Advocating for people with invisible illness ensuring they have an equal seat at the table
Hi, I’m
Mariaan Tonia Christian
Communications/Public Relations Lead
Edenvale
Summary
Dynamic professional with 17 years of expertise in the communications and technology sectors. Communications Manager at Cisco since May 2021, shaping impactful public relations strategies to ensure the company's narrative resonates across Africa's priority markets. Ensuring she drives strong share of voice amongst competitors in the market. In addition to her role, Mariaan is the EMEA Co-Lead for the Cisco Disability Network, an active advocate for Women in Tech and is an active member of Women of Cisco, and a member of the Cisco EMEA Grant Leadership Team, where she profiles the work of NPOs across Africa
Her experience with in the PR agency environment includes working with top-tier global and regional B2B and B2C technology brands such as Microsoft Africa, Oracle Africa, SAP Africa, SEACOM, Accenture, Red Hat, LG, Dell, and HP. Proven track record of managing high-impact campaigns and fostering meaningful connections.
Mariaan ran her own PR consultancy M&CO for two years however the corporate environment called and since she has been supporting multinationals with their communications strategies. He heart lies with supporting small business with route to market.
She has deep insight into Africa's unique challenges and opportunities. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams, implementing innovative strategies, new business development and delivering results aligned with organizational goals.
Driven, articulate, and highly adaptable with a passion for team collaboration and effective communication. Combines technical knowledge, strategic vision, and people-centric approach to make a meaningful impact across industries and regions.
Overview
26
years of professional experience
2
Languages
Work History
Cisco
Communications Lead
05.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Implementing Cisco's global and EMEA communication strategies across Africa
- Collaborating with executives and country leaders to position Cisco as an innovative leader ensuring strong share of voice in priority country – South Africa
- Supporting initiatives like Cisco Country Digital Acceleration, Networking Academy, in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, highlighting Cisco's contributions to national development
- Profiling and thought leadership advocacy for Cisco EVP and Africa sponsor.
- Managing global and local Government Affairs projects for regional relevance i.e Cyber resilience whitepaper in Africa and Africa Smart Cities Research
- Partnering with sales and marketing teams to craft impactful customer stories and campaigns
- Manage budget and other allocated resources and monitored expenditures and maintain overall spend within approved allocations.
- Manage public relations activities with external agencies to maximize media exposure opportunities while controlling costs effectively.
- Spearhead corporate social responsibility programs, boosting community involvement and brand reputation.
- Aligned messaging across multiple platforms to ensure strong share of voice in the market.
- Championed thought leadership initiatives, positioning the organization as an industry expert in key markets.
Clockwork
Group/Account Director
02.2020 - 05.2021
Job overview
- Main client liaison
- Budget Management
- Finance: Billing, invoicing and new business contracts
- New Business Development – work closely with the MD on new business presentations
- Strategic development for traditional media and social campaigns
- Collaborate with digital/social team to ensure we drive integrated brand awareness campaigns successfully
- Content development and ensuring that the respective teams effectively delivers against strategy
- Media Relations: experience includes technology, business and consumer media relationships across online, print and broadcast outlets
- Analyst engagement: relationships with representatives from IDC, BMIT Analysts, Africa Analysis, Ovum and Worldwide Worx
- Clients Portfolio: Oracle SA, Kenya and Nigeria, SEACOM SA + Kenya, LG, Acer Africa, UVD Robots and CM.COM ecommerce
FleishmanHillard ZA
Account Director
05.2017 - 01.2020
Job overview
- Technology portfolio lead - team of 10
- Finance: Billings, Cost Estimates, Budget management
- New Business Development and Project management
- Manage key integrated accounts
- Development of strategic communication and campaign plans
- Motivated team members to meet and exceed account targets
- Directed client projects with eye for quality and customer needs
- Obtained pricing deals, negotiated contracts and solidified beneficial agreements
- Content development across client portfolio: writing, editing, various forms of content
- Developed compelling presentation decks to gain approval for ideas and communicate results
- Clients: Microsoft South Africa (Corporate, Consumer and Product campaigns), Philips Corporate and Health, Absa Technology World Economic Forum, HP, SAP Africa,
- Reason for leaving: Better prospects at Clockwork to manage a larger technology portfolio
FleishmanHillard ZA
Senior Account Manager
10.2015 - 05.2017
Job overview
- Main responsibilities included, but not limited to, client management, crisis communication and corporate communication
- Financial management of accounts
- Affiliate representation across East Brand management and consultation
- Media liaison
- Event management
- Content development; writing and editing
- Strategy development
- New business management
- Clients: Accenture, Dell, Boston Consulting Group, Philips Lighting South Africa, Axis Communications, SAP Africa, Accenture South Africa and HP Inc
- Reason for leaving: Received promotion to Account Director
DUO Marketing and Communications
PR Manager and Media strategist
09.2014 - 09.2015
Job overview
- Account management
- Client service and liaison
- Media strategist for Cape Town and JHB teams
- Analyst relations
- New Business Development
- Monthly reports and quarterly review
- Ensure brand exposure across traditional media and social media platforms
- Mentorship and training
- Event and Campaign management
- Clients: Veeam Software, Vox Telecom, Connection Telecom, Turrito Networks, CloudwarTechologies, Figlo, WiGroup, Stone Three Technologies, Realty Wealth, Junk Mail
- Reason for leaving: Better prospects with global agency
Freelancing
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR & Co owner
12.2013 - 09.2014
Job overview
- New Business Development
- Manage a team of 7 employees
- Social Media amplification
- Developing PR plans and pitching to potential new business
- Client service and liaison
- Research and brainstorm with different teams
- Manage teams across business2business and consumer clients
- Monthly Invoices and drafting of contracts
- Drafting of media releases and opinion pieces
- Media liaison
- Supplier liaison
- Clients: Business911, Lindenberg Racing, Okuhle Media, Hectic Nine-9 Television show, Magnatude Production Studio, Urban Beauty Academy, Artist Dion Cupido, Book Author, Gloria Fredericks
- REASON FOR LEAVING: Consulting for the agency, not a fixed position
POSITIVE DIALOGUE COMMUNICATION
ACCOUNT MANAGER
05.2013 - 11.2013
Job overview
- Develop and compile client strategy or plan
- Present and liaise with various stakeholders
- Implementation of client account work
- Professional Client services and Client Liaison
- Media Pitching
- Writing and issuing press releases
- Event Co-ordinating
- Source sponsorship opportunities
- Task Team or supplies
- Client contact reports
- Compile strike lists
- Compile Monthly activity reports
- Draft powerpoint presentations
- Act as a resource supporting account or industry sector teams
- Research and brainstorming with different teams
- Liaise with advertising team
- Clients: Shimansky Jewellers, Rentshield, Space Age Technologies, Retail Capital and Loot.co.za
- REASON FOR LEAVING: Contract
ATMOSPHERE COMMUNICATIONS
ACCOUNT MANAGER
08.2012 - 11.2012
Job overview
- Develop and compile client strategy or plan
- Present and liaise with various stakeholders
- Implementation of client account work
- Professional Client services and Client Liaison
- Media Pitching
- Writing and issuing press releases
- Event Co-ordinating
- Source sponsorship opportunities
- Task Team or supplies
- Client contact reports
- Compile strike lists
- Compile Monthly activity reports
- Draft powerpoint presentations
- Act as a resource supporting account or industry sector teams
- Research and brainstorming with different teams
- Liaise with advertising team
- Clients: Comair, British Airways, Kulula, Telkom Cap Twon Entrepreneurship week, Landbrokes Online Sports Betting, Help 2read CSI project, Johnny Walker Platinum and Gold label Reserve
- Reason for leaving: Standing in for maternity leave employee
TOMCAT ADVERTISING
PR MANAGER (Freelance)
11.2011 - 06.2012
Job overview
- Develop and compile client strategy or plan
- Present and liaise with various stakeholders
- Implementation of client account work
- Professional Client services and Client Liaison
- Media Pitching
- Writing and issuing press releases
- Event Co-ordinating
- Source sponsorship opportunities
- Task Team or supplies
- Client contact reports
- Compile strike lists
- Compile Monthly activity reports
- Draft powerpoint presentations
- Act as a resource supporting account or industry sector teams
- Clients: ON TAP Plumbing and Retail, Pacmar, Perdeberg Winery, Missing children, Epilepsy SA, SNAP (Special Needs Adapted Programme)
- Reason for leaving: Contract
DUMMETT & COMPANY COMMUNICATIONS
ACCOUNT MANAGER
12.2009 - 11.2011
Job overview
- Implementation of client account work
- Manage and control client budgets
- Professional Client services and Client Liaison
- Media Pitching
- Writing and issuing press releases
- Event Co-ordinating
- Task Team members
- Client contact reports
- Compile strike lists and Monthly activity reports
- Draft powerpoint presentations
- Act as a resource supporting account or industry sector teams
- Clients: Brandhouse-Premium Whiskies, Rhino Africa, Vital Health Foods, Saul’s Saloon and Grill, HaveYouHeard, Fountain Head Design, Just Design
- Reason for leaving: New prospects
LIVEWIRED COMMUNICATIONS
JNR ACCOUNT MANAGER MEDIA SPECIALIST
09.2009 - 12.2009
Job overview
- Plan implementation work
- Media pitching
- Professional Client services
- Event co-ordinating
- Media office
- Clients: Pure Innovation – HR, Guest Alert – Hospitality, Astra Telecommunications
- Reason for leaving: Company closed due to name change
SENTIENT COMMUNICATIONS
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE B2B AND B2C (PROMOTION)
01.2008 - 09.2009
Job overview
- Coverage Tracking, Feature Tracking
- Writing news releases
- Media pitching
- Client Liaison
- Clients: B2B, Metropolitan Cover2Go, Fundamo Mobile Banking, Neotel, Cape Town IT Initiative, B2C, Mixit, Paul Smith, Push Play
SENTIENT COMMUNICATIONS
OFFICE MANAGER
01.2007 - 12.2007
Job overview
- Accounts
- Personal Assistant to the MD
- Administration
- HR Duties
- Reason for leaving: Agency Insolvent
GLASSHOUSE MULTIMEDIA
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
01.2006 - 01.2007
Job overview
- All admin duties
- Accounts
- HR
- Personal Assistant to MD and Financial Director
- Reason for leaving: Better Prospects
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICES
SECRETARY AND PERSONAL ASSISTANT
01.2000 - 01.2006
Job overview
- REASON FOR LEAVING: Better Prospects
STEERS
ASSISTANT MANAGER
01.1999 - 01.2000
Job overview
- REASON FOR LEAVING: Better Prospects
Education
Buren HighSouth Africa
High School Diploma
04.2001
University Overview
- Professional Development Studies: Conflict Management & Emotional Intelligence, 2019
- Presentation skills: The Missing Link 2018
- Writing training: 2008
- Varsity College: Bookkeeping: 2006
Skills
Team management
Interests
Timeline
Communications Lead
Cisco
05.2021 - Current
Group/Account Director
Clockwork
02.2020 - 05.2021
Account Director
FleishmanHillard ZA
05.2017 - 01.2020
Senior Account Manager
FleishmanHillard ZA
10.2015 - 05.2017
PR Manager and Media strategist
DUO Marketing and Communications
09.2014 - 09.2015
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR & Co owner
Freelancing
12.2013 - 09.2014
ACCOUNT MANAGER
POSITIVE DIALOGUE COMMUNICATION
05.2013 - 11.2013
ACCOUNT MANAGER
ATMOSPHERE COMMUNICATIONS
08.2012 - 11.2012
PR MANAGER (Freelance)
TOMCAT ADVERTISING
11.2011 - 06.2012
ACCOUNT MANAGER
DUMMETT & COMPANY COMMUNICATIONS
12.2009 - 11.2011
JNR ACCOUNT MANAGER MEDIA SPECIALIST
LIVEWIRED COMMUNICATIONS
09.2009 - 12.2009
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE B2B AND B2C (PROMOTION)
SENTIENT COMMUNICATIONS
01.2008 - 09.2009
OFFICE MANAGER
SENTIENT COMMUNICATIONS
01.2007 - 12.2007
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
GLASSHOUSE MULTIMEDIA
01.2006 - 01.2007
Buren High
High School Diploma
04.2001
SECRETARY AND PERSONAL ASSISTANT
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICES
01.2000 - 01.2006
ASSISTANT MANAGER
STEERS
01.1999 - 01.2000
Languages
Afrikaans
English
Personal Information
- ID Number: 8103130201084
- Ethnicity: Coloured
- Nationality: South African
- Marital Status: Married
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