Thomas Crosson
Managing Director
Tom brings two decades of experience advising companies and senior executives on communications strategy surrounding complex transactions, shareholder activism, crises and other high-profile corporate events. He also advises clients on investor relations, corporate positioning and reputation management.
Before joining Joele Frank, Tom held senior communications roles at several large public and private companies, most recently leading internal and external communications at Norfolk Southern. Prior to that, he led corporate communications for Inspire Brands, served as head of media relations for Truist Financial, and was head of communications for SunTrust’s Wholesale Banking segment, which included corporate and investment banking, commercial banking, commercial real estate and treasury. Tom began his career in Washington, D.C., where he led communications for a leading banking trade association, served as a senior communications advisor to two Members of Congress, and worked on the staff of the House Committee on Oversight.
Recent Highlights
Select Experience
M&A / Transactions
Tom advises clients on communications surrounding complex mergers, acquisitions and strategic investments, including both negotiated and unsolicited transactions. Notable engagements include SunTrust Banks and BB&T on their merger of equals; Inspire Brands on its acquisition of Dunkin’ Brands; Norfolk Southern on its merger with Union Pacific; Verizon on its acquisition of Frontier Communications; Webster Bank on its transaction with Banco Santander; Qorvo on its transaction with Skyworks; Iridium Communications on its transaction with Rocket Lab; and MP Materials on its transformational public-private investment with the U.S. Government.
Shareholder Activism Defense
Tom advises companies and boards on communications strategy in connection with shareholder activism, including preparedness, investor engagement, contested situations and settlement announcements. He has counseled companies in their interactions with a range of activist investors, including Ancora Holdings, D.E. Shaw, Elliott, Engine Capital, Irenic, Mantle Ridge, Politan, Sachem Head, Starboard, Third Point, and Vision One.
Crisis Communications
Tom advises companies navigating complex, high-stakes situations, including government investigations, regulatory actions, litigation, Congressional inquiries, leadership changes, labor matters, industrial accidents, workforce restructurings and geopolitical and societal issues. He works closely with management teams and legal counsel to develop communications strategies that support business and legal objectives while protecting corporate reputation.
Corporate Communications and Reputation Management
Tom advises companies on corporate positioning, media relations, executive visibility, thought leadership, employee communications and reputation management. Drawing on his experience across corporate communications, financial services and public affairs, he helps management teams identify emerging vulnerabilities, prepare for high-profile events and strengthen engagement with key stakeholders. He frequently partners with legal counsel and government affairs teams on matters at the intersection of business, policy and reputation.
Investor Relations
Tom works with management teams and financial and legal advisors to develop investor messaging and communications strategies around quarterly earnings, investor days, corporate strategy announcements, leadership transitions, M&A and other significant corporate events. He helps companies articulate their strategy, performance and value proposition clearly and credibly to investors and other financial stakeholders.
In Conversation
Personal Side
In the News
Credentials
Tom earned a BA in political science and economics from Purdue University, and an MBA in strategy from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society’s Page Up and the Financial Communications Society.