Michael Shmarak

Michael Shmarak

Senior Communications Executive Building Trust & Revenue In the AI Era

Northbrook, IL 20+ years Open to work

Summary

"If a management consulting firm and a marketing/PR firm had a lovechild, then Michael Shmarak would be the result." CEO, prominent CPG brand I love communications. I especially love demonstrating how communications can align with operations to create revenue for the companies I work with. Do I have your attention? Good--keep reading. I have over 20 years of experience driving growth and reputation management for global ad-tech, B2B technology, and retail/CPG brands. No matter the industry, no matter the challenge, I counsel C-suites on the issues keeping their shareholders, employees (not to mention them) up at night. I thrive when I can translate and transform complex technical narratives into compelling thought leadership platforms; my fingerprints and brain power have been demonstrated for C-suites in such outlets as The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and The New York Times. Currently, I serve as Managing Director at Impact Partners and President of POETIQ, where I strategize with C-suite leaders on ethical AI integration, market positioning, and media relations. At Verve Group, I led a global team across four continents for a $500M organization, where we didn't just 'manage reputation'—we fueled a 125% revenue spike in EMEA. I LOVE pressure situations. My work sits at the intersection of high-stakes crisis management, like navigating Tremor International’s IPO, helping a company navigate out of bankruptcy (while keeping customers and employees engaged) and the academic rigor of teaching PR strategy at Northwestern University. Ultimately, my currency is valued by concrete outcomes, not corporate buzzwords.

""If a management consulting firm and a marketing/PR firm had a lovechild, then Michael Shmarak would be the result.""

Expertise

Corporate Reputation ManagementC-Suite Thought LeadershipCrisis CommunicationsB2B CommunicationsStrategyB2B Media RelationsIPO Communications StrategyESG & Sustainability ChartersEthical AI in MarketingIntegrated Marketing StrategyStakeholder EngagementCross-functional Team LeadershipBudget Optimization
Ad-TechB2B TechnologyProfessional ServicesClean EnergyRetail
More talent in Northbrook, IL

Case study

#BringBackTheBeards--How did hockey and "lumbersexuality" sell cough drops?

Watch this YouTube link and you will learn more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wBAVOGZSSY A prominent cough & cold product manufacturer wanted to reintroduce a decades-old brand to today’s shopper. I highlighted the company's innovation and IP portfolio as the centerpiece of all corporate messaging and positioning, as well as with the company's sales force, supply chain and retail networks. The CEO of company highlighted how communications spearheaded its products being sold in 42,000 stores across North America.

Experience

  • Managing Director (Contract)

    2025 – Present

    Impact Partners · Remote

    Strategic advisor providing counsel on C-suite positioning and media relations strategy.

    • Instituted a thought leadership roadmap for an international advertising holding company CEO.
    • Increased content flow by 30%, resulting in placements in Axios, Bloomberg, NYT, and WSJ.

  • President

    2024 – Present

    Poetiq · Chicago, IL

    Strategic advisory focusing on ethical AI in marketing, reputation management, and executive communications.

    • Advising a Silicon Valley AI credit platform on media relations to increase investor pipeline.
    • Coordinated bankruptcy communications for a cold storage facility, ensuring 100% customer retention.

  • Senior Director of Communications

    2022 – 2023

    Verve Group · Remote

    Oversaw global internal and external communications for a $500 million ad-tech company.

    • Spearheaded narrative strategy driving 125% revenue growth in EMEA within one year.
    • Managed a team of 27 people across four continents.
    • Optimized global budget to save 35% while improving content efficiency.

  • Executive Consultant, Growth

    2021 – 2022

    Blast PR · Remote

    Recruited to address staff and client retention for a leading B2B technology agency.

    • Instituted U.S. IPO strategy for Tremor International within 75 days.
    • Increased account revenue for Amobee by 25% in six months.

  • Director of Corporate Communications

    2019 – 2020

    Digitas North America · Chicago, IL

    Led reputation management and thought leadership for a premier creative and digital marketing agency.

    • Integrated Business Development and Communications teams, driving a 50% uptick in new business inquiries.
    • Preserved a 7-figure contract with Whirlpool through thought leadership initiatives.

Education

  • Wayne State University · MBA, Marketing
  • Ohio State University · BSBA, Marketing

What I'm looking for

notes: Seeking leadership roles focused on corporate reputation, growth-focused communications, and C-suite strategy.
work mode: Hybrid / Remote
industries: Technology, Ad-Tech, Fintech, Professional Services
role types: VP of Communications, Head of Corporate Communications, Chief Communications Officer

Ideal next role

Chief Communications Officer

Not a fit for

Not reporting to Sales

Compensation

USD 175,000–300,000 · I love building performance measurements into any package

Logistics

Work authorization
Approved to work in the United States
Earliest start
June 15, 2026
Languages
English

Selected links

Contact details are never exposed publicly. All messages route through a gated form and are reviewed before any response.