D’Arcy Rudnay 

Executive vice president, chief communications officer 
Comcast Corporation 

 
Media and entertainment giant Comcast Corporation—regularly ranked among the most hated companies in America—named D’Arcy Rudnay as chief communications officer in March of 2012, expanding her responsibilities to include leadership of Comcast’s financial reporting, crisis management, federal and regulatory activities, product launches, employee relations, diversity, and social and digital media. 

She had led investor and media for the company’s merger with NBCUniversal and the subsequent rebranding, and the ultimately unsuccessful attempted merger with Time Warner. Before joining Comcast in 2003, Rudnay served as vice president of corporate communications and media relations at Lincoln Financial Group. 

She previously served as vice president of communications and corporate identity at Advanta Corporation and as a communications manager for the Pew Charitable Trusts. 

Please share a notable career highlight. 
Helping to grow Comcast Corporation from a regional cable company into a major national company with a leadership position in media and technology.

What is the most rewarding/challenging aspect about a career in communications/marketing?
Never having a day that is the same as the previous one. The communications/marketing industry has changed dramatically and it is exciting to be a part of that change.

What skills/experience will the CCO of the future need that may not be required today?
They must understand social media and have the flexibility to adapt and change regularly. Understanding brand and reputation management in a rapidly changing environment with constantly changing audiences and ways to reach them requires an entirely new set of skills.

What skill/experience is required of today's CCO that might not be as relevant in the future?
Working with press. Journalism is changing and it is now as important if not MORE important to move beyond the press to get your story communicated.

Who or what inspires you to be your best? 
I was raised to try my hardest everyday, no matter what the task, job or complexity. I am driven to work hard and get things done.

What is on your must-read/view/listen to list? 
I read five papers a day whether online or in print to keep up with the world, business, politics and broad topics of interest. I read or scan tech blogs as well.

Most interesting place you've traveled to?
Peru, Machu Picchu