Melissa Marasco is an accomplished global communications and brand strategist with over 15 years of experience in leading high-impact, strategic communication initiatives for top-tier brands across various industries. With expertise in corporate communications, media relations, crisis management, executive thought leadership, and brand storytelling, she has successfully shaped public-facing narratives for C-suite executives at renowned global companies such as Amazon, Intuit, Yahoo, LinkedIn, Cisco, and Guardant Health.

Melissa has a proven track record in driving business success through strategic communications that align with organizational goals. Her experience spans leading transformative brand campaigns, new product launches, reputation management, and high-profile speaking engagements. She has advised CEOs and senior leaders on crafting key messaging and positioning to build credibility, enhance corporate reputation, and foster stakeholder engagement.

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At Guardant Health, Melissa has played a pivotal role in the company’s repositioning from precision oncology to a smart liquid biopsy platform. She has led the execution of C-level communications strategies, managed executive media relations, and overseen speaking opportunities at top-tier industry events like Milken, WIRED, Collision, and Bloomberg Tech. Melissa's leadership in corporate rebranding efforts and her expertise in internal communications during leadership transitions have contributed to Guardant’s ongoing growth and visibility in the healthcare sector.

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Prior to Guardant, Melissa led high-profile communications strategies for Zoox, where she played a key role in the company’s emergence from stealth mode. Her leadership in branding, media relations, and public affairs helped secure over 8 billion media impressions, winning PRSA Bronze Anvil and SABRE Finalist awards. As a result, Zoox successfully positioned itself as a leader in autonomous vehicle technology before its acquisition by Amazon.

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Throughout her career, Melissa has delivered exceptional results for some of the world’s most respected brands, including Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Boeing, Procter & Gamble, and Lufthansa. Her strategic communications expertise extends to managing reputation crises, developing and executing change management strategies, and advising on corporate rebrands. Melissa has also been instrumental in securing major media coverage and leading influencer-driven campaigns, with notable work in celebrity and testimonial storytelling for brands like Skinny Cow, Keep A Breast Foundation, and Pharrell Williams.

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A dynamic and results-oriented leader, Melissa is passionate about developing impactful communications strategies that drive brand growth, strengthen organizational culture, and build long-term relationships with key stakeholders.