Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) announced the appointment of K.C. Kavanagh as SVP, Chief Communications Officer. Ms. Kavanagh succeeds Paul Cohen who will retire after nearly 17 years at Visa.
As Chief Communications Officer, Ms. Kavanagh will be responsible for all aspects of corporate and brand communications, as well as reputation management, employee and executive communications.
Ms. Kavanagh will join Visa from AT&T, where she most recently served as Chief Communications Officer, leading executive and employee communications, media relations, financial communications, crisis management and social media. Before joining AT&T, she led communications for Bacardi Limited, the largest privately-held spirits company in the world. Ms. Kavanagh also led communications for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide for 18 years.
“K.C.’s broad experience across all facets of communications, her global mindset and leadership roles within high-profile brand and purpose-led companies will help Visa maintain its trusted reputation, as we continue to grow the business,” said Kelly Mahon Tullier, vice chair and chief people and administrative officer of Visa Inc. “Just as importantly, K.C. is passionate about people development and fostering positive, high-performing cultures.”
Ms. Kavanagh holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Lake Forest College and an executive education certificate from Harvard Business School.