Ben Trounson

I help Fortune 500 organizations build unshakeable stakeholder trust through strategic communications that turn complexity into clarity. As a VP of Global Corporate Communications with 20+ years of experience, I specialize in guiding companies through the reputation opportunities and challenges that come with transformation, crisis, and growth.

My career spans leadership roles at technology, energy, and pharmaceutical giants including Tata Consultancy Services, National Grid, Verizon, and Bristol Myers Squibb. At TCS, I helped transform the company's reputation from a lesser-known IT services provider into a globally recognized digital transformation partner for Fortune 500 clients, contributing to brand value growth from $5B to $14B over my seven-year tenure. This transformation required rebuilding narratives, executive
positioning, and stakeholder relationships across multiple markets.

I've built and led global communications teams ranging from 20 to 50+ members across North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regions. My approach focuses on three core elements: authentic narrative development that aligns with business strategy, internal capability building that empowers teams to execute consistently, and external relationship management that builds lasting credibility with key stakeholders including media, investors, regulators, and employees.

Whether navigating CEO transitions, major acquisitions, regulatory scrutiny, or market repositioning, I ensure corporate communications delivers measurable impact on reputation and business outcomes.

Vice President of Communications, Verizon Business

Over a month into my new role at Arizona Public Service - APS, and I'm embracing life as an Arizonan.

A few early impressions:
- A welcoming and thriving culture across the company.
- The CX & Communications team: incredible passion for serving customers across AZ .
- Climbing Piestewa Peak; what a view of Phoenix and the valley!
- Seeing firsthand the growth in AZ and the key enabling role of APS.

And I clearly need to work on my local look! Perhaps slowly work my way in with some cowboy boots. 😀

VP, Global Corporate Communications | Reputation & Stakeholder Trust Builder | 20+ Years Transforming Fortune 500 Narratives | Former Verizon, National Grid, TCS | $5B-$14B Brand Value Growth

C-Suite Communications | Anne W Associates

Pursued entrepreneurial ventures to experiment, apply skills in new ways, and embrace new challenges. Launched adjunct faculty career as a scholar-practitioner, teaching professional writing and strategic communications. Writer and editor.

Principal

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Hired to permanent leadership role following successful consulting engagement. Reengineered communications and culture within Rare Disease IT function to be purposeful, intentional, and inclusive.

Associate Director, IT Strategy and Change Management Lead

Collaborated directly with Alexion's CIO and CTO to transform IT's positioning from traditional support function to strategic business partner through targeted messaging aligned with company mission and goals.

IT Strategic Communications & Change Management Consultant - Contract

Columbia University in the City of New York

Taught the Compelling Communicator course for the M.S. Strategic Communication Executive Program, part of the School of Professional Studies. Staff Associate (Summer 2018).

Lecturer, M.S. Strategic Communication Executive Program

Western Connecticut State University

Developed and taught Managerial Writing to undergraduate students, and to returning veterans as part of the Workforce Opportunity Services partnership program. Served two consecutive full-time special appointments as faculty and student advisor. Served as a writing mentor and thesis advisor for the M.F.A. program. Delivered residency workshops on business writing, networking, public relations.

Assistant Professor & Adjunct Faculty,  Writing, Linguistics and Creative Process

Aetna, Inc.

Aligned internal communication processes across multiple business lines, ensuring consistent leadership messaging and coordinated execution through the enterprise.

Director, Internal Business Communications

Led HR communications workstream for major Aetna acquisition, achieving fully integrated benefits, HR policies, processes, and platforms within seven months. Served as strategic communications and change advisor to CHRO and HR leadership for M&A, talent management, compensation, benefits, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Director, HR Communications

The Hartford

Promoted based on exceptional performance and strategic impact. Spearheaded change management communications for new operating model implementation, creating clear narrative that effectively explained vision, goals, and transformation benefits.

Assistant Vice President, P&C Executive & Employee Communications

Hired into newly created leadership role to reposition strategic communications and advise COO and Executive Team on communications strategy and messaging in transformational business environment.

Director, P&C Executive & Employee Communications

GE Capital

Promoted within the General Electric Company into newly created leadership role for Vendor Financial Services to reposition equipment leasing business as a supply chain finance leader following three acquisitions.

VP Communications

GE Industrial Systems 

Selected as global communications leader for newly created $6B business with 40,000 employees, a result of the merger of two GE manufacturing businesses. Managed all CEO and Executive Communications.

Manager, Communications & Public Affairs

Hired as global communications leader for $2.5B manufacturing business with 18,000 employees; managed all CEO and executive communications.

I believe that words and language are fundamental to the relationships we build with people. They’re the thread that weaves together cultures or causes them to fall apart. Words matter. Communicating well is essential, especially when it comes to cultural health.

My 30-Second Snapshot:

Experienced communications leader across multiple disciplines and industries.

Understands the business of operating a communications function.

Knows how to develop communication talent for today’s workplace.

Exemplary track record for developing higher education courses that deliver outcomes that provide valuable learning and application in the “real world.”

To quote musician Paul Simon, “Still crazy after all these years” about leading strategic communications and change, especially when strengthening a culture, making a difference, and having an impact.  

Pioneer in shepherding emerging technology as a conduit for effective communications while steadfastly committed to promoting the fundamentals of strategic communication practice. 

Visual storyteller. Writes words. Photographs life. 

Museum nerd.

For the birds…literally.

I'm currently exploring my "next." Want to connect? Message me on LinkedIn.

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Ben Trounson

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The Battle

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Anne Witkavitch M.F.A. (she/her/hers)

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Engagements

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Ben Trounson's LinkedIn Performance

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