#153: Restructuring the Narrative – Marelli’s CCO Talks Us Through Bankruptcy and Chapter 11

Fernando Vivanco, Chief Communications Officer at Marelli, returns to The Crux to unpack one of the most challenging—and least talked about—topics in corporate communications: bankruptcy. Following Marelli’s Chapter 11 filing, Fernando has led a global messaging strategy across 23 countries, confronting myths, managing stakeholder sentiment, and maintaining morale amid uncertainty. In this episode, he shares how his team crafted a proactive, multi-channel approach to reshape perceptions of restructuring, coordinate with legal and financial leaders, and keep employees and customers informed and engaged. Drawing on lessons from Boeing, Honeywell, and Medtronic, Fernando offers candid insights into balancing transparency with legal constraints, tailoring messages across cultures, and leading with empathy in the face of disruption.