Mark Truby

Vice President, Global Communications
Ford Motor Company
US

@mtruby

 

As an iconic company adapting to the 21st century automotive industry, Ford has made some high-profile moves since Mark Truby assumed the job of CCO in May 2017 as part of a management shakeup resulting from a two-year slump. As part of its turnaround plan, the company announced last year that it will no longer be making traditional sedan models, a plan to cut costs while focusing on SUVs. In another sign of the times, last year launched Ford Autonomous Vehicles, a new organization charged with accelerating its AV business to capitalize on market opportunities.

With those kind of moves (and that there is little news that comes from a Detroit big three automaker that doesn’t get big play), Ford is destined to stay in the limelight, with Truby at the helm of communicating the continued evolution of the 116-year-old company whose Model T opened up car travel to middle-class Americans.

Truby was tapped to lead Ford’s communications after a decade in comms roles with the company. He was a Detroit Free Press business editor before that.

Can you share a moment in your career when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance?
When Ford did not take a government bailout, we were able to leverage this moment to increase corporate reputation significantly.

What do you love about this industry?
The constant new challenges.

What most frustrates you about this industry?
The erosion of traditional media.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities?
The lack of trust in companies and the news.

How do you relax or change pace when you're not at work?
Watch my sons play hockey.

Can you share a book/movie/TV show/podcast that teaches a valuable lesson about PR?
“Mad Men” had great lessons about how to approach creative problems and change the conversation.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
In the media.