Why Transaction and Activism Communications Are Becoming Mission-Critical
As M&A activity accelerates and shareholder activism continues to reshape corporate decision-making, transaction communications is no longer a support function. It has become a core driver of deal certainty, value preservation, and leadership credibility.
That reality is underscored by FTI Consulting’s announcement today that it has strengthened its transactions, shareholder activism, and issues management capabilities with the addition of Dan Scorpio and Heather Wilson as Senior Managing Directors in its Strategic Communications segment.
Rather than signaling a simple expansion of staff, the hires reflect a broader shift in how companies must manage high-stakes moments. Transactions now unfold in an environment defined by activist scrutiny, regulatory complexity, rapid information flow, and heightened reputational risk. Communications strategy is increasingly central to how value is protected from announcement through close.
“Guiding a transaction from announcement through close has never been more challenging,” said Pat Tucker, Americas Head of M&A and Activism for FTI Consulting’s Strategic Communications segment. “Stakeholder risks today are interconnected, fast-moving, and capable of posing meaningful threats to successful close and value realization.”
Transaction communications today extends far beyond press releases or investor presentations. Activist investors, employees, regulators, customers, and media often engage simultaneously, with narratives forming quickly and sometimes prematurely. Communications leaders are expected to help management teams anticipate pressure points, align messaging with governance strategy, and maintain credibility across audiences throughout the deal lifecycle.
Dan Scorpio, who joins FTI Consulting today and is based in Chicago, brings more than a decade of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, private equity firms, and family-owned businesses on M&A, shareholder activism defense, and financial communications. His work includes advising Medline on its 2025 IPO, the largest globally since 2021, as well as high-profile transactions and activism situations across sectors.
For the CommPRO community, Scorpio is a familiar voice. He is a CommPRO contributor and a frequent expert speaker in CommPRO’s Shareholder Activism webinar series, where he focuses on preparedness, activist engagement strategy, and how communications decisions influence outcomes long before a proxy contest or transaction becomes public.
“Clients today are demanding experienced counsel, data-driven insight, and tailored execution through moments that matter most,” Scorpio said. “As M&A activity gains momentum in a complex geopolitical and regulatory environment, integrated communications capabilities are essential.”
Joining him today is Heather Wilson, a Senior Managing Director based in Los Angeles, who brings deep expertise in transactions, crisis and issues management, litigation communications, and public affairs. Her background advising organizations across technology, healthcare, consumer, and public-sector environments strengthens FTI Consulting’s ability to support complex, West Coast-based and national engagements.
Together, today’s additions reinforce a market reality many communicators already recognize. Transaction and activism communications is no longer episodic or reactive. It is increasingly embedded in how companies prepare for growth, respond to activist pressure, and navigate scrutiny in real time.
For communications leaders, the takeaway is clear. Deals are no longer shaped solely in the boardroom or by market dynamics. They are influenced by how clearly companies communicate intent, manage trust, and engage stakeholders throughout the process.
As activism, regulation, and reputational risk continue to converge, firms that treat transaction communications as a strategic discipline, not a tactical afterthought, will be best positioned to help organizations protect value and credibility in the moments that matter most.
