Natasha Wadvalla

I am a highly accomplished and successful Marketing and Communications Management professional.

I am passionate about building and managing brands well, with over 17 years’ experience in broadcasting and over 20 years’ experience in public relations contributing to the success of brands like Primedia Broadcasting, where I established the Public Relations department, including devising and implementing all systems and processes; and Kagiso Media, where I oversaw the communications process for Kagiso Broadcasting: East Coast Radio and Jacaranda FM; and ensured systems, processes and policies were aligned across nine group business units jointly worth R3 billion. Recently, I was responsible for the rebrand of the youth brand, YFM. 

My strengths in both strategy and operations include managing stakeholder relationships and communicating key strategic messages to a selected audience through the appropriate media channels. On top of that, I thrive in the areas of media management, marketing, internal communication, sponsorship, brand reputation, events, digital content and talent management, having managed key personalities like Anele Mdoda and Trevor Noah's “That's Racist” tour of South Africa. I’ve also played a key role in starting up PrimeTalent, a talent management company for on air presenters at 94.7, 702, Kfm & CapeTalk.

In September 2017, I completed a Global Executive Development Programme (GEDP) with Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) to hone my existing skills in executive management and explore new ways to drive growth and competitiveness for organisations.

Through my vast experience in Marketing and Communication, I’ve garnered excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills. This coupled with my strong financial acumen ensures large projects are completed to time and within budget.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | YFM | 2020 - PRESENT

I spearheaded the strategic rebranding initiative at YFM, successfully elevating the brand's identity and engagement to new heights. From conceptualization to execution, I directed all aspects of the rebranding process, ensuring effective stakeholder management, media coordination, and impactful launch events. My adept change management skills resulted in a 98% positive sentiment among both internal and external stakeholders. Leveraging innovative platforms like TikTok, I amplified brand resonance and engaged audiences through live events. By efficiently managing multi-disciplinary teams, I optimized resources and budgets, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that consistently delivered outstanding results.

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SENIOR CONSULTANT - TEAM LEAD ON FORD ACCOUNT | MEROPA COMMUNICATIONS | 2019 - 2022

      I led the Ford Public Relations (PR) team as Senior Consultant and Team Lead. I oversaw the development of creative concepts aligned with company media briefs, collaborating with social media influencers to enhance brand and product awareness. I produced and delivered weekly public relations and crisis management reports, implementing corrective measures when needed. Additionally, I orchestrated key marketing events, ensuring adherence to processes from project conception to successful completion.

MARKETING DIRECTOR | KAGISO MEDIA | 2015 - 2019

      I designed and executed marketing strategies across Urban Brew Studios channels and productions. I achieved increased audience ratings (ARs) for Urban Brew properties by spearheading marketing initiatives with clear objectives. I led teams to expand brand recognition and reach through PR activations and high-profile events. Maintaining positive relations with stakeholders, I directed marketing and media teams, promoting international formats and managing crisis situations. I also enhanced audience engagement with Urban Brew productions by implementing well-researched social media strategies, aligning objectives with stakeholder expectations, and fostering an inclusive, effective work culture.

GROUP HEAD – MARKETING & COMMUNICATION | KAGISO MEDIA | 2013 - 2015

I efficiently managed marketing and communication for nine Kagiso Group divisions valued at R3 billion. I directed key messaging to audiences, presented reports to the CEO, and oversaw media relations and brand reputation. Skillfully fostering crucial corporate relationships, I excelled in high-level brand reputation, crisis management, and impactful social media campaigns. I ensured compliance with policies, led high-profile projects, and adeptly managed crises for Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio, minimizing brand damage.

HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS | KAGISO MEDIA | 2012 - 2013

I led the implementation of impactful marketing strategies across Urban Brew Studios properties, harnessing the potential of social media tools to heighten brand visibility. I elevated our company's media presence by incorporating data-driven insights, extensive industry research, and strategic PR activations. My role involved safeguarding our brand reputation and nurturing essential stakeholder relationships. Through adept crisis management strategies, I effectively mitigated brand risks within the Kagiso Media Group. As a driving force in the department, I spearheaded various initiatives, resulting in augmented audience ratings (ARs) and increased revenue for Urban Brew Studios. Guiding teams in creatively promoting international formats, I successfully executed dynamic marketing plans and orchestrated seamless internal communications for both East Coast Radio and Jacaranda FM.

MEDIA CONSULTANT & MANAGER | FREELANCE | 2011 - 2012

As a freelance media manager, I orchestrated talent management for MasterChef SA and delivered public relations expertise to Jacaranda FM. In my role as a consultant to Kagiso Broadcasting, I efficiently managed top-tier talents like Anele Mdoda and Pabi Moloi. My responsibilities spanned overseeing all media aspects of Trevor Noah's "That's Racist" South African tour. Serving as a liaison between clients and talent, I meticulously handled talent financial matters, supervised talent during shoots, organized PR engagements, managed travel logistics, and skillfully negotiated rates in accordance with industry norms.

HEAD OF EVENTS, PRIMETALENT & COMMUNICATIONS | PRIMEDIA BROADCASTING GROUP |2003 - 2012

During my tenure at Primedia Broadcasting Group, I established a robust PR department, implementing streamlined systems and fostering productive media relationships. Orchestrated internal communications for major campaigns like the 2010 World Cup and Lead SA. Transformed Walk the Talk and Cycle Challenge into iconic events, meeting international standards within budget. Founded PrimeTalent, managing celebrity contracts and endorsements, yielding R1 million in the first year. Led a versatile team in communications, events, and PrimeTalent, efficiently managing budgets and growth plans. Vigilantly safeguarded brand reputation across channels, designing social media strategies and nurturing stakeholder relationships, including World Cup 2010 and Lead SA.

Education

GLOBAL EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (GEDP) | GIBS, UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

MANAGEMENT ADVANCEMENT PROGRAMME (MAP) |WITS BUSINESS SCHOOL

JOURNALISM FOR COMMUNICATORS | WITS BUSINESS SCHOOL

PUBLIC RELATIONS | DAMELIN

Certifications

DATA ANALYTICS | OGILVY DIGITAL MARKETING ACADEMY

CONTENT STRATEGY | OGILVY DIGITAL MARKETING ACADEMY

DIGITAL ESSENTIALS | OGILVY DIGITAL MARKETING ACADEMY