David Bates

Oversee a diverse team of direct reports spread across multiple countries, responsible for daily communication with over 3,200 dealers, distributors, and network partners.

• Developed global newsletter communication model in collaboration with leadership, reducing email volume to B2B partners by 60%.
• Recognized as leading manufacturer for exceptional B2B communications, confirmed by analytical data.
• Developed new methods to strengthen communication channels between business entities and stakeholders.
• Established team hierarchy, creating lead roles to oversee specialists.
• Positioned Adobe Campaign Client as primary platform for efficient email communication.
• Created SOPs to outline roles and responsibilities.
• Developed new communications channels to improve dealer interactions.
• Facilitated effective two-way communications in B2B interactions to keep partners updated on company initiatives.

Act as Crisis Communications Manager during enterprise crisis situations

• Created 15 crisis communication scenario templates including key messages.
• Orchestrated a comprehensive crisis strategy, presenting it to executive leadership for endorsement before execution.
• Managed crisis communications during cybersecurity incidents, natural disasters and supply chain interruptions.
• Authored an extensive guide with best practices and workflows for effective communications during cybersecurity threats over three incident phases.

Lead strategic planning and annual budget initiatives for the Vice President, Corporate Communications.

• Created a comprehensive strategic plan outlining seven key priorities with aligned initiatives.
• Prepared annual budget presentation for CEO, CFO, and Executive Management Committee.
• Managed monthly and quarterly budget and forecast processes for Corporate Communications department's $8 million budget.

Craft key messages for press releases, consumer websites, employees, and B2B partners.

Lead the communication of the company's mission and values.

Develop and refine messages for executive speeches at biannual events focused on B2B collaborations.

Report directly to Vice-President, Corporate Communications and contribute to management team.

Authored comprehensive communication strategies for enterprise-wide initiatives.

• Refreshed the career website and social media strategy on LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
• Implemented a communications plan for cloud-based budgeting and forecasting software for 200 budget leaders.
• Rolled out change management communications for a new enterprise point-of-sale system using tablets and replacing legacy software and PCs at the motel front desk at 1,400 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
• Introduced a new online bill/payment portal for franchise and bill-pay partners.

Collaborated with various departments including HR, Sales, Marketing, Operations and IT to plan content for internal communications.

• Transitioned over 400 General Managers to a new salary model in line with Fair Labor Standards Act changes of 2016.
• Earned company-wide recognition through the prestigious 2016 CEO Award for impactful communication initiatives.

Created engaging Town Hall presentations for over 2,000 employees.

Engaged with key stakeholders to enhance communication flow.

• Enhanced efficiency between communications and IT departments.
• Developed strategies to enhance system utilization, including the enterprise learning management system.
• Increased team member engagement by 100% compared to the previous year.

• Developed and launched social media strategy, increasing audience engagement by over 40% on Facebook and Twitter.
• Assessed media campaign performance with web and social media analytics tools.
• Created engaging pitches and maintained relationships with media outlets.
• Created and edited press room video productions viewed by nearly half a million users on YouTube.

• Produced and hosted an audio podcast series with over 100 episodes.
• Developed, recorded, and crafted web video projects.

• Spearheaded a four-month project to produce a 20-minute promotional video for the camp.
• Redesigned camp's promotional brochures.