Catherine Donnelly is a Senior Director Analyst who provides research-backed guidance to senior leaders on internal communications, executive messaging, and the role of communication in organizational performance and change. Catherine helps clients navigate complex challenges, drive employee engagement, and align communications strategy with business priorities.
Catherine previously led internal and executive communications for global organizations across technology, industrial manufacturing, and other industries for over 15 years. Her experience includes building communications functions from the ground up, shaping narratives during mergers and acquisitions, and guiding leaders through major moments of change—including rebrands, product launches, and crisis events. Catherine has partnered with C-suite executives and functional leaders to drive employee engagement, foster organizational alignment, and translate complex strategies into clear, actionable messaging. Her work spans designing communication ecosystems, coaching leaders on message clarity, and creating programs that strengthen culture and cross-team collaboration. Whether advising on transformation initiatives or supporting frontline engagement, Catherine brings a practical, empathetic approach to helping organizations connect their people to business priorities.
Salesforce (acquired OwnBackup), Director, Communications , 3 years
Independent Communications Consultant , Clients: Cummins; CNH Industrial , 2 years
CNH Industrial , Head of Internal Communications and Media Relations, North America , 6 years
Internal Communications
Employee Communications
Communications Content and Channels
Equip leaders to drive culture evolution in the midst of AI-driven change
Capture and Incorporate Employees’ Perspectives of Major Changes
BA, American Literature and Culture, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Internal comms strategy and measurement; Executive and leadership messaging; Employee engagement and culture; Internal message and channel management; Crisis and organizational change communications