Alayna Francis, MBA

About

With an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Baruch College and a BA in English from Hofstra University, this accomplished professional has built a robust career in corporate communications and strategic advisory roles. Currently serving as the Global Head of Corporate Communications at Fitch Group, they are responsible for enhancing the company's global reputation. As a Startup Advisor and International Scout Advisory Board Member at HearstLab, they provide strategic guidance to early-stage, women-led startups. Previously, they held leadership roles at Liquidnet, IG, and Mercer, where they developed and executed comprehensive communication strategies, advised C-suite executives, and led crisis communication efforts. As a founding member of Chief, they contributed to leadership development initiatives. Their expertise spans across media relations, PR strategy, and business development, making them a valuable asset in driving growth and enhancing market positioning for organizations worldwide.

Experience

• Startup Advisor, HearstLab International Scout Advisory Board Member, HearstLab Scout · HearstLab08-01-2024

  Providing strategic advice on business development, communications, and go-to-market strategies to HearstLab startups. Selected as one of ten International Scout Advisory Board Members for HearstLab, an investor in early stage, women-led startups. Help to spearhead the HearstLab Scouts, a global community comprising more than 160 accomplished women executives representing Hearst's network of 360+ businesses. Provide strategic guidance and industry expertise across HearstLab’s portfolio of 60+ startups to help early-stage businesses grow. Collaborate with founders to develop growth strategies, optimize operations, and enhance market positioning. Assisting in the evaluation process for potential HearstLab investments (pre-seed and seed) and advising HearstLab teams on business and marketing strategy best practices.

• Global Head of Corporate Communications · Fitch Group, Inc.03-01-2024

  Leading corporate communications for Fitch Group, a global leader in financial information services with operations in more than 30 countries. Responsible for developing and executing communication strategies to enhance the company's reputation and stakeholder engagement.

• Founding Member · Chief01-01-2023 – 03-01-2024

  Leadership and development organisation aimed at supporting lifelong career enhancement.

• Interim Global Head of Marketing and Communications (mat leave cover) · Liquidnet12-01-2023 – 02-01-2024

  Contract role leading communications for this leading technology-driven agency execution specialist.

• Global Head of Media Relations · IG07-01-2021 – 10-01-2023

  Developed and led the company’s group-level, multi-channel communications strategy for corporate, consumer, sustainability, and ESG programs. Acted as a trusted media advisor to the C-suite, collaborated with Investor Relations team on messaging and strategy, and led all crisis communications processes globally.

• Global PR Leader, Global Wealth PR Leader, US Wealth PR Leader · Mercer01-01-2015 – 06-01-2021

  Oversaw public relations globally for the company’s lines of business by developing an integrated communications strategy. Worked as a trusted advisor to senior executives, oversaw PR strategy and tactics for high profile events, and developed a PR-linked social media strategy. Increased media coverage and secured new business leads through relevant PR coverage.

Education

• Baruch CollegeMBA, Finance and marketing concentration
• Hofstra UniversityBA, English

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