Andrew Blecher

Before joining Kekst CNC in 2023, Andrew served as a strategic communications consultant to companies and C-suite executives, aiding with corporate and internal communications strategies, M&A, and other transaction communications, financial communications, issues management and CSR strategy.

Prior to building his own consultancy, Andrew was the Chief Communications Officer at Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), overseeing communications and public affairs, where he built the communications function and positioned the company and its executives as leaders in the industry across media and financial markets with the goal of driving strong business results. He and his team successfully prepared and shaped HBC for critical events including: business transformations, acquisitions, divestments, leadership changes, crisis and reputational risk situations. Andrew advocates purpose-driven strategies, having led corporate social responsibility CSR initiatives and established the HBC Foundation.

By marrying digital with creative communications , Andrew delivers results with clear KPIs that positively affect corporate reputation and business performance. He champions data-driven strategies across a comprehensive ecosystem that influence perceptions across media, governments, associates, partners, customers and shareholders.

He brings sectoral experience across a range of industries, including omnichannel retail, real estate, technology and consumer brands at public and private companies as well as private equity firms. Prior to HBC, he held a leadership role at a boutique agency where he advised clients on marketing, branding and strategic communications. He began his career at Saks Fifth Avenue leading national public relations and consumer marketing initiatives and raising the profile of CEO and the executive leadership team, while navigating through a challenging media landscape.

Experience

• Oversaw communications strategies for an array of global and domestic acquisitions, ranking from $250 million to $3.2 billion.
• Led B2B communications and engagement strategies to enhance corporate and executive reputations as industry leaders and best-in-class partners.
• Strategic partner to a range of business consulting firms, law firms and banking partners on transformational corporate events, including restructurings, acquisitions, divestments and other deals.
• Led multiple corporate re-brands, creating new narratives that enabled companies to enhance their standing and re-position themselves.
• Redeveloped internal communications at HBC with new tools and forums across traditional and digital touchpoints, transforming company culture and increasing associate engagement by 10%.
• Partnered with Boards on several CEO and high-profile executive transitions to protect corporate interests and safeguard reputation across financial markets.
• Acted as strategic counsel to numerous C-suite executives to develop their positioning and credibility across a range of stakeholder groups through messaging and channel development.
• Led crisis communications and issues management for a range of situations including data security, health and safety, litigation and other issues.
• Advised CEOs and partnered with multiple stakeholders to mitigate union issues and navigate employee unionization.
• Led several global public affairs campaigns working with governments and trade organizations that furthered the interests of companies and industries.
• Developed CSR strategies and roadmaps to position companies, transform processes and meet regulatory standards.
• Created HBC Foundation and established strategy, governance and mission, exceeding three-year fundraising, grantmaking and impact targets.
• Oversaw proactive communications and stakeholder campaigns to mitigate shareholder agitation.
• Created customized corporate risk playbooks with strategies for a range of issues that may impact reputation and business.
• Created commtech campaigns that proactively maximize multichannel digital and social opportunities to enhance, amplify and safeguard corporations.
• Established and led communications function with over 70 global employees, developing structure, processes and operating rigor to support the business, and has since advised companies on structuring their communications organizations.