Speakers
Nadine Dixon
David Garfinkel
Renee McTavish
Panel
Change is one of the hardest messages to communicate – especially when it involves job changes or redundancies. This panel explores how internal communicators can guide organisations through restructures and mergers with empathy, honesty and clarity. We’ll discuss how to support employees when not all answers are known, the importance of two-way communication and how to equip line managers and leaders to be authentic, informed and compassionate voices. The session will also look at practical comms planning during the period of disruption and uncertainty, and how to maintain trust and care after the restructure or M&A – ensuring communication doesn’t stop when the change is announced, but continues as people adjust to what’s next.
Nadine Dixon is an internal and change communications specialist with extensive experience supporting complex organisational change, including business restructures, mergers and acquisitions and cultural integration. She has held senior roles at organisations such as the Financial Conduct Authority, Barclays, Aon and Schroders. Nadine specialises in developing and delivering communication strategies that engage employees, align them with business vision and build trust across global, matrixed environments during times of transformation.
David Garfinkel is a seasoned communications leader specialising in change, transformation, M&A and employee engagement. With extensive in-house and consultancy experience across sectors including tech, finance, energy and media, he is recognised for advising senior leaders and delivering impactful communications strategies. Currently leading internal communications at The Economist, David partners with the leadership team to drive transformation, enhance engagement and strengthen communication infrastructure, drawing on his background in journalism and expertise in crafting strategies that align people with organisational change.
Renee McTavish is a change and communications consultant specialising in large-scale transformation programmes across HR, Finance, IT, Digital and Culture. APROSCI-certified practitioner, she has delivered change communications for major restructures, technology and regulatory transformations for organisations including Janus Henderson Investors, Schroders, Barclays, HSBC, BT, Cisco and QBE Insurance. Renee partners with senior leaders to shape strategy, craft compelling messages, and engage employees through complex organisational change that drives lasting impact and cultural alignment.
Guliz Schaefer is a senior communications and engagement professional specialising in change communication and transformation. With extensive experience in internal communications across mergers, acquisitions and restructures, she has led strategic comms programmes for global organisations including Barclays, BT, Harbour Energy, Intercontinental Hotels, BP and Alliance Boots. Currently Global Change Communication Lead at Turner & Townsend, Guliz combines expertise in digital communication strategy, leadership and crisis communications and organisational transformation to drive engagement through times of change.