Jonathan Adashek

VP Global Communications and Chief Communications Officer
Nissan
Japan

Hailing from technology giant Microsoft, Jonathan Adashek may have seemed a surprising choice to take on Nissan’s top communications role in 2015, but his work since then has demonstrated a tireless desire to modernize the company’s communications operation. That approach has yielded a new global relationship with Edelman, along with a transformed communications department that includes several new hires and Centers of Excellence.

Before joining Nissan, Adashek spent almost four years as Microsoft’s GM of strategy and communications, following a long stint as EVP and global client relationship manager at Edelman.

Can you share a moment in your career that you recognized PR's direct impact on business performance?
While working with a client on a change to their supply chain activities we began discussing the stories we could tell around the change.  As the discussion progressed, we started to realize the broader, positive impact the change would have on the business and on the industry as a whole.

What are the industry's biggest challenges and opportunities? 
Talent development is both the biggest challenge and opportunity.  As our industry continues to evolve ensuring that we have the right people in the right roles with the right training and expertise if going to be essential.

How do you handle the unexpected?
Take a deep breath, evaluate the situation and dig in.  Determine what I need to do, what can be done by others and how to keep the expected moving at the same time.

How do you relax?
Family time is the best.  Nothing is better than quality time with my wife and kids.

Book/movie/TV show/podcast that teaches a valuable lesson about PR?
The Daily is a great podcast.  In addition to keeping me up to date on the latest news, the way Michael and his guests dissect the news really helps you identify what is working and not working from a communications standpoint.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
working in a role on the operational side of the business and more involved in politics.