IBM’s Business growth & Leadership

How communications and CSR support the business,

contributing to its growth, brand, and reputation.

A live virtual discussion with

Jonathan Adashek

Chief Communications Officer

This event took place on November 10th, 2021.

Read about it on Linkedin here. Watch it on Youtube here. Watch his response to each question below.

Why is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) good for business? How does the Communications department contribute to IBM’s success? This is a unique chance to chat with IBM Chief Communications Officer, Jonathan Adashek.

Jonathan will respond to questions from participants about how communications and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support the business, contributing to its growth, brand, and reputation.

In January 2020, Jonathan Adashek joined IBM as Chief Communications Officer. Reporting to the CEO, he is responsible for overseeing the company’s Global Communications and Corporate Citizenship organization, including internal and external communications as well as content creation, strategic events, strategic positioning, social media, and citizenship activities. Jonathan’s team operates across more than 170 countries globally.

Jonathan brings over 25 years of communications, marketing, and corporate affairs experience across domestic and global teams serving different sectors, including technology, automotive and manufacturing, government, retail, finance, energy, B2B, and B2C. Prior to joining IBM, Jonathan served as Alliance Global Vice President at Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance in Paris. His previous roles include Chief Communications Officer at Nissan Motor Co. in Yokohama, Japan; General Manager, Communications Strategy at Microsoft; and Executive Vice President and Global Client Relationship Manager at Edelman — where he worked with a variety of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, Walmart, and the United Arab Emirates government.

Jonathan also brings governmental and political experience to IBM, having worked in the Clinton Administration, the White House, the Treasury Department, and on multiple U.S. presidential campaigns. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Jonathan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

Questions Mr. Adashek responded

You worked in different parts of the world for technology, automotive, manufacturing, government, retail, finance, and energy. What challenges did you face, as a Communications leader, to grow different brands? Any memorable anecdotes? Ana Maria Llinares, Colombia Watch his full response
Research shows that with increased digitization, clients are more demanding, difficult to reach, and less conformist and loyal. With this in mind, how do you recommend communicating with clients in the B2B and B2C environments? Jenny Gelbman, Spain Watch his full response
How did working with the White House, Treasury Department, and Clinton Administration help you create marketing strategies? Sanjana Lakshmi, Singapore Watch his full response.
The Communications team at IBM. How do they help change the world? Make money? George Benaroya Watch his full response
How does IBM essentially quantify the business impact of ESG across various parameters, and which ones, especially from a financial standpoint? Is it an expense pocket, for example, a good one, or a growth driver, and how? Umit Subasi, Australia Watch his full response
IBM also trades in the stock markets of Paris and London. What role do communications plays in effective interaction with long-term shareholders? Regina Lu Watch his full response
As CCO, when communicating with current or prospective shareholders, what do you think is most important? Julia In ‘t Hof, Singapore Watch his full response
My name is Noko. I am from Tokyo, Japan, and I’m studying in Spain. My master thesis is about why global companies fail or succeed in Japan. You lived in Japan, where IBM is quite successful. From your own personal experience, I was wondering what do you think is the key to business success in Japan? Noko Dambara, Spain Watch his full response
70% of IBM employees are outside the US. For IBM’s Communications team, how much of the work relates to clients and external stakeholders compared to employees? Rekhia Adams Watch his full response
If you could give yourself advice before starting to work after college, what would it be? Celeste Zou Watch his full response
How is IBM’s communications strategy contributing to its employee diversity? Georgina He

For future events, please email questions in advance to george.benaroya@nyu.edu.

The discussion was be moderated by George Benaroya, VP Finance, CFO.

About the series

These talks are offered as part of the Leading Global Growth series from NYU’s School of Professional Studies, and managed in coordination with NYU SPS Integrated Marketing & Communications, within the Division of Programs in Business.