How I Made It: Jo-ann Robertson, Partner & CEO, Ketchum London

How I Made It podcast, hosted by Hanson Search CEO Alice Weightman, looks at how top PR professionals made it in the industry

Hanson Search steps inside the world of Jo-ann Robertson: Partner & CEO of Ketchum, London. Jo-ann is a big personality in the communications industry with almost 20 years’ experience. She has worked for some of the leading global agencies, a champion of diversity and the Chair of the Young Women’s Trust.

Tune in for Jo-ann’s inspiring story.

Want to be featured on the series?

How I Made It is a podcast, hosted by Hanson Search CEO Alice Weightman, that looks at how top PR professionals made it in the industry. Get in touch if you’d like to come on the show and share your career journey.

Alice Weightman: CEO, Global Executive Search Leader, and UAE Market Expert

Alice Weightman is the Founder and CEO of Hanson Search and The Work Crowd, with over 20 years’ experience in executive search, specialising in C-suite and senior leadership placements for business-critical roles that drive revenue, manage reputation, and mitigate risk. Based in Abu Dhabi, Alice leads Hanson Search’s operations across the UAE, partnering with government entities, family offices, consultancies, and agencies across the GCC.

She oversees a global team of expert search consultants across the UK, Europe, the US, and Middle East, while remaining actively involved in delivering senior-level mandates herself—bringing deep insight, discretion, and a personal service to each critical hire.

Her search portfolio spans key functions including CEO, CFO, CHRO, IR, communications, sustainability, and strategy. Alice has worked with private equity firms, multinational corporations, management consultancies and media agencies on leadership succession, talent benchmarking, and supporting clients as they expand into new international markets.

With a legal background and a Diploma in Recruitment Practice, Alice is a Fellow of the REC, a member of the 30% Club, and an Honorary Member of Global Women in PR. She serves as a judge and speaker for the CHRO Awards with Khaleej Times, championing excellence in HR leadership. Named Entrepreneur of the Year by the FSB London Business Awards, Alice is also a regular commentator on talent, leadership, and workplace trends in the Evening Standard and regional business press.