Burson-Marsteller (US)

Burson-Marsteller is a major global public relations network owned by WPP, but aligned with the Young & Rubicam Brands marketing group. Although it offers a broad range of different PR services, the agency is best-known for its work on corporate reputation and crisis management. Mark Penn is global CEO, and founder Harold Burson remains chairman. He launched the business in New York in 1946 as a PR agency, but merged it in 1953 with Marsteller Gebhardt & Reed, a Chicago-based advertising agency run by Bill Marsteller. The agency remained a joint venture between Burson and the Marsteller agency until both businesses were acquired by Young & Rubicam in 1979. Marsteller's advertising operations have been mostly phased out, although BM does still offer some creative services via subsidiary unit Proof. Other specialised subsidiaries include political and corporate consultancy Penn Schoen Berland, grassroots communications unit Direct Impact and UK consumer PR division Communique. Advertising Age estimated global revenues of $373m in 2009, including $136m in the US. Adbrands does not currently profile this company but subscribers may access account assignments and contact information. The searchable account assignments database is available to full subscribers to Adbrands.net premium services. Click here to access Adbrands account assignments (subscribers only); or see here for information on how to subscribe.

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