Paula Davis

Professional Background

Paula Davis is a seasoned executive recruiter and communications advisor, deeply experienced in guiding organizations through significant transformations. With more than 25 years in the industry, Paula has built a notable career working with some of the most well-known companies in various sectors.

Educational Background

Educationally, Paula started her journey at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English. She followed this with an MBA in Organizational Behavior and Marketing from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. These academic achievements laid a strong foundation for her expertise in organizational dynamics and strategic marketing.

Early Career

Paula's professional journey began in the mid-90s as the Director of Media Relations at Sears, Roebuck and Co. Here, she delved into the intricacies of communications strategy. She then moved to MVP.com as the Director of Communications, focusing on brand awareness and business development.

Career Progression

Her career took a significant leap at Siemens USA, where she served as Sr. Director of Corporate Communications from 2002 to 2007. At Siemens, she honed her skills in employer branding, brand awareness, and strategic partnerships. Paula continued to build on this experience at The Pepsi Bottling Group as Vice President of Corporate Communications, where she managed strategic communications and employer branding from 2007 to 2010.

Paula's adept handling of corporate affairs led her to a prominent role at Alcoa, where she was President of the Alcoa Foundation from 2010 to 2013. Her responsibilities included steering brand awareness and leading nonprofit organization engagements. Following this, she joined HARMAN International as Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications, and Chief of Staff to the CEO. In this role, she managed brand awareness, strategic communications, and talent development until 2018.

Recent Roles

Her next significant role was at Colgate-Palmolive as Chief Communications Officer from August 2018 to January 2024. Paula was instrumental in managing brand awareness, strategic communications, and digital strategy at a global scale.

Apart from her corporate roles, Paula founded In Real Life Ventures LLC in January 2024, focusing on strategy, product development, and marketing, particularly developing a flagship children’s magazine.

Current Role

Currently, Paula is a Communications Search & Advisory Consultant at Heidrick & Struggles, a leading business consulting and services firm. Here, she executes executive recruiting and provides communications advisory services, supporting clients in building top-tier corporate communications and CSR functions.

Advisory Roles

Additionally, Paula contributes her expertise as a member of the Board of Advisors at Guild Education, supporting their mission to bridge the gap between education and employment for working adults in the U.S.

Summary

Paula Davis's career path showcases her extensive experience and expertise in building and managing brands, developing talent, and steering organizations through periods of significant change. Her leadership and strategic insights have made her a valuable asset to every organization she has been a part of.