Jo-ann Robertson, partner and UK CEO for global communications consultancy Ketchum, takes on additional responsibilities as UK CEO, global client solutions. With this expanded role, Robertson joins the firm’s global executive leadership team, reporting to president and CEO Mike Doyle.

In addition to her continued leadership of the firm’s UK market, Robertson assumes global leadership and accountability for several of the agency’s largest client relationships. She also will lead a sustained effort to accelerate the adoption of Ketchum’s proprietary consultancy framework across Europe, in partnership with country and client leaders in that region.

“I am thrilled to add Jo-ann’s many strengths, distinct voice and important perspective to our global executive team,” says Doyle. “Her meteoric growth at Ketchum and her steadfast leadership in the U.K. market are the barometer for the impact she’ll have as we partner to deepen our clients’ experience across Europe and throughout the firm.”

Under Robertson’s leadership, Ketchum’s London operation has been honored as PRovoke’s UK 'Consultancy of the Year' and received recognition for its deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion from Creative Equals and PRWeek’s Best Places to Work in the UK.

“There’s a real sense of optimism, ambition and bravery across Ketchum, which I aim to nurture and accelerate over the coming months in partnership with my incredible global colleagues,” Robertson says. “This expanded role allows me to focus on the things that motivate and excite me the most: continuing to lead an inspiring group of people and clients in our U.K. operations, elevating our work through our global client partnerships to ensure that everything we do with them creates impact that truly matters in the world, and driving innovation and growth across key client relationships as part of our proprietary consultancy model. It is Ketchum’s unique culture built around empathy and intelligence that has led me to build my career here for the last 10 years, as well as a relentless pursuit of excellence in all that we do.”

Robertson’s nearly 20-year career has included significant agency experience in addition to stints in broadcast journalism and political communications. She joined Ketchum in 2011 as managing director of UK corporate and public affairs, during which time she tripled the size of the team. She was named partner in 2013 and was promoted to CEO of UK operations in 2017. Prior to Ketchum, Robertson spent eight years leading Weber Shandwick’s UK corporate and public affairs team. She began her career as a political activist and a TV reporter in Scotland.