Patrick Ford named Burson-Marsteller's interim chief as Bob Pickard departs

Reporting to Donald A. Baer, worldwide president and CEO, Ford is currently the firm’s worldwide chief client officer. He will contine in that role, focusing on driving growth among Burson-Marsteller's largest clients in the Asia-Pacific region as well as around the world, according to the company.

Ford will oversee a region that includes 19 wholly owned offices and 11 affiliate relationships also across nine countries. He will also work with Baer and other senior leaders of the firm to lead the search for a permanent regional CEO.  

Ford, who has been with the firm for 23 years, previously worked as the company’s US CEO for five years before becoming a vice chairman in 2012. He has been in Hong Kong for the last several months.

“Pat Ford is a great leader with a long track record of success during his 23 years at Burson-Marsteller,” Baer said. “We thank Bob Pickard for his contribution to our growth and wish him well in his future endeavors, and we could not be more pleased to have Pat Ford leading this crucial region, which is a cornerstone of our firm’s growth strategy.”

Pickard for his part, said in an email that he is leaving to pursue another yet-to-be-announced opportunity. His last official day at Burson-Marsteller will be 31 December, but will be on “garden leave” starting next week. Pickard took over as CEO in January 2010.