WASHINGTON — Former Burson-Marsteller CEO Don Baer has joined Brunswick Group as a senior partner.

Baer will aim to help clients navigate their most critical issues, bringing his particular expertise in technology, communications, media, consulting and financial services, Brunswick said.  He will be based in Washington.

“Don is one of the most experienced, strategic and creative practitioners in our industry,” said CEO Neal Wolin. “He understands deeply the pressures facing organizations today and is a trusted confidante to business leaders. His extensive experience across all aspects of Brunswick’s capabilities — financial, political and social — will be invaluable to our clients. We are delighted to add his expertise to our firm’s growing capabilities around the world, including those in our expanding Washington, D.C. office.”

Baer brings roughly four decades of professional experience to the role, including leading Burson-Marsteller as worldwide chair and CEO for nearly nine years and working in the Clinton White House.

Baer stepped down as Burson's CEO to become chairman of BCW in 2018, when WPP merged Burson-Marsteller and Cohn & Wolfe into BCW under CEO Donna Imperato. He left the firm the following year.

Before joining Burson-Marsteller in 2008, Baer was senior executive VP for strategy and development at Discovery Communications. During the Clinton administration, he was an assistant to the president, White House director of strategic planning and communications and chief speechwriter.

Said Baer: “These times call more than ever for the unparalleled strategic service Brunswick provides, and I am thrilled to join the pre-eminent firm for leaders seeking counsel on their most critical challenges and greatest opportunities. I am especially excited to work closely with Brunswick’s outstanding professionals, many of whom I have respected for years as leaders in their fields, and with the firm’s excellent clients.”