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 of 2021, meaning he has now appeared on this list leading communications for three different companies in three different sectors..

Neptune's responsibilities will include leading global brand and corporate communications and corporate marketing, reporting to newly appointed chief executive Geoff Martha. 

Neptune’s move comes 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 ever 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.

Can you share a moment in your career when you saw PR's direct impact on business performance?
As CCO for one of the largest Chinese brands, navigating the geo-political tensions between the US and China during the previous presidential administration.

What are the communications industry's biggest challenges and opportunities in the year ahead?
Demonstrating the real business impact of our work during a challenging economic period where macro-issues will pressure many companies to reduce, pull back, and under invest in our discipline.

What have you most admired about this industry over the past year?
There is clearly a resilience that has manifested itself in the financial performance of the agency sector, and that has allowed those of us in brands to maintain – and grow in some instances – our organizations and budgets.

What has most disappointed you about this industry over the past year?
Overall, while there is progress in diversity recruiting at the mid/junior levels, there is still a shocking lack of diversity amongst CEOs and leadership teams.

How have you switched off from work and maintained wellness over the past year?I've started shutting my computer down and putting my phone away for specific periods of time while I focus on what matters.

Which book/movie/TV show/podcast/playlist/other cultural source has helped you get through the past year or provided inspiration?
I read 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less’ by Greg McKeown on the recommendation of a colleague, and it has helped reinforce many things that I believe our discipline needs to embrace as we drive for the much-needed transformation of our industry/practice.

If I wasn't working in marketing/communications, I would be...
Owner of an ocean-front coffee shop on an underpopulated Caribbean island.

Sum up 2022 in one word.
Over.