Joanne Birtwistle is Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Johnson Controls leading the global communications function focusing on effective and impactful communications strategies. The communications function is charged with building compelling stories and messaging that elevate and celebrate Johnson Controls and our purpose, as well as creating engaging channels and content that foster a culture of innovation, transparency and authenticity to support business growth, brand, reputation, culture, employee engagement and shareholder value.

Joanne has spent the majority of her career in communication roles, working in corporate, field offices and manufacturing business units around the globe at Johnson Controls and Tyco in the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific. She previously held communications roles in the public sector, most notably in local government services.

Joanne attended the Manchester Metropolitan University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in corporate communications with majors in communication strategy, business communications, crisis management and public relations. She has attended executive education programs at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and is Kaizen-facilitator and Prosci Change Management trained.

She serves as an active board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee.