Alan P. Dunton
San Francisco
Summary
Strategic communications executive specializing in PR and integrated communications within B2B technology and frontier-tech. Expertise includes crafting compelling brand narratives, enhancing executive visibility, and managing crisis communications. Proven leadership across agency and in-house roles, driving impactful initiatives for startups.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Fractional Head of Communications
Early-Stage AI Startup (Stealth)
San Francisco
02.2026 - Current
- Established communications infrastructure, including narrative framework, brand positioning, and channel strategy for Medium, YouTube, LinkedIn
- Developed AI-specific trust and safety messaging tailored for technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Led communications as the founding member of an early-stage startup that built an agentic coding platform based on the laws of software evolution.
Communications Team Member (Volunteer)
The Ocean Cleanup
San Francisco
07.2017 - 02.2026
- Coordinated media engagement and managed event coverage while providing reputational counsel during crisis situations
- Contributed to mission, technology, and science storytelling to enhance public understanding and support
- Advised North American media for the Dutch nonprofit founded by Boyan Slat, dedicated to removing plastic from the world's oceans and rivers through technology and education.
Senior Vice President + Partner, California Technology Sector Lead
Fleishman Hillard
San Francisco
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Led technology sector client portfolio, contributing to strategic direction as part of agency's One California leadership team
- Provided strategic communications counsel to technology clients, enhancing media relations, positioning, and executive visibility
- Mentored team members and advanced strategic initiatives including Omnicom's AI Accelerators program, integrating AI tools into client service delivery
Managing Director (Agency Co-Lead)
SHIFT Communications
San Francisco
07.2018 - 12.2024
- Co-led SHIFT Communications, part of AVENIR Global (top 15 global communications network), as the network's primary technology-focused agency
- Developed and executed agency-wide business strategy, overseeing day-to-day operations, financial performance, talent recruitment, retention, and team coaching
- Delivered C-suite communications strategy and counsel across client base, including repositioning a global customer support provider to lead in the digital customer experience category
- Navigated reputational crises for major service outages, controversial Silicon Valley executives, data breaches, and allegations of foreign workforce infiltration, safeguarding client reputations
- Member of AVENIR Global's global crisis communications team; led AI immersion initiative for US-based colleagues
- Directed mission-driven client engagements with San Francisco Giants Foundation and Yes SF, enhancing community impact and brand visibility
- Assisted in various projects at AVENIR Global, enhancing overall communication strategies.
Managing Director
Grayling
San Francisco
01.2017 - 07.2018
- Reported to global CEO, oversaw client strategy, team performance, and spearheaded new business development initiatives
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance client engagement and service delivery.
- Managed cross-functional teams to execute comprehensive communication strategies for clients.
- Developed and maintained key client relationships to ensure satisfaction and retention.
- Led west coast team delivering targeted communications services for B2B technology clients in autonomous driving, fintech, cryptocurrency, and global travel sectors
Partner
TRIPLEPOINT
San Francisco
05.2012 - 12.2016
- Co-led top video game and entertainment communications agency, representing diverse clients from mobile gaming to AAA developers
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance business partnerships and client engagement.
- Designed launch and campaign strategies; guided team members to consistently surpass KPIs
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align goals and drive project success.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve service delivery processes.
Director, Public Relations
Bigpoint Inc.
San Francisco
04.2010 - 04.2012
- Led North American communications strategy and execution for Managed brand presence for Europe's largest online video game company
- Coordinated multi-stakeholder campaigns with Hollywood studios, collaborating across legal, marketing, and business development teams to align messaging and enhance brand visibility.
- Europe's largest online video game company
Marketing and Communications Manager
The Multiverse Network, Inc.
Mountain View
02.2007 - 04.2010
- Managed communications for pioneering technology enabling synthetic virtual environments across entertainment, education, and business sectors
- Developed and executed media strategy, guiding company from stealth mode to commercialization of virtual world technology platform
- Exceeded Meta's VR capabilities a decade earlier; transitioned platform to open source project upon closure
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA03-1999
Skills
- Media strategy
- Press relations
- Crisis management
- Reputation management
- Communications planning
- Content strategy
- Stakeholder management
- C-suite advisory
- Narrative development
- Message design
- Visibility programs
- Media preparation
- Byline development
- Analyst relations
- Preparedness planning
- Community engagement initiatives
- Team building skills
- Stakeholder management
Websites
Timeline
Fractional Head of Communications
Early-Stage AI Startup (Stealth)
02.2026 - Current
Senior Vice President + Partner, California Technology Sector Lead
Fleishman Hillard
01.2025 - 01.2026
Managing Director (Agency Co-Lead)
SHIFT Communications
07.2018 - 12.2024
Communications Team Member (Volunteer)
The Ocean Cleanup
07.2017 - 02.2026
Managing Director
Grayling
01.2017 - 07.2018
Partner
TRIPLEPOINT
05.2012 - 12.2016
Director, Public Relations
Bigpoint Inc.
04.2010 - 04.2012
Marketing and Communications Manager
The Multiverse Network, Inc.
02.2007 - 04.2010
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
California Polytechnic State University