Ben Hawken

Experience

• FractalComms

  Executive Director

  May 2025 - Present

  FractalComms is a company specializing in communication strategies and services for businesses.

• One of the Top 40,000,000 books on Amazon

  Author, “Chandelier”

  Aug 2024 - Present

  “Chandelier” is one of the books ranked among the top 40,000,000 on Amazon.

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  GitHub

  Creative Marketing Director

  Jun 2022 - Present

  GitHub provides a platform for developers to collaborate and build software for both open source and private projects.

  • Developed strategic storytelling and brand-building material for the groundbreaking AI product GitHub Copilot.
  • Responsible for translating complex AI capabilities into compelling narratives across global campaigns.
  • Led content strategy and development for materials targeting enterprise leadership.
  • Created branded content for GitHub Universe, social media, community engagement, events, ticket sales, and category development
  • Executed targeted marketing communications and content strategy efforts for CISOs and CIOs.
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  Qualtrics

  Head of Qualtrics Studios

  Mar 2021 - Jun 2022

  Qualtrics provides experience management tools that help organizations manage critical business data and improve decision-making.

  • Champion for the creative vision and execution of the Qualtrics brand across video, motion, and web.
  • Oversaw Qualtrics Studios, creating original entertainment content geared toward educating businesses on experience management.
  • Produced content for quarterly webinars integral to generating 60% of the sales pipeline.
  • Facilitated multimedia ventures focusing on brand engagement and consumer education.
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  Microsoft

  Director Of Communications

  Aug 2012 - Mar 2021

  Microsoft develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells software products and services worldwide.

  • Led strategic evolution of executive communications, enhancing brand tone and messaging frameworks.
  • Developed Brad Anderson's personal brand, pioneering the "The Shiproom" series with 45 million annual views.
  • Achieved 460% social media growth during 2019-2021, boosting engagement rate to top 2% worldwide.
  • Created keynote presentations for executives, significantly reducing cost per qualified lead by 86%.
  • Launched notable series including “Tough Call” and the diversity “Lunch Break” series.
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  Microsoft

  Marketing Communications Manager

  Nov 2010 - Nov 2012

  • Managed the end-to-end keynote development process for high-stakes executive communications.
  • Crafted targeted media outreach material effectively enhancing customer engagement.
  • Directed and wrote impactful customer and keynote videos to support strategic objectives.
  • Oversaw development of compelling internal communication content.

• Projectline

  Account Director

  Oct 2008 - Nov 2010

  Projectline specializes in crafting marketing campaigns to enhance client engagement and drive brand success.

  • Led successful marketing campaigns for major tech companies including Microsoft, BlackBerry, and Intel.
  • Facilitated cross-functional team collaboration to optimize campaign strategies and outcomes.
  • Enhanced brand visibility and client engagement across multiple digital platforms.
  • Strategized marketing efforts contributing to increased brand recognition and market share.
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  MikeWorldWide

  Account Supervisor

  Nov 2007 - Sep 2008

  MikeWorldWide (MWW) is an independent public relations agency elevating B2B and B2C brand impact through communication strategies.

  • Directed PR strategies for global tech client Samsung, strengthening their brand through NFL sponsorships.
  • Provided executive training in public speaking and media interviews, enhancing client executive profiles.
  • Crafted engaging and persuasive public narratives to drive brand reputation and recognition.
  • Facilitated successful media relations campaigns enhancing corporate partnerships and visibility.
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  Connors Communications

  Senior Account Executive / Media Manager

  May 2006 - Oct 2007

  Connors Communications operates as an online marketing agency excelling in SEO, blogging, and social media strategies.

  • Planned and supervised effective media outreach, driving brand visibility and engagement.
  • Provided training in interview techniques and public speaking, boosting client presentation skills.
  • Executed strategic communication plans enhancing brand narrative and market presence.
  • Collaborated cross-departmentally to streamline communication and achieve corporate objectives.

• State House of Representatives Campaign

  Campaign Manager

  Dec 2004 - Apr 2005

  State House of Representatives Campaign focuses on political outreach and election campaigning for legislative candidates.

  • Developed comprehensive campaign strategy and messaging for the Texas 97th District election.
  • Led team efforts in grassroots organization and community outreach initiatives.
  • Utilized data-driven insights to refine campaign tactics and voter engagement.
  • Facilitated volunteer coordination and resource allocation to maximize campaign impact.
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  Stanton Communications

  Account Coordinator

  Jun 2004 - Nov 2004

  Stanton Communications provides strategic public relations and public affairs services to varied industries nationwide.

  • Created compelling feature material and media outreach for clients such as Sprint-Nextel and Party City.
  • Drafted executive communications and strategic content enhancing client visibility.
  • Coordinated cross-functional team efforts to execute communication strategies effectively.
  • Managed communication channels, fostering enhanced client relationships and engagement.

• WSU Marketing Communications Department

  Marketing Communications Executive Producer

  Oct 2003 - May 2004

  WSU Marketing Communications Department focuses on strategic marketing communication initiatives for Washington State University.

  • Developed and directed engaging recruiting materials effectively attracting prospective students.
  • Coordinated with academic departments to ensure uniform messaging and branding.
  • Implemented multimedia strategies for outreach campaigns, broadening engagement reach.
  • Researched and analyzed recruitment trends to inform strategic communication decisions.