Burson-Marsteller hires new communications director

Burson-Marsteller has announced the appointment of Sally Dobson to a new role in charge of the company's internal and external communications.

Ms Dobson has become the agency's first director of communications based on her 20-plus years of experience in this sector, having previously served in the same role at the Social Market Foundation (SMF), reports PRWeek.

Prior to her spell with the SMF, she has conducted extensive work with the Labour Party, serving as general election coordinator for the party's successful campaigns in 2001 and 2005.

During her time with Labour, she acted as assistant political secretary to then-prime minister Tony Blair and helped to organise Nelson Mandela's visit to the Labour Party conference.

Matt Carter, the firm's UK chief executive officer, said: "She will have a key role in ensuring that companies understand how Burson-Marsteller's evidence-based communications deliver smart strategies and winning campaigns that can help achieve business objectives."

Earlier this month, PRWeek reported that former GlaxoSmithKline communications director Sarah Hagan has also joined Burson-Marsteller as a director in its corporate, issues and technology practice.