Mike FernandezMike Fernandez
Mike Fernandez, public affairs exert and senior communications executive for several major U.S. companies, has moved agency side with Burson-Marsteller, where he’s been appointed global chair of the WPP unit’s corporate and financial practice.

Fernandez joins Burson-Marsteller from international food conglomerate Cargill, where he was corporate VP and led global corporate affairs as well as communications, brand and marketing services, government relations and social responsibility. Prior to that he was VP of public affairs at State Farm Insurance, which joined 2006 and oversaw all PR and communications efforts. He was also previously CCO at packaged foods company ConAgra Foods, and senior VP of public affairs for worldwide health services organization CIGNA. He began his career in Washington, as press secretary to Senator Ernest Hollings (D-SC). He currently serves on the boards of The Institute for Public Relations and the Arthur W. Page Society.

At B-M, Fernandez is charged with leading client development, strategy and new offerings for the global PR/PA giant’s corporate and financial practice. He’ll be based in the agency’s New York headquarters.

Burson-Marsteller worldwide chair and CEO Don Baer referred to Fernandez as “the uncommon professional with both depth and breadth across multiple communications disciplines and industries,” who will “bring a deep dedication to ensuring we thrive as the best ideas-driven, evidence-based, results-oriented firm in the world.”