Adlink appoints former Google boss Burns

Kate Burns, the former managing director of Google UK, Benelux and Ireland, has joined digital media company Adlink to aid its international search marketing expansion.

Burns was Google’s first employee from outside the US, but recently left the online giant after five years (MW June 15). At the time, she said she was taking a “career break” to spend more time with her family.

She will be head of search at Adlink. Her remit includes evaluating potential acquisitions for the company and assessing the value of rolling out a search consultancy service across Adlink’s European network.

Burns, who will talk to clients and major advertising agencies about the plans, says: “I respect Adlink for its intelligent approach to search and look forward to investigating opportunities in this area.”

Andy Mitchell, managing director of Adlink, adds: “This appointment is another indication of our corporate maturity.”

Google opened an office in London in September 2001, hiring Burns as head of advertising sales. Two years later she was promoted to UK managing director, and in 2004 also took Ireland and Benelux under her wing. Before joining Google, Burns was responsible for advertising sales at a number of companies, including AltaVista and DoubleClick.