Burson-Marsteller names former White House communications director as worldwide CEO

Baer served as White House communications director and chief speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. He joined B-M four years ago and has served on the senior management team as worldwide vice-chairman and chief strategy officer. Baer has also served as Chairman of B-M's sister research firm Penn Schoen Berland and will continue in that role.

“Burson-Marsteller continues to be an industry leader with strategic public relations capabilities and a global footprint that few firms can match,” said Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of Burson-Marsteller’s parent company, WPP. “I am confident the firm’s track record of success and its reputation for delivering results for its clients will continue under Don Baer’s leadership.”

Harold Burson, Burson-Marsteller’s Founding Chairman described Baer's appointment as a "master stroke". “From the time I began working with him four years ago, I regarded him as one of the best-of-the-best public relations professionals I have ever encountered," Burson said.