Omni Channel Thought Leadership: Turning Execs into Insightful Influencers

Hilary Sparrow leads employee engagement and internal communications for Amazon’s Selling Partner Experience team, a global team of 25,000 employees who empower the small-and-medium sized businesses selling in Amazon’s store. Previously at Amazon, Hilary was the Head of Content and Communications for The Climate Pledge. Since launching in 2019, over 500 companies have signed The Climate Pledge, joining Amazon’s commitment to net-zero carbon by 2040. Hilary built the marketing and communications strategy and forged content partnerships with TED Countdown, National Geographic Society, and Prime Video, among others. Hilary also launched The Climate Pledge’s social media channels, building a team who produces 1k+ pieces of content annually, driving 55% consistent YoY follower growth. Before joining Amazon, Hilary led executive communications at Xbox architecting the messaging and communications strategy as the business shifted from video-game console focus to a digital-first cloud gaming platform. Before that, Hilary served as a Senior Supervising Producer at Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Productions, an independent production company that developed and produced a wide range of acclaimed, cause-based feature films, television series, specials, and digital content designed to inspire people to take action on critical issues. In her free time, Hilary is a true weekend warrior thriving in all of the outdoor delights of the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three kids: skiing, mountain biking, surfing, mountaineering, backpacking, paddle boarding, sailing, and yoga.

Alex West serves as Senior Director, Leadership, Family & Change Communication for Mars, Inc. In this role, she is responsible for internal communications for the Office of the President (OOP), Mars Senior Leaders and the Mars Family. She also drives a community of practice around Change Communications at Mars.Prior to this, Alex held the role of Senior Director, Global Internal Communications & Community Engagement, leading the development and execution of Mars global internal communications strategies as well as offering best-in-class internal communications execution, measurement and capability building. In addition, she was responsible for the Mars Philanthropy and Community Engagement strategy. Alex started her career at Mars in 2014, leading corporate affairs in the UK and Ireland for Wrigley. She then spent five years in the Mars, Incorporated global public affairs team, identifying public policy priorities for the business, informing and engaging senior leadership, and devising and executing global advocacy strategies in response. Prior to joining Mars, Alex spent ten years in communications consultancy, advising clients across many sectors including CPG, healthcare, the creative industries and ag tech on their corporate communications and public affairs strategies. She also spent time working for a member of the U.K Parliament. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Royal Holloway, University of London. Originally from the U.K., Alex now resides in Arlington, VA with her husband Chris and daughter Lyla. She is a keen runner and overall exercise and sports fanatic.

Trish Nicolas is the vice president of corporate communications at Verint, a publically traded AI tech/CX Automation company founded over 30 years ago. She's a strategic and creative 360° communications, brand and marketing leader with more than 30 years of award-winning, outcome-driving results. Known as a communications catalyst, convener and coach, Trish has counseled more than 200 brands from garage to global over the course of her career, including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Nortel Networks, The Home Depot, Merck, Organon, Orkin and many others. In her current role, she applies her background to develop and lead world-class functions that drive corporate priorities and build brands. She has overseen teams and initiatives within pioneering companies like Wellstar Health System and BLiNQ Media (acquired by Gannett), as well as practices, teams, offices and large client accounts within agencies such as Ogilvy PR, Jackson Spalding, SPI Group, and Ruder Finn. Recently, Trish co-founded and served as head of Americas for rf.engage, Ruder Finn's Global Center of Excellence for Strategic Internal Communications. A thought leader and frequent speaker on audience engagement and communications trends, she’s earned multiple awards and honors, including being elected into the prestigious global “Ogilvy 50” for “exceptionally strong skills and exemplary contributions to the company” and Ragan’s Top Women in Communications Class of 2024 as a "Bridge Builder." Trish is fluent in French and has lived, studied, and worked in France and England.

Mary C. Buhay is Chief Growth Officer and Head of Ragan’s Communications Leadership Council and PR Daily Leadership Network. A communications executive with more than 25 years of experience, Mary develops communities and stories that connect businesses meaningfully with people—customers, employees, investors, journalists, and other stakeholders—whose trust helps to drive growth. Mary joined Ragan Communications in 2021 from Women Presidents Organization, where she was global director of growth. Mary was previously senior vice president of marketing for G&S Business Communications, a top-15 agency based in New York. In this role, she advised internal and external clients and implemented plans for corporate social responsibility, healthtech marketing and business-to-business communications. Earlier, Mary had roles as corporate officer and senior vice president of corporate communications, marketing and sales for Medialink Worldwide, a digital media-technology venture whose Nasdaq-listed IPO she helped to launch as part of the founding team.