CCOs On The Ground At Davos

Communications and corporate affairs chiefs are being treated as principals rather than support staff at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year, marking the most extensive schedule of comms-tailored programming executives have seen at the annual gathering.

The shift reflects the rising strategic influence of a role increasingly tasked with making sense of geopolitical chaos, polarized culture, and a fragmented information landscape while weighing the opportunities and risks they present. Throughout the week, major firms all hosted dedicated meals, receptions, and events for communications leaders. The World Economic Forum also hosted a CCO council event for its members, cementing recognition that communications leadership has become central to navigating today's complex business environment.

Recent Burson research strengthens the case for elevating the role, finding a direct link between reputation and financial performance that shows companies with the strongest reputations earn nearly 5% more in unexpected shareholder returns.

S&P Global chief communications officer Christina Twomey captured the evolution, saying "there's been a shift in the way the function is viewed, from support staff to business drivers," with comms executives now seen as "advisers, influencers, decision-makers and relationship builders."

Full story: Axios Communicators