Brian Sibanda
Account Manager
Johannesburg
Summary
Collaborative and adaptable PR professional with10 years of experience in media relations and consumer PR. Strong collaborator with a track record of building cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals. Experienced in adapting messaging and strategies to diverse audiences and evolving media landscapes. Proficient in media monitoring, social listening, and data-driven analysis to inform decision-making and measure success.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Media Relations Consultant
Self Employed
09.2023 - Current
- Enhanced brand reputation by developing and implementing strategic media relations campaigns.
- Conducted comprehensive media audits to evaluate client coverage, identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Built strong relationships with key journalists and influencers, fostering positive coverage for clients.
- Coordinated interviews between clients and journalists, ensuring a seamless experience for both parties.
- Tracked and analyzed media coverage, providing valuable insights to inform future strategies.
- Secured high-profile media placements for clients, elevating their visibility and credibility in the industry.
- Collaborated with internal teams to create compelling content that resonated with target audiences.
- Organized press events and launches, generating significant media attention and buzz for clients'' products or services
Account Manager
Evolution PR
4 2022 - 08.2023
- Responsible for overseeing a portfolio of companies at Evolution PR, under Workforce Holdings which included Workforce Staffing, Worldwide Staffing, Oxyon, PPO, Gcbued, QUYN, Prisma, Training Force, KBC Health & Safety, and DYNA Training
- Communicated with media weekly to build relationships and optimize press coverage.
- Produced and distributed internal and external communications.
- Coordinated press releases and handled press inquiries for all clients.
- Forged strong media relationships to further public relations goals.
- Wrote press releases for routine use and crisis management.
- Coordinated thought leadership opportunities for clients through speaking engagements, panel discussions, and guest articles in reputable outlets.
- Managed crisis communication efforts, mitigating potential damage to clients'' reputations.
- Secured high-profile media placements for clients, elevating their industry presence and reputation.
Business Development Consultant
Sothaba Enterprise Associates
01.2020 - 03.2023
- Key clients: Catalyst for Growth, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), National Lotteries Commission, NYDA, Small Enterprise Funding Agency (Sefa), Telkom Foundation.
- Identified potential compliance issues through meticulous background checks, helping clients avoid costly legal repercussions.
- Built strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and a commitment to understanding their unique needs and concerns.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address complex business challenges and develop holistic solutions for clients.
- Reviewed client concerns and recommended appropriate changes to supervisors.
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and developing strategic partnerships.
- Developed customized solutions for clients, resulting in enhanced customer satisfaction and retention.
Web Developer
Self-Employed
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Key Clients: Catalyst for Growth, Sothaba Enterprise Associates, Truway Online Radio, Miteyo Investments, The Real African, UjamaaLive Media, UnCensored Opinion.
- Developed and implemented WordPress sites, themes and plugins.
- Maximized site performance with regular updates, security measures, and optimization techniques.
- Designed responsive, mobile-first websites from design concepts.
- Installed required plugins and additional coding to fit final design and functionality requirements.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing timely maintenance and troubleshooting support for WordPress sites.
- Optimized website loading speeds through careful evaluation of installed plugins and efficient use of caching mechanisms.
- Developed user-friendly admin panels for easy content management, resulting in increased productivity for clients.
Senior Account manager
Condriac Communications Agency
06.2016 - 12.2016
- Key Clients: Panasonic South Africa, Defy, Snapt, Stringfellow Investments.
- Managed crisis communications to protect the clients reputation during challenging situations.
- Mentored junior staff members to develop their skills in public relations and communications strategy.
- Collaborated with client marketing team to ensure cohesive messaging across all channels, amplifying campaign impact.
- Enhanced client brand image by developing and implementing strategic public relations campaigns. namely Panasonic and Defy sponsorship of Olympic Atheletes Akani Simbine, Wade van Niekerk and Rushwal Samaai shortly before and after the 2016 Olympics.
- Secured media placements for increased visibility, utilizing strong relationships with journalists and influencers.
- Streamlined internal processes for more efficient workflow, resulting in increased productivity within the agency.
- Established strong relationships with industry thought leaders and influencers, positioning the clients as leaders in their fields.
- Created targeted media lists to maximize coverage opportunities for various announcements and initiatives.
Account Manager/Digital Lead
Weber Shandwick
04.2014 - 03.2016
- In my role, I primarily focused on the sub-Saharan Africa region, engaging in limited local work
- Key Accounts: GSMA, Ericsson RSSA, Eaton, UNICEF, Agility Logistics, GlaxoSmithKline.
- Coordinated special events, ensuring seamless execution and positive media coverage for clients.
- Collaborated with clients to set clear objectives, execute PR plans, and achieve desired results.
- Strategically managed budgets for various PR initiatives, ensuring maximum ROI for clients.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices by attending conferences, workshops, and networking events.
- Established strong relationships with key journalists, fostering trust and securing positive coverage for clients.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors and media partners, securing cost-effective advertising placements for clients.
- Assessed performance metrics regularly, adjusting campaign tactics as needed to maximize ROI for clients.
- Managed multiple client accounts simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality digital marketing services.
- Mentored junior account managers on best practices in digital marketing strategy development and implementation.
- Managed social media advertising efforts including Facebook Ads, Instagram Ads, LinkedIn Ads, leading to increased audience reach and engagement levels.
Senior Account Executive
Epic Communications (MSL Publicis)
09.2013 - 03.2014
- Key Account: Samsung South Africa.
- Measured campaign success through data analysis, optimizing future efforts based on insights gained from metrics tracking.
- Coordinated special events, ensuring seamless execution and positive media coverage for clients.
- Collaborated with clients to set clear objectives, execute PR plans, and achieve desired results.
- Strategically managed budgets for various PR initiatives, ensuring maximum ROI for clients.
- Established strong relationships with key journalists, fostering trust and securing positive coverage for clients.
- Secured high-profile media placements, enhancing client reputation and market presence.
- Mentored junior team members by sharing industry insights and providing guidance on best practices, contributing to the overall growth and development of the team.
- Managed media relations for organizations to produce successful results.
- Used various social media platforms for media and blogger outreach.
- Coordinated media interviews with organization staff, board members and volunteers.
Account Executive
Chillibush Communications
01.2013 - 08.2013
- Key accounts including CGCSA IDC, Mutual & Federal, and Dachser Logistics.
- Drafted speeches, op-eds, and talking points for company executives to effectively communicate their message to target audiences.
- Coordinated special events, ensuring seamless execution and positive media coverage for clients.
- Assisted in new business development by creating persuasive proposals that showcased agency capabilities.
- Established strong relationships with key journalists, fostering trust and securing positive coverage for clients.
- Secured high-profile media placements, enhancing client reputation and market presence.
- Implemented social media campaigns to boost audience engagement and drive brand awareness.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices by attending conferences, workshops, and networking events.
- Managed media relations for organizations to produce successful results.
- Conducted media relations and responded to media requests for information.
- Supported public relations managers with writing, researching and preparation of materials
- Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effective dissemination of mass communications.
- Developed and implemented social media strategy to increase engagement and reach new audiences.
- Monitored media coverage and produced detailed reports to analyze impact of PR efforts.
- Produced and distributed brochures, newsletters and press kits.
- Developed comprehensive media outreach plan to increase visibility of organization in local, regional and national markets.
PR Intern
Chillibush Communications
06.2012 - 12.2012
- Maintained and updated media contact lists and databases for ease of access.
- Coordinated media events, photo opportunities and press interviews to drive client engagement.
- Assisted in developing media strategies and campaigns for client needs.
- Assisted in the organization of promotional events, boosting brand recognition and engagement.
- Managed media lists and relationships to secure valuable coverage opportunities for clients.
- Participated actively in brainstorms sessions that generated innovative ideas for upcoming PR campaigns.
- Drafted, edited and distributed press releases, media advisories and other public relations materials.
- Built strong relationships with media outlets and communications professionals to expand personal network.
Education
BA Public Relations - Public Relations
Midrand Graduate Institue (Incomplete)
Midrand, South Africa 01.2008 - 04.2012
Skills
Media Relations
Influencer outreach
Crisis Communications
Pitching stories
Teamwork and Collaboration
Social Media Marketing
Relationship Building
Public relations
Interpersonal Skills
Professionalism
Continuous Improvement
Certification
Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing
Contactnumber
0813831554
Idno
880609 5790 087
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 06/09/88
- Nationality: South African
References
- Sifiso Ndwandwe, Sothaba Enterprise Associates, ndwandwes@sothaba.com, +27 72 711 4391
- David Maila, Weber Shandwick, dmaila@webershandwick.com, +966553895226 / +27 72 015 4702
- Liesl Simpson, Evolution PR, liesl@evolutionpr.co.za, +27 82 325 4815
- Charlote Hlangwane, DUO Marketing + Communication, charlote@duomarketing.co.za, +27 76 891 1464
Timeline
Media Relations Consultant
Self Employed
09.2023 - Current
Business Development Consultant
Sothaba Enterprise Associates
01.2020 - 03.2023
Web Developer
Self-Employed
01.2017 - 12.2019
Senior Account manager
Condriac Communications Agency
06.2016 - 12.2016
Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing
08-2015
Account Manager/Digital Lead
Weber Shandwick
04.2014 - 03.2016
Senior Account Executive
Epic Communications (MSL Publicis)
09.2013 - 03.2014
Account Executive
Chillibush Communications
01.2013 - 08.2013
PR Intern
Chillibush Communications
06.2012 - 12.2012
BA Public Relations - Public Relations
Midrand Graduate Institue (Incomplete)
01.2008 - 04.2012
Account Manager
Evolution PR
4 2022 - 08.2023
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