Biography

Most recently recognized by the Holmes Report as one of the top 16 people from the marketing communications and PR worlds who are poised to make waves in 2016, Susan Butenhoff has almost 30 years of public relations experience. Following an eight-year tenure at Ketchum Public Relations, Susan founded Access Communications in 1991. In 2008 she sold Access to Ketchum, one of the world's largest public relations consultancy and a member of Omnicom. Susan has assisted major national companies as they have navigated challenging corporate reputation issues and brand building opportunities. She has worked with C-level executives with such leading technology companies as Google, Apple, Sun Microsystems, PayPal, Intuit, and Toshiba and consumer product power brands including Mattel, California Closets, Peet's and Safeway. In addition, Susan leads a proprietary media training program, OnMessage, and in this capacity has trained celebrities, public officials and corporate executives.

In 2014, in addition to being CEO of Access, Susan was promoted to the role of Global Tech Director for Ketchum where she is responsible for expanding Ketchum's technology practice while also looking for opportunities to integrate Ketchum brand and corporate renowned expertise with Access' technology pedigree to provide a stronger offering to clients worldwide.

In January 2016, Susan led the integration of Access Communications with Emanate Public Relations, combining both agencies' expertise in technology and innovation, consumer brands and corporate reputation management. Access Emanate, an integrated communications firm, now has approximately 175 employees and offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and London.