The role used to belong to politics. It belongs to every boardroom now. The senior operator who runs coordinated PR, GEO, paid, regulatory, and reputation campaigns — the seat the modern CEO needs.
Executive reputation is the most valuable and most fragile asset for companies. It's built over years through operational track record, strategic narrative, public communication discipline, and industry credibility. However, it can be lost in 90 minutes due to personal-conduct allegations, public-statement crises, or legal exposure. CEOs who prioritize crisis preparedness are more likely to maintain their reputation.
A 90-second Instagram video posted by McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski — promoting the new Big Arch burger — produced more competitor marketing leverage for Burger King and Wendy's than any McDonald's launch communications had generated in years. The case is now the reference for CEO authenticity crisis communications in 2026.