Burson-Marsteller appoints global corporate and financial chair

Burson-Marsteller has named Mike Fernandez chair of its global corporate and financial practice.

Based in New York, Fernandez will spearhead client development, strategy and new service offerings.

Most recently, Fernandez led global corporate affairs at food product supplier Cargill and has served as the chief communications officer for five large US-based corporations across different industries, including financial, technology, consumer goods and services and healthcare.

He will report to Don Baer, worldwide chair and CEO at Burson-Marsteller, who said: “Burson-Marsteller is excited to welcome Mike Fernandez to be a key part of our global leadership team. Mike is the uncommon professional with both depth and breadth across multiple communications disciplines and industries.

“He has been a trusted adviser to and delivered results for many CEOs and C-suite leaders facing critical issues across many sectors, and he has done this as both an expert strategic counselor and a driver of newer integrated communications approaches.”

At the age of 23, Fernandez served as press secretary to US senator Ernest “Fritz” Hollings becoming the youngest US senate press secretary ever.

Fernandez added: “I’m thrilled to join Burson-Marsteller; it has long been the firm that companies engage when the stakes are highest and communications matter most. I am impressed by the firm’s talent who are reshaping the industry, engaging new channels, empowering new stakeholders and enabling their clients to do more and be more.”