Burson-Marsteller appoints new London MD for Direct Impact

Burson-Marsteller has announced the appointment of Andrew Cumpsty as managing director (MD) for the new London office of its grassroots communication unit Direct Impact.

Mr Cumpsty will bring to the role more than 18 years of experience as a senior corporate media and external affairs leader, having worked with media agencies such as Fleishman-Hillard and global brands including McDonald's and Ericsson.

In addition, he is also a former leader of Reading Council and a founder and chairman of the Enterprise Forum.

His appointment will help to support the UK expansion of the Direct Impact business, which provides locally driven public relations and advocacy campaigns that are tailored to specific UK communities.

Burson-Marsteller worldwide chief executive officer Mark Penn said: "Andrew will bring Direct Impact's proven model for delivering key messages in a localised way to the UK marketplace."

Direct Impact's London office opened in September 2011, with field teams located in cities throughout the UK.