Jeanene O'Brien
Chicago, Illinois
Overview
I help companies say what they mean, and mean what they say. Senior marketing and corporate communications leader with 25+ years of experience leading global brand, reputation, M&A, IPO, and growth communications for public and private companies across multiple industries. I started my career as a writer and graphic designer and grew into executive leadership roles overseeing global marketing and communications. What’s stayed constant is my belief that clarity and transparency win, especially when the stakes are high. Over the course of my career, I’ve led: • Global brand and positioning st
About
I help companies say what they mean, and mean what they say. Senior marketing and corporate communications leader with 25+ years of experience leading global brand, reputation, M&A, IPO, and growth communications for public and private companies across multiple industries. I started my career as a writer and graphic designer and grew into executive leadership roles overseeing global marketing and communications. What’s stayed constant is my belief that clarity and transparency win, especially when the stakes are high. Over the course of my career, I’ve led: • Global brand and positioning strategy • Growth and customer-centric marketing • Executive and corporate communications • M&A and IPO communications • Crisis and reputation management I’ve worked across small private to large public companies in industries including digital marketplaces, automotive, technology, P&C insurance, food distribution, CPG, and medical manufacturing. I’m known for translating complexity into clear strategy, aligning leadership voices, and connecting communication directly to business outcomes. Logos don’t create brands. Clever posts don’t build trust. Consistent, intentional communication does. Today, I’m exploring senior marketing and corporate communications leadership opportunities, and select advisory work, where clarity, credibility, and scale matter. Outside of work, I’m grounded by family (including two incredible humans I brought into the world), fueled by a deep love of adopted dogs and rescue advocacy, and was a marathon to 5K runner who now fully embraces the wisdom of a long weighted walk. Originally from Lexington, KY, I’ve called Chicago home for over 30 years for the neighborhoods, the culture, the Cubs' 7th inning stretch and the belief that showing up and contributing still matter.