Philip Morris’ internal comms leader, Bessie Kokalis-Pescio, on measuring success, reaching dispersed workers and bridging cultural divides
The experienced communicator shares a wealth of tips to keep your messaging globally resonant, relevant and clear as a bell.
Perhaps no industry is undergoing more disruption and radical change right now than Big Tobacco.
Philip Morris International is certainly no exception. The company, originally founded during the James Polk presidency (1847), is in the midst of a dramatic transformation aimed at delivering “a smoke-free future by focusing its resources on developing, scientifically substantiating and responsibly commercializing smoke-free products that are less harmful than smoking, with the aim of completely replacing cigarettes as soon as possible.”
As you might imagine, this major business shift requires a comprehensive communication strategy that addresses the concerns of multitudes of stakeholders. And that’s just what Bessie Kokalis-Pescio, PMI’s global head of internal communications, is delivering. Here, she shares about her approach toward reaching more than 70,000 employees based around the globe—and how she views the role of comms moving into an uncertain future.
Ragan: What are your top tips for effectively reaching a dispersed, diverse workforce?
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