Open to opportunities

Irving Balbuena

@irvingbalbuena

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Strategic communications leader with 17+ years in internal, external, and crisis communications.

Mexico

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What I'm looking for

Looking for a leadership role in corporate communications where I can shape strategy, build reputation, and drive impact across global teams.

Trilingual in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, with 17+ years leading internal, external, and crisis communications for global B2B and B2C companies. My experience spans Kavak, Amazon, BIC, Dow, HP, P&G, BMW, and agencies like Porter Novelli. I specialize in building brand trust, aligning messaging across cultures and leadership levels, and turning communications into business impact.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Global Director of Internal Communications and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Current

KAVAK

Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 5 months)

Built and led Kavak’s first global internal communications and DEI function, aligning corporate narratives across 10 countries and engaging up to 8,000 employees. Developed executive communication strategies and led crisis communications, strengthening employee trust and corporate reputation.

Internal Communications Crisis Management Executive Communication Reputation Management Employee Engagement LinkedIn Strategy Corporate Messaging Team Leadership Strategic Planning Diversity And Inclusion

Head of Operations Internal Communications for Latin America

AMAZON

Nov 2020 - Jan 2022 (1 year 2 months)

Built and led Amazon’s first Operations Internal Communications function for LATAM, launching it across 60+ sites. Designed multi-channel communication strategies and expanded inclusion initiatives for frontline employees, enhancing workplace culture.

Internal Communications Multi channel Strategy Employee Engagement Team Management Inclusion Initiatives Brand Positioning Stakeholder Engagement Communication Strategy Leadership Crisis Communications

Head of Communications for Latin America

BIC

Sep 2019 - Oct 2020 (1 year 1 month)

Established and led the LATAM Communications area, tripling media publications across Latin America and implementing new internal communications processes that significantly increased employee engagement.

Brand Communications Communications Strategy Media Relations Employee Engagement Internal Communications Team Leadership Process Improvement Stakeholder Management Public Relations Strategic Planning

LATAM Marketing & Digital Communications Manager, Industrial Solutions

DOW

Feb 2018 - Jul 2019 (1 year 5 months)

Doubled leads through a comprehensive Marketing Communications Strategy and chaired communications for Dow’s internal LGBT+ affinity group, enhancing both internal and external communications.

Marketing Communications Lead Generation Digital Strategy Internal Communications LGBT+ Advocacy Stakeholder Engagement Team Leadership Strategic Planning Brand Management Communication Strategy

LATAM Marketing & Digital Communications Manager, Polyurethanes

DOW

Mar 2017 - Mar 2018 (1 year)

Implemented MundoPU.com to influence Polyurethane LATAM business customers, achieving significant visitor engagement and registrations in the first three months.

Digital Marketing Website Management Customer Engagement Marketing Strategy Stakeholder Management Brand Positioning Lead Generation Team Collaboration Project Management Communication

LATAM External Communications Specialist, North Region

DOW

May 2014 - Feb 2017 (2 years 9 months)

Established the External Communications function for Mexico, significantly increasing media impressions in the first year and enhancing brand visibility.

External Communications Media Relations Brand Visibility Stakeholder Engagement Communication Strategy Public Relations Team Leadership Strategic Planning Content Creation Crisis Management

Account Supervisor

PORTER NOVELLI

Feb 2011 - May 2014 (3 years 3 months)

Supervised accounts for B2B and B2C companies, managing communication strategies and enhancing client relationships across various sectors.

Account Management B2B Communications B2C Communications Client Relations Strategic Planning Media Relations Team Leadership Project Management Communication Strategy Brand Management

LATAM Public Affairs Intern

DOW

May 2008 - Jan 2011 (2 years 8 months)

Supported public affairs initiatives across Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, gaining valuable experience in communications and stakeholder engagement.