Samantha Edwards

Company Overview:

Publicis One Touch is part of the Publicis Groupe, a leading global agency network. Created in collaboration with Beiersdorf, Publicis One Touch drives digital transformation through an innovative, agile agency model. As part of this team, I lead the South African market in driving a high-performing team and delivering strategic excellence and innovation in multi-channel precision marketing.

My role combines team leadership, client relationship management, and collaboration with Global markets to deliver global brand alignment and success for NIVEA.

Key achievements:

• Doubled by team complement through business growth, from 6 to 12 members in one year, recruiting top talent and implementing effective onboarding tools
• Exceeded financial targets by 20% in 2024, contributing to overall agency revenue growth and profitability
• Cultivated cross-region relationships, ensuring cohesive strategies and consistent execution across markets
• Positioned the team as market leaders in precision marketing, delivering measurable success and client satisfaction
• Oversaw strategic campaign development and execution, maintaining alignment with client objectives and industry best practices, winning a couple of awards along the way
• Fostered innovation across departments by encouraging creative problem-solving techniques that led to novel ideas and solutions.
• Streamlined project management processes to ensure timely completion of deliverables within established budget constraints while maintaining high-quality results.

Company Overview:

Conversation Lab is an independent digitally native agency. In my role as Client Service Director, I led the Client service team, driving delivery excellence across a diverse client set including personal care, education and B2B companies.

Key Achievements:

• Led a diverse set of clients locally and internationally
• Nurtured a team of Client Service Managers to ensure timely delivery of services and solutions.
• Managed and drove monthly forecasting to ensure financial targets were not only met, but exceeded.
• Championed process improvements that led to greater operational efficiency within the department and positively impacted the agency's bottom line.
• Cultivated a strong network of industry professionals and leveraged relationships to generate new business opportunities, expanding the company''s client base.
• Integral to winning over 16 industry awards for key campaigns
• Spearheaded talent development, resource planning, and adherence to internal systems and processes
• Delivered bi-weekly client and staff health reports as part of the senior leadership team
• Ensured operational excellence across the client service team

• Led the marketing launch of a R2 billion retail development, establishing innovative digital assets and strategies
• Oversaw all marketing operations, staffing, and budget management

• Established and led the agency’s digital division, driving innovation and revenue growth
• Delivered award-winning campaigns, including a Cannes Finalist project

• Directed and implemented PR campaigns for international broadcast technology companies
• Managed a team delivering impactful results for leading blue-chip organizations in the technology sector

• Managed client relationships and media communications, contributing to the company’s reputation and growth
• Supported the production of high-profile projects, including films for London’s 2012 Olympic bid