Roela Santos, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Science Applications International Corp.
Roela Santos has been a transformative leader for the Corporate Marketing and Communications function at Science Applications International Corp. In her role as a leader, Santos has increased the strategic alignment, built the thought leadership platforms, improved stakeholder engagement across the company’s channels, and enhanced SAIC’s reputation.
When Santos joined SAIC, she focused on ensuring the CMC team enables the success of the company. As part of the up-leveling of the function, new teams were developed, including a Digital Communications group and Customer Group Marketing teams, key roles in aligning campaigns with growth efforts.
Santos also led the brand transition and communications around the acquisitions of Engility and Unisys Federal. Her team ensured it leveraged these industry game-changing acquisitions in the company’s thought leadership efforts and go-to-market strategies, while leveraging the company brand.
And with the company competing for high-demand tech talent, Santos has ensured SAIC’s messaging reflects an employee-first priority.
It was also critical for her the CMC organization directly impact business results. With stronger partnerships with business development and the business units and alignment to the corporate strategy, the CMC team has developed integrated campaigns that shape and influence opportunities and positioned SAIC to win.
In the COVID environment, the team responded with agility to successfully transition events to a virtual environment without losing a beat.
Santos’ team has also enhanced the experience for all stakeholders.
SAIC’s intranet has seen more than 8 million page views and 95% employee engagement. Since March, balancing compassionate messages and practical information, the team provided online COVID-19 resources to employees and hosted managers calls. Santos has helped drive continuous engagement with its employees and other stakeholders as the company navigates this challenging environment.
The CMC’s focus on more compelling, original content has resulted in a year-over-year increase of 71% in media stories covering SAIC, as well as improved traffic on its website.
Why Watch
Santos takes pride in her team’s ability to tell a strong SAIC story that’s compelling to its customers, investors and employees. She is constantly driving the CMC team to push boundaries and limits to inject innovative approaches, deliver a digital experience, and advance the interests and reputation of SAIC.