Q&A: Chief Communications Officer Melissa Sachs on Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
In a fast-evolving industry, strategic alignment and brand management are critical. As chief communications officer at Link Logistics, Melissa Sachs oversees the firm’s integrated Corporate Communications department, ensuring that messaging remains clear, compelling and connected to business objectives. Here, Sachs shares her perspective on industry trends, the firm’s growth and more.
Q: You’ve spent years working in industrial real estate. What keeps you excited about it today, and what are some of the biggest shifts you’ve seen in the sector?
A: Industrial real estate is evolving faster than ever, and I’m energized by the critical role we play in moving goods across the country, something that impacts businesses and consumers every day. At Link Logistics, we’re not just responding to change—we’re shaping the industry’s future, and that is exciting to be a part of. One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is the increasing intersection of industrial real estate with technology, data and sustainability to drive growth. Industrial used to be viewed as just providing warehouse space for rent, but today it’s about building smarter, more efficient and more connected spaces that support businesses of all sizes. The ways in which we market and communicate about industrial real estate are also evolving. Now, in addition to firm-level branding, it’s also about clearly articulating the value of each property. That shift is something my team is leaning into.
Q: You’ve been at Link Logistics for four years and were recently named its first-ever chief communications officer as the firm united its Communications and Marketing teams into one Corporate Communications department. How have you seen Link Logistics grow since you joined, and what does your new role signal about the firm’s evolution?
A: When I joined in 2021, Link Logistics was in rapid growth mode, but we still had to define our identity and sharpen our strategy. Over the past four years, we’ve fine-tuned our portfolio with an intense focus on infill, deepened customer relationships, and expanded our impact in sustainability, research and technology. The creation of this role signals that Link Logistics has reached a new level of maturity. As a firm, we recognize that our brand, reputation and ability to communicate effectively are just as important as our physical footprint. Bringing our Communications and Marketing teams together under one umbrella allows us to move faster, align our messaging and ultimately contribute to the firm’s business success in a more direct way.
Q: Communications plays a key role in shaping perception, driving engagement, and supporting business growth. What’s unique about leading this function for an industrial real estate firm like Link Logistics?
A: Industrial real estate is a highly competitive space, and how we tell our story directly influences our ability to attract customers, retain top talent and reinforce trust with stakeholders. This makes the Corporate Communications function at Link Logistics essential to our business strategy. Our customers increasingly expect data-driven insights, transparency and a clear articulation of how our spaces support their businesses. That means Corporate Communications must be deeply connected to every part of the firm—from Research & Analytics to Sustainability to Development—to ensure our messaging reflects who we are and where we’re headed.
At the same time, we’re operating in an incredibly fast-moving media landscape. The news cycle is always shifting, and my team is focused on making sure we understand the day’s developments, how they affect Link Logistics and how we can respond, whether that means actual strategic adjustments or simply communicating more clearly with our audiences. We can’t tell the future, but we must always be ready to lead.
Q: Link Logistics is home to deep expertise across departments including Leasing, Investments, Development, People & Culture, Research & Analytics, Strategy, Sustainability and much more. How does the Communications team collaborate with these groups to tell a cohesive story and support the firm’s broader strategy?
A: One of the things that sets Link Logistics apart is the sheer breadth of expertise we have in-house. Our Sustainability department is driving value in unique ways. Our Research & Analytics department is driving smarter decision-making through custom-built tools. Our Development department is delivering innovative spaces in high-demand markets where there is significant barrier to entry. We work closely with each of these teams to ensure their work isn’t happening in a silo. Our goal is to make sure the market sees the full depth of what Link Logistics brings to the table. Now that we’re shifting our focus toward marketing individual properties as well as the Link Logistics brand, collaboration across teams is more critical than ever.
Q: You built the firm’s Communications function from the ground up. What’s a lesson from that experience that applies beyond this field—something you think all professionals should keep in mind?
A: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned—both in building this function and throughout my career—is that great communication starts with great listening. The most successful professionals, in any field, are the ones who take the time to understand their audience, anticipate challenges and adapt their approach accordingly. I’ve also learned that a strong, consistent message is key to long-term success. Whether you’re shaping a company’s brand or leading a team, clarity and alignment are everything. At Link Logistics, we’ve worked hard to define who we are, what we stand for and how we want to be seen in the market. That consistency has been a huge part of our success.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the team we’ve built. Investing time, energy and care into people is essential to creating a strong, engaged team. Nothing means more to me than seeing talented professionals grow and succeed. It’s also incredibly rewarding when colleagues who have worked for me before want to do so again. Managing people well is hard, but it’s one of the most important things a leader can do.
Q: What excites you most about the future of Corporate Communications at Link Logistics and how this function can continue to drive business success?
A: What’s most exciting is that we’re just getting started. We have an incredible opportunity to elevate the Link Logistics brand even further—both inside and outside the company. From a business perspective, the work we do directly impacts our ability to attract customers, drive revenue and differentiate ourselves in the industry. I’m excited to continue building on what we’ve started and to find new, innovative ways to tell Link Logistics’ story in a way that resonates, engages and inspires confidence. I see even greater opportunities ahead as we continue to reimagine what it means to be an industrial real estate company today and into the future.
