Company: ITT Defense & Information Solutions
Team size: 26
What's new: A restructuring of its communications around three value centers
ITT acquired EDO Corporation in 2007 and gained not only a broadened portfolio, but also some overlap and inefficiencies. As the company and its ITT Defense & Information Solutions began to focus more on provid- ing new products and integrated networked solutions, it restructured its communications team.
In July, ITT Defense brought its communications under three value centers: electronic systems, geospatial systems, and information systems. ITT went through a round of layoffs that cut about 4% of employees, including four within ITT Defense's communications department.
For David Albritton, VP of communications, the goal is to foster innovation and get the team to view communications more holistically, rather than "by press release," he says.
While the team was previously tactic-focused, "we now focus more strategically," adds Albritton. "We're more aggressive at beating the bushes for opportunities, speaking engagements, thought leadership, and using social media tools as a mechanism to really tell our brand story."
Working with PR agency Qorvis, Albritton continues to report to Angela Buonocore, SVP and CCO at ITT, as well as ITT Defense president Dave Melcher. l
