Burson Names Jennifer Stearns Global Chief Innovation Officer

Appointment accelerates Burson's AI and innovation momentum, sharpening its competitive edge in delivering business value through reputation

New York (Thursday, September 17, 2026) — Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, today announced that Jennifer Stearns will join the agency as Global Chief Innovation Officer, effective September 22.

“As AI and other emerging technologies fundamentally reshape how information is created, distributed and understood, organizations need innovation partners that can translate technological possibilities into meaningful business and reputation outcomes,” said Corey duBrowa, CEO, Burson. “Jennifer is an accomplished transformation leader who understands how to connect technology, data and strategy to address complex client challenges and create measurable value. I am excited about what she will bring to our clients and to the industry in leading the next chapter of Burson’s global innovation agenda as we continue investing in the talent, capabilities and proprietary solutions that will shape the future of communications in the intelligence era.”

Stearns brings extensive experience leading global teams and complex workforce evolution initiatives at the intersection of technology, sales and organizational change, including over a decade in executive roles at Accenture. Throughout her career, she has identified market opportunities, developed integrated go-to-market strategies and translated trending innovation into business solutions for Fortune 500 businesses across industries. She has also built and scaled new capabilities, developed customer experience and data transformation programs, and advised senior executives on strategies designed to drive growth and efficiency.

In her new post, Stearns will lead Burson’s innovation portfolio through the strategic integration of technology, data, communications and advisory solutions. She will oversee the agency’s AI portfolio, guide the development of net-new client-responsive products and services and scale successful solutions across Burson’s global network. Working across Burson and WPP, she will also design agentic workflows that build on Burson's existing technology suite, taking innovation from experimentation to enterprise-wide deployment.

“Burson has a bold vision for the future of communications, one that combines the power of technology and data with the creativity, judgment and expertise that drive meaningful human connection and business impact," said Stearns. "AI and emerging technologies are transforming how organizations engage stakeholders and build credibility, and we have an opportunity to create entirely new solutions that help clients strengthen reputation, navigate change and create measurable value for their businesses. I'm thrilled to join Burson and partner with the incredibly talented teams already in place across the Burson Group to help shape the future of communications and reputation management.”

Stearns’ appointment comes as Burson continues to invest in proprietary products, capabilities and leadership required to advance innovation across the agency. Last month, Burson acquired Limbik, bringing engineering talent into the organization and strengthening its ability to own and advance the intellectual property behind Decipher, Burson’s signature solution for identifying and assessing the impact of emerging narratives – also adding Limbik co-founders Zach Schwitzky and Josh Levin as Global Head of Innovation, AI Platforms and Products and Global Head of Innovation, Clients & Growth, respectively.

Chad Latz, who previously served as Burson’s Global Chief Innovation Officer, announced his departure from the agency on September 10.

“I'd like to thank Chad for his leadership and for the important role he played in advancing Burson's innovation capabilities during a period of significant transformation for our agency," duBrowa added. "His efforts helped strengthen the foundation we are building upon today, and we wish him every success in his next chapter.”