Nielsen Holdings N.V. announced that Katie Burke will join Nielsen as its executive vice president of Marketing and Communications, effective January 27, 2014. Burke will report to Chief Executive Officer Mitch Barns. In this role, Burke 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, CT. Burke brings nearly 20 years of experience to Nielsen, most recently serving as the global chair of Public Affairs at Edelman. Prior to Edelman, Burke held several major roles in U.S. politics, including director of television news in the White House.

She also served as communications director for major U.S. political campaigns, including the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Campaign and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's successful re-election campaign in California.