Ashley Huston Email & Phone Number

Mixing Board is a community of communications and brand marketing leaders that share knowledge with each other and organizations that can benefit from accessing members’ expertise.

-- Led crisis and strategic communications for the advocacy efforts supporting Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, wrongfully detained by Russia in March 2023 and released on August 1, 2024 -- Drove a successful 16-month crisis, public diplomacy and awareness campaign pressing for Evan’s release, defending and telling the story of a reporter with whom we had no contact in a high-stakes geopolitical situation-- Oversaw dynamic communications function, including in-house team and outside agency, charged with sustaining widespread attention and maintaining pressure on government officials-- Served as lead communications point with stakeholders including Dow Jones CEO, WSJ Editor in Chief, in-house and outside counsel, government affairs, employees and the Gershkovich family-- Created impactful milestone campaign strategy, ensuring ongoing global awareness for Evan’s case with US and foreign government officials, media industry and the general public-- Became an adviser and partner for the Gershkovich family, earning their trust, spearheading a thoughtful public appearance and media strategy, and counseling them through numerous firsts -- Directed and continually calibrated company and family messaging, ensuring the tone, platform and messenger aligned with legal strategy, private diplomacy efforts and sensitive developments-- Oversaw initiatives and events with the US Mission to the United Nations, Atlantic Council, Committee to Protect Journalists, National Press Club and others that drove both targeted and broad awareness

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Repositioned company from streaming service to diversified global media company, driving brand review and refining positioning for broader product suite awareness. Led strategic initiatives and developed assets for first-time coverage in new media outlets, generating visibility and amplifying the brand to current and prospective audiences.

Greater New York City Area

Created and directed thoughtful external and internal communication strategies for significant company transition, crisis management, pandemic-related transitions, and organizational change. Established new brand strategy to connect Quartz to the next generation of business leaders and drive global membership through subscriptions to Quartz premium content.

Greater New York City Area

Led strategy to drive The Wall Street Journal’s digital transformation, brand and business expansion, and global influence. Positioned the company’s reputation from legacy media to one widely recognized as leader in digital news and information globally. Created the company's position as a digital-first organization focused on innovative products and services, mobile-led design, and original journalism for new platforms. Directed targeted external strategies to reach new audiences, generate revenue, and demonstrate value proposition for current and prospective subscribers. Led team of 10, with staff in London and Hong Kong, maximizing reach in B2C and B2B sectors. Supported culture change through strategies around pay equity, diversity, and inclusion.

New York, New York

Following several years at Dow Jones and WSJ, moved internally to join corporate communications, timed with the split of the former News Corporation into two separate, publicly traded companies. Positioned the new News Corp as a diversified, global company for investors, media, and customers, and maximized the narrative digital and global growth through key global acquisitions.

New York, New York, United States

Established The Wall Street Journal as leader in digital and content creation, showcasing talent, creative use of new platforms, and innovative solutions for advertisers. Directed strategies for high-profile crisis, including defending journalism and data privacy. Drove narrative of digital subscriptions as high-value proposition and key revenue generator. Positioned the company’s journalists as leading resources on breaking news and broader developments across business and finance, domestic and international news, and politics.

Communications for BMW, Magazine Publishers of America, and Sports Museum of America.

New York, Ny

Established ESPN as a leader in digital media innovation and positioned ESPN The Magazine as an essential and differentiated voice in sports journalism. Directed national consumer and trade strategies for high-profile launch of Mobile ESPN, a branded ESPN phone sold in Best Buy stores and marketed with the company’s first Super Bowl commercial.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Handled publicity efforts for CNN Headline News, CNNRadio, CNN Newsource, and CNN Airport Network.