Odette Bagley-Swart
Senior Communications Professional SSA
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Experienced integrated communications professional with a demonstrated history of working in the Technology, Pay TV, Entertainment and Sport Industries across Africa and Internationally.
Results-driven, profit growth strategist with stellar history of success in market share and revenue growth, content management, pitches and press releases, event planning and execution, and brand positioning. Cross-functional competencies in international marketing, media monitoring and analysis, inbound marketing, and Social Media strategy business. Proven track record in executing effective public relations campaigns to reach both internal and external stakeholders; including publicity for Big Brother Africa, Face of Africa, CNN Multi Choice Journalist of the Year Awards, and more.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
PR Manager
Huawei Comsumer BG
Sandton
01.2021 - Current
- Raised brand awareness through consistent marketing efforts and product campaign launches.
- Collaborated with media to encourage company and product coverage and promote brand mission and values.
- Defined and achieved project and overall organizational vision, strategies and tactics.
- Aligned projects and daily activities with company vision, strategies and tactics.
- Reported on press coverage recaps to determine areas for improvement.
- Conducted market analysis and monitored competitive activity.
- Supervised and monitored media purchasing from media outlets.
- Collaborated with external PR firms, as well as internal sales and marketing managers, to determine branding, product positioning and media messages.
- Wrote and edited articles, web content, advertising copy, periodicals and publications for internal and external audiences.
- Collaborated with production team to coordinate advertisements and promotions.
- Designed and created campaign e-mail invitations, articles and marketing videos.
- Managed internal, external and crisis communications.
- Wrote press materials and delivered presentations to media representatives.
- Built professional relationships with distributors, customers and media staff by attending trade shows.
Senior Communications Consultant
Siqalabusha Communications
Johannesburg
09.2018 - 12.2020
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Delivered strategic communications plans, marketing materials, and promotional events to clients on a project basis through conceptualising and implementing holistic and integrated solutions.
- Developed and implemented integrated communications strategies and initiatives across paid, earned, shared and owned channels to support the achievement of key business objectives, and to protect and improve reputation
- - Developed the omnichannel content calendar, and lead messaging and content creation in collaboration with Global Communications team
- Drove positive coverage across a broad range of media, including online, broadcast and print outlets. Help lead an external agency to draft and edit written content, conduct quality media engagements, and handle crisis communications.
- Partner with internal customers to develop and communicate narratives on key issues and strategic policy initiatives, as well as to improve understanding of the smoke-free products' category among key audiences
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
Account Director
PR Worx
Fourways
09.2020 - 11.2020
- Directed client projects with eye for quality and customer needs.
- Served as a primary client contact, providing strategic direction and guiding the execution of the tactical elements of clients’ public relations campaigns.
- Responsible for the daily oversight, management and implementation of assigned clients’ integrated communications campaigns.
- Overseeing media strategy and account development
- Providing support for agency growth and development of new business pipeline
- Achieving exceptional outcomes for current clients and managing an extended portfolio ensuring consistency of service is delivered in line with company policy
- Championing the agency values and brand
- Developing senior press relationships and managing contacts with key commentators, industry spokespeople and sector influencers
- Offering crisis management and counsel to clients and extending networking opportunities
- Overseeing provision of account resources
- Formulating business strategy in conjunction with other directors
- Reporting into the board and providing high level data analysis
Senior Manager: Communications Africa
MultiChoice Africa
Randburg
01.2011 - 08.2018
- Overhauled and streamlined processes to drastically improve operational efficiency and quality standards. Developed and executed all ASO (Analogue Switch Off) strategies and communications, including development and hosting of the Digital Dialogue conferences in SA, Nigeria, Ghana, and Dubai.
- Delivered messaging around key strategic business projects and initiatives by driving key CEO and executive engagement. Guided Exco and regional and country stakeholders on regional internal communication plans and the alignment to global objectives.
- Steered effective MultiChoice, DStv, and GOtv brand positioning consistent with company strategy.
- Arranged and managed communications and events for the MultiChoice Africa's GOtv launches - largest T2 technology launch in the world.
- Attained $2M coverage for the launch of GOtv and Analogue Switch Off (ASO) awareness campaigns.
- Spearheaded product launches across the African continent, including the launch of GOtv across 10 territories in Africa.
- Provided assistance on CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Awards across 40 countries, Africa.
- Produced African Union’s 50th Anniversary celebrations live continental broadcast from Ethiopia in 2013.
- Organized digital dialogue conferences held in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Dubai focusing on digital migration and new technologies, trends that generated over $1M of coverage.
- Developed and implemented Internal and external communication strategies to launch MultiChoice Africa's corporate website.
- Conducted negotiation with hotels for organizing Conferences and CNN Multihoice African Journalist Awards that saved the company more than 40% of budgeted targets.
PR and Publicity Executive
Multichoice Africa
Randburg
09.2006 - 12.2010
Marketing and Competions Co-ordinator
SuperSport
Randburg
08.2003 - 08.2006
Sport Journalist
Naspers - News 24
Cape Town
02.2000 - 07.2003
Education
Bachelor of Law - Law
Unisa
Pretoria 02.2020 - Current
Mandarin For Beginners - Mandarin Course
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg 01.2022 - 05.2022
Advance Certificate in Management Practice - Management Practice
Henley Business School
Sandton 01.2017 - 11.2017
Managers’ Acceleration Progression Programme - Business Administration And Management
Henley Business School
Sandton 01.2015 - 11.2015
Skills
- Strategic management
Timeline
Mandarin For Beginners - Mandarin Course
University of The Witwatersrand
01.2022 - 05.2022
PR Manager
Huawei Comsumer BG
01.2021 - Current
Account Director
PR Worx
09.2020 - 11.2020
Bachelor of Law - Law
Unisa
02.2020 - Current
Senior Communications Consultant
Siqalabusha Communications
09.2018 - 12.2020
Advance Certificate in Management Practice - Management Practice
Henley Business School
01.2017 - 11.2017
Managers’ Acceleration Progression Programme - Business Administration And Management
Henley Business School
01.2015 - 11.2015
Senior Manager: Communications Africa
MultiChoice Africa
01.2011 - 08.2018
PR and Publicity Executive
Multichoice Africa
09.2006 - 12.2010
Marketing and Competions Co-ordinator
SuperSport
08.2003 - 08.2006
Sport Journalist
Naspers - News 24
02.2000 - 07.2003
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