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Emily Spence Joins Vice Media Group as Chief Communications Officer

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 3rd 2025 at 12:59 GMT by Variety
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Vice Names Emily Spence as New Chief Communications Officer – A Strategic Move to Re‑ignite Brand Momentum

In a high‑profile shake‑up that underscores Vice’s pivot toward a more polished, purpose‑driven identity, the media‑tech conglomerate announced on Tuesday that Emily Spence will step into the role of Vice Media Chief Communications Officer. The appointment is part of a broader effort by Vice Media to consolidate its brand narrative, improve stakeholder engagement, and steer the company through a rapidly evolving media landscape that blends digital innovation with traditional public‑relations demands.

A Brief on Emily Spence

Spence brings more than a decade of high‑level communications experience from some of the industry’s biggest names. Prior to joining Vice, she served as Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Warner Bros., where she managed all media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement during a period that included the studio’s re‑launch of several legacy brands. Earlier in her career, Spence was the Lead Communications Strategist at the BBC, where she helped position the broadcaster’s global content during a critical phase of digital expansion.

The Variety article notes that Spence’s LinkedIn profile highlights her success in driving multi‑platform messaging campaigns that blend storytelling with data analytics. She has a track record of fostering relationships with key journalists, thought‑leaders, and emerging influencers—a skill set that Vice hopes will amplify its brand across both niche and mainstream audiences.

Vice’s Current Landscape

Vice has long been known for its edgy, youth‑centric journalism, but it has faced criticism in recent years over perceived bias and a fragmented brand identity. The company’s shift toward a “broader, more inclusive” narrative has been punctuated by a renewed focus on long‑form storytelling and diversified revenue streams, such as podcasting, branded content, and subscription services. The new communications chief will be tasked with reinforcing this re‑imagined brand promise.

A link to Vice’s corporate social responsibility page—highlighted in the article—shows the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice. Spence is expected to weave these values into every public‑facing message, ensuring that the company’s corporate purpose resonates with audiences that increasingly demand authenticity.

Responsibilities and Strategic Vision

According to the announcement, Spence will oversee all of Vice’s external communications, internal messaging, crisis management, and media‑relations functions. She will report directly to Vice’s CEO, John S. Gage, and work in close partnership with the Chief Marketing Officer and the Head of Digital Platforms. The article cites a quote from Spence herself:

“Vice has an unprecedented opportunity to tell stories that matter. My goal is to amplify those stories in a way that’s both honest and strategically sound, ensuring that every stakeholder—whether a creator, a partner, or a fan—feels heard and valued.”

In a similar vein, Vice’s CEO praised Spence’s “ability to merge creative storytelling with data‑driven insights.” He added that her arrival signals a “commitment to rebuilding trust with audiences while expanding our global reach.”

Key Focus Areas

1. Brand Cohesion Across Platforms
Vice’s content ecosystem spans video, audio, print, and live events. The article underscores that Spence will develop a unified messaging framework that ties together these disparate formats, creating a consistent tone of voice that can be adapted to both traditional outlets and social media channels.

2. Crisis Communications and Reputation Management
The company has faced high‑profile controversies in the past year, ranging from accusations of political bias to allegations of internal workplace misconduct. Spence’s previous experience at Warner Bros. and the BBC in handling crisis communications will be invaluable in developing protocols that pre‑emptively address reputational risks.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Thought Leadership
Vice has been seeking to reposition itself as a thought leader in the “culture‑tech” space. The Variety article mentions that Spence will spearhead initiatives to engage with policy makers, academic institutions, and industry peers. This will involve crafting op‑eds, participating in panel discussions, and building a network of ambassadors who can speak on Vice’s behalf.

4. Data‑Driven Messaging
Vice’s data science team is already producing analytics on audience demographics and engagement patterns. Spence will collaborate with them to ensure that messaging strategies are informed by real‑time data, allowing for agile adjustments in campaign tactics.

Signaling a Broader Leadership Shift

Vice’s hire of Spence is not an isolated move. The company has been on a hiring spree, adding senior leaders from media, tech, and nonprofit sectors to its board and executive team. A link to Vice’s recent board‑appointment announcement—found in the original article—shows that the board has increased its representation of women and under‑represented minorities to 42% of total seats. Spence’s appointment is seen as a natural extension of this inclusivity agenda.

Furthermore, Vice’s strategic partnership with the global media group Al Jazeera Media Network (another link within the Variety piece) is a testament to the company’s ambition to produce high‑quality, internationally relevant content. Spence will likely play a pivotal role in negotiating and managing such partnerships, ensuring that they align with Vice’s brand values.

What This Means for Vice’s Future

The introduction of a seasoned communications chief marks a new chapter for Vice, one that blends its signature cultural journalism with a disciplined, results‑oriented brand strategy. If Spence can successfully integrate Vice’s diverse media assets under a coherent narrative, the company could solidify its standing as a leading voice in contemporary media—one that respects its edgy roots while appealing to a broader, global audience.

The Variety article concludes on an optimistic note: Vice’s investment in a top-tier communications leader signals the company’s resolve to regain credibility, deepen audience engagement, and ultimately turn its distinctive content into sustainable growth. Whether Emily Spence can deliver on that promise will be a story worth following in the months and years ahead.