LONDON — MHP Communications has hired Edelman's Alex Bigg as CEO, concluding a search that began upon the departure of Gavin Devine earlier this year.

Bigg exits Edelman after a decade with the firm, during which he rose up the public affairs ranks to ultimately become London GM.

As MHP Communications CEO, he oversees the firm's 175 executives, across offices in London, Hong Kong, Sydney and Germany.

"Alex has a very sure view of how to bring together all of MHP’s skills to capitalise on the major changes we are seeing in the industry," said Engine Europe and Asia-Pacific CEO Debbie Klein. "He is one of the most respected corporate counselors in the UK and has a proven track record of successful agency leadership."

MHP has now returned to growth after posting a revenues decline in 2014. The firm increased revenue by 5.3% in 2015 to around $26m, as per the Holmes Report's Top 250 ranking.

Bigg hit the headlines in 2011, when he led the Edelman team that provided crisis PR counsel for News Corp during the phone-hacking scandal. A public affairs veteran, he has played a key role as a senior leader during Edelman's growth into the UK's largest PR firm.

"It’s going to be a challenging but exciting process," he said in a statement. "I am looking forward to working with some of the smartest people in the industry to realise the agency’s full potential and to grow the business. I am also excited about working alongside the other specialist companies within the wider Engine Group, who are all leaders in their own field."