About This Episode
In this episode of Change Makers, Michael Hayman sits down with Jo-ann Robertson, the newly appointed President for Europe and Transatlantic Growth at BPI Group.
Self-described as “positivity personified” and fuelled by Glaswegian grit, Jo-ann explores what it takes to lead at a moment of intense global change.
From her roots in student politics to leading some of the world’s largest agency networks, Jo-ann has built a career on being a disruptor who values straight-talking above over-intellectualising. In this conversation, she discusses why this is a “bully pulpit” moment for modern leaders and why big ideas require brave communication to drive real progress.
As businesses navigate the current landscape, Jo-ann shares her insights on building resilient corporations, the importance of authentic purpose over performative action, and why a “North Star” vision is essential for stability. It’s a look at why a bit of “grit in the oyster” is often the necessary catalyst for growth and why the best advisors are those who remain eternally curious.
Jo-ann Robertson
As President of Europe and Transatlantic Growth Lead, Jo-ann oversees BPI’s European growth strategy and unlocks opportunities for clients on both sides of the Atlantic. A specialist in navigating high-stakes challenges, she brings a unique blend of modern communications strategy and deep multinational experience to BPI’s global client roster.
Jo-ann is an accomplished CEO and client counselor known for driving commercial results through a “campaign-winning” mindset. Her expertise spans corporate affairs, public policy, and global client solutions for some of the world’s most recognizable brands.
Before joining BPI, Jo-ann spent 14 years at Ketchum, most recently serving as CEO of Global Markets. In this role, she was responsible for all agency operations outside of the U.S., covering Europe, Canada, and Brazil. She previously served as CEO of Ketchum UK and Managing Director of Corporate and Public Affairs. Her earlier career includes an eight-year tenure at Weber Shandwick and foundational experience as a TV reporter and political activist in Scotland. Throughout her career, she has counseled a blue-chip client roster including P&G, Samsung, Mastercard, The LEGO Foundation, Philips, and Nissan.
A prominent industry leader, Jo-ann served as the PR Jury President at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2023. She has also held jury presidencies for the Golden Drum Awards and the PR Young Lions. Her industry leadership has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named to Management Today’s Women in Leadership Power List (2025), receiving the “PR Leader of the Year” award from ICCO (2022), and being named a “DEI Champion” by Management Today.
