A leading communications professional, Godfrey Adejumoh, has called for a paradigm shift in corporate leadership, urging organisations to begin appointing public relations experts as Managing Directors and Chief Executives.

Making this known during the launch of his book, “Winning with Strategic Communication,” he stressed that the communications function must move beyond its traditional support role to become central to strategic decision-making in business.

Godfrey argued that while finance, sales, and marketing are often seen as the core drivers of business, communications professionals play an equally critical role in shaping outcomes, managing perception, and sustaining growth.

“When you go into a room, those are the three most important people… but how do we let them know that the solution they are looking for is in our space?” he queried.

He maintained that industry practitioners in the industry should not be limited to departmental leadership roles but should aspire to the highest levels of corporate influence.

“Do not aspire to become director of corporate communications. Aspire to be in the room where they are deciding who becomes MD or CEO,” he charged.

Drawing from over two decades of experience, Godfrey highlighted how strategic communication has been instrumental in resolving complex business challenges, including crisis management and organisational transformation.

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Recounting his involvement during a major corporate crisis, he explained how scenario planning and strategic messaging helped reposition the organisation and influence critical government decisions.

According to him, such behind-the-scenes contributions demonstrate that communications professionals are already shaping business outcomes and should therefore be recognised at the highest levels of decision-making.

“We are already the ones backing this forward. Why can’t we now take the lead on the front row?” he asked.

Godfrey Adejumoh

He further emphasised the importance of strategy as the backbone of effective communication, noting that success in the field requires clarity of ideas and measurable impact.

“If you cannot explain the big idea as a strategy, the market will not understand it,” he said, cautioning against superficial approaches to the profession.

Godfrey also underscored the power of influence in communications, describing it as the true measure of success in the field.

“Our job is not to go there and be raising shoulders. Our job is influence,” he stated. “That influence comes from a place of doing the work and making your impact tangible.”

He concluded by emphasising the need for interconnection in organisations. He urged communication professionals to collaborate closely with finance, HR, and commercial teams to drive holistic business success.

“This job is nothing without these interconnections,” he said.

The book launch attracted industry stakeholders and practitioners, with Godfrey expressing hope that his work would spark deeper conversations about the evolving role of communications in business leadership.