Ray is a recognized voice and leader in communications and public relations. He joined Stagwell in February 2020 with more than three decades of experience and insights as a chief communications officer leading global communications teams, brands and agencies.

Ray believes the successful companies, brands and leaders will be the ones that quickly shift their focus to the future of communications. This future, he says, will be defined by being digital, mobile, measurable and engaging – both in reaching stakeholders and in delivering compelling content.

In addition to his cross-Stagwell role, Ray serves as Chair of Targeted Victory, leading an expansion of its crisis practice and corporate affairs offerings.

Before joining Stagwell, Ray was IBM’s Chief Communications Officer, leading the company’s global Communications and Corporate Citizenship teams in more than 170 countries. His role included communications for all external and internal stakeholders.

Before IBM, Ray was Group Vice President of Communications and served 28 years with Ford. His accomplishments include transforming Ford’s communications model and the biggest improvement ever in the company’s corporate reputation and brand strength. He was cited as a key part of the Ford transformation in the American Icon business book.

Ray has long been recognized on PRWeek’s Power List and the Holmes Influence 100. He is a past chair of The Seminar, an annual global forum for senior communications leaders and executives, and a member of the Page Society, Institute for Public Relations and PRSA Foundation.

He is a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications.