John Perenack
Principal
John Perenack is a Principal at StrategyCorp and a distinguished expert in strategic communications and engagement. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has established himself as a trusted advisor on corporate reputation, guiding organizations on how to effectively communicate with government, media, communities, and other critical stakeholders.
He is a foremost specialist in crisis communications and reputation management. He has a proven track record of helping organizations navigate complex challenges to educate, inform, and persuade stakeholders, ultimately shaping public opinion and positioning clients for success.
His experience in crisis situations covers matters including kidnapping, financial crime, CCAA filings, and sensitive allegations of criminal staff misconduct. He has also provided critical counsel on controversial mergers and acquisitions in Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
A recognized authority on digital and traditional media, John helps clients tackle their toughest issues and influence opinion. His leadership in communications and stakeholder engagement has been pivotal in advancing complex and controversial projects. Notable examples include a $700 million waterfront development, a $1.4 billion highway project, major energy capital projects in Alberta and British Columbia, designing and executing site selection strategies for over $3 billion in new hospital developments, providing guidance on engagement around the creation of a nuclear waste repository, and numerous strategic communications and engagement processes in support of advancing complex private development projects.
John also brings experience advising on First Nations and urban Indigenous engagement processes. He is dedicated to fostering reconciliation, collaboration, and building lasting, respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples.
He is also a seasoned media strategist and trainer, adept at preparing senior executives, spokespeople, and public figures to face the media with confidence and control. His experience includes providing intensive spokesperson media training for high-stakes situations. He excels at developing clear, compelling messaging and coaching clients, ensuring they can navigate difficult questions, manage contentious issues, and stay on message. His coaching programs are designed to build the skills necessary to not only protect and enhance an organization’s reputation but also to proactively use media opportunities to shape opinion and advance strategic objectives.
John holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Strategic Management from the Schulich School of Business at York University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.
He maintains active professional affiliations with the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI), the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), and the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Federation.
You can also find John on the Reputation Town podcast.