We are proud to share that Aileen Zerrudo, a distinguished alumna of UC Berkeley’s Comparative Literature program, has been named the campus’s next Associate Vice Chancellor for Communications & Public Affairs and Chief Communications Officer.
Aileen returns to Berkeley with more than 20 years of experience leading communications for major global companies. At Clorox, where she spent 18 years, she helped reposition the company as a leader in sustainability and transparency. As Vice President for Communications, Sustainability Integration, and Crisis Management, she navigated media relations, stakeholder engagement, and reputational challenges at the highest level.
She then served as Global Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Kimberly-Clark, where she led a global team across six continents and spearheaded a strategic transformation of the Kimberly-Clark Foundation to focus on women’s health.
Aileen credits her Berkeley education—and the professors who shaped it—for teaching her “the power of a good story.” As a Comparative Literature major with a deep grounding in the humanities, Aileen brings a rich understanding of narrative, language, and culture to one of the most vital leadership roles at the university.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with the chancellor, the team, and stakeholders across campus to build and elevate a strategic narrative for Berkeley that demonstrates how the pioneering thinking and discovery taking place on campus advances society,” Aileen shared. “It’s a privilege to return to this remarkable institution that has made a profound impact on me and one that continues to transform so many lives.”
Her appointment is not only a win for campus communications—it’s a powerful example of how a humanities education prepares leaders for impact at the highest levels.
Aileen began her new role on June 1. Please join us in celebrating her homecoming—and in welcoming her back to the Berkeley Arts & Humanities community.