Synths and Strategy: How Sean B. Pasternak Harmonizes Music and Communications
People & ideas at Deutsche Börse Group
Release date: Feb 27, 2026
Sean B. Pasternak, Head of External Communications at SimCorp
Sean B. Pasternak, Head of External Communications at SimCorp
From newsroom deadlines to synthesizer melodies, Sean B. Pasternak’s life is a blend of rhythm and storytelling. Based in Toronto and the Head of External Communications at SimCorp, Sean crafts narratives that shape corporate identity. But beyond the press releases and strategic messaging lies a lifelong passion: Music! What began as a teenage fascination with synthesizers has evolved into a creative outlet that balances his professional intensity. His story is one of curiosity, consistency, and the quiet power of doing what you love.
A communicator with a journalist’s soul
Sean’s career began in journalism, spending over two decades reporting on financial markets for a leading global news organization. That experience sharpened his instinct for clarity and relevance which are skills he now applies in corporate communications. At SimCorp, he leads external messaging, helping unify language across departments and campaigns. His approach is thoughtful and strategic, often questioning traditional PR tactics to find more meaningful ways to connect. “We don’t always have the right answers,” he says, “but we aim for transparency and solutions.” His work is collaborative, global, and increasingly powered by AI.
The Answer to creative balance
Music entered Sean’s life in the 80s, inspired by bands like Depeche Mode and New Order. He and a close friend, fascinated by the era’s synth sounds, began composing instrumental tracks in high school, forming a band called The Answer. Decades later, they’ve released five albums on Spotify, with a sixth in progress. For Sean, music is more than a hobby, it’s a grounding force. “It’s fun for us,” he shares, “a way to relax and focus on something outside of work.” The process is deeply personal, shaped by nostalgia, friendship, and a desire to create. Even during the isolation of early COVID, music offered connection and purpose.
Where AI meets emotion
Sean’s dual passions of communications and music intersect through technology. At SimCorp, he’s helping incorporate corporate messaging into the company’s own AI engine. In music, he uses tools like Suno to enhance compositions, adjusting rhythm or reimagining tone. One track was transformed to echo the sound of The Doors, a creative twist that thrilled him. AI, for Sean, is not just a tool, it’s a collaborator. It helps him streamline work, elevate storytelling, and unlock new dimensions in sound. Whether drafting a campaign or composing a synth line, Sean’s story reminds us to let ourselves get lost in the rhythm every now and then.
