SVP Global Communications & Events

IFS is the world’s leading provider of Industrial AI and enterprise software for businesses that service and power our planet. With over 7,000 employees and operations in 90+ countries, IFS serves more than 5,500 customers globally.

We surpassed €1 billion in annual recurring revenue in 2024, with total revenue of €1.5 billion and cloud revenue up 38% year-on-year. Our solutions deliver measurable business value, including significant capex savings, productivity gains, and sustainability benefits. IFS is recognized as a leader by Gartner and other industry analysts across ERP, EAM, FSM, and ITSM.

IFS is backed by a consortium of leading global private equity and institutional investors, including EQT, Hg, and TA Associates, with additional minority investment from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments). This strong and active investor base supports IFS’s ambitious growth strategy, innovation in Industrial AI, and continued expansion as a global software leader.

As SVP, Global Communications & Events, you will be the architect and steward of IFS’s global communications strategy, responsible for connecting, informing, and inspiring internal and external audiences across a fast-paced, matrixed organization. You will lead a high-performing team overseeing PR, social media, analyst relations, external affairs, internal communications, and global events, with five direct reports and a broader team remit. This role is pivotal in shaping the employee experience, reinforcing company values, and driving strategic alignment, while elevating IFS’s external brand presence through compelling storytelling, media engagement, and thought leadership.

You will lead the planning and execution of IFS’s most high-profile global events, including customer summits, industry conferences, and executive forums -ensuring these initiatives drive business impact and reinforce our position as a category leader in AI and enterprise software.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Design and execute a global communications and events strategy aligned with IFS’s business objectives, culture, and values (Agile, Collaborative, Grit).
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the executive leadership team including the CMO and CEO on messaging, change communications, and reputation management. 
• Ensure alignment and consistency across all communications and event initiatives globally.
• Key member of the Global Marketing & Comms leadership team 

Team Leadership

• Build, inspire, and lead a world-class communications and events team with global reach.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

AI Communications

• Lead communications around IFS’s AI strategy, product developments, and responsible AI practices.
• Translate complex AI concepts into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.

Internal communications

• Drive engagement and motivation across the organization by leveraging key stakeholders within the ecosystem to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Establish and maintain consistency in messaging and understanding of key initiatives, fostering clarity and alignment across all levels of the organization.

External Affairs & PR 

•  Develop and execute external communications plans that build brand awareness and protect reputation.
• Manage global media relations, analyst relations, and agency partnerships.
• Oversee PR campaigns supporting product launches, corporate milestones, and thought leadership.
• Creating and cultivating relationships with industry bodies and government organisations to help IFS on its journey as the number 1 industrial player

Events Leadership

• Lead the strategic planning and flawless execution of flagship global events, including customer conferences, industry forums, and executive summits.
• Ensure events deliver exceptional experiences, reinforce brand leadership, and drive measurable business outcomes.

Measurement & Feedback

• Define and track KPIs to measure communication effectiveness, brand sentiment, event impact, and employee engagement.
• Use analytics and feedback to continuously improve strategies and execution.

Experience & Expertise

• Proven experience as global communications leader with experience spanning across the breadth of PR, analyst relations, and events leadership roles within large-scale software, SaaS, or AI organizations.
• Proven success in a senior leadership position, managing global teams and complex, multi-region programs.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong media relations, PR, and analyst relations experience, including agency management.
• Experience in executive communications and thought leadership development.
• Gravitas and executive presence gained from partnering with the C suite
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical topics into compelling narratives.
• Track record of leading strategic events and brand storytelling initiatives.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivelant) required; advanced degree preferred.