Cindy Symons Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

Greater London

London, United Kingdom

After three years as Christie's EMEA PR/Communications Manager, I am now retained by Christie on freelance communications projects. This includes managing technical communications, content and partnerships in cinema and the arts. I work to leverage the company's sponsorships of the BFI and NFTS (National Film and Television School) as part of the company's commitment to leading digital cinema within the film industry. Christie also has a long-term partnership with the Barbican -… Show more After three years as Christie's EMEA PR/Communications Manager, I am now retained by Christie on freelance communications projects. This includes managing technical communications, content and partnerships in cinema and the arts. I work to leverage the company's sponsorships of the BFI and NFTS (National Film and Television School) as part of the company's commitment to leading digital cinema within the film industry. Christie also has a long-term partnership with the Barbican - supplying many forms of display, projection and media players. The partnership is underpinned by a shared belief in developing and exploring the relationship between content with technology.I manage communications strategy, plans, PR, awards, content generation and liaise with global social media. I also work with EMEA PR agents and North American corporate personnel on case studies.Recent work has also included promoting digital radio for World DAB, the industry body. Show less

Wokingham

Christie is the Rolls Royce of the AV industry, leading digital cinema and the world’s brightest laser projection. Star Wars, for example, premiered using Christie laser. Clients and partners include the Barbican, NFTS, BFI, Dolby, Cannes, Disney and Porsche.I took the role because it offered an EMEA remit and encompassed two aspects of my experience - editorial and PR – within the broader marketing function of a global technology leader. Initially I was asked to kick-start case… Show more Christie is the Rolls Royce of the AV industry, leading digital cinema and the world’s brightest laser projection. Star Wars, for example, premiered using Christie laser. Clients and partners include the Barbican, NFTS, BFI, Dolby, Cannes, Disney and Porsche.I took the role because it offered an EMEA remit and encompassed two aspects of my experience - editorial and PR – within the broader marketing function of a global technology leader. Initially I was asked to kick-start case studies and videos, then taking up the reins as PR Manager, promoting 200 technical products over several regions. I focus on that aspect here. Below are some key achievements and initiatives. • I restructured the PR function, recruiting and appointing the company’s first EMEA agency to bring greater expertise, value and co-ordination • I secured the company’s first coverage on television (BBC Click) and consumer cinema press. I also saw the commercial opportunity to leverage Hollywood director Ang Lee’s use of a non-cinema projector in key vertical markets who are the major users of the technology• I oversaw behind the highest-ranking company video on social media with an industry title (over 400 FB likes). The next closest video garnered 20 FB likes by comparison• A well-received initiative was to introduce media round-tables to position product managers and employees as industry experts and thought leaders• I won the company awards at all major magazine awards shows, some categories for the first timeSome of my key responsibilities are listed below:• Managed and implemented the communications plan, EMEA PR agents, agency• Worked with global and EMEA marketing, partners, sales, product management • Developed content to include PR, case studies, and video • Supported broader marketing activity to include social media, online, campaigns• Managed PR and social media for annual events in technology and cinema Show less

London, Greater London

With a wide background, from editing, PR and marketing to new business, I operated my own consultancy, where I could bring the breadth of communications experience to diverse projects. The roles speak to these aspects across retail, the arts and Government. Retail:• Tesco GM Marketing Manager. When Tesco launched new home ranges, I was taken on due to experience over such a broad range of functions. I worked with external teams and agents on local leaflets, Tesco Magazine and… Show more With a wide background, from editing, PR and marketing to new business, I operated my own consultancy, where I could bring the breadth of communications experience to diverse projects. The roles speak to these aspects across retail, the arts and Government. Retail:• Tesco GM Marketing Manager. When Tesco launched new home ranges, I was taken on due to experience over such a broad range of functions. I worked with external teams and agents on local leaflets, Tesco Magazine and managed the POS messaging for the launch stores• Salveo Health Online. Primarily working in new business I secured meetings with major UK stores, including Boots, Superdrug and MothercareThe Arts:• PR for the London Hippodrome and City of Chicago Centenary/The Gray Circle: For these two arts projects, I achieved coverage in London and Chicago press,the New York Times Chicago TV • PR and communications consultant, book publishing; Promoting a refresh of the legendary Peter Owen literary brand. Coverage included the Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, regional and international newspapers• Business development consultant, ‘The Collection’, East Festival; commissioned by the Mayor’s office around an interesting project with designer Hussein Chalayan and pianist, Lola Rose. I produced a business plan, chaired round-table discussions with sports commentator Mihir Bose and The Design Museum, securing the client commissions• The Daily Telegraph: Copy-edited magazine supplements for brands including Leith’s, the Michelin Guide and The Good Food GuideGovernment:• Content Manager for Haringey Council: This was an incredibly complex project to manage and write. Briefed to sell the success of the entire housing business to the Audit Commission, it involved liaising with multiple stakeholders, structured within over 300 questions • As PR consultant for The City of London Police forensic IT system, I achieved coverage in target magazines including a serialised part-work on the project Show less

It was a pleasure to be asked back by Waitrose where I was responsible for producing and project-managing multiple editorial projects both in-house and through marketing and editorial external agencies.The role encompassed:• Editing New and Thirst, the monthly check-out titles• Managing and briefing in-house and external agencies to produce food launch leaflets, brochures and customer information guides• Working closely with buyers on product launches to interpret key… Show more It was a pleasure to be asked back by Waitrose where I was responsible for producing and project-managing multiple editorial projects both in-house and through marketing and editorial external agencies.The role encompassed:• Editing New and Thirst, the monthly check-out titles• Managing and briefing in-house and external agencies to produce food launch leaflets, brochures and customer information guides• Working closely with buyers on product launches to interpret key messages with reference to product differentiators and marketing research on customer perception• Liaising with multiple stakeholders, buying departments, PR and designUnder my own initiative I achieved budget reductions on leaflet ranges while improving the branding and messaging of the food ranges. I introduced sales concepts on leaflets – highlighting the individual buyer and the story behind the range - which were then extended by the company to packaging.All projects were carried out in line with the marketing communications plan and seasonal campaigns, with deliverables regularly presented to the marketing directorate and communications board. Show less

Zone Communications asked me to oversee 40 pieces of printed marketing collateral and online consistency of branding for Fremantle Media in the run up to MipCom in Cannes, a showcase for the global TV market.As account director, I was responsible for scheduling, briefing, content creation, commissioning and sign-off, and was the liaison point with the client and internal web, design and management teams. I led the branding process to message and position new flagship television… Show more Zone Communications asked me to oversee 40 pieces of printed marketing collateral and online consistency of branding for Fremantle Media in the run up to MipCom in Cannes, a showcase for the global TV market.As account director, I was responsible for scheduling, briefing, content creation, commissioning and sign-off, and was the liaison point with the client and internal web, design and management teams. I led the branding process to message and position new flagship television programmes for global TV buying market, conducting trans-Atlantic discussions with production executives in the US and Canada.A key achievement here was that I proactively identified a process issue as the cause of long-standing delays in delivering all literature on time in previous years. I rectified it by Introducing new branding, briefing, and production processes to position new television programmes. For the first time, all projects before an exhibition were brought in on time. (In fact I left a day early, with everything signed off). Show less

Initially, I was asked to Waitrose for a three-month contract baby-sitting New Magazine, the monthly product showcase and news magazine. The communications department extended my contract to work over other areas and, in particular, take on the direct mail newsletter which was sent monthly to Waitrose and John Lewis customers. My main areas of responsibility included the following:• Managed a portfolio of Waitrose titles, in-house and via an agency• Edited New, Seasons and… Show more Initially, I was asked to Waitrose for a three-month contract baby-sitting New Magazine, the monthly product showcase and news magazine. The communications department extended my contract to work over other areas and, in particular, take on the direct mail newsletter which was sent monthly to Waitrose and John Lewis customers. My main areas of responsibility included the following:• Managed a portfolio of Waitrose titles, in-house and via an agency• Edited New, Seasons and Waitrose Food Illustrated plus customer leaflets• Upgraded the direct mail newsletter to Waitrose/John Lewis customers• Worked closely with buying departments refining messaging on product launchesThe communications department received unsolicited email from buyers praising my work.I also suggested an interim upgrade and redesign of the Waitrose/John Lewis Newsletter. Both the initiative (and result) were very well received by the marketing directorate.In the direct mail, a short piece on one department received a previously unexperienced customer engagement. (To put into context, the same product type had monthly coverage to the same readers in magazines and direct mail for years.) The writing and message stood out. Show less

At OMD I was asked to manage the entire concept, design and pitch process of a celebratory print project to communicate a year of consolidation and change management within the world’s largest global media agency.The brief was to deliver a stand-out printed piece, that would serve both internal audiences and a major press event. • Liaised with over 20 stakeholders at director and MD level across the four UK agencies within OMD UK• Devised the concept, themes, messaging and… Show more At OMD I was asked to manage the entire concept, design and pitch process of a celebratory print project to communicate a year of consolidation and change management within the world’s largest global media agency.The brief was to deliver a stand-out printed piece, that would serve both internal audiences and a major press event. • Liaised with over 20 stakeholders at director and MD level across the four UK agencies within OMD UK• Devised the concept, themes, messaging and delivery and tracked budget• Identified prospective agencies and managed pitch process• The role involved considerable project management and I wrote the textThe end result was an A4 book; a hard-backed, quality, keepsake ‘annual’ with the concept, Showtime, foiled in silver on a black background. The concept neatly conveyed the company’s main strength - the quality of the people in the company - hinting at a spectacular performance. The content was loosely structured around a theatrical theme and every member of staff mentioned as supporting cast - if not a leading role. Showtime was taken as the theme of the annual press event. Show less

Above I reference being able to instinctively provide commercial and creative solutions, regardless of industry or particular background. Amplefuture is a good example as I worked in various roles and divisions. Due to success in my initial role as commercial manager of Txt-Me TV, the first text channel on Sky Digital, the managing director asked me to join the main marketing department.I achieved results in all areas.• Starting as commercial manager on the texting television… Show more Above I reference being able to instinctively provide commercial and creative solutions, regardless of industry or particular background. Amplefuture is a good example as I worked in various roles and divisions. Due to success in my initial role as commercial manager of Txt-Me TV, the first text channel on Sky Digital, the managing director asked me to join the main marketing department.I achieved results in all areas.• Starting as commercial manager on the texting television channel, My contribution to the business plan – spotting an opportunity to use other telephone chat services – led to a doubling of revenue the first time it was put in action• I negotiated numerous sponsorships for the TV channel for prizes and joint ventures with companies including Vodafone, O2, hotel groups and Alton Towers• Seeing the synergy with Olympia’s first mobile exhibition, I suggesting and negotiating a free stand,, also designed by me, from which we could text live updates• Moving to the main marketing department, I generated business leads for directors, secured speaker slots directors (something they had not previously achieved)• I doubled attendance at the annual trend conference for fashion buyers (in related web business TrendStop), securing business meetings with major retailers such as M&S and John Lewis• Because of results, I was asked to create a presentation to the company on ‘Writing that Sells’ Show less

Initially consulting on PR through a marketing consultancy, I was retained by ActiveIntranet in preference to a succession of agencies and external contractors working on public relations, direct mail and case studies, based on achieving results.Over four years I worked, in parallel, for Deeper Media on national magazine projects to include regular health and lifestyle columns, editing and projects in Shape Magazine, Shine, Beautiful Living, Naturallyhealthy.com and an interiors launch… Show more Initially consulting on PR through a marketing consultancy, I was retained by ActiveIntranet in preference to a succession of agencies and external contractors working on public relations, direct mail and case studies, based on achieving results.Over four years I worked, in parallel, for Deeper Media on national magazine projects to include regular health and lifestyle columns, editing and projects in Shape Magazine, Shine, Beautiful Living, Naturallyhealthy.com and an interiors launch for Bauer. Show less

London, United Kingdom

Having been a journalist, also with a sales background, the commercial aspect of PR drew me. Initially I was account manager, then promoted to account director. This was a varied and autonomous role managing clients, identifying business prospects, pitching for new business, as well as maintaining existing relationships and up-selling current clients.• Over my tenure, I doubled the client base and revenue• My favourite project was devising a creative campaign for a reseller, who… Show more Having been a journalist, also with a sales background, the commercial aspect of PR drew me. Initially I was account manager, then promoted to account director. This was a varied and autonomous role managing clients, identifying business prospects, pitching for new business, as well as maintaining existing relationships and up-selling current clients.• Over my tenure, I doubled the client base and revenue• My favourite project was devising a creative campaign for a reseller, who took us on to promote the company for private sale. We devised a strategy that saw the company being sold for substantially more than the directorship believed they would have realized without our input• I devised and implemented innovative marketing and communications campaigns for clients. This included securing endorsements in parliament from MPs (and the resulting press coverage) to persuading London Taxi drivers and buses to try out fuel-saving technologies• Campaigns involved all aspects of the marketing mix; press relations, events, marketing material and advertising• Managed press events and exhibition stands as well as speaking events• Consistently secured media coverage in the relevant dedicated press, national newspapers, TV and radio Show less