Position Summary
The Head of Global External Communications leads the global strategy and execution of the company’s external narrative—driving reputation, executive visibility, and stakeholder trust across markets. This role oversees proactive and reactive external communications including media, public relations, social, analyst relations, corporate storytelling, and if necessary, crisis communication management. The ideal candidate is a seasoned communications leader with experience inside a publicly traded, multi-billion-dollar global enterprise – or at a top communications agency as primary representative for the same - who combines strategic vision with flawless execution under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Communications Leadership
- Develop and execute a multi-year external communications strategy that strengthens the company’s global reputation and supports business growth.
- Partner with the SVP Corporate and Development and other senior executives to articulate a consistent corporate narrative aligned to strategy, values, and financial objectives.
- Serve as a key member of the Corporate Strategy & Marketing leadership team, shaping priorities, governance, and messaging architecture.
- Build and lead high-impact communication programs around corporate milestones and announcements such as M&A, innovation/ technology launch, and leadership transitions, and in partnership with Investor Relations leadership other milestones such as earning release and investor events.
- Direct development of integrated communications campaigns leveraging earned, owned, and shared media to showcase corporate purpose, innovation, and leadership.
- Partner with Strategy, Marketing, Product/Engineering, HR, and Investor Relations to ensure consistent brand and messaging alignment across all audiences.
- Oversee external content production—press materials, video, digital, and executive messaging—for global reach and impact.
- Media Relations & Executive Visibility
- Serve as a senior point of contact for global business and trade media; manage and elevate relationships with tier-one outlets and journalists, in partnership with named agency.
- Oversee media strategy and coaching for senior leaders’ external engagements and interviews; develop talking points and leverage thought leadership platforms that reinforce company positioning.
- Anticipate media trends and craft forward-looking storylines that drive positive coverage.
- Issues & Reputation Management
- Lead strategic response during issues, crises, or market-sensitive events, collaborating closely with Legal, Investor Relations, and Risk Management.
- Establish scenario plans and crisis playbooks to ensure readiness across regions.
- Monitor external sentiment, competitors, and industry trends to proactively identify opportunities and threats.
- Define and oversee a global social media strategy that amplifies Vertiv’s corporate narrative, executive thought leadership, and key business milestones across priority platforms.
- Ensure social content aligns tightly with company and customer segment messaging and respond effectively during market‑sensitive moments.
- Drives meaningful initiatives to measure impact, optimize reach and engagement, and evolve Vertiv’s social presence in line with business priorities.
- Partner closely with senior leadership to strengthen Vertiv’s positioning with industry and technology analysts worldwide.
- Develop and deliver analyst engagement strategy, messaging, briefings, and materials that clearly articulate strategy, performance, and differentiation across Vertiv’s portfolio.
- Monitor analyst sentiment and coverage to inform communications strategy and proactively address perception of risks and opportunities.
- Community Outreach and Partnerships
- Lead Vertiv’s external engagement strategy with key industry, community, and ecosystem partners to strengthen reputation and stakeholder trust globally.
- Identify and cultivate partnerships that support Vertiv’s purpose, brand priorities, and long‑term growth objectives.
- Oversee external storytelling related to community initiatives to ensure authenticity, impact, and alignment with Vertiv’s values and brand positioning.
- Team, Agency, and Budget Leadership
- Lead a team of communications professionals –direct and indirect - and manage agency partners to ensure world-class execution and alignment with corporate standards.
- Optimize external communications investments through strategic measurement, benchmarking, and performance metrics.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field; Master’s preferred.
- 20+ years of experience in external or corporate communications, including at least five in a leadership role for a global, publicly traded company or equivalent agency experience.
- Data Center, IT, Digital Infrastructure, or the like ecosystem and industry experience.
- Proven success leading corporate and executive communications, and crisis programs across regions.
- Deep understanding of financial communications, regulatory environments, and media dynamics in global markets.
- Outstanding writing, messaging, and storytelling skills with executive-level polish.
- Experience in leading crisis communications, applying disciplined judgment and discretion to manage sensitive and confidential matters effectively across global stakeholders.
- Strong leadership presence and ability to influence senior executives and cross-functional partners.
- Demonstrated experience managing agencies, budgets, and teams across multiple geographies.
