Open to opportunities

Diane Laban

@dianelaban

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I grow FMCG and B2B brands through regional marketing strategy, innovation, and commercial partnership.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to grow brands and businesses through regional marketing strategy, innovation, customer partnerships and cross-functional commercial leadership.

At Tate & Lyle, I lead regional marketing across Turkey, the Middle East and Africa, shaping cluster strategies, account plans, customer engagement and innovation for growth. I was promoted to Category Development Manager for Dairy within 18 months and continue to lead both roles.

Previously at Danone and Unilever, I built and rejuvenated brands including Ultra Mel, Joko, Lipton, Glen, Flora, Sunlight and Domestos. My work has included white-space launches across Africa, omnichannel campaigns, packaging projects, consumer research, marketing-mix management and commercially focused customer activations.

I enjoy translating business objectives into clear plans, compelling customer stories and practical tools for sales, technical and commercial teams. I bring disciplined budget and ROI management, stakeholder leadership, digital marketing and AI-enabled research to every programme.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Regional Marketing Manager

Tate & Lyle

Sep 2021 - Nov 2025 (4 years 2 months)

Directed Tate & Lyle TMEA's presence at Gulfood manufacturing 2025 achieving best results to date. Led development of marketing strategy for region by cluster and led account planning for key customers.

Marketing Strategy Account Planning Sales Strategy Digital Marketing CRM AI Budget Management Consumer Research Leadership

Senior Brand Manager

Danone SA

Dec 2018 - Aug 2021 (2 years 8 months)

Led Indulgence portfolio with multiple brands, driving brand management from end to end. Managed digital, creative and activation agencies and focused on improving brand equity through saliency.

Brand Management P&L management Digital Marketing Agency Management Innovation Consumer Research Packaging Budget Management Stakeholder Management

Tea Brand Development

Unilever SA

Nov 2016 - Nov 2018 (2 years)

Brand development lead for SA's top tea brands, Joko, Lipton and Glen. Identified the need for a value brand to support tea portfolio in West Africa, led the innovation launch and go to market execution of Glen tea into Nigeria.

Brand Development Innovation Go To Market Strategy Consumer Research Packaging Category Strategy

Senior Assistant Brand Manager Spreads

Unilever SA

Aug 2015 - Oct 2016 (1 year 2 months)

Brand development lead for Flora, Pro Activ and Stork in SA. Led brand website re-skin for Flora and packaging rejuvenation, and launched Flora cafe in South Africa.

Brand Management Packaging Digital Marketing Consumer Research Media Strategy Project Management

Senior Assistant Brand Manager Sunlight Dishwash

Unilever SA

Jul 2013 - Jul 2015 (2 years)

Brand development lead for Sunlight Dishwash and dish tabs. Launched Sunlight dish into white spaces Nigeria, Ghana and led TVC development for Sunlight Dish.

Brand Management Innovation Media Strategy Consumer Research Project Management

Assistant Brand Manager Domestos

Unilever

Oct 2010 - Jun 2013 (2 years 8 months)

Launch of Domestos Cleaner Toilets, Brighter Future campaign. Achieved record high market share for Domestos and managed marketing mix to drive profitable margins of more than 50%.

Brand Management Campaign Management Marketing mix Media Strategy Digital Marketing CSR

Assistant Brand Manager, Assistant Channel Manager Food Solutions B2B

Unilever

Aug 2005 - Sep 2010 (5 years 1 month)

B2B Marketing lead for UFS brands within SA. Led project management and exhibition Marketing for Hostex presence and developed brand toolkits for channels.

B2B Marketing Project Management Budget Management Agency Management Financial Analysis