Mark founded upper 90 consulting, which helps chief communications officers (CCOs) and their direct reports become more effective managers and leaders. For upper 90, Mark has developed a new model of competencies to reflect the rapidly changing nature and practice of communications. He is now validating this model in research and practice while earning certification as an executive coach.
Prior to forming upper 90, Mark was Global Director of Communications for Baker & McKenzie, the world’s largest law firm, where he was responsible for all internal and external communications worldwide. He led efforts to double the firm’s media profile, moving Baker from fifth to first in media share of voice. He handled executive communications for the Chairman, managed communications for several issues and crises, and co-led initiatives to build the firm’s brand and to develop a social media strategy.
Previously, Mark was Vice President, Corporate Communications worldwide for Alticor Inc., the $11 billion parent company of Amway Corp., a global leader in direct sales of nutrition, beauty and home products. Over a decade, he built the company’s Corporate Communications function into a 200-strong global team involved in major corporate reputation, issue and crisis management, CSR, media relations and industry affairs initiatives. In 2005, this team was named PR Week’s Large Corporate Team of the Year. That same year, Mark received the Distinguished Service Award from the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations for his efforts to enhance the industry’s reputation.
Mark started his career with Burson-Marsteller, working for nearly 16 years on international business from the firm’s New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Tokyo offices. He was primarily involved in corporate, public affairs, product marketing and sports/event marketing work with a diverse group of clients, including Procter & Gamble, Philip Morris, Diageo, Mercedes Benz, M&M/Mars, Colgate, Wendy’s, American Express and AT&T. He received two PRSA Silver Anvil Awards during his time with the firm.
Mark graduated with a degree in advertising and public relations from the University of Utah, where, as a Distinguished Lecturer and adjunct professor, he taught the school’s first course on corporate reputation management in 2004.
Mark is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society and serves on its Professional Development Committee. He oversees the society’s mentorship program, a program he initiated in 2011 to connect future leaders in the profession with current leaders in the society.
He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and, in his leisure time, plays golf, collects wine and follows his favorite soccer and basketball teams.
