Worlase Afatsiawo
Accra
Summary
Successful public relations professional with substantial experience developing and executing successful PR campaigns. Skilled at creating positive relationships with media, stakeholders and clients.
High-performer with solid experience in networking and marketing.
Adept in creating and implementing effective communication strategies. Collaborative and committed to nurturing relationships with stakeholders, media and clients.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
External Communications Consultant
Ghanaian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration & Reintegration (GGC)
- Led the deployment of communications strategy objectives for GGC, including Communications Design, Media Management, Event Production and Podcast Production
- Notable projects that were successfully executed for the GGC includes the Ghana Job Fair Events 2021
- A three-day job fair bringing together employers and job seekers held in person and virtually
- The Diaspora Engagement Policy – A Multi–Stakeholder Dialogue to provide the framework within which the Ghanaian diaspora can be effectively engaged in political, social economic and cultural discourse
- Some of the main outputs from this engagement included documentary video stories that describe the impacts that were made
- Creating impact communications for migration/employment issues within the country, alongside stakeholder engagement on the effectively filling the skills and employability gap
- Led the communications team on Ghana’s Digitalisation Agenda for the Tony Blair Institute and the Ministry of Communication & Digitalisation
- Project Lead for Documenta SV and the #MASTERIT Training programme.
- Worked with marketing teams to design campaigns and communications.
- Updated company media platforms to align with changing internal goals and external variables.
- Enhanced media statements and presentations before sending to general public or media organizations.
- Acted as liaison between media and company during press releases and interviews.
- Established positive media relations, securing coverage in high-profile publications to increase brand recognition.
Commercial Director
Documenta AV Ltd
11.2020 - Current
- Responsible for overseeing and executing the company's communication and marketing strategies and instrumental in enhancing the company's brand visibility, driving business growth, and fostering strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners
- Overseeing digital marketing initiatives and engagement as well as collaborating with the content team to create compelling and relevant marketing materials, press releases, website content, and thought leadership pieces to effectively communicate the company's expertise and offerings
- Ensuring good relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure positive media coverage and manage crisis communications if required
- Developing and managing the communications and marketing budget, optimizing resources for maximum impact and ROI
- Led and managed the revitalization of the organization to include the offering of a broad range of communications solutions to clientele.
General Manager & Communications/Marketing Director
Cypress Investments Ltd
09.2011 - 09.2018
- As the General Manager & Communications/Marketing Director for West Africa, responsible for overseeing the overall operations, strategic direction, and communications/marketing efforts of the organization in Ghana and the West African region
- Provided leadership and direction for the organization's operations in West Africa, aligning business strategies with overall company objectives
- Ensured business growth and revenue generation both locally and in other markets through strategic market expansion, client acquisition, and partnership development
- Worked with a team of diverse professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture
- Developed and implemented comprehensive communications and marketing strategies that enhanced the company's brand positioning and oversaw brand development and positioning across all markets in West Africa
- Led public relations efforts, managing media relationships, and handling crisis communications effectively as well as overseeing financial planning and budget allocation for efficient use of resources.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
Business Relationship Manager
Standard Chartered Bank
08.2010 - 08.2011
- Played a pivotal role in fostering and managing profitable relationships with key corporate clients
- Oversaw a portfolio of Medium Enterprise clients as part of the Small Medium Enterprise Unit within the bank
- Demonstrated effective communication, diplomacy, and a keen understanding of client needs, resulting in enhanced profitability for the clients while adhering to bank policies
- Offered expert financial support to enterprises, empowering them to improve their business skills and capitalize on industry opportunities
- Built and nurtured strong, long-lasting relationships with corporate clients, understood their business objectives, financial requirements, and provided tailored solutions to meet their needs
- Regularly engaged with clients to understand their evolving needs and expectations, identified opportunities for cross-selling and upselling various banking products and services
- Provided expert financial advice to clients, presenting them with a range of banking solutions, including loans, trade finance, cash management, treasury products, and other relevant offerings
- Adhered to the bank's compliance and ethical standards, ensuring that all interactions with clients are conducted with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
- Maintained open lines of communication with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
- Utilized advanced financial analysis techniques to accurately assess client needs.
- Commitment in monitoring regulatory landscapes ensured compliance with industry standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives for business growth.
Business Relationship Officer
Intercontinental Bank Ltd
03.2008 - 07.2010
- Managed and cultivated relationships with clients, particularly within the Ghanaian public sector and corporate customers, to meet their financial needs and drive business growth for the bank
- Worked within the Corporate & Institutional Banking division of the bank, which had oversight of various sectors of the economy, such as Public Sector, Telecoms, Hospitality, Real Estate, and the Cocoa sectors, among others
- Skillfully orchestrated the arrangement of a facility for one of the major Licensed Buying Companies in the country's cocoa sector, leading to a significant increase in cocoa production during the subsequent cocoa season
- Devised and executed a comprehensive communications plan that successfully promoted the shares of Ecobank Development Company within the bank to both internal and external customers
- Collaborated with product teams to identify new business opportunities and achieve revenue targets by promoting the bank's suite of products and services
- Conducted thorough risk assessments for clients and their transactions, ensuring compliance with internal policies, regulatory guidelines, and risk management frameworks.
- Facilitated meetings and discussions between clients, sales and delivery teams.
- Increased referral business by actively networking within the community and participating in local events representing the bank.
- Increased loan approvals by diligently assessing creditworthiness and recommending suitable lending options.
- Maintained strong knowledge of industry trends, sharing insights with clients as part of proactive advisory services.
- Conducted comprehensive financial analyses to identify potential risks and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies to senior management.
Special Projects Officer for Asylum Seekers & Refugees – Advisor
P3 Charity
04.2004 - 10.2007
- As a Special Projects Officer, worked to support and empower individuals seeking refuge and asylum in the UK
- Coordinated and managed programmes designed to improve the well-being, integration, and livelihoods of refugees and asylum seekers
- Collaborated with various stakeholders, government agencies, and partner organizations to ensure effective project implementation and positive impact on the target population
- Led the development of innovative and impactful programmes catering to the specific needs of refugees and asylum seekers, addressing their socio-economic challenges and facilitating their integration into the community
- Established and maintained strong partnerships with local authorities, government agencies, NGOs, and other relevant entities to enhance collaboration, resource mobilization, and programme implementation.
- Enhanced project efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative strategies.
- Developed comprehensive project plans to effectively allocate resources and track progress.
- Coordinated efforts between departments, fostering a collaborative work environment for optimal results.
Education
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA Employee Relations) - Employee Relations
University of Leicester
Leicester, United Kingdom 09.2007
Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing -
Chartered Institute of Marketing
London, United Kingdom 09.2003
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Industrial Arts (B.A. Hons) - Fine Arts
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
Kumasi, Ghana 06.1999
Skills
- Brand Management
- MS Office
- Accredited Marketing Communications
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Policy analysis
- Partnership Development
- Media Relations
- Press Release Writing
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Social Media Strategy
- Creative Direction
Cover Letter
RE: Head of external relations
I am excited to apply for the position of Head of External Relations at the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce. With a proven track record of over 22 years in diverse sectors, including Communications/Public Relations, Non-profit, Banking, and Real estate, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to UK-GCC’s vision and mission of to be a strong, reputable and the most recognized voice of the UK-Ghana business community and to deliver a self-sustaining platform for all its members to market their businesses, obtain essential information about the business environment of both the United Kingdom and Ghana, make connections whilst providing support to enable members to achieve their commercial objectives.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated exceptional organizational abilities, adept team management skills, and a keen aptitude for creative communication. As a valued member of the Communications team at Documenta AV, I have been involved in various projects that have encompassed crafting Communications for clients. Some of which include consultancy for the then Ghana German Centre (one of the projects under GIZ) and GIPC amongst others.
As a General Manager & Communications/Marketing Director for West Africa, I have successfully overseen overall operations, strategic direction, and communications/marketing efforts in the region working with Cypress Investments Limited.
My natural inclination towards collaboration and my ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, contribute to my success in fostering meaningful relationships and driving impactful outcomes. My salary expectation is within the range of Thirty-Five Thousand to Forty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS35,000.00 to 40,000.00).
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experiences align with the organization's goals in more detail during an interview.
Sincerely,
Worlase Afatsiawo (Mrs.)
References
Available on request
Timeline
Commercial Director
Documenta AV Ltd
11.2020 - Current
General Manager & Communications/Marketing Director
Cypress Investments Ltd
09.2011 - 09.2018
Business Relationship Manager
Standard Chartered Bank
08.2010 - 08.2011
Business Relationship Officer
Intercontinental Bank Ltd
03.2008 - 07.2010
Special Projects Officer for Asylum Seekers & Refugees – Advisor
P3 Charity
04.2004 - 10.2007
External Communications Consultant
Ghanaian-German Centre for Jobs, Migration & Reintegration (GGC)
Master’s in Business Administration (MBA Employee Relations) - Employee Relations
University of Leicester
Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing -
Chartered Institute of Marketing
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Industrial Arts (B.A. Hons) - Fine Arts
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
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