Instinctif Partners appoints Julian Walker as chief executive

International business communications consultancy Instinctif Partners has appointed a new chief executive officer: Julian Walker.

Hired from the travel sector, Julian Walker now leads a team of 330 professionals in eight offices, including two in the Middle East (Dubai and Riyadh). Walker is based in the firm’s London headquarters.

“Instinctif Partners has a fantastic reputation and brand positioning, delivering integrated reputation and communications solutions that drive huge value for clients. I look forward to leading the fantastic team.”

As CEO, Walker will also oversee Truth Consulting, the company’s research and insights business. “I am particularly drawn to the opportunity presented by the blend of Instinctif and Truth capabilities, as more businesses look to data and insight to unlock growth,” he said.

Commenting on the news, Jim Donaldson, Non-Executive Chairman at Instinctif Partners, said: “Julian has empowered successful in-house and agency teams to deliver outstanding results over many years. I’m excited to work alongside someone of his calibre, in spearheading our firm’s evolution.”

The CEO of the company’s MENA region, Samantha Bartel, added: “We warmly welcome Julian. Under his leadership, we will continue to deliver stellar strategic advisory to our clients across the MENA region from our Dubai and Riyadh offices. Julian’s wealth of experience and strategic vision align seamlessly with our mission at Instinctif Partners.”

Walker most recently served as Chief Communications Officer at CWT, and before that, he worked in communications and corporate affairs at energy-focused group Amec Foster Wheeler and travel company Travelport. Earlier, he spent over a decade in the communications consulting sector, including at MHP, Citigate Dewe Rogerson, Brunswick and Burson-Marsteller.