Heather Askew is a transformative communications and strategy executive whose 25-year career has been defined by her ability to guide organizations through complexity, cultivate purpose-driven cultures, and elevate the voices and values that shape lasting success. From early roles in fast-evolving corporate environments to senior leadership positions within global enterprises and top-tier consulting, she has built a career rooted in curiosity, clarity, and an unwavering belief in the power of communication to move organizations forward. Her journey reflects both depth and range—geographically, operationally, and strategically—making her an influential leader across industries and regions.
Heather’s professional story begins with her foundation in English and Philosophy, disciplines that shaped her instinct for inquiry, narrative understanding, and human insight. These early academic pursuits at Georgia State University provided the intellectual grounding that would later inform her approach to executive alignment, cultural engagement, and organizational storytelling. Her transition into corporate communications was a natural extension of her passion for understanding people, how they make decisions, and how organizations can inspire meaningful action.
Her early career included communications leadership roles with The Home Depot and MCI WorldCom, where she honed her ability to translate technical and operational priorities into clear, compelling narratives that employees could rally behind. These formative years sharpened her understanding of large-scale organizational dynamics and the critical relationship between communication and performance. They also gave her firsthand exposure to the operational heartbeat of major corporations—insight that later became essential as she stepped into more strategic, enterprise-level roles.
Heather’s progression into global communications leadership at Columbian Chemicals Company and later as Assistant Chancellor for Communications at South University marked a pivotal broadening of her expertise. In these roles, she developed a nuanced command of change management, institutional reputation, and stakeholder engagement. She oversaw initiatives that strengthened employee trust, guided executives through organizational transitions, and reinforced shared purpose across widely distributed teams. Her influence expanded beyond messaging into the cultural transformation work that supports organizational resilience and long-term stability.
Her tenure as Director of Communications for Oldcastle, Inc. deepened her experience within industrial goods, an industry where she would spend much of her career. Here, Heather led the communications strategy for a complex, multifaceted business undergoing constant evolution and integration. Her work supported leaders through acquisitions, operational modernization, and cultural alignment efforts that impacted thousands of employees. She became known for her ability to make the complicated simple, the abstract tangible, and the urgent actionable.
Heather’s next chapter—seven years with BCG BrightHouse, including three as Managing Director—marked her entrance into the world of purpose consultancy and high-impact strategic advisory. At BrightHouse, she collaborated with C-suites across sectors and geographies, helping uncover and articulate organizational purpose, reshape company culture, and integrate strategic communications into long-range transformation efforts. Her time there allowed her to see not only how top leaders make decisions, but what differentiates the ones who make lasting, principled ones. These experiences sharpened her ability to counsel boards, partner with senior leaders, and influence decision-making at the highest levels.
In 2023, Heather returned to Oldcastle, Inc., now branded CRH, as Vice President of Communications, where she continues to lead communication strategies for one of the world’s leading building materials companies. Her work spans executive communications, employee engagement, strategic positioning, and stakeholder alignment in a global, rapidly evolving industry. She brings to the role her signature blend of clear thinking, grounded leadership, and purposeful storytelling—qualities that leave a measurable imprint on people, culture, and performance.
Heather’s career has also been shaped by a truly international perspective. She has collaborated with teams across Eastern and Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and North America, gaining an appreciation for the cultural nuances and shared motivations that connect global workforces. This global exposure, combined with her background in consulting and corporate leadership, has made her particularly adept at guiding organizations through cross-regional integration and unifying diverse teams under common purpose.
Beyond her executive roles, Heather has contributed meaningfully to the broader professional community through board and advisory service, including her work with the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association and the International Association of Business Communicators. She is equally committed to personal passions—especially equestrian pursuits and writing—which reflect her dedication to discipline, expression, and lifelong learning.
Heather is motivated today by a belief that organizations succeed when they activate purpose, elevate people, and communicate with transparency and conviction. With more than two decades of observing leadership decision-making across industries, she brings a seasoned, discerning perspective to board service and strategic advising. She understands not only how organizations function, but how they flourish—and she is driven to shape environments where clarity, connection, and trust enable transformative outcomes.
Character:
She demonstrates integrity in every aspect of her leadership, consistently grounding her decisions in principle and empathy. She values transparency and brings a steady, thoughtful presence to complex organizational challenges. Her commitment to elevating others reflects a deep belief in collaboration and shared success.
Knowledge:
Heather’s 25-year career has equipped her with a rich, cross-functional understanding of communications, strategy, and purpose activation. She draws from experiences across industries and continents, applying a nuanced global perspective to every challenge. Her insights are informed by both academic grounding and hands-on executive leadership.
Strategic:
Heather approaches every situation with long-term thinking and a sophisticated understanding of organizational systems. She excels at aligning people, processes, and priorities around strategic objectives that drive sustained value. Her counsel enables leaders to make decisions that are not only impactful but enduring.
Communication:
A masterful storyteller who transforms complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives that inspire action. She understands how to reach audiences at every level, from frontline teams to boardrooms. Her communication style strengthens trust, enhances alignment, and empowers organizations to move forward with confidence.
