This role is responsible for developing strategic plans and executing communication campaigns with specific focus on Public Affairs, Integrated (marketing) Communication, Crisis preparedness and Communication management, and Financial Communication working with Clients and H+K Offices in the true Africa region (SSA, Islands and Maghreb nation). Sam is also the C0-regional lead facilitator on Media, Crisis and leadership training for C-Suite executives.

My role included leading H+K Strategies East Africa Financial Communications practice, Crisis Communications lead counsel, Establishing and growing H+K's office in Tanzania, Lead facilitator on Media and Crisis Commmunication training.

My role was to lead the PR Communications practice dedicated to Airtel Africa 15 markets across Africa and coordinating with my Francophone colleague, In-country agencies, Airtel Communications and Marketing teams across the markets.

The main purpose of this position was to assist the company in significant sustained growth in line with their business plan objectives, through the development of new business opportunities including research, identifying and responding to tenders.  Coordinated and shaped the overall strategic direction of Business Product Marketing and to become the lead in key strategic initiatives.  Performed commercial analysis, identified growth opportunities and best-practice, within and outside of the product space. Led, trained and developed the Accounting team to a high performing team.  Worked in partnership with Group Strategy and Business Development Requirements. Identified opportunities for differentiation for new business development. Devised a business development strategy and met business plan targets with regard to the growth and development of the company. Identified, developed and presented feasibility and risk appraisals for new business opportunities. Submitted funding bids to private, statutory and voluntary agencies in support of new and existing work. Developed and maintained external relationships locally, and nationally to support the growth and long-term viability of the company. Managed Accounts and produced budgets and forecasts for new service developments.

The main role of the Communications Manager was to provide managerial oversight and guidance related to all of Uchumi’s external communications efforts. Designed and implemented public relations plans and programmes. Prepared and issued periodic, proactive press releases focussing on topical issues relevant to company business. Prepared media kits which comprised press releases, fact sheet, back grounders, spokes persons questions/ answers guide ad talking points Ensured integration of various communications disciplines for most effective communications effects. Evaluated effectiveness of communications practices and modified day-to-day practices accordingly. Worked with all staff to distribute and implement any new procedures or guidelines. Use public relations and promotions to better promote existing or new programs in a cost-free or cost-efficient manner. Promoted interactive fora between management and employees with a view to improving internal communications, employee productivity and work environment.  Ensured propagation of company vision, goals, values and objectives. Edited the monthly update and quarterly newsletter with the key responsibility of ensuring that a high journalistic quality is upheld, improved.

Planned and managed the company’s accounts in laying out strategies, developing and implementing marketing and PR activities for clients.Supervised the staff, communicated with the clients in daily routine and prepared reports, budget and forecasts. Handled client services i.e. quotations, invoicing and payments then kept accurate records of sales and forecasts.Ensured the timely involvement of technical solutions team in order to ensure the development of appropriate, agreed responses to customers’ requirements.Work in consultation with teams to identify and implement existing and new products and campaigns.

This position reported to the Managing Director. It involved offering consultancy to various firms including:>ICDC Investments (Now Centum): Helped develop a communication strategy encompassing advertising and PR that generated in a 60% subscription of shares during the year 2001 secondary share issue.>Uchumi: Played a key role in improving investor relations, media relations, introduced ROI model for mass media communications.>Kenya Breweries limited, KBL (Brand PR, Marketing Communications): Helped develop communication programmes that raised awareness of newly introduced brands and product promotions. Also provided sports consultancy services that showed criterion for adjudging sponsorship returns.>Mabati Rolling Mills: Played key role in formulating communication strategies for the organization based on community relations, corporate communications and product launch.>Population Services International: Helped develop and implement a communication strategy that raised the awareness of Insecticide Treated nets and malaria prevention.>Other firms were: Kenya Tourism Board, Econet Wireless, Unilever Kenya Limited, Reckitt Benckiser and various Ad agencies involved in clients projects.

 Developed and implemented Marketing, PR activities for clients. Identified market potential by qualifying accounts Initiated sales process by prospecting, scheduling appointments, making initial presentation, understanding business needs, developing proposals, closing sales. Closed sales by building rapport with potential clients, expounding on the benefits of the firm’s solutions and service capabilities and overcoming objections. Expanded sales in existing accounts by introducing additional solutions and services and developing new applications Contributed information to market strategy by monitoring competitive products and reactions from clients. Recommended new solutions and services by evaluating current solutions, identifying needs to be filled. Responsible for keeping commitments in a timely manner and resolving issues promptly. Projects:o Launch of the Coca-Cola enjoy communications campaign for the North-Africa division encompassing over thirty Anglophone and Francophone countries i.e. Communications audit, monitoring, infomercials, advertorial, media relations.o Re-launch of Jik.o The Tusker Malt Lager International Chess championship.