Joanne Birtwistle

Joanne Birtwistle is vice president and chief communications officer for Johnson Controls, leading the global communications function focusing on effective and impactful communications strategies. The Communications function is charged with building compelling stories and messaging that elevates and celebrates Johnson Controls and our Purpose, as well as creating engaging channels and content that foster a culture of innovation, transparency and authenticity to support business growth, brand, reputation, employee engagement and shareholder value.

Birtwistle has spent the majority of her career in Communications, working in corporate, field offices and manufacturing business units around the globe at Johnson Controls and Tyco, in both the United States and United Kingdom. Prior, she held communication roles in the public sector, most notably local government services.

Birtwistle attended the Manchester Metropolitan University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in corporate communications, with majors in communication strategy, business communications, crisis management and public relations. She has attended executive education programs at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and is Kaizen-facilitator trained. Birtwistle serves as an active board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee.