Julian Payne

Julian Payne is one of the UK’s most experienced and respected corporate communications leaders, with a career spanning global media, the private sector, government and the Royal Household.

As Global Chair of Crisis & Risk at Edelman, Julian advises FTSE 100 and global clients on reputation, risk, public affairs, crisis and leadership communications.

He brings a unique combination of board-level strategic insight, media expertise and a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement in high-pressure, high-profile environments. Before joining Edelman, Julian served as Communications Secretary to Their Majesties The King and Queen (then The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall), where he led all media and public affairs activity, working at the heart of one of the most high-profile institutions in the world.

His previous roles include Director of Communications at the BBC, VP of Global PR and Corporate Relations at CBS, and senior leadership roles across international media and entertainment businesses. He is also a Trustee of The King’s Foundation, focused on sustainable communities and the built environment.

Julian is a trusted voice on corporate reputation, misinformation, institutional trust and the evolving role of leadership in public life.