CommPRO Editorial Staff

AMEC has announced that Johna Burke, CMO at BurrellesLuce, will be AMEC’s new Global Managing Director to succeed Barry Leggetter at the end of the year.  

Richard Bagnall, AMEC Chairman, said “The Board was delighted with the level of interest that the opportunity to lead AMEC generated. We had over 100 candidates from around the globe apply, reflecting the importance that the international communications industry places on our role as the communications evaluation & insights trade association. 

“We are delighted that Johna will be joining us. We were impressed with her thinking to build on Barry’s work and continue to develop AMEC as the thought leader in evaluation and insights. Her knowledge of the sector, her experience in the PR & Comms industry and understanding of how things are evolving were especially important.” 

Johna said: “I am honoured to take the reins of AMEC and lead the industry to smarter and more actionable insights across all communication. We will work to answer demand of membership and continue to develop regional resources so members have tools to demonstrate added value of their efforts.’ 

Chaz Waggoner, CEO of BurrellesLuce, added: “We are saddened to lose Johna, but also encouraged and excited she is going to lead and bring her own style and insight to AMEC.” 

Burke will work in transition with Leggetter from 24^th September and will officially take over on December 6 at the AMEC AGM.  

Leggetter, who is leaving AMEC after 11 years in December, said: “I am proud of being able to help AMEC become a global leader, recognised and acknowledged for the credibility of its work. I leave with sadness but also feeling that it is the right time for me to move on.”