Gaming chat platform Discord has named Stephanie Hess as its first Chief Communications Officer (CCO), signaling a focus on enhanced communication as the company gears up for a possible Initial Public Offering (IPO) later this year.Hess, a seasoned communications leader, will be responsible for:Repositioning Discord as a leading gaming platform: This involves improving communication with various stakeholders, including users (gamers and parents), game developers and publishers, and policymakers. Discord currently boasts over 196 million monthly active users.Protecting brand reputation: Hess' team will tackle the growing concerns around online safety for children and content moderation on the platform.Leading a unified communications strategy: She will oversee internal communications, external communications, and policy communications, working closely with the marketing team.Building the communications and marketing team: Hess is actively recruiting for key positions, including a Global Policy Communications Lead and an Internal Communications Manager.Hess brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Head of Global Communications and Marketing at Asana, where she played a key role in the company's IPO in 2020. She also held communication positions at Zynga, Sun Microsystems, and Oracle.This appointment by Discord highlights the company's commitment to strengthening its position in the gaming industry and addressing critical issues like online safety. With a robust communications strategy and a seasoned leader at the helm, Discord appears well-positioned for its potential IPO.