AI in PR and Communications with Robert Manning (online resources)

Digital transformation and AI strategy leader Robert Manning joined us to discuss one of the most important—and rapidly evolving—topics in our profession: the role of artificial intelligence in public relations and communications. Robert shared his extensive experience across global brands and innovative organizations to guide us through AI’s impact on public relations and communications.

About Robert Manning

Robert Manning is a digital transformation executive and AI strategist with 15+ years of global leadership across Fortune 500 and high-growth companies. He specializes in helping organizations use AI to modernize brand engagement, improve operations, and drive measurable business results.

As Director of AI Transformation at Dematic, he leads enterprise initiatives embedding AI across marketing, communications, and workflows. He also advises organizations through CommonSensing AI, guiding strategy, governance, and change management to turn fragmented pilots into scalable programs.

Previously, at Cochlear, Manning led digital and AI strategy across North America, advancing generative AI adoption to boost marketing performance, customer engagement, and productivity. He developed enterprise roadmaps, led vendor selection, and launched training programs to accelerate adoption.

His earlier roles at Medtronic Diabetes, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, and Citigroup focused on large-scale digital transformation and building data-driven marketing ecosystems.

A sought-after speaker, Manning delivers practical insights on scaling AI responsibly while balancing innovation, governance, and execution.