Looking for a job

ivy irungu

@ivyirungu1

I build hotel brands, launches, and destination marketing campaigns across East Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian Ocean.

Maldives

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead brand, communications, destination marketing, and high-impact launch work for hospitality or travel businesses, partnering closely with commercial teams to build locally relevant brands and measurable digital performance.

I lead marketing and communications for Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, owning brand strategy, creative production, destination marketing, and digital performance for a premium Indian Ocean resort.

I've launched leading hospitality brands in new markets, including the first Novotel in East Africa and JW Marriott Nairobi. At JW Marriott, my pre-opening strategy increased media visibility by 30%, grew digital engagement by 25%, and generated over one million impressions through influencer and outlet campaigns.

Across Minor Hotels, Travulous, Accor, Marriott Hotels, IHG Hotels, and Fairmont, I've built integrated digital, PR, content, media, and partnership campaigns for luxury hospitality and ecotourism brands. My work connects marketing performance with sales and revenue priorities.

I bring an operational hospitality perspective from guest relations, concierge, meetings, and events, and I enjoy building teams, mentoring specialists, and making global brands feel locally relevant.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Marketing & Communications

Current

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Minor Hotels

Apr 2026 - Present (5 months)

Holds full ownership of marketing and communications for a premium Indian Ocean resort, covering brand strategy, production, and digital performance. Leads destination marketing strategy and directs creative production end-to-end.

Brand Strategy Digital Marketing Creative Production Influencer Marketing Media Relations OTA Strategy Social Media Localization

Marketing Manager, East Africa Region (Consultant)

Travulous, Luxury & Ecotourism

Nov 2025 - Jan 2026 (2 months)

Appointed to build regional marketing presence for a luxury ecotourism brand operating across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Directed integrated content, digital, and PR campaigns to establish the brand as an authority in sustainable luxury travel.

Marketing Strategy Content Marketing Digital Marketing PR Trade Partnerships Budget Management ROI Analysis

Pre-Opening Marketing & PR Manager

Novotel Nairobi Westlands, Accor

Aug 2024 - Aug 2025 (1 year)

Led the launch of the first Novotel in East Africa, building brand presence from zero in a competitive market. Developed and executed integrated marketing, digital, and media relations strategy for market entry.

Pre Opening Marketing Brand Launch Media Relations Digital Marketing Event Management Localization

Pre-Opening Marketing Manager

JW Marriott Hotel & Residences Nairobi, Marriott Hotels

Nov 2023 - Aug 2024 (9 months)

Introduced JW Marriott to East Africa, a globally recognized luxury brand entering a new market with no regional precedent. Built the full launch marketing strategy, achieving a 30% increase in media visibility and 25% growth in digital engagement pre-opening.

Pre Opening Marketing Brand Strategy Influencer Partnerships Campaign Management Team Leadership Media Relations

Volunteer Teacher & Youth Mentor

St. Philip GilGil Girls Secondary School

Jan 2021 - Jun 2024 (3 years 5 months)

Mentored young women on career development, goal setting, and self-belief.

Mentorship Career Development Youth Empowerment

Marketing & PR Executive

Holiday Inn Nairobi Two Rivers Mall, IHG Hotels

May 2023 - Nov 2023 (6 months)

Served as sole marketing lead with full ownership of strategy, execution, and brand voice. Executed multi-channel campaigns that drove a 25% increase in occupancy and a 40% boost in guest engagement.

Marketing Strategy PR Social Media Partnerships Campaign Management Brand Voice

Cluster Public Relations Coordinator

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Kenya, Accor

Jun 2022 - May 2023 (11 months)

Promoted from Guest Relations & Concierge Manager into a PR role spanning three luxury Fairmont properties. Grew media coverage by 60% and earned media value by 30% through strategic press relationships and targeted storytelling.

Public Relations Media Relations Press Materials Brand Narrative Event Management

Guest Relations & Concierge Manager

Fairmont Mt. Kenya Safari Club, Accor

Feb 2021 - Jun 2022 (1 year 4 months)

Led guest experience at one of Kenya's most iconic luxury safari properties, building the operational instincts behind every subsequent marketing decision.

Guest Relations Concierge Luxury Hospitality Operations