Mark Cautela

Background

About Mark Cautela

Well-rounded communications professional with 20+ years experience between agency and in-house roles across the higher ed, retail, hi-tech, and bio-tech industries. Communications expert in public relations, crisis management, media relations, internal and executive messaging, social media & content, speech writing, event planning, and managing and directing associates. Experience includes 7 years at external public relations agencies, developing communications plans for hi-tech, security, and biotech clients. Advised clients on social, brand, and digital media communications, as well as acted as client liaison to local government and public officials to influence public policy and legislation. Recent experience includes 9+ years in-house at the world's largest office supply brick-and-mortar and internet retailer, Staples, Inc. Lead the public relations, corporate and internal communications, social media, studio productions, community relations and content functions at various times, directing a team of 15+ associates. Oversaw brand, M&A, e-commerce and B2B PR, lead the crisis communications functions, drove awareness of CSR programs such as Community, Diversity and Sustainability, generated coverage for vertical categories, and lead executive media training. Set internal communications strategy and drove consistent messaging across the organization, wrote executive speeches, and promoted senior leadership visibility.