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

Feeling energized by my new role at Arizona Public Service - APS. 

I've started as Head of External Communications, and what a first week. Welcoming and talented teams, meaningful conversations, and AZ sunshine. 

It's a fascinating time to be in the energy sector, particularly in Arizona, as one of the fastest-growing U.S. states. 

The role utilities and APS play in enabling growth across local communities and economies has never been more visible, or more important. 

Proud to be joining a team doing work that truly matters. Looking forward to what's ahead, plus exploring AZ and the Southwest, after 25 years in NY.

And as a sports nut, I capped off Week One by seeing the Phoenix Suns in action. Great game. 

#energy #utilities #Arizona

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

I’m soon heading west for my next career move. But first, I had to celebrate the first-ever Long Island #commsjobs event.

Great to meet a rich mix of local comms pros, talk shop, offer support, and share some fun stories. Thank you, Chrissy Jones, for hosting, and for those in attendance, such as Sian Suthers (welcome to the East Coast), Steve Lavner, and Lisa Feldman Josephy.

Agree, we'll find a sweet spot for the next event, showcasing the beauty of LI in the summer, right Daniel Méndez Aróstica, MBA?

But don't get the locals started on whether we say living "IN" or living "ON" Long Island. The hot debate continues... 🙂

I’m enjoying the sun and sights of Phoenix today. 

Love the relaxed, yet vibrant city feel during a five-mile walk. 

And I’m thinking of my friends and family facing the big storm in the Northeast. Getting their workouts in with their shovels!

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Polish isn’t the tell with AI slop. Lack of substance is

Charlie Guo has a great piece on spotting AI-generated content and its impact on writers' confidence.  

The giveaway is surface-level polish with nothing underneath.

The answer isn’t trying to “out-write” AI patterns or second-guess yourself. 

It’s writing from real experience, with specific knowledge or having an actual POV or counterpoint. That’s still the hardest thing to fake.

Charlie's Substack is at Artificial Ignorance.

Open article: The Field Guide to AI Slop by ignorance.ai

Search traffic is no longer a given.

Publishers now expect referrals from search engines to almost halve by 2028/29, according to Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism Media & Tech Trends report.

A few signals worth paying attention to:
- AI search and summaries are reducing clicks, often before content is even seen.
- Distribution is driving discovery, while owned channels are becoming trust engines.
- Journalists (and communicators) are being asked to think like creators.
- Credibility, originality (among the AI slop) and "human" connection are becoming the real differentiators.

What’s interesting is how this reinforces the importance of earned and owned media, which many of you opined on in 2025.   

You can see this shift playing out on platforms. YouTube hosting the Oscars. Netflix signing The Rest Is Football podcast (one of my favorites) for the 2026 World Cup.

I would love to hear from other comms and brand leaders. How are you adjusting to this earned attention reset? 

#branddiscovery #communications #earnedattention

I help brands and senior leaders tell complex stories in a simple, compelling and concise way to drive visibility, alignment and engagement from external and internal audiences. 

As an integrated communications practitioner who has driven strategic programs for 60+ technology companies, my experience spans corporate & agency environments where I successfully led communications for Fortune 500 organizations (Oracle, Cisco, HP) and fast-paced, high-growth tech startups using AI and cloud technologies. 

I enjoy working with media and influencers, and have secured coverage in top tier business, technology, local, and digital publications (WSJ, Forbes, CNN, Mercury News, ABC News, Newsweek, TechCrunch, IDG Media, CNET, ZDNet) and a cover story in Network Computing. 

I have a passion for diving into complex technologies and simplifying them into messages that resonate and drive the right actions. My key wins have a proven track record of managing projects and teams, collaborating cross functionally across multiple geographies and channels. Additionally, I have raised the profile of public-interest organizations in the areas of Ethics and Good Governance.

As a mindset coach, I teach workshops on self leadership, belonging, and building mental and emotional  strength.

Specialities: 
Corporate Communications, Product Communications, Public Relations, Narrative Creation, Stakeholder Engagement, Press Events, Change Management, Employee Communications,  Product Launches, Executive Communications, Positioning, Messaging, Speaker Bureau, Digital Content Strategy & Execution, Social Impact Communications, Copy Editing, Community Engagement, Social Media Campaigns, Crisis Management, Issue Management, Program Analytics, Budget Management, Speech Writing, Editing and Publishing.

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