JOHN BUCHHOLZ
Wethersfield,CT
Summary
Award-winning communications executive with over 15 years of experience in leading internal and executive communications for major global organizations such as IBM, NCR, and Pitney Bowes. Proven track record as a trusted advisor to C-suite executives, developing integrated strategies that engage diverse workforces and drive organizational change. Expertise in executive messaging, change communications, and channel management, with a strong ability to translate complex business priorities into clear narratives that inspire action.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Communications & Storytelling
Integral
New York, NY
01.2019 - Current
- Lead strategic communications for Fortune 500 clients at an employee communications and experience agency, advising on initiatives tied to transformation, engagement and reputation.
- Counseled leaders on internal communications and employee engagement strategies, resulting in engagement score increases of 5-10 points.
- Reduced internal communications volume by 20% for a Fortune 500 client while improving message comprehension through channel consolidation and content shifts.
- Develop executive communications for senior leaders, including town halls and major organizational announcements, strengthening clarity and stakeholder alignment.
- Led thought leadership initiatives as lead author for The Page Society's Guide to Culture Change and Management, shaping industry standards for employee experience and culture.
- Produced high-impact intranet content, leadership blogs, and newsletters that ranked in the top 10% for readership and engagement, enhancing internal communication effectiveness.
Interim Associate Vice President, University Marketing & Communications
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Directed strategic planning for university's 150th anniversary communications, crafting integrated narrative framework across print, web and major events to enhance engagement.
- Led 30-person integrated marketing, communications and creative services organization with $4.5M annual budget, ensuring continuity during leadership transition.
- Navigated complex stakeholder dynamics across Advancement, Enrollment, Academic Affairs and Human Resources, aligning competing priorities to support unified strategic goals.
Communications Manager
NCR Corporation
Duluth, GA
01.2016 - 12.2017
- Executed change communications for multiyear digital transformation initiative, enhancing employee understanding and adoption.
- Aligned messaging with senior leaders across employee and external audiences to generate media attention.
- Developed comprehensive communication strategies for diverse internal and external audiences.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure brand consistency across all platforms.
Director, Employee & Sales Communications
Pitney Bowes
Stamford, CT
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Streamlined sales communications channels and information architecture, cutting representative search time by over two hours weekly.
- Developed manager communications toolkit adopted by 75% of people managers, enhancing message consistency and employee engagement.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance customer engagement and service delivery.
- Developed and implemented operational policies to streamline processes across departments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize product offerings and market strategies.
Director of Employee Communications, Director of Communications, IBM Global Financing, Director of Media Relations, IBM Technology Group
IBM
Armonk, NY
01.2002 - 12.2013
- Led enterprise employee communications, designed channels and messaging platforms, enhancing message adoption and engagement across a global workforce.
- Developed internal and external communications strategy for IBM Global Financing, establishing a distinct business identity within a $35B+ financing and leasing sector of one of the world's largest enterprises.
- Led cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives across multiple business units.
- Developed and implemented policies to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
- Oversaw project management processes to ensure timely delivery of key objectives.
Education
B.A. - Journalism
University of Georgia
Athens, GASkills
- Strategic Communications Planning
- Employee Communications
- Executive Communications & Speechwriting
- Change Management
- Crisis Communications
- Content Strategy & Storytelling
- Digital Communications
- Employee Engagement
- Media Relations
- Stakeholder Management
- Team Leadership
- Budget Management
- AI-powered communications tools
- Generative AI for content development
- AI for communications analysis and strategy
- Microsoft 365 Suite
- Microsoft Teams
- PowerPoint
- Content management systems
- Intranet platforms
- Employee survey tools
- Analytics and measurement platforms
Accomplishments
Ragan and PR Daily Communicator of the Year
Timeline
Director, Communications & Storytelling
Integral
01.2019 - Current
Interim Associate Vice President, University Marketing & Communications
Loyola University Chicago
01.2018 - 12.2018
Communications Manager
NCR Corporation
01.2016 - 12.2017
Director, Employee & Sales Communications
Pitney Bowes
01.2014 - 12.2015
Director of Employee Communications, Director of Communications, IBM Global Financing, Director of Media Relations, IBM Technology Group
IBM
01.2002 - 12.2013
B.A. - Journalism
University of Georgia