Strategic Communications Lead, EMEA

FM, a leading mutual insurance company established nearly two centuries ago, is dedicated to property risk management and resilience for its policyholder-owners—many of the world’s largest organizations, including one in four Fortune 500 companies. Our mission combines scientific research, engineering expertise, and insurance protection to help clients prevent property loss and maintain business continuity through cost-effective risk management strategies.

We are seeking an experienced, results-oriented communications professional to serve as the Strategic Communications Lead for the EMEA region. This role will lead external communications, media relations, thought leadership, executive visibility and storytelling efforts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. They will be key in supporting FM’s global public relations and marketing objectives with a focus on earned media.

Working closely with regional business leaders, subject matter experts, marketing colleagues, and agency partners, this individual will develop and execute coordinated communications programs that generate meaningful external visibility for FM through earned media, industry speaking opportunities, executive thought leadership, and strategic content.

The ideal candidate is an experienced communications professional with a background in agency and/or large corporate environments. They are intellectually curious, highly proactive, and relentlessly focused on results. They possess exceptional news judgment, strong business acumen, and a proven ability to identify opportunities that elevate both organizations and their leaders.

Collaborating with marketing colleagues, business leaders, SMEs, and agency partners to develop and implement PR and thought leadership in support of business and marketing strategies. Key responsibilities include:

External Communications Strategy

Understanding business issues, objectives, and priorities and align communications activities to the needs of targeted audiences, delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time.

Lead planning for PR and thought leadership activities that support FM’s reputation, business growth and marketing objectives in EMEA.

Effectively balance timely delivery of materials for individual PR activities, programs and campaigns, providing agile support for unexpected priorities, and maximizing resources across the year.

Media Relations

• Providing oversight and guidance for EMEA-based PR agencies, media opportunities, and external communications activities to protect and enhance FM’s reputation.
• Develop and execute proactive media relations programs that elevate FM's visibility and reinforce the company's authority in the industry.
• Build relationships with key media contacts, Tier 1 journalists, and identify opportunities for interviews, commentary, feature stories, and other earned media placements.
• Thought Leadership and Executive Visibility
• Work with FM’s executives and subject matter experts on media interviews, written content, and other thought leadership storytelling.
• Develop and optimize thought leadership content related to hosted and industry events, aligning event content to specific marketing campaigns when relevant.
• Overseeing the creation of content by agency partners, interns, freelance copywriters; also writing and editing content.
• You must be able to work independently in a structure with a North America-based manager, EMEA-based marketing squad, multitask, and adhere to strict deadlines. This role will involve occasional international and overseas travel.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• A degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Proven relevant public relations and marketing experience (min 9 years) within a corporate or agency environment with demonstrable experience in PR planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience translating technical and industry-specific topics for Tier 1 media audiences.
• Proven track record building relationships among Tier 1 journalists.
• Experience collaborating with a global, distributed team required.
• Fluent in modern communication and storytelling channels, i.e., social media, digital media.
• B2B insurance sector or financial services experience desirable.
• Thorough knowledge of the complete suite of Microsoft products and the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
• Strong command of common AI workplace tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT, etc.

Position Requirements

Excellent communication skills and executive presence. Fluent English a pre-requisite, fluency in German or French would be a plus.

Have demonstrable skills in managing agencies, outside third parties and vendors to achieve overall communications objectives.

Adaptable work style and comfortable undertaking all levels of work assigned.

Must have strong organizational and project management skills, the ability to network within the organization, lead/influence project teams, and build consensus.

Must be comfortable working with senior management on a regular basis and the responsibilities and accountabilities that this brings.

Flexibility to travel.

The final salary offer will be based on individual education, skills, and experience. The position is eligible to participate in FM’s comprehensive Total Rewards program that includes amongst others an incentive plan, life and disability insurance, well-being programs, pension plan, career development opportunities.

FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce.