Torod Neptune

Chief Communications Officer
Medtronic
US

Torod Neptune stepped down from his role heading Lenovo’s worldwide comms to join Medtronic as chief communications officer in January 2021, meaning he has now appeared on this list leading communications for three different companies in three different sectors.

His responsibilities include leading global brand and corporate communications and corporate marketing, reporting to chief executive Geoff Martha. He also oversees the Medtronic Foundation and Medtronic’s social business enterprise, Medtronic LABS, a health systems innovator developing community-based, tech-enabled products and services for underserved patients globally.

Neptune’s move came four years after joining Lenovo as worldwide group vice president and chief communications officer, where he spearheaded the development of the computer company’s first Global Diversity and Inclusion report, and the launch of the company’s philanthropic arm, the Lenovo Foundation. Before that, he spent almost seven years with Verizon, where he oversaw communications for each of the company’s major business units, rising to the role of corporate VP of corporate communications.

Expertly navigating the communications challenges surrounding the pandemic, shut down of work, and the ongoing need to re-engage employees in the workforce is, combined, one of the most salient examples of communications work at its best against real business and society challenges.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities in the year ahead?
The focus on value creation over nice-to-do work is our biggest challenge. The greatest opportunity is fully deploying AI across our discipline to enable this shift.

What have you most admired about the communications industry over the past year, and what has disappointed you?
The resilience of our industry in challenging economic times is admirable. Our collective progress in 'creative that matters' as reflected in this year's Cannes Lions results was great to see. Unfortunately, the lack of real leadership and advocacy for the ongoing commitment to diversity in our industry at one of the most challenging times for this debate has been disappointing to witness.

What work from your team are you most proud of over the past year?
Our campaign around ‘AI and the Future of Healthcare Technology’.

How have you switched off from work and maintained wellness over the past year? 
Intentionality around device-free time away from the office, including a few wilderness retreats that banned all things digital.

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through the past year or provided inspiration? 
The Happiness Lab podcast.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
Running a coffee shop in the Algarve, while beaching and working on my golf game.