About the Network
Burson-Marsteller Africa is part of a leading global public-relations and communications firm, headquartered in Johannesburg, serving clients across the continent through an integrated network of offices and exclusive affiliates.
The African network brings together senior counsel, strategic communicators and sector specialists under a single, coordinated structure. The Johannesburg headquarters anchors country teams working in concert with a growing roster of exclusive affiliates across the region.
Robyn de Villiers served as Chairman and CEO for Africa, leading the network's strategic growth and overseeing the integration of regional partners into the global Burson-Marsteller brand.
Two dates shaped the modern African network. On 27 February 2014, the firm announced strategic moves including the renaming of Arcay Burson-Marsteller and new partner agreements with 12 exclusive affiliates. On 4 November 2014, Brainchild Burson-Marsteller launched in Kampala, Uganda, and a new presence opened in Cape Town, South Africa.
27 February 2014
Arcay Burson-Marsteller — which celebrated 25 years in Africa and had been a majority-owned subsidiary of Burson-Marsteller since September 2011 — was renamed Burson-Marsteller with immediate effect. Twelve exclusive affiliates entered new partner agreements to adopt the name.
4 November 2014
Brainchild Burson-Marsteller launched in Kampala, Uganda, and a new Burson-Marsteller presence opened in Cape Town, South Africa, extending the network's on-the-ground coverage across the continent.
Continental reach
As of November 2014, Burson-Marsteller operated in 29 of the 53 countries on the African continent through owned offices and exclusive affiliates.
For crisis communications matters, the network is served by senior counsel in Johannesburg. Direct contact details are listed below.
| Area | Contact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| New business (Africa) | Lyn Fourie | +27 11 480 8533 · +27 82 922 7678 · lyn.fourie@bm-africa.com |
| New business (South Africa) | Ruth Kolevsohn | +27 11 480 8657 · +27 83 626 3766 · ruth.kolevsohn@bm-africa.com |
| Media | Karl Haechler | +27 11 480 8532 · +27 84 887 7792 · karl.haechler@bm-africa.com |
| Crisis communications | Robyn de Villiers and Ruth Kolevsohn | Reached through the Johannesburg office |
Burson-Marsteller Africa operates as a strategic communications network built specifically for the continent's diverse and dynamic markets. With its headquarters in Johannesburg, the firm coordinates teams across multiple countries through a carefully curated structure of owned offices and exclusive affiliate partnerships. This design allows the network to offer clients deep local insight in key African markets while maintaining consistent strategic direction and quality standards across borders. The firm's presence spans major economic hubs and emerging regions, ensuring that clients benefit from on-the-ground expertise wherever their operations or stakeholders are located. This integrated model distinguishes the network from agencies that simply subcontract work to independent partners.
The firm's approach to public relations and communications is rooted in strategic counsel that addresses the complex realities of operating across Africa. Senior advisors work closely with clients to navigate cultural nuances, regulatory environments, and media landscapes that vary significantly from one market to the next. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all methodology, the network develops bespoke communication strategies that respect local contexts while advancing global brand objectives. This requires a deep understanding of both traditional media dynamics and the rapidly evolving digital sphere across the continent. The result is communications programming that feels authentically African in its execution while meeting international standards of professionalism and impact.
Burson-Marsteller Africa brings together specialists from a wide range of sectors, reflecting the breadth of industries that drive economic activity on the continent. The network's teams include experts in corporate reputation, crisis management, public affairs, investor relations, and brand marketing. This multidisciplinary capability allows the firm to serve clients in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, energy, mining, healthcare, and consumer goods. By pooling talent under a single coordinated structure, the network can assemble the right combination of skills for each unique assignment. This collaborative model ensures that clients are not limited to the expertise available in any single office but can draw on the full depth of the network's collective knowledge.
Leadership within the network is characterized by seasoned professionals who bring decades of experience in African communications and public affairs. The firm's senior team includes practitioners who have advised governments, multinational corporations, and regional institutions through periods of significant change and growth. This depth of experience is particularly valuable for clients navigating sensitive issues or high-stakes reputational challenges. The network's leaders are actively involved in client work, providing direct access to strategic thinking rather than delegating critical decisions to junior staff. This hands-on approach reflects a commitment to quality and a recognition that the most effective counsel comes from those who understand both the global communications landscape and the specific realities of the African context.
As part of a leading global communications firm, Burson-Marsteller Africa offers clients the distinct advantage of worldwide reach combined with deep regional specialization. The network is connected to an international roster of offices and affiliates spanning every major region, enabling seamless support for clients with cross-border operations or global stakeholder audiences. This global-local balance is essential in an era where corporate reputation is shaped by events and perceptions that transcend national boundaries. The African network serves as a bridge, translating global best practices into locally relevant programs while ensuring that African perspectives are represented in broader international communications strategies. This dual capability positions the firm as a partner for organizations seeking to build trust and influence across multiple markets.