We operate in an environment defined by velocity, scrutiny, and noise.

Strategy moves faster than alignment. Leadership intent gets distorted in translation. Board expectations evolve. Stakeholders react before organizations are ready.

In these moments, communication is not a messaging exercise. It is a structural discipline.

When narrative, leadership behavior, and stakeholder perception diverge, risk accelerates.

My work focuses on restoring clarity, alignment, and executive control during consequential moments.

I advise senior leaders navigating high-stakes, high-scrutiny moments.

Organizations typically engage me when:

• A communications leader has exited — or is on temporary leave — and stability is needed

• A CEO wants to stress-test strategy or messaging without adding permanent headcount

• Growth, transformation, or restructuring has exposed narrative gaps

• Regulatory, investor, or reputational pressure is increasing 

• The board needs alignment and confidence in the company’s voice 

• Customers, partners, or employees need reassurance as uncertainty rises 

My work most often takes the form of:

• Interim / Fractional Chief Communications Officer/Head of Corporate Communications

• Corporate narrative and positioning

• Executive and leadership communications

• Crisis, risk, and reputation advisory

• Change, culture, and employee engagement

The objective is not activity. It is durable clarity, alignment, and confidence in moments where getting the message right truly matters.  

I’ve operated in complex, regulated, and high-visibility environments where misalignment carries real consequences.

Former senior communications leader at:

• Travelers

• AIG

• Citigroup

• Take-Two Interactive

• Robinson Lerer & Montgomery (now FGS Global)

Experience spans executive positioning, regulatory scrutiny, enterprise transformation, investor communication, and leadership transition.

I understand how narrative intersects with governance, power, and risk.

Leadership clarity is rarely urgent — until it is.

If your communications function is between leaders, under strain, or misaligned with strategy, let’s discuss how to stabilize and strengthen it.

Schedule a Confidential Conversation

Direct. Discreet. Practical.

Email: anknerj@gmail.com 

Phone: (917) 763-4175

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jamesankner  

All conversations are treated with the highest level of discretion, and every inquiry is treated with strict confidentiality. Trust is the foundation of effective communication — and effective leadership.