Robert Donohoe

About

I’m a corporate communications executive and trusted C-suite advisor, with a track record of shaping reputation, guiding organizations through complexity and aligning communications with business strategy and priorities. Over the course of my career, I’ve led proactive narratives and integrated communications for global B2B and industrial organizations across highly regulated industries. My experience spans corporate reputation, media relations, public relations, crisis and issues management, executive communications and employee engagement. I’ve built and modernized communications functions to be more agile, data-driven and aligned with evolving business needs, including leading up to and after IPO. Whether advising during critical issues or turning complex information into clear, compelling narratives, I focus on clarity, credibility and measurable impact. Earlier in my career, I developed a strong foundation at notable PR agencies, advising a range of clients on strategic communications, brand marketing and reputation management. This experience continues to influence my perspective and approaches today. I’m particularly energized by opportunities to help organizations navigate transformation, protect and enhance reputation, and connect more effectively with the audiences that matter most. Open to senior leadership roles, advisory opportunities and board engagements. Key Skills Strategic Communications | Executive & CEO Communications | Reputation Management | Media Relations | Public Relations | Crisis & Issues Management | Integrated Communications | Thought Leadership & Executive Positioning | Stakeholder Engagement (Internal & External) | Change & Transformation Communications | Employee Engagement & Culture | Policy Communications | Brand Narrative Development | Digital & Social Media Strategy | Content Strategy & Speechwriting | Analytics, Measurement & Impact | Cross-Functional Leadership | Agency & Budget Management

Experience

• Independent Communications Consultant · Self-employed12-01-2024 –

  Expanding expertise in AI-enabled communications and advising organizations on strategic communications, product launches and issues and reputation management.

• Senior Director, External Communications and Corporate Affairs · Axalta05-01-2022 – 11-01-2024

  Led communications for a $5B public company during a significant business transformation and strategic repositioning ahead of a global merger. Directed CEO communications, enterprise narrative development and reputation strategy. Collaborated with executives on senior leadership meeting, quarterly earnings, board meetings and M&A. Implemented new KPIs linked to business and functional priorities. Collaborated with C-suite to craft and implement new enterprise narrative and communications strategy aligned to Purpose, Values and long-term growth targets, contributing to record earnings performance. Established first cross-functional storytelling council, driving one brand narrative. Led communications for Investor Strategy Day, generating the most positive analyst coverage in five years. Drove 95%+ employee engagement with first AI and cybersecurity campaigns in partnership with CIO. Improved reputation score 20% through proactive media engagement and innovation storytelling. Introduced integrated paid and organic social media strategy, exceeding industry engagement benchmarks. Maintained positive media sentiment during executive transitions, employee matters and cybersecurity incidents.

• Senior Director, Corporate Communications & Reputation Management · Avantor01-01-2019 – 04-01-2022

  Promoted to lead communications and reputation strategy through IPO and accelerated growth for a $6B Fortune 500 provider of mission-critical products and services to the life science and advanced technology industries. Strengthened media relations, executive visibility and crisis and issues management. Trained executives for media interviews. Led communications strategy and execution for one of the largest healthcare IPOs in U.S. history at the time. Repositioned company from chemical supplier to a life science leader, increasing earned media mindshare 30%. Elevated storytelling linked to innovation impact, improving media sentiment 25% across business, trade and financial outlets. Strengthened customer confidence during COVID-related vaccine production and distribution challenges, improving Net Promoter Score 15%.

• Global Director, Change & External Communications · Avantor07-01-2018 – 01-01-2019

  Hired to help drive functional transformation and improve engagement of all stakeholders following a significant acquisition and corporate rebranding effort. Built communications Centers of Excellence tied to measurable function and business KPIs. Developed enterprise crisis and issues management playbook that mitigated risk across 20+ global initiatives. Introduced integrated reputation dashboard that connected stakeholder perception with actionable insights.

• Director, Global Communications, Transportation Solutions · TE Connectivity01-01-2014 – 01-01-2017

  Reported to CMO and led external communications for the largest business unit within a $12B global technology manufacturer. Strengthened media relations, M&A communications and crisis and issues management. Acquired broader responsibility for internal communications as part of global transformation. Developed enterprise innovation narrative adopted across financial, industry and employee platforms and events. Established global thought leadership program aligned with business strategy, improving reputation score 20%. Launched brand positioning campaign positioning company as emerging leader in autonomous and electric vehicle markets, increasing competitive earned media mindshare 25%. Led post-acquisition commercial communications, driving 15% improvement in customer satisfaction. Increased employee engagement 20% with campaigns centered on digital transformation initiatives.

• Director, Executive and Internal Communications · Honeywell01-01-2008 – 01-01-2014

  Led global function for a $40B Fortune 100 enterprise with 130,000 employees during economic downturn and beyond. Acquired responsibility for crisis communications, functional transformation and media relations in emerging markets. Served as business partner for CIO, CFO, CTO and CHRO. Directed Chairman & CEO global communications through major reorganizations, quarterly earnings, M&A, five-year growth strategy and government campaign to Fix the Debt. Led communications for nearly 200 workforce actions later featured in Harvard Business Review case study. Initiated first sponsorship of DOE’s national Solar Decathlon that elevated brand and media mindshare 35%, resulting in company recognition as a leader in energy efficiency. Delivered annual senior leadership meetings (top 300), maintaining 95%+ satisfaction rate. Secured national recognition in media for CHRO as HR Executive of the Year.

• Director, Communications - Specialty Materials · Honeywell01-01-2007 – 01-01-2008

  Led global external communications for a $5 billion division providing technologies that lower global warming potential, protect pharmaceutical products and produce cleaner fuels. Identified and set direction for global PR agency. Created award-winning media campaign to drive adoption of new pharmaceutical packaging technology, with significant placements in Associated Press, The Washington Post, Reuters and Financial Times. Positioned division CEO as a thought leader on EMEA regulatory changes in Chief Executive Magazine. Counseled leadership and maintained company integrity during numerous crises, including plant incidents, employee matters and DOJ/litigation matters.

Education

• Honeywell Management Development, Leadership Development and Strategic Marketing Programs, TE Connectivity Leadership Way Program
• Millersville UniversityBachelor of Science, Speech Communication

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