Joanne Trout

Educational Background

Joanne Trout has built a remarkable career in public relations and communications, showcasing her expertise through diverse experiences and significant achievements. She pursued her education at Bates College, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Asian Studies and Psychology, and furthered her studies in Psychology at the University of Colorado Boulder. These academic foundations provided her with valuable insights into human behavior and global perspectives, which have been instrumental in her professional journey.

Early Career at Dorf & Stanton

Joanne's early career saw her taking on the role of Account Supervisor at Dorf & Stanton from 1987 to 1993. Here, she managed accounts for prominent clients like Sharp Electronics, Maxell, and Compaq. This initial experience honed her skills in handling intricate client needs and set the stage for her future success in the field.

Tenure at Sony Electronics

She then moved to Sony Electronics in 1994, serving as a Public Relations Manager until 1997. During her tenure, she oversaw external communications for several divisions and spearheaded the launch of successful products, including digital video cameras and DVD recorders. This role demonstrated her knack for orchestrating impactful product launches and managing corporate communications.

Role at Wilson McHenry Company

Following Sony, Joanne joined Wilson McHenry Company as a Director from 1998 to 2001. In this capacity, she developed a communication marketing strategy to reposition the Pioneer brand and launched XM Satellite Radio to consumers and the entertainment industry. Her strategic thinking and innovative marketing approaches yielded impressive results and bolstered her reputation in the industry.

Leadership at Waggener Edstrom

Her journey then took her to Waggener Edstrom, where she was Vice President from 2001 to 2004. She was responsible for managing media relations programs for MasterCard Worldwide and led a team of four in developing and dispersing communication materials. This role reinforced her leadership abilities and her proficiency in media relations.

Achievements at MasterCard

Joanne's extensive tenure at MasterCard, from 2005 to 2012, was marked by major achievements. She started as a Director, managing external communications for global debit, prepaid, and credit products, then advanced to Vice President. In this senior role, she developed comprehensive external communications and media relations programs, supporting major customers like Citi, Chase, Bank of America, Capital One, and HSBC. Her efforts were pivotal in elevating MasterCard's brand presence globally.

Current Role at Omnicom Group

Since 2012, Joanne has been with Omnicom Group, where she serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Global Communications. She leads the development and execution of integrated internal and external communication strategies to promote and protect Omnicom's brand and reputation. Her role at Omnicom underscores her strategic communication prowess and leadership acumen.

Contributions to Education

In addition to her corporate roles, Joanne is an adjunct professor at Syracuse's Newhouse School and Iona University. Her dedication to education highlights her commitment to nurturing future leaders in communications.

Skills and Expertise

Throughout her career, Joanne has demonstrated a deep understanding of go-to-market planning, media relations, digital marketing, brand development, and corporate communications. Her numerous skills, including crisis communications, speech writing, and investor relations, have made her a leading figure in her field.

Joanne has received high praise from her colleagues:

• Jessica Antle lauds her strategic media relations skills.
• Tristan Jordan appreciates her capability to tackle complex challenges.
• Wendy Lemke commends her innovative public relations ideas.
• Erica Bigley values her effective management style and industry knowledge.

Conclusion

In summary, Joanne Trout's career is marked by strategic excellence, innovative thinking, and a passion for leadership and education. Her milestones in various high-profile companies and her role as an educator make her a distinguished professional in the field of communications.