Michael Thacker

Current

Worldwide Public Relations Manager, Technology Solutions Group at Hewlett-Packard

Past

Manager, Technology Practice at Burson-Marsteller
Sr. PR Manager at BEA Systems
Corp. Comm. Manager at Intuit

Account Supervisor at PepperCom
Senior Account Executive at Neva Group

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Education

Boston University
Drexel University

Recommended

6 people have recommended Michael

Connections

500+ connections

Industry

Public Relations and Communications

Websites

My Blog

Michael Thacker’s Summary

With over 12 years of professional experience, Michael Thacker holds a wealth of experience in creating, developing and implementing public relations campaigns, including product launch and reviews programs, brand-building campaigns, and programs designed to reach technology audiences ranging from grass roots developers to C-level executives. Michael’s dual background in engineering and communications brings a unique prospective to the field and the companies he represents.

Michael Thacker’s Specialties:

message development, corporate positioning, business and trade media relations, analyst relations, executive visibility, employee communications

Michael Thacker’s Experience

Worldwide Public Relations Manager, Technology Solutions Group

Hewlett-Packard

(Public Company; 10,001 or more employees; HPQ; Information Technology and Services industry)

April 2007 — Present (2 years 4 months)

Responsible for delivering on key external communications campaigns and elements to support HP’s Data Center Transformation solutions and enterprise alliances.
Manager, Technology Practice

Burson-Marsteller

(Public Company; WPPGY; Public Relations and Communications industry)

August 2005 — April 2007 (1 year 9 months)

Managed day-to-day activities of public relations programs and teams associated with HP's Technology Solutions Group. Led Global Alliances/Partnership PR (acting as internal lead since February 2006), and have also led PR teams for two other HP Business Units: Communications, Media and Entertainment; and ProCurve Networking by HP. Added client value while maintaining and growing Burson Marsteller’s profitability by managing team members and insuring high client satisfaction. Supervised the work of team members, and contribute to their individual professional development. Oversaw work for HP with junior account handlers, internal service departments, external vendors, news media, and other PR firms.
Sr. PR Manager

BEA Systems

(Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; BEAS; Computer Software industry)

September 2004 — August 2005 (1 year)

Interfaced with company executives, technologists, marketing directors to develop domestic and international public relations strategies in support of developer relations initiatives and the products and technologies that support them.
Corp. Comm. Manager

Intuit

(Public Company; 5001-10,000 employees; INTU; Computer Software industry)

January 1999 — August 2004 (5 years 8 months)

Responsible for leading and driving communication activities that help drive awareness and demand for Intuit’s line of products and services for small businesses, developers and consumers. Responsibilities included:
• Worked with internal business leaders to develop and execute communications plans that help drive business goals. Trained and supported company spokespeople in conducting media interviews, giving presentations and performing product demos.
• Maintained relationships and provided strategic counsel to multiple business units on issues such as key messaging, product launches, crisis communications, analyst relations, customer issues and competitive intelligence.
• Built and maintained relationships with key media and industry influencers.
• Developed core PR documents.
• Managed day-to-day work of external PR agency.
• Regularly reported results throughout the organization.
Account Supervisor

PepperCom

(Partnership; 11-50 employees; Public Relations and Communications industry)

March 1997 — December 1998 (1 year 10 months)

Managed Interactive Marketing practice area (top-ten new media practice named by Inside PR, 1997), offering public relations and publicity support activities for agency clients.
Senior Account Executive

Neva Group

(Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Public Relations and Communications industry)

October 1995 — February 1997 (1 year 5 months)

Developed excellent media (trade and business press) and analyst relations on behalf of clients. Pursued editorial opportunities, reactive and proactive. Followed-up on editorial calendar, developed pitch letters and brought opportunities to fruition. Pursued speaking engagements. Leveraged the Internet to promote client programs. Planned and supported press tours, including support of conference calls and on-site briefings. Conducted research and analyzed results of qualitative research surveys. Developed and maintained press kit materials and media and analyst databases. Maintained client clip files. Responsible for day-to-day client communications and service. Developed program objectives, strategies and tactics. Prepared monthly status reports. Developed and placed news releases, application stories and bylined articles. Clients included: Xedia Corporation, Concord Communications, Vibrint Technologies, Eicon Technology Corporation and InterAct 96.

Michael Thacker’s Education

Boston University

MS , Corporate Public Affairs , 1994 — 1995

Recipient of the Friedlander fellowship from the New England Medical Center (NEMC); particpated in an internship program in the External Affairs department at NEMC.

Activities and Societies:

Senior resident assistant -- supervising a staff of 12 resident assistants who oversee over 2000 undergraduate student residents, Macintosh lab assistant, editor of a BU-based e-zine.
Drexel University

BS , Chemical Engineering , 1989 — 1994

Employment while at Drexel included 2 6-month programs at Mobil Chemical Company (Edison NJ and Houston TX) and 1 6-month co-op with Armstrong World Industries (Lancaster PA)

Activities and Societies:

Resident Assistant, Student Dean of Admissions (led student tour and ambassadorship programs)