Gemma Zak-Duport

A highly skilled and motivated communications and engagement professional with extensive experience in developing and leading internal and corporate communications strategies. Adept at aligning communications with business goals to build employee engagement, strengthen culture and enhance reputation. Experienced in managing diverse communications channels, events and corporate initiatives.

Recognised for data-driven decision making, creative problem solving and passion for diversity, equity and inclusion

Key Achievements

• Boosted employee engagement by 19% through tailored engagement strategies.
• Achieved 98% workforce registration and 80% active users on new internal communications platform. • Generated £158k AVE in two years through corporate Charitable Trust PR initiatives.
• Increased social media followers by 25% annually across key platforms.
• Implemented recognition programme with measurable impact on employee sentiment.
• Organised 100+ corporate events including award ceremonies and fundraising initiatives.

Experience Group Head of Engagement and Communications – Allied Vehicles Ltd., Glasgow (Oct 2016 – Present) • Established the internal communications function from inception, aligning strategy to business goals.

• Built and led a team of three including an Internal Communications Manager and PR/CSR Executive.

• Launched a Charitable Trust, delivering strong employee engagement and over 450 press mentions.

• Implemented an employee communications and benefits portal, achieving 98% registration.

• Introduced enhanced employee benefits including Cycle to Work and Holiday Trading.

• Organised over 100 employee engagement events including Family Fun Days and award ceremonies.

• Developed and delivered a recognition programme leading to a 10% uplift in employees feeling recognised.

• Led social media growth, achieving a 25% annual increase in followers across key platforms.

• Created and embedded new company values with tailored communications and award programmes.

• Managed company-wide employee surveys, focus groups and engagement champions. Head of Events – iProspect, London (Aug 2015 – Oct 2016) • Developed a profitable new revenue stream delivering blogger outreach events.

• Led budgets, concepts and execution for multiple large-scale client events.

• Successfully pitched and won new business opportunities. Head of Events – Greenlight Digital, London (Oct 2014 – Apr 2015) • Delivered 35 annual client events with over 22 million social media impressions.

• Created a new profitable revenue stream within the agency.

• Adapted campaigns for regional markets to increase reach and impact.

Event

Manager – Goolari Media Enterprises, Broome, WA (Jun 2012 – Mar 2013) • Organised all events and venue operations, securing sponsorships and fundraising support.

• Worked directly with the CEO to strengthen client relations and deliver successful campaigns.

National

Events & Campaigns Manager / Local Events Manager Specsavers (Mar 2006 – Jun 2012) • Led high-profile national campaigns and secured widespread media coverage through PR agencies.

• Delivered charity partnerships raising over £500,000 in four years.

• Managed large-scale public events, strengthening the corporate brand. PR and Event Assistant – CMA PR and Events (Jan 2004 – Feb 2006) • Supported the delivery of PR and events campaigns for a range of agency clients.

• Gained hands-on experience in communications and stakeholder management.

BA Information and Media Studies - University of Brighton