My role at Voyages-sncf.com is to raise the brand awareness of the company on the UK market through targeted multi channel PR and Communications activities.• Initially responsible for the implementation and development of Voyages-sncf.com’s social media digital presence in the UK on Facebook and Twitter; Production of brand videos.• Led the PR and corporate reputation of Voyages-sncf.com in the UK during for the rebranding in 2013 of Rail Europe to Voyages-sncf.com. • Company spokesperson for radio and TV interviews; Reactive and pro-active contact with key media stakeholders including national/regional publications, websites, and bloggers throughout Europe. Initial point of contact for all UK media during crisis periods, including the Icelandic volcanic eruption, and the Eurostar snow disruptions of Christmas 2009.• Developed and implemented stand-alone PR campaigns, including campaigns with celebrity patissier Eric Lanlard and climate expert Dr David Viner. • Managed external domestic and pan-European agencies for specific projects including the launch of the winter sales period for the last two years and research projects resulting in radio and print coverage; Engaged and managed the UK’s PR agency and their ongoing contract with the company. • Utilised industry contacts in both traditional and new media to secure guests from high-end travel and lifestyle publications at locations such as Fera at Claridges; Organised and hosted online media and bloggers on trips to Montgenevre, Bordeaux, Lyon and the French Champagne region. • Through industry contacts organised multiple strategic brand enhancing events such as an evening with skier Graham Bell and an evening with author David Nicholls; Sponsored, hosted and co-organised an evening networking event for over 150 travel media at Le Meridien on Piccadilly.

• Identified and approached to undertake a newly created position of PR Manager following 5 years within the marketing team. Reporting in to the Group Head of Public Relations, the role involved direct responsibility for a dynamic 6-person PR team and management of the PR budget.• End to end ownership of Saga Holidays strategic PR plan, from development to implementation. Major objectives were to raise public awareness of the company and to address popular misconceptions linked to the brand name.• Press release and statement writing to national, regional and online media.• Management of an external PR agency account to deliver over and above agreed coverage targets on a monthly basis, through press release distribution, direct contact with media, press trips and events.• Acted as Saga Holidays company spokesperson in both positive and crisis situations including the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami and supporting staff and customers following a coach crash in Borneo. • Fostering and maintaining relationships with national, regional and freelance journalists. Planning of an annual press trip calendar for group and individual trips. Planning and accompanying group trips to destinations including Vietnam and Cambodia, Croatia, Thailand and the USA.• Planning and accompanying TV filming trips and photo shoots to destinations including Spain and the USA.

The five years spent in the Marketing department of Saga Holidays saw progression from Marketing Executive-UK to Marketing Manager-Europe. Key tasks included the strategic development and implementation of a marketing business plan; planning and management of direct mail campaigns from brochure design and production through to audience segmentation, reporting and budget management; and management of the European marketing team.