Drake Manning

About Drake Manning

Marketing and communications are more than support functions; they are foundational pillars of corporate strategy. I operate at the intersection of marketing and media, brand and communications, serving as an influential change agent and C-suite partner. I believe clarity and transparency win, especially in a world that grows more complex daily. My role is to cut through the noise, by transforming corporate strategy into clear, compelling narratives. My mission is to build resilient brands that thrive in any environment, by fostering deep, authentic connections with a company\'s most important audiences. From orchestrating communications for IPO-bound and PE portfolio companies to integrating global M&A for public enterprises, my experience is summed up in one core principle: make the complex simple and the corporate more human. This is the key to unlocking exponential growth and building lasting brand performance.I\'m a perpetual student of the art of brand and communication. Key areas of expertise and impact:Strategic Communications: Corporate Comms, Crisis & Issues Management, Investor & Analyst Relations, ESG, Layoffs and Corporate Restructurings, AI Integration and AdoptionBrand & Content: Brand Architecture and Rebranding Strategy, Digital Content and Social Strategy, Executive Thought Leadership, Media and PR Strategy, Video and PodcastGrowth & Transformation: M&A Communications and Integration, IPO Roadshow Communications and Launch Strategy, New Product Development, Market Analysis and Competitive DifferentiationMy focus is on building meaningful professional relationships and driving strategic initiatives. I won\'t respond to unsolicited business development or sales pitches.

Experience

1. Vice President, Corporate Marketing

   Octus

   Feb 2025 — Present

Education

• University of Connecticut

  B.A, Psychology

Skills

• Sustainability
• Marketing Segmentation
• Thought Leadership
• Market Entry
• SEO
• Marketing Communications
• Strategy
• Corporate Communications
• Public Speaking
• Advertising
• Website Development
• Brand Development
• Social Media Marketing
• Renewable Energy
• Public Relations
• Growth Strategies
• Media Relations
• Business Strategy
• Integrated Marketing
• Content Marketing
• Marketing Management
• Brand Management
• Marketing Strategy
• Blogging
• Digital Communication Strategy
• High Growth Companies
• Marketing
• Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Brand Activation
• Strategic Partnerships
• Strategic Communications
• Startup Marketing
• Start-Ups
• Crm
• Social Media
• Event Management
• Crisis Communications
• Product Development
• B2b Marketing