Yolanda Nsimbi

Award-winning communications leader with 15+ years driving employee engagement, culture transformation, and executive communications across multinational African markets. Partners with C-suite to turn strategy into measurable business impact through compelling storytelling and inclusive culture initiatives.

Communications Manager - Diageo South, West & Central Africa - South, West & Central Africa

(2024-03)

Promoted to regional role spanning strategic communications, employee engagement, leadership communications and culture transformation across multiple African markets.

• Architected SWC Africa's unified internal communications strategy, aligning 1,000+ employees across multiple markets with global priorities
• Drove LinkedIn employer brand growth — leadership content hit 19,191 impressions (29.4% engagement); employee campaigns consistently exceeded 70% engagement
• Led end-to-end delivery of flagship forums, regional awards, and Group MD Dave Lewis's inaugural All-Africa Town Hall, reinforcing the One Africa vision

Communications Manager - Diageo South Africa - South Africa

(2018-09 - 2024-02)

Led internal communications, employee engagement and employer branding for Diageo South Africa, partnering with senior leaders to strengthen organisational culture, leadership visibility and strategic alignment.

• Executed Diageo SA's internal communications strategy, achieving 95%+ Your Voice participation rates year-on-year across all survey cycles
• Launched and scaled Diageo SA's LinkedIn page into a regional employer brand platform, driving leadership visibility and employee advocacy
• Steered crisis communications during COVID-19 and 2021 civil unrest, maintaining employee trust and business continuity through targeted executive messaging

Internal Communications Manager - MTN South Africa - South Africa

(2017-05 - 2018-08)

Promoted to lead employee engagement, executive communications and organisational communication strategy across MTN South Africa.

• Developed and executed MTN SA's internal communications strategy aligned to corporate and global frameworks
• Directed executive communications and managed intranet and internal publications, strengthening leadership visibility and message consistency
• Managed and coached communications professionals, supporting capability development and succession planning

Internal Communications Specialist - MTN South Africa - South Africa

(2013-07 - 2017-04)

• Launched MTN's Internal Brand Ambassador Programme and designed the First 100 Days CEO Engagement Programme, boosting leadership trust and employee advocacy across 3,000+ delegates

Training & Communications Coordinator - MTN South Africa - South Africa

(2011-05 - 2013-06)

• Coordinated training and internal communications initiatives supporting employee capability and engagement at MTN South Africa

Events & Internal Communications Coordinator - Mr Price Group - South Africa

(2009-12 - 2011-04)

• Managed events and internal communications programmes strengthening employee connection and culture at Mr Price Group

Functions Coordinator - Safcor Panalpina - South Africa

(2008-06 - 2009-11)

• Coordinated corporate functions and events, ensuring seamless execution and stakeholder engagement at Safcor Panalpina

Projects Coordinator - Yamaha Distributors - South Africa

(2006-01 - 2008-05)

• Managed cross-functional projects and communications coordination supporting business operations at Yamaha Distributors

Fundamental Management Programme - Management - School of Business Leadership – UNISA (2007 - 2007)

BA Honours - Digital Media - University of Natal (Durban) (2003 - 2003)

BA - Media and Communications and Political Studies - University of Natal (Durban) (2000 - 2002)