Media Relations Lead

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 experience. The team plays a critical role in bringing KONE’s strategy and narrative to life, strengthening the company story, positioning and supporting business growth.

We are now looking for a

Media Relations Lead

to drive KONE’s global media strategy, strengthen the company’s reputation and visibility, and position KONE as a trusted voice on the topics shaping our industry.

The role is responsible for building and executing a proactive, high-impact media agenda that amplifies strategic priorities, supports business growth and protects corporate reputation.

Within this, the Global Media Relations and Crisis Communications team is responsible for shaping and protecting KONE’s reputation through strategic media engagement, executive visibility and impactful external communications.

The team drives proactive media relations globally, strengthens KONE’s positioning on key business and industry topics, manages relationships with priority media stakeholders, and ensures consistent, compelling and newsworthy storytelling across markets and channels. The team plays a critical role in building trust and safeguarding reputation in high-stake situations, increasing visibility and supporting business objectives through earned media and executive communications in owned and earned channels.

The role reports to the Head of Media Relations and Crisis Communications and works in close partnership with the Executive Board, Investor Relations, Marketing, business leadership teams, and communications colleagues across the globe.

This position is flexible across major KONE office locations. Preference is for Espoo, but we welcome candidates in the same time zone who are able to travel regularly when needed.

What you will deliver

Global media strategy & external visibility (~70%)

• Own and drive KONE’s global media relations strategy, aligned with business priorities and reputation objectives.
• Lead proactive media engagement to strengthen KONE’s visibility, credibility and share of voice in key markets.
• Develop integrated media plans and compelling narratives around strategic priorities, innovation, sustainability, growth initiatives and business performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier international, business, financial and industry media.
• Identify and activate opportunities that support executive visibility, thought leadership and KONE’s market positioning.
• Monitor media trends, sentiment and emerging issues, translating insights into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate across Global Communications and regional teams to maximize earned media impact.
• Leverage data, analytics and AI-enabled tools to optimize media effectiveness and performance.

Strategic advisory & leadership enablement (~30%)

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Board and senior leaders on media strategy, executive positioning and reputation management.
• Provide strategic counsel on messaging, stakeholder expectations, opportunities and risks.
• Prepare and coach senior spokespersons for media engagements, major announcements and high-profile events.
• Partner with Investor Relations and business leadership on financial communications, transformation initiatives and key corporate milestones.
• Advise leadership on emerging media dynamics, public discourse and stakeholder perceptions.

Global execution & capability building

• Lead the end-to-end execution of global media programs, campaigns and major announcements.
• Develop scalable messaging frameworks, media toolkits and communication assets for global and regional teams.
• Ensure consistent messaging and media engagement across markets.
• Strengthen media relations capabilities across the communications network and foster effective cross-functional collaboration.

What you'll bring

• 15+ years of experience in media relations, corporate communications, public affairs or reputation management in a multinational or listed company environment and/or similar
• Strong track record of securing high-impact international media coverage and executive visibility
• Extensive experience advising senior executives, including C-suite leaders
• Deep understanding of global media landscapes, stakeholder expectations and reputation dynamics
• Proven ability to identify opportunities and translate business strategy into compelling media narratives
• Excellent media coaching and spokesperson preparation skills
• Exceptional judgment in managing sensitive, complex and high-profile issues
• Advanced stakeholder management and influencing capabilities
• Well-developed writing, storytelling and message creating skills
• Ability to work in a corporate setting and combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment

The impact you'll make

• KONE is recognized as a relevant, visible and credible voice on the themes shaping its industry
• Increased share of voice and high-quality global media coverage in priority markets
• Strong, consistent reputation-enhancing narratives adopted across the organization
• Senior leaders are effective, visible and trusted public spokespersons
• Media engagement contributes to business objectives, thought leadership and stakeholder trust
• Communications is viewed as a strategic business partner creating measurable reputational value

How you will work

• Partner closely with the Executive Board, Investor Relations and business leadership teams
• Collaborate with Global Communications and Area communications teams, as well as Marketing and Business Units
• Lead KONE’s global earned-media strategy and execution
• Contribute to a topic-led, insight-driven communications model focused on reputation, visibility and business impact

For additional information please contact Gia Forsman-Härkönen, Head of Media Relations and Crisis Communications • People & Communications, by calling + +358503243078 the following EEST times:

• Thursday 19 November 15:00-16:00 OR
• Friday 20 November 10:00-11:00

Want to #joinourflow? 

This is a unique opportunity to influence how KONE engages with media, stakeholders and society at large. If you have the expertise, ambition and mindset to succeed in this role, please submit your CV and cover letter through our Careers site by November 27th, 2026.

We look forward to learning more about you and the perspective you could bring to KONE. Make a meaningful impact by shaping the reputation, visibility and thought leadership of one of the world's leading technology and innovation companies.

#LI-GO

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.

Read more on https://kone.com/global/en/careers.html