Yale University Names Mattia Chief Communications Officer, Special Advisor to President

Published: October 27, 2009

Thomas G. Mattia

New Haven, Conn. — Yale University today appointed Thomas G. Mattia, a former Coca-Cola Company senior executive with international public affairs, communications and social responsibility background, as its Chief Communications Officer and Special Advisor to President Richard C. Levin, effective Nov. 1.

Mattia will oversee the University’s Office of Public Affairs and coordinate the communications function across the University. He will be part of the Secretary’s Office, reporting to Vice President and Secretary Linda K. Lorimer, working directly with Levin and participating in the president’s administration.

“Tom brings substantial experience in global communications to Yale,” Levin said. “As the new Chief Communications Officer, Tom will enhance and strengthen further Yale’s communications programs, both domestically and internationally, and he will work closely with all of the press officers around the campus.”

Mattia was a senior vice president of The Coca-Cola Company and retired on March 1. During his tenure as the company’s head of Public Affairs and Communications he was instrumental in the company’s initiatives in water stewardship, workplace rights, sustainability and reputation management. He has served as the senior communications officer of two Fortune 100 companies, directly counseled four CEOs and managed reputational issues for four major global brands — Coca-Cola, Ford, IBM and EDS.

“We are delighted that someone of Tom’s proven talent has agreed to direct Yale’s communication efforts and we look forward to his vision for sharing information about Yale’s many contributions with a broad public.” Lorimer said.

Mattia began his communications career as a journalist on several East Coast daily newspapers, joining IBM in 1980. Over 10 years he helped launch the original IBM PC and managed communications for the company’s divestiture of operations in South Africa.

He worked five years in the public relations agency business, primarily as executive vice president of Hill and Knowlton Asia based in Hong Kong, and joined the Ford Motor Company in 1995 as director of a newly created international communications department. He went on to serve as director of North American Public Affairs and vice president of Lincoln Mercury. He then spent five years as corporate vice president of Communications for computer consulting leader EDS, shepherding the company through rapid growth, extreme financial collapse and CEO change.

Mattia, 60, joined The Coca-Cola Company in January 2006 and worked closely with former Chairman and CEO E. Neville Isdell in establishing the company’s position on sustainability and social responsibility, moving the company to leadership positions in corporate reputation and brand recognition. As a member of the company’s executive committee, he took a lead role in developing and instituting cross functional sustainability programs and establishing clear, transparent and timely communications.

“I believe the future of our world depends on making the intersection of academia, business, civil society and government work for the betterment of mankind. Yale University is one of a small handful of institutions around the globe capable and prepared to engage. I am delighted to have the opportunity to help,” Mattia said. “I look forward to adding my talents to the energized, innovative community that is the students, faculty, administration and alumni of Yale University.”

A photograph of Thomas Mattia can be downloaded here.

PRESS CONTACT: Tom Conroy 203-432-1345