Melissa Sachs
Summary
Accomplished, pragmatic communications executive with 20+ years of experience in communications strategies designed drive growth and foster brand awareness across technology, innovation, consumer packaged goods, healthcare, financial services and industrial real estate. Successful initiator and driver of complex, comprehensive strategies to enhance brand presence, drive value proposition and competitive advantages to stakeholders, and effectively communicate with key stakeholders including customers, communities, investors and employees. Deep expertise in crisis and executive communications, financial communications and internal employee engagement, and interview and presentation preparation. Gifted, compassionate leader with the proven ability to build exceptional, successful teams. Trusted C-Suite advisor who excels under pressure and is a committed steward of company reputation through curated media relations and reputation management, executive communications, and digital communications and marketing.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Vice President, Communications
LINK LOGISTICS REAL ESTATE
04.2021 - Current
- Built robust Communications department from the ground up for newly launched Blackstone portfolio company.
- Guided Link Logistics' evolution into an industry disruptor now known for delivering exceptional customer relationships and Class-A industrial properties across the U.S.
- Set into motion robust systems for employee engagement, competitive differentiation and executive thought leadership.
- Leverage integrated Communications/Marketing campaigns to drive differentiated messaging about the firm's brand, culture and competitive advantages to help secure Link's position as a leader in industrial real estate.
- Cultivate a company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration. Ability to attract and retain top talent and hire and manage employees to maximize productivity while training staff on best practices and protocols.
- Deliver exceptional customer service across the firm by implementing best practices and fostering a culture of accountability.
- Champion innovation by encouraging cross-functional teams to pursue creative solutions to complex challenges.
- Collaborate with executive leadership team members on long-term strategic planning to ensure sustainable long-term success.
- Built and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, fostering trust and collaboration across the organization.
- Develop, coach and provide feedback to top-performing teams using strong leadership and refined analytical thinking skills.
- Represent firm at industry conferences and events; trusted, savvy spokesperson for all matters related to Link Logistics' reputation management and leadership.
Vice President, Head of Global Corporate Communications
PROLOGIS, INC. (NYSE: PLD)
10.2018 - 04.2021
- Lead strategic planning and execution of global communications across external and internal audiences for the global leader in industrial real estate.
- Responsible for the company’s narrative and visibility globally.
- Champion to shift the perception as the company pivots to focus data, technology and innovation
- Executive sponsor of company’s Digital Transformation Acceleration project.
- Managed the company’s marketing and communications teams globally.
- Created strategic communications programs that help the company meet financial objectives.
- Built and managed best-in-class communications function that uses all channels to effectively share company news and competitive advantages.
- Creates compelling narratives that communicate and shape a favorable perception of the company among current and potential consumers, employees, key influencers, business partners, and community
- Revamped global internal communications program including virtual global town hall, employee podcast, new intranet, and a senior leader program for consistent and frequent communications
- Sets overall brand direction and strategy
- Responsible for preparing C-suite and executives for external communication speaking opportunities and interviews
- Manages external teams and agencies for creative development of corporate, marketing and branding materials to ensure consistency of message, look and feel, and brand standards
- Builds highly-effective relationships with media resulting in top tier, local and industry coverage.
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
DCT INDUSTRIAL (NYSE: DCT)
01.2011 - 01.2018
- Responsible for the Company’s story and visibility across all targeted audiences
- Led strategic planning, development and execution of communications initiatives to help Company meet its financial objectives and maintain NYSE and SEC compliance
- Responsible for preparing C-suite for external communication, including financial and Earnings communication, speaking opportunities and interviews
- Led financial communications including quarterly reporting and annual reports
- Led a successful rebrand, creating an elevated and more sophisticated DCT presence
- New branding solidified DCT’s points of distinction and consisted of a new language to authentically describe the brand
- Managed the Company’s B2B marketing strategies for presence across all markets
- Includes national and local sponsorships, speaking opportunities and events and in the real estate industry
- Created and implements C-suite and executive level communication and presentation training.
Director of Communications, The Americas
WESTERN UNION (NYSE: WU)
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Led communications in support of The Americas and International Product Management teams.
- Created communications influencer programs and media campaigns that reinforced reputation and supported the company's financial goals.
- Led multi-language, multi-million dollar integrated marketing communications programs resulting in significant increase in revenue QoQ and YoY.
- Led communications / PR agency management relationships.
- Handled crisis communications on behalf of The Americas business.
- Effectively used the media to communicate Western Union's story to company stakeholders stimulating consumers and influencers to engage in purchasing services, endorsing the brand and investing in stock.
- Provided strategic communications counsel, writing, editing and pitching press release announcements.
- Built highly-effective relationships with media resulting in coverage from top tier outlets and publications.
Senior Manager, Global External Corporate Communications
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC. (NYSE: IFF)
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Handled all corporate, external communications, media relations and internal communications.
- Partnered with consumer product companies to launch and promote new products and technologies.
- Handled external communications for a variety of consumer products and customer “image” events.
- Set brand direction and strategy, objectives, goals and key messages.
- Developed and executed IR plans, earnings announcements and presentations for CEO and CFO.
- Created global company vision, mission and principles.
- Developed global media and presentation training program.
- Created advertising plans, managed global ad budget, and handled all media buys for U.S. and Europe.
Education
MS: Strategic Communications -
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
New York, NYExecutive Education Program: Strategy Accounting, Finance and Communication Certification -
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER, LEEDS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Bachelor of Science in Communications, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor Is Sociology - Thesis: Communications Plan For Special Olympics
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, School of Communications
Coral Gables, FL2007
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. -
1998
Skills
- Strategic communications
- Thought leadership and executive communications
- External communications
- Corporate reputation/crisis communications
- Brand messaging and management
- Media and public relations
- Internal communications and employee engagement
- Stakeholder engagement
- Investor relations
- Digital communications, social media strategy, content marketing/marketing communications
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions
- Ability to leverage technology to deliver positive outcomes and foster innovation
Affiliations
- CHIEF: Executive Women's Network
- Board director : Speak Our Minds
- Former board member (two terms): Special Olympics Colorado
Timeline
Senior Vice President, Communications
LINK LOGISTICS REAL ESTATE
04.2021 - Current
Vice President, Head of Global Corporate Communications
PROLOGIS, INC. (NYSE: PLD)
10.2018 - 04.2021
Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
DCT INDUSTRIAL (NYSE: DCT)
01.2011 - 01.2018
Director of Communications, The Americas
WESTERN UNION (NYSE: WU)
01.2009 - 01.2011
Senior Manager, Global External Corporate Communications
INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC. (NYSE: IFF)
01.2004 - 01.2009
MS: Strategic Communications -
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Executive Education Program: Strategy Accounting, Finance and Communication Certification -
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER, LEEDS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Bachelor of Science in Communications, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor Is Sociology - Thesis: Communications Plan For Special Olympics
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, School of Communications
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. -
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