Communications Manager
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Award-winning Strategic Communications Leader with 15+ years of experience driving employee engagement, culture transformation, and executive communications across multinational organisations in diverse African markets. Proven track record of turning communication into measurable business impact – partnering with C-suite leaders to build engaged, high-performance workforces that deliver results. Deep expertise in change management, leadership storytelling, and employee experience, with a passion for shaping inclusive, purpose-driven cultures.
Diageo South, West & Central Africa
Communications Manager | March 2024 – Present
Promoted to regional role spanning strategic communications, employee engagement, leadership communications and culture transformation across multiple African markets.
· Executive Communications & Content – Acts as the trusted writer and communications advisor for the MD, HR Director and General Managers, crafting townhall presentations, strategic narratives, Viva Engage announcements and business updates that strengthen leadership visibility and align employees across 3+ African markets.
· Regional Identity & Business Unit Launch: Drove the development of the Diageo SWC Africa regional identity and led communications for the business unit launch across 3+ African markets, generating strong excitement, alignment and employee understanding of the organisational change.
· Culture Transformation: Developed and led the communications strategy for the Your Voice culture survey across multiple markets, driving participation, amplifying employee voice and leveraging insights to shape the regional culture and leadership agenda.
· Leadership Engagement & Strategic Alignment: Conceptualised and delivered flagship leadership forums including the F26 ELT Conference "Daring for More" and the F26 H1 ELT Working Session, strengthening leadership accountability and securing commitments to accelerate business performance. Planned and executed the South Africa Strategy & Commercial Conference, developing executive content and presentations for the General Manager and Financial Director.
· Global Leadership Engagement: Led end-to-end execution of Group MD Dave Lewis's inaugural Africa visit, including the All-Africa Townhall, strengthening leadership visibility and reinforcing the One Africa vision.
· Flagship Communication Platform: Established and scaled the SWC Heartbeat monthly newsletter as a flagship platform across multiple markets. Secured an exclusive interview with Group MD Dave Lewis – the only market to do so during his regional engagements.
· Recognition Programmes: Designed and delivered the SWC ICONS Recognition Programme, F25 Annual Awards and F26 Mid-Year Awards, creating a sustainable platform celebrating employees who embody Diageo's Values and Dial-Up Behaviours.
· Employer Brand & Storytelling: Curated and amplified authentic stories showcasing employees, leadership, innovation and culture across internal and external channels, strengthening employee pride, advocacy and Diageo's employer brand.
· Compliance & Innovation: Developed integrity and compliance communication programmes, including industrial theatre and behavioural change campaigns, contributing to 100% completion of mandatory Our Code training across SWC Africa.
· Wellbeing & Inclusion: Led wellbeing and inclusion campaigns across SWC Africa, including mental wellbeing, women's health and leadership visibility initiatives.
Communications Manager | September 2018 – February 2024
Led internal communications and employee engagement for Diageo South Africa.
· Served as the trusted writer and communications advisor for the leadership team, crafting Viva Engage announcements, business updates, strategic narratives and speaker notes for townhalls, strategy conferences, and employee forums.
· Developed and implemented the communications strategy for the annual Your Voice culture survey, driving participation and supporting leadership action plans that improved engagement and culture.
· Successfully launched and established the Diageo South Africa LinkedIn page, strengthening employer brand visibility, employee advocacy and leadership storytelling.
· Delivered townhalls, leadership forums and strategy launches that increased leadership visibility and aligned employees around key business priorities.
· Led employee engagement and culture initiatives embedding Diageo values and creating meaningful opportunities for employee voice, recognition and connection.
Internal Communications Manager | May 2017 – August 2018
Promoted to lead employee engagement, executive communications and organisational communication strategy across MTN South Africa.
· Developed and executed MTN SA's internal communications strategy in alignment with corporate objectives.
· Directed executive communications and managed key employee channels including internal publications and intranet content, strengthening leadership visibility and message consistency.
· Managed and coached communication professionals, supporting capability development and succession planning.
Internal Communications Specialist | July 2013 – April 2017
· Developed and launched the MTN Internal Brand Ambassador Programme.
· Designed and implemented the First 100 Days Strategic Engagement Programme for the incoming MTN SA CEO, creating a high-impact leadership engagement platform that strengthened employee trust and contributed to the CEO's reputation as one of the most respected leaders within the MTN Group.
· Coordinated CEO and Regional Executive Roadshows, strengthening leadership visibility across the organisation.
· Developed and launched the Internal Communications Graduate Programme, designing the development framework and mentoring a graduate who secured a permanent role within three months.
· Delivered major MTN Kick-Off events attended by 750 and 3,000 delegates respectively.
School of Business Leadership – UNISA
2007 – Fundamental Management Programme (1 year)
2003 – BA Honours – Digital Media
2000 – 2002 – BA, majoring in Media and Communications and Political Studies
