a brand new network, Goldman was able to use his established relationships in the technology industry to break news and gain exclusive CEO access. His stories were regularly featured on ABC’s “World News,” “Good Morning America” and ABC national radio. During his tenure at TechTV, one of his series of stories about a Florida chip maker led Nasdaq officials to halt trading the company’s stock. It also instigated an FDA investigation into its technology and business practices.

Prior to TechTV, Goldman worked as a Technology Correspondent for ABCNews in New York where he covered technology for all ABC news programming. He reported regularly for “World News” and “Good Morning America” and was a frequent guest anchor for “World News Now’ and “World News This Morning.”

Goldman got his start in broadcast journalism at KNTV (ABC affiliate at the time) in San Jose anchoring a financial news segment after spending three years as an award-winning staff reporter for the San Jose Business Journal.

Goldman obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Ethics in Political Journalism and Political Philosophy from Brown University.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 68 offices and 73 affiliate offices, together operating in 98 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 7/8/2010 3:00 PM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212)614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: CNBC Silicon Valley Bureau Chief Jim Goldman Joins Burson-Marsteller As U.S. Technology Practice Chair

Burson-Marsteller Announces Exclusive Partnership with Ecker & Partner in Austria

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:56:26 GMT

Content:

Brussels, 6 July 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, announced today that it has entered an exclusive partnership with Ecker & Partner, a leading Austrian public relations agency.

“I am delighted that we are partnering with such a strong and well positioned agency in a key market in Europe. Ecker & Partner shares our commitment to evidence-based communications combined with a creative, digital approach,” said Jeremy Galbraith, CEO of Burson-Marsteller EMEA.

Ecker & Partner is a full service PR agency providing integrated PR and Public Affairs services. The agency regularly ranks among the top agencies in the Austrian PR market. Its client portfolio comprises leading national and international companies, institutions, NGOs, charities, government agencies and public associations. Core industries include Finances & Services, Retail, Lifestyle & Tourism as well as IT and Technology & Science. “This affiliation enables us to leverage Burson-Marsteller’s strong position as a global thought leader in public relations and enables us to offer our clients an international reach through Burson-Marsteller’s unmatched global network”, commented Dietmar Ecker, Managing Director and owner of Ecker & Partner.

“We carried out an extensive review of potential agencies in search of a suitable partner in Austria and we are convinced that joining forces with Ecker & Partner is the ideal match and a significant contribution to our EMEA network. The agency has the same commitment to client-service excellence as Burson-Marsteller and shares our passion for our profession”, said Roman Geiser, Chief Operating Officer of Burson-Marsteller EMEA.

The affiliation agreement with Ecker & Partner will replace Burson-Marsteller’s collaboration with Hochegger|Com which came to end beginning of this year.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 68 offices and 73 affiliate offices, together operating in 98 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), the largest communications services group.

About Ecker & Partner
Ecker & Partner (www.eup.at) is a leading full service PR consultancy. Founded in 1998, it now is one of the largest independent communication agencies in Austria with a headcount of 35 and a net fee income of EUR 6.7 million. Its core competencies include Public Affairs, Financial Communications, International & intercultural communications, Crisis Communications, CSR, Brand & Product PR and Events. The company is part of the Leading Advisors Group (LEAD) network, which brings together Austria’s best qualified communications consultants and offers unique range of services. Key clients include: OMV, Ernst & Young, General Motors, Sony Playstation, Hutchison, Fujitsu Technology Solutions, Red Bull, Ministry for Education and Culture, Austrian Federal Railways.

PublishDate: 7/6/2010 11:00 AM

E-Mail: katarina.wallinbureau@bm.com

Company Main Phone: +32 473421141

ContactName: Katarina Wallin Bureau

Headline: Burson-Marsteller Announces Exclusive Partnership with Ecker & Partner in Austria

Genesis Burson-Marsteller Augments India Leadership Team; Focuses on Building Domain Expertise

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:09:22 GMT

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New Delhi, July 6, 2010 - Genesis Burson-Marsteller, India’s leading public relations and public affairs consultancy, today announced key organisational developments to align itself with the domain-led structure of Burson-Marsteller globally and the appointment of Rahul Sharma as President of its Public Affairs business, while Nikhil Dey continues to lead the Public Relations business as its President.

Rahul is a senior journalist and researcher with nearly 25 years of experience in the media. Till recently he was Editor, Khaleej Times, Dubai and was formerly Editor, Delhi, Hindustan Times. He has held several key positions with Reuters across India, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Singapore. Rahul has a Master of Arts in International Relations from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA as well as a Master of Arts in International Relations, Economy and Trade, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.

From a low-key launch in 2007, public affairs at Genesis Burson-Marsteller has evolved into a dynamic high-growth business. “The openness of the government to transparent and consultative processes in policymaking and regulation has provided ample scope for professional public affairs practice, which is our forte”, said Prema Sagar. “I am delighted with Rahul Sharma joining the firm as his vast knowledge and understanding of the Indian polity and business landscape will be invaluable to our clients. His experience will help grow our public affairs consulting on the changing policy and regulatory environment in the country.”

Rahul will also head The Resource Centre at Genesis Burson-Marsteller, which will integrate existing specialists in research, content, media and design and enhance its capabilities to provide outstanding anchorage to the firm’s communication and advocacy programmes which are core to what its teams deliver to clients every day.

The firm also announced the appointment of four India Practice Chairs who have the required skills, insights and experience to lead the practice areas of Corporate, Marketing, Technology and Corporate Responsibility in keeping with the global footprint of Burson-Marsteller Worldwide to provide greater value to clients and teams across the country.

Sheena Sharma, India Practice Chair, Technology with over 15 years experience focuses largely in information technology, consumer technology & durables, telecom and ITES/development centres.

Vandana Sandhir, India Practice Chair, Corporate has over 16 years of experience in the domain and will continue to lead large clients in the areas of consulting, automobile, defence & aviation, infrastructure & engineering, energy & education.

Papri Dev Sharma, India Practice Chair, Marketing has spent eight out of the 10 years of experience working with FMCG, retail, fashion & lifestyle, entertainment and travel & hospitality at Genesis Burson-Marsteller.

Poonam Madan, India Practice Chair, Corporate Responsibility has more than 15 years of experience in research, development sector consulting and journalism and has held key editorial positions with The Financial Express and Mint. The practice focuses on corporate strategies for sustainability and community impact programming.

The objective of these developments is to enhance the company’s intellectual capital in both public relations and public affairs.

“We have always been pioneers in building service capabilities that are aligned to emerging client needs”, said Ashwani Singla, Chief Executive, Genesis Burson-Marsteller. “The Practice Chairs will bring alive our proposition of providing insight- led, ideas rich, integrated and measurable campaigns that make a difference to the business of our clients.”

Added Bob Pickard, President & CEO, Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific, “Burson-Marsteller globally has greatly benefitted from the experience and domain expertise of practice leaders. I am pleased that our India office is bringing alive our global strategy which will fuel greater collaborations amongst the teams and offer clients access to best-in-class knowledge and expertise.”

About Genesis Burson-Marsteller

Genesis Burson-Marsteller (www.genesisbm.in) is India's most respected public relations and public affairs firm. The firm has 7 offices and a domestic affiliate network that reaches over 100 cities across the country. Genesis Burson-Marsteller is known for its insight-based strategies, innovative execution and strong focus on measurement of results.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller, established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 68 offices and 67 affiliate offices, together operating in 92 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), the world’s leading communications services network.

PublishDate: 7/6/2010 10:00 AM

E-Mail: Bhuvnesh.Chawla@bm.com

Company Main Phone: +91 9811226654

ContactName: Bhuvnesh Chawla

Headline: Genesis Burson-Marsteller Augments India Leadership Team; Focuses on Building Domain Expertise

Burson-Marsteller Hires Stephanie Lundberg, Press Secretary for the U.S. House Majority Leader to Join its Issues & Crisis Group

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:53:28 GMT

Content:

New York, June 21, 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, has hired Stephanie L. Lundberg as a manager in its Issues & Crisis Group. Lundberg was most recently Press Secretary for U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

Since 2007, Lundberg has served as a primary spokesperson and senior communications advisor for second highest-ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. In this role, she has been a lead member of an aggressive leadership press office that coordinates national media and messaging strategy, and has worked extensively with the Congressional leadership, House Committees and Administration press offices. She also managed all aspects of the Majority Leader’s home-state press and communications within the Washington and Baltimore media markets.

“Stephanie’s depth of expertise working on Capitol Hill as well as her experience with national media will make her a tremendous asset to Burson-Marsteller and its clients,” said Josh Gottheimer, Chair of the Issue & Crisis Group.
Prior to working for Majority Leader Hoyer, Lundberg was Communications Director for U.S. Congressman Ron Kind of Wisconsin. In her position, she served as primary spokesperson and was responsible for all public communications and press relations for the Congressman. While in this role she also coordinated press strategy to advance the communications agenda of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of moderate, pro-growth Members of Congress.

Lundberg also served as Communications Director for “Steve Kagen for Congress” where she was the primary media contact and spokesperson in one of the most competitive Congressional campaigns of the 2006 election. She directly advised the candidate on media strategies and tactics, helping contribute to Congressman Kagen’s narrow defeat of his general election opponent by two percentage points. Her responsibility on the campaign also required her to conduct live and recorded radio and television interviews with local and state media.

Lundberg has also served as Regional Press Director for the Wisconsin Democratic Coordinated Campaign during the 2004 presidential campaign and as Public Affairs Coordinator for the Wisconsin Federation of Teachers.

Lundberg has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 67 offices and 74 affiliate offices, together operating in 98 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 6/21/2010 10:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Burson-Marsteller Hires Stephanie Lundberg, Press Secretary for the U.S. House Majority Leader to Join its Issues & Crisis Group

Digital Strategist Joe Sinclair Joins Burson-Marsteller

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:41:40 GMT

Content:

London, 15 June, 2010 - Joe Sinclair has joined Burson-Marsteller as a Director and senior digital strategist. Reporting to Philippe Pendaries, head of Burson-Marsteller UK’s integrated brand marketing practice, Sinclair will play a lead role in further developing the agency’s digital communications and social media offering.

“Joe has a fantastic track record in creating smart digital campaigns” said Matt Carter, UK CEO. “Digital and brand comms have been one of the biggest growth areas for B-M in 2010. The addition of Joe Sinclair will help us to continue to deliver the dynamic, integrated communications campaigns clients choose B-M for”.

Joe Sinclair commented, ”As social media plays an increasingly vital role in building ongoing dialogue with consumers and brand stakeholders, it seems natural for PR to be taking the lead in driving online engagement. I’m therefore excited to be joining one of the world’s leading PR agencies.”

Sinclair was previously head of marketing at twentysix, one of the UK’s leading specialist digital agencies, where he delivered campaigns for clients including FremantleMedia, RBS, and Westfield.

About Burson-Marsteller UK
Burson-Marsteller UK (http://www.bursonmarsteller.co.uk/) established in 1967 is the European HQ of the global public relations and public affairs firm.

Reflecting London’s role as a world class business centre, the UK’s capital city has become the leading market for global public relations services providing an unrivalled opportunity to interact with and influence a diverse range of stakeholders. As such, Burson-Marsteller UK is well placed to serve and grow its international client base of FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies leveraging London as a gateway to the world.

Consultants at the multi-award winning office provide clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public affairs, brand marketing, corporate reputation, technology, investor relations and healthcare services. In addition, the company has a full-service advertising and design practice that specialises in digital consulting ensuring new media is fully integrated into client campaigns.

Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 6/15/2010 10:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Digital Strategist Joe Sinclair Joins Burson-Marsteller

Burson-Marsteller Names Steve Bowen Regional Managing Director for Marketing & Training in Asia-Pacific

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:29:02 GMT

Content:

SINGAPORE, June 17, 2010 -- Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications consultancy, today announced the appointment of Steve Bowen as Managing Director of Marketing and Training in Asia-Pacific. He will also be tasked with establishing a brand marketing practice in the firm’s Singapore office. Bowen returns to Burson-Marsteller from Edelman, where he has served in leadership positions in Kuala Lumpur, Seoul and Jakarta. In his new role Bowen will report to Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific President & CEO Bob Pickard and to Singapore Market Leader Allison Lim.

Bowen has more than 15 years of professional experience in Asia-Pacific. He has worked with a wide range of leading multinational companies from industries as diverse as automotive, financial services, education and defense. At Edelman Indonesia, he was responsible for developing the professional and leadership skills of the management team while providing senior strategic counsel and growing the firm’s client base. He also served as a member of Edelman’s regional Asia-Pacific training faculty.

An experienced corporate communicator, Bowen previously led Korea’s premier corporate practice as a Director at Edelman Korea. He also led the corporate practice for Edelman Malaysia. He has extensive experience in executive coaching and training, as well as brand positioning and issue management.

“Steve Bowen offers a unique blend of Asian consultancy experience and client-side global perspective,” says Pickard. “His marketing prowess and training capabilities will help us further cement B-M’s position and increase our profile as Asia-Pacific’s premium PR brand.”

“This is an incredible time to be returning to Burson-Marsteller,” says Bowen. “The firm has a long and proud heritage of groundbreaking work in Asia-Pacific. I look forward to becoming part of a talented and close-knit team of professionals and to contributing to the continued growth and success of the business in the region.”

Prior to joining Edelman, Bowen was head of International Public Relations for Kia Motors Corporation at the company’s headquarters in Seoul. The first non-Korean ever to be hired by the company, Bowen oversaw communications outreach across Kia’s 180 export markets and helped develop integrated communications plans to position the company’s corporate brand and new vehicle line-up.

Bowen joined Kia from Merit / Burson-Marsteller in Seoul, where he worked as a senior consultant serving corporate and technology clients. He was also on the teams that managed communications for the Korean Ministry of Finance, the 2002 Korea World Cup Organizing Committee and the launch of Korea’s award winning Incheon International Airport.

Before joining Merit / Burson-Marsteller, Bowen managed Publications and Research for the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea.

PublishDate: 6/17/2010 10:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Burson-Marsteller Names Steve Bowen Regional Managing Director for Marketing & Training in Asia-Pacific

Burson-Marsteller Appoints Dan Orsborn Managing Director of Business and Client Development

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:28:09 GMT

Content:

New York, June 15, 2010 – Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, has appointed Dan Orsborn as Managing Director of Business and Client Development. Orsborn is an award-winning PR veteran with 26 years of industry experience and has managed some of the largest PR agency searches for U.S. corporations. In his new role, Orsborn will work closely with Burson-Marsteller’s senior management to lead new business development – primarily in the U.S., but also on significant global opportunities. Orsborn will be based in New York and report to U.S. CEO Patrick Ford and Global COO Richard Powell.

“Dan’s experience in building deep and lasting client relationships will be a great asset to Burson-Marsteller,” said Ford. “Burson-Marsteller has been able to achieve strong growth in recent years. Dan will be a significant part of continuing on that trajectory.”

Over the past eight years, Orsborn managed PR agency searches first at industry-leading search consultancy SelectResources International (SRI) and, since 2009, at his own firm Orsborn Partners. Recently, he managed two of the largest U.S. agency searches for Discover Financial Services and Walmart.

At SRI, he built the country’s most active PR agency search and consulting practice conducting agency reviews for such brands as: Nike, Gap, Darden Restaurants and one of the largest global agency searches in history for Intel. In addition, he presented over 30 new business training workshops to PR agencies, taught global clients agency management best practices and visited more than 100 PR firms nationally and internationally to meet their key executives and learn their unique capabilities. In 2008 and 2009, he also wrote the new business column for PRWeek.

Prior to becoming a search consultant, Orsborn led Porter Novelli/Los Angeles, where he managed 55 employees and Edelman San Francisco affiliate firm The Orsborn Group. He has overseen successful client programs for such companies as: Bank of America, The Prudential, Gap, Warner Bros. Records, Milwaukee Tool Company, IBM, The Annenberg Foundation and Rolls Royce.

In 2008, Orsborn was the only search consultant named to PRWeek’s “Power List” (industry support category). A PRSA Silver Anvil recipient, Orsborn has been active in industry organizations serving as national chairman of PRSA’s Professional Services Section and as a board member of PRSA- Los Angeles.

Orsborn graduated Magna Cum Laude from San Francisco State University.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 67 offices and 74 affiliate offices, together operating in 98 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 6/15/2010 9:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212) 614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Burson-Marsteller Appoints Dan Orsborn Managing Director of Business and Client Development

Executive Editor of The National Journal’s Hotline Joins Burson-Marsteller

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:55:55 GMT

Content:

Washington DC, June 7, 2010 – Adding to its formidable bench of Washington insiders, Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, has appointed John Mercurio as a Director in its Media Practice. Mercurio is known as a leading political expert on national politics, campaigns and Capitol Hill and brings nearly twenty years of experience to his new position. Mercurio will be based in Washington, DC and will report to Burson-Marsteller Executive Vice President Worldwide Josh Gottheimer. Gottheimer also chairs the firm's US Media Practice.

“Our Media department is already home to a bevy of former top-tier journalists -- some of the best professionals in the business. John's political expertise and judgment will add even more depth to our newsroom," said Gottheimer.

Mercurio was most recently the Executive Editor of The National Journal’s Hotline, Washington’s premier daily online source on American politics. At the Hotline, he also wrote a widely read, weekly column on politics called “PolitiScope" for the National Journal's website. This column featured Mercurio’s perspective and reporting on current political issues. During his tenure at The Hotline, John was a regular on a wide range of Washington-based TV news shows including, C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal," CNN, MSNBC, FOX, CBS, and NBC.

Prior to joining The Hotline, Mercurio was CNN’s Political Editor from 2002 to 2005, where he managed the network’s political reporting and provided on-air analysis for the CNN News Group (CNN-Domestic, CNN-International and CNN-Headline News). He also wrote a political column called "The Morning Grind" that appeared on CNN.com.

Before joining CNN, Mercurio was a senior political reporter for Roll Call and the Washington Times. During his tenure at Roll Call, Mercurio covered congressional campaigns and elections over three election cycles. He also wrote a weekly column on congressional redistricting called “Between the Lines."

While at the Washington Times, Mercurio served as the Annapolis bureau chief and a DC City Hall reporter. During this period, he appeared on the “DC Politics Hour" on WAMU’s “Derrick McGinty Show" and other news talk shows.

Early in his career, Mercurio was an editorial intern at States News and The New York Times.

Mercurio's widely respected judgment, writing skills and network will make him a valued adviser to a wide array of clients.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 68 offices and 67 affiliate offices, together operating in 92 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications services networks.

PublishDate: 6/7/2010 9:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: (212)614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Executive Editor of The National Journal’s Hotline Joins Burson-Marsteller

Essence Communications is Burson-Marsteller’s Preferred Affiliate Partner in Malaysia

113577-WWW5\Burson-Marsteller — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:32:30 GMT

Content:

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, May 12th, 2010 -- Essence Communications, a leading Malaysian communications firm, and Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm, today announced they have entered into an exclusive partnership alliance agreement. Essence now becomes Burson-Marsteller’s exclusive affiliate partner in Malaysia and the first point-of-contact for the global firm’s clients in the country. The firms will share expertise and staff for relevant client engagements. This cooperation also provides Essence Communications access to Burson-Marsteller’s international resources.

Essence Communications, which marks its tenth year of operations during 2010, was selected by Burson-Marsteller because the firm has built a reputation for building and executing strategic public relations campaigns, both locally and across the region.

Bob Pickard, Burson-Marsteller’s Asia-Pacific President and CEO, said: “Essence Communications is the right partner to provide our clients operating in Malaysia with the world-class service and the strategic thinking they have come to expect from Burson-Marsteller. This alliance combines our international resources and reach with Essence’s deep knowledge and know-how in the Malaysian market as we expand our geographic footprint.”

“This new cooperation will enable Essence to further sustain and cement our position as one of the leading public relations agencies in the country, opening new avenues and greater access into a wide network of professional expertise, which will complement efforts in finding the right solutions for our clients. I am truly thrilled and delighted about the potential of this partnership,” said Felix Heinimann, Essence’s Group Managing Director.

During its decade of operation, Essence has seen tremendous growth servicing a wide range of clients. The award-winning firm provides integrated solutions blending communications and media knowledge with marketing support strategies to help its clients achieve business goals.

About Essence
Essence Communications (www.my-essence.com) is a leading Malaysian communications firm dedicated to providing integrated solutions designed to support business goals, marketing strategies and the unique value of client brands. Essence’s services are sought by multi-national companies or larger-scale Malaysian companies where stake holder communications is of major focus. Established in Kuala Lumpur in 2000 by Felix Heinimann, Essence is today a subsidiary of WPP (NASDQ:WPPGY), one of the world’s leading communications networks.

About Burson-Marsteller
Burson-Marsteller (www.burson-marsteller.com), established in 1953, is a leading global public relations and communications firm. It provides clients with strategic thinking and program execution across a full range of public relations, public affairs, advertising and web-related services. The firm’s seamless worldwide network consists of 68 offices and 67 affiliate offices, together operating in 92 countries across six continents. Burson-Marsteller is a part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a subsidiary of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), the world’s leading communications services network.

PublishDate: 5/12/2010 9:00 AM

E-Mail: Paul.Cordasco@BM.com

Company Main Phone: 212-614-4522

ContactName: Paul Cordasco

Headline: Essence Communications is Burson-Marsteller’s Preferred Affiliate Partner in Malaysia