AnnaMaria DeSalva on strategic communication, mergers, and business transformation

AnnaMaria shares insights from her leadership roles in some of the most significant mergers and transformations in recent history—including Pfizer-Wyeth and DowDuPont, and XPO Logistics. She discusses how strong leadership, clear communication, and a robust value creation thesis are critical for successful mergers. The conversation also explores the evolving role of communications in driving growth, managing risk, and building reputation as a core business asset. AnnaMaria DeSalva is also a seasoned leader in strategic communications and corporate transformation. From 2017 – 2024, DeSalva served on the board of XPO Logistics, becoming Vice Chairman in 2019, and played a key role in board engagement, strategy, CEO succession, and governance during XPO’s transformation. Currently, AnnaMaria is Global Chairman of the Burson Group, a leading communications firm focused on creating value through reputation. From 2019 to 2024, she was Global Chairman and CEO of Hill & Knowlton Strategies. Previously, she was Chief Communications Officer at DuPont and a senior advisor to DowDuPont CEO Ed Breen during the company’s historic split into independent public companies. Earlier in her career, she also held leadership roles at Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and GCI Group.