Chuck Casto

I build revenue-generating communications functions that transform brands into category leaders through strategic PR, content marketing, and data-driven storytelling.

Proven Track Record:

• Generated $50M+ in annual earned media value and 5+ billion impressions through integrated campaigns spanning PR, proprietary research, and executive thought leadership
• Co-founded Research Center partnerships with Harvard Business School and MIT, establishing brands as trusted authorities in their markets
• Drove $3M+ in direct revenue from PR campaigns and social media contests, proving communications as a growth driver, not just a cost center
• Managed lifecycle email marketing to 3M+ segmented audiences, achieving 35-40% open rates (vs. 21% industry average) through sophisticated automation and personalization
• Increased domain authority from 48 to 73, boosting organic search visibility and establishing brands as AI-powered search authorities in ChatGPT and Google AI Overview

What I Deliver: Strategic media relations securing consistent placement in Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Forbes. Content marketing engines that drive engagement and conversions through case studies, newsletters, and webinar programming. Social media strategies generating millions in measurable revenue. SEO/GEO optimization that builds long-term organic visibility and credibility.

My Expertise: Built communications departments from scratch at Wayfair (employee #200 to 10-person team) and Alignable. Led campaigns for Fortune 500 brands including Bank of America, Harley-Davidson, and Kraft Heinz. Master storyteller who translates complex concepts—AI, SaaS, cybersecurity—into compelling narratives that move markets and drive business results.

Ready to help your brand break through the noise and achieve measurable growth.

Professional Experience Summary

I've spent two decades building communications functions that generate measurable revenue, establish category leadership, and transform brands into household names. My career spans high-growth SaaS platforms, Fortune 500 CPG brands, e-commerce disruptors, and global PR agencies—consistently delivering billion-impression campaigns that drive bottom-line results.

Building Revenue-Generating Communications Functions

At Alignable, I served as Head of Communications, Content Marketing, Research & News for seven years, where I co-founded the Research Center in partnership with Harvard Business School and MIT economists. This proprietary research engine generated over 5 billion impressions and $50+ million in earned media value annually, securing consistent coverage in Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, CNN, and top-tier business outlets. I also pioneered the Local Business Person of the Year contest, growing participation 1,100% over six years and proving that contest winners were 33x more likely to become premium members—directly contributing to a 20% lift in new member revenue.

As Managing Editor for Alignable's weekly newsletter, I researched, interviewed, and wrote member success stories for 2.6 million subscribers, demonstrating that 40-90% of their revenue came from network referrals. I led performance marketing teams executing 30+ million emails per campaign cycle, achieving 35-40% open rates through sophisticated segmentation and automation.

At Wayfair, I was employee #200 and built the company's first Global Communications Department from scratch—scaling from one person with a $50K budget to a 10-person team managing $750K. Over five years, I generated 7.5 billion impressions and 30,000+ media placements, while directly driving $3+ million in revenue from PR campaigns and social media contests. I achieved 70-800% sales growth across key product lines and led communications for Wayfair's complex rebrand from 200+ CSN Stores to a unified brand identity.

Agency & Premium Brand Expertise

Earlier in my career, I led communications for Fortune 500 brands at top-tier agencies including Weber Shandwick, Ketchum, and Earle Palmer Brown. I managed major accounts like Miller Brewing Company, Harley-Davidson, Bank of America, Kraft Heinz, and Nestlé Purina, overseeing $4.2 million in fees while generating $1 million in new business and $500K in account expansion.

I've also directed luxury brand marketing for AllModern (Wayfair's premium division), launched ultra-premium spirits like Sundsvall Vodka, and introduced limited-edition Haagen-Dazs flavors to top lifestyle publications.

Core Capabilities:

• Strategic media relations securing tier-one coverage
• Content marketing & lifecycle email campaigns driving conversions
• Research partnerships establishing thought leadership
• Social media strategies generating measurable revenue
• SEO/GEO optimization boosting domain authority
• Crisis communications & reputation management
• Team building & budget management

I combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, thriving in environments where communications drives growth, not just awareness.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University with a B.A. in Political Science.

Then I went on to Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism for an M.S. in Broadcast Journalism.