Communications Lead, Innovation

KONE; Espoo; On-site; EUR 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

KONE is seeking a Communications Lead, Innovation to shape the external narrative on AI, technology and innovation, driving growth and market differentiation. You will partner with the Head of Strategy Communications, C-suite leaders across Technology & Innovation, Service and Major Projects, and Marketing to create impact-driven storytelling.

This is a permanent role based in Espoo, Finland. Join us to lead thought leadership, elevate our brand, and deliver scalable communications programs

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in strategic communications in a multinational or listed company environment.
• Proven ability to combine strategic advisory with hands-on delivery.
• Extensive experience in strategic communications, thought leadership and external positioning.
• Strong track record in driving global external communications and media impact.

Responsibilities

• Drive thought leadership and external communications across AI, technology and innovation.
• Lead global programs, platforms and assets; enable local teams with scalable narratives.
• Advise senior leaders on messaging, tone and reputational considerations.
• Develop and coach senior spokespeople for EXB-level leadership exposure.
• Ensure alignment of external narratives with product launches and business priorities.

Skills

Strategic communications

Executive positioning

Thought leadership

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Storytelling & writing

Job description

The People & Communications team enables business performance and competitiveness through engaged and capable people, strong reputation management, impactful internal and external communications, and great employee experiences. The team plays a critical role in bringing KONE’s strategy to life, strengthening the company story and supporting business growth.

Within this, the Global Strategy Communications team is responsible for defining and driving KONE’s global strategic narratives aligned with business priorities and key topics. The team develops overarching storylines and thought leadership positioning, translates complex priorities into clear, insight-led narratives, and enables consistent and compelling storytelling across channels and stakeholders. With a primary focus on external communications and thought leadership, the team also provides strategic advisory to senior leaders on change & transformation, risks and reputational considerations, while offering selective guidance on internal communications to ensure alignment between internal and external narratives.

We are now looking for a

Communications Lead, Innovation

to play a critical role in this model, owning and driving KONE’s external narrative on AI, technology and innovation to support growth, differentiation and market impact.

The role reports to the Head of Strategy Communications and works in close partnership with C-suite leaders across KONE Technology & Innovation, Service business line and Major Projects, as well as with Marketing and global communications teams.

This is a permanent position located in Espoo, Finland.

What You Will Deliver

Drive thought leadership and external communications (:70%)

• Own KONE’s innovation narrative, thought leadership, executive positioning and product relevance in AI, technology and innovation
• Develop distinctive, insight-led points of view that strengthen KONE’s positioning as an innovation leader
• Lead and activate global thought leadership platforms, aligned with strategic priorities and external trends
• Drive top-tier global media visibility, strengthening share of voice and quality coverage
• Build compelling external narratives that elevate KONE’s customer value and innovation story
• Partner closely with Marketing to connect product launches to external trends and market relevance
• Translate complex technical topics into clear, engaging and scalable storytelling
• Ensure strong product, service and portfolio relevance in external communications
• Apply data, insights and AI to continuously improve content effectiveness, reach and efficiency

Strategic advisory & leadership enablement (:30%)

• Act as a trusted senior advisor to C-suite and senior leaders across KONE Technology & Innovation, Service and Major Projects
• Provide guidance on strategic positioning, messaging, tone and reputational considerations
• Support and develop senior spokespersons, including selected EXB-level leaders
• Lead internal and change communications related to key initiatives, transformation and sensitive topics
• Enable leaders with clear narratives, communication tools and coaching
• Support key corporate moments (e.g. quarterly results, leadership forums) as relevant to the topic

End-to-end delivery & global enablement

• Drive hands-on development and delivery of global communications programs and campaigns
• Create scalable narratives, toolkits and assets for Area and frontline teams
• Ensure alignment and consistency across global and local communications
• Act as a content and narrative engine, feeding into media, marketing, business and regional teams
• Work seamlessly across Global Communications to break silos and maximize impact

What You'll Bring

• 15+ years of experience with a focus on strategic communications in a multinational or listed company environment and/or similar
• Ability to combine strategic advisory with hands-on delivery
• Extensive experience in strategic communications, thought leadership and external positioning
• Proven ability to challenge, influence and convince senior stakeholders and C-suite leaders
• Strong track record in driving global external communications and media impact
• Experience in AI, technology, digital or innovation-related topics
• Strong understanding of market dynamics, competition and external trends
• Experience working cross-functionally, including with Marketing and business leaders
• Excellent storytelling, writing and content development skills
• Strong judgment in managing sensitive and high-stakes topics
• Ability to operate with agility across priorities and stakeholders
• Strong analytics skills and understanding of how to use data-led insights to drive thought leadership

Success in this role looks like

• KONE is recognized as a credible, differentiated thought leader in AI, technology and innovation
• Increased external visibility, share of voice and quality coverage
• Clear, consistent market narratives adopted across the organization
• Senior leaders are confident, visible and impactful external voices
• Communications is seen as a trusted strategic partner driving business outcomes
• Thought leadership and communications contribute to demand generation and growth

How You Will Work

• Partner closely with KONE Technology & Innovation, Service and Major Projects leadership
• Collaborate with Marketing, Media Relations, Investor Relations and regional teams
• Contribute to a topic-led, insight-driven communications model focused on thought leadership, external visibility and market impact

At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life.