NEW YORK, JULY 22, 2024 – Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, today announced that Damion Potter has joined the company as Global Chair, Public Affairs, effective July 22. He will be based in London and will serve on Burson’s global leadership team.
Potter brings an extensive record in leadership roles in international diplomacy, government and public affairs, communications, crisis response, policy, trade and economic development, serving in both the public and private sectors in assignments spanning the UK, Europe, the former Soviet Union, Asia and the Americas. Most recently, Potter was Vice President and Global Head of Policy and Government Affairs for Haleon, the GSK consumer healthcare spin out, which was the largest listing on the London stock exchange in the past two decades. At Haleon, Potter was responsible for setting global public policy objectives and government engagement around the world.
In his new role, Potter will lead the integration and further development of public affairs advisory assets across Burson, which includes teams in governmental centers globally, a network of expert external advisors, and several specialist companies in Washington D.C., including Dewey Square Group, Direct Impact and Prime Policy Group.
“Damion is joining us at a time when government has never played a larger role in the business operating environment and when geopolitical shifts are also rapidly impacting trade, regulation, supply chains and commercial strategy,” said AnnaMaria DeSalva, Global Chairman, Burson, who oversees the agency’s global practices. “Today our clients require an integrated intelligence, government affairs and communications strategy to mitigate risk and build brands and reputation. Damion brings to Burson deep expertise and networks that will help us further empower our clients to foresee solutions, build support for key business decisions and transform business outcomes amid unprecedented complexity.”
Before Haleon, Potter led the Delivery Department for the UN Climate Change Conference hosted in Glasgow (COP26). In this role he represented the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, advising the UK Government on policy and leading implementation of the World Leader Summit, the largest-ever assembly of world leaders in the UK.
Earlier, Potter was British Ambassador to Panama City and Head of Central America Network, directing UK interests in trade, prosperity, peace and security. He negotiated the UK’s trade deal with six Central American countries following Brexit. He also served in diplomatic capacities in Sweden, Taiwan and Russia, with a focus on bilateral trade and investment in Taipei and Moscow.
Before these roles, Potter was Communications Director and spokesperson for ESPN in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.
“I’m delighted to join Burson at this important time to help clients grow or defend their businesses and build their reputations in an ever-changing world,” said Potter. “The Burson global public affairs team is renowned for its first-rate analysis and market intelligence; expert counsel to senior business leaders; its ability to work with local authorities on challenges and opportunities clients are facing in their markets; building government engagement; and leveraging its networks to positively influence the policies of decision-makers. Clients need this thoughtful and wide-ranging guidance right now and I am honored to join this outstanding team.”
Potter is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Swedish, with conversational proficiency in Russian.
