Ford Motor Company: Learned the art and science of media relations and strategic communications in increasingly responsible management roles over more than 20 years with the global automaker:
- Senior assignments included leading large teams responsible for complex global corporate issues affecting the company's reputation; new vehicle media introductions and other product communications in direct support of Marketing and Sales; as well as corporate social responsibility / sustainability initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
- As head of Ford Truck Communications, led crisis media relations and internal communications clearances during the protracted, high-profile Ford-Firestone crisis. Later authored a critically acclaimed business book with key learnings about crisis management in the Internet Age: Feeding Frenzy–Inside the Ford-Firestone Tire Crisis. (“Must reading for CEOs and public relations professionals…” – Harold Burson, founding chairman, Burson-Marsteller).
Navistar International: As VP-Communications at the global commercial truck and engine manufacturer:
- Led effort to regain trust inside and outside the company following a financial-reporting crisis and delisting from NYSE. Regained confidence of employees and stakeholders with proactive, forward-looking messages stressing growth and diversification.
- Recreated robust internal communications that had gone “dark” during financial uncertainty.
Heidrick & Struggles: As VP-Communications at the global executive search and leadership advisory firm:
- Drove enhanced brand consideration globally through earned media placements, contributing to firm’s 55% revenue increase in five years.
- Led transformation communications, including re-imagined internal engagement, roll-out of the CEO’s “Heidrick Rising” strategy to employees in 51 offices in 30 countries, proactive media relations and distinctive thought leadership to support rebranding and protect external reputation.
- Led firm’s annual communications presence at World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, driving Tier One media engagement.