Page People

Issue 3 | September 4, 2024

Welcome to the third edition of our monthly newsletter: “Page People.” This initiative aims to spotlight the remarkable individuals who are part of this vibrant community. Each month, we’ll dive into the journeys, insights, and contributions of our members, celebrating the diversity of talent and experience that defines Page. We hope you find inspiration in the stories of your fellow members and that these stories spark connections for you.

Page | CCO, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Current role: I oversee global communications for our diversified company that is active in the Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics businesses. We’ve got 63,000 employees and are listed on the German blue-chip-index DAX.

Previous roles: I served as Chief Marketing Officer at leading European energy company E.ON from 2019 to 2023, also overseeing their customer insights and experience activities. I also spent eight years at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in various communications and branding roles—yes, I’m back for round two.

A little bit about me: In 2015, when I had less grey hair, I had the opportunity to spearhead a transformational rebranding at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. We introduced a new brand strategy, architecture, and corporate design, complete with a full suite of internal and external campaigns. Nine years later, it’s still hailed as one of the most radical brand evolutions in our industry, so my brilliant team must have done something right back then.

Piece of advice: Being a CCO is a bit like running a marathon—except there are no water breaks, and the finish line keeps moving. Find your rhythm, keep your balance, and maybe stash some snacks in your desk drawer. You’re going to need them. (And a great assistant as partner in crime.)

Teach me about: I’m fascinated by how AI is shaking up our communications world. It might just be the biggest game changer since the invention of the internet. I’m looking to exchange ideas with peers on how they’re embracing AI and steering their teams toward a future where we are working in a fully integrated way, elevating our profession to the next level.

Meet Gina Gibbs Foster

Page | Vice President of Corporate Communications, Staples, Inc

Current role: I’m Vice President of Corporate Communications for Staples, Inc. I also currently serve as Board President for Staples Cause for Caring, a charitable giving organization that represents the company’s commitment to giving to others.

Previous roles: Over the course of my career, before joining Staples, I progressed through a series of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications leadership roles of increasing responsibility at The Dow Chemical Company, Linde, and Messer Americas.

A little bit about me: Born and raised in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio, I’ve since enjoyed the pleasure of a very international career -- with numerous global roles and the opportunity to live and work in eight cities across the U.S. and in Europe. This experience has truly broadened my world view, enabling me to provide effective counsel to numerous business executives on how to build their business brands, protect their corporate reputations, and strengthen stakeholder relations in the increasingly diverse and complex world in which we operate. This is my passion.

Fun fact: I absolutely LOVE to travel – and do so as often as possible with my husband and two teen-aged children. To me there is no better way to understand the world than to immerse oneself in the sights, sounds, foods and cultures of a new destination. Next on my travel bucket list is Cartagena, Colombia!

Ask me about: Corporate Social Responsibility, B2B PR, crisis mitigation, and issues management.

Meet Jon Rucket

Page Up | Senior Director of External Communication, Grant Thornton

Current role: I'm currently the Sr. Director of External Communication at Grant Thornton, where I build and protect the firm’s reputation by steering a range of PR activities. I've been a Page Up member for eight years, and for the past two, I've served as Page’s Southeast co-chair.

Previous roles: I worked on the communications team at Deloitte for eight years and, before that, I worked at PR agencies in Boston, Houston and elsewhere. My first boss in the PR profession told me there are only three ingredients to success: show up early, be organized, and work hard. It seems she was right.

A little bit about me: One of my proudest accomplishments is that I was part of a team that helped move tens of thousands of Hurricane Katrina evacuees out of the Houston Astrodome and into permanent housing. I also lived for a year in the West African nation of Mali, and am a fan of the podcast Business Wars. You’ll never think of ice cream the same way again after you’ve heard the episode about Ben & Jerry’s battle with Haagen-Dazs.

Fun fact: I am the inventor of the one-egg omelet (demonstrated in the photo above).

Teach me about: Media relations, messaging, measurement

Meet Ruby Fu

Page Up | Senior Advisor, Zeno China

Current role: In July 2024, I transitioned from my full-time position as President of Zeno China to a Senior Advisor role. My key responsibilities include overseeing a seamless transition while continuing to provide clients with strategic guidance, issue management, and media training/coaching.

Previous roles: For the past 35 years, communication has been at the heart of my professional journey. I began as an initial member of Ogilvy Public Relations in Taiwan and continued my career within the consumer and banking sectors, working with both agencies and corporations across Taiwan, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai.

A little bit about me: I began my career as a manager at Cloud Gate Contemporary Dance Company, where my passion for performing arts remains strong. I am passionate about textiles (pictured above) and enjoy visiting museums, galleries, and performing arts whenever I travel. Recently, I joined David Whyte's "Three Sundays in July," exploring themes of life's journey. His work emphasizes the importance of having courageous conversations with clients, peers, family, and friends.

Piece of advice: Make courageous choices, as seemingly minor actions can open doors to more exciting and greater opportunities.

Ask me about: Throughout my career, I've focused extensively on corporate reputation, communication strategies, and internal stakeholder communications, including CEO 100-day plans.

Our Newest Members

The Page community just grew! Connect with our new Page and Page Up members, and show them why our community is so great.

Page People News

🎉 Congratulations are in order - several Page members were recognized in PRWeek's Hall of Fame class of 2024, including Kate Cronin, Corey duBrowa, Gail Heimann, and Jennifer Smoter. Kathryn Beiser also received the David Finn Award.

Is there something or someone you'd like to spotlight in our next newsletter? If you have published something recently, got recognized for a professional achievement or would like to highlight a fellow member's accomplishment, please let us know by sending an email to Mia Skwiot at mskwiot@page.org.