NEW YORK—Nielsen Holdings, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy, has named Katie Burke as its executive vice president of marketing and communications.

Burke will report to chief executive officer Mitch Barns and will have global responsibility for Nielsen’s marketing and communications functions, including internal and external communications, content development, digital marketing, industry relations and events. She will be based in Wilton, Conn.

Burke most recently served as the global chair of public affairs at Edelman. Prior to Edelman, she held several major roles in US politics, including director of television news in the White House. She also served as communications director for major US political campaigns, including the Rudy Giuliani Presidential campaign and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s successful re-election campaign in California.