Open to opportunities

Marie Awolaja

@marieawolaja

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Experienced Integrated Marketing Communications and Brand Management Expert.

Nigeria

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration, where I can leverage my extensive experience to drive brand growth and engage with diverse teams.

I am a results-driven Integrated Marketing Communications and Brand Management Expert with over 17 years of leadership experience in top-tier marketing communications agencies. My expertise lies in spearheading multimillion-dollar campaigns and fostering high-value client relationships, driving revenue growth through strategic brand positioning, and executing both digital and traditional marketing strategies.

Throughout my career, I have been recognized for successfully leading high-impact marketing strategies for global and regional brands across various sectors, including Financial, FMCG, telecoms, and consumer goods. I am adept at aligning brand vision with business goals and optimizing stakeholder engagement to deliver measurable ROI through cross-channel marketing strategies.

As a thought leader and mentor, I am passionate about empowering teams and unlocking growth through innovation and market insight. I have a proven track record of optimizing team performance and creating synergy across various marketing disciplines to maximize business outcomes.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Group Brand Management Director & Commercial Lead

Ogilvy Africa

Mar 2023 - Present (2 years 3 months)

Established the agency's revenue scenario and realigned team KPIs, increasing revenue potential by 40% through organic marketing and service optimization. Led strategic and cross-discipline sessions across PR, Creative, Digital, Media, Experiential, and Influencer Marketing to unlock new revenue opportunities through upsell and cross-sell strategies.

Revenue Strategic Planning Client Relationship Management Digital Marketing Business Development Team Leadership Marketing Strategy

Client Service Director/Business Lead

Dentsu Creative

Jun 2021 - Present (4 years)

Revamped business performance metrics, defining ambitious growth benchmarks for revenue and key account acquisition. Led a portfolio of multi-industry integrated marketing projects estimated at ₦20bn in potential client revenue.

Integrated Marketing Team Management Strategic Partnerships Account Management Marketing Campaigns Revenue

Head, Brand Management

SO&U Limited

Mar 2020 - Present (5 years 3 months)

Directed multibillion-naira brand repositioning and market engagement strategies for top-tier clients. Delivered campaign results that significantly enhanced market share and stakeholder sentiment.

Campaign Management Media Relations PR Brand Amplification

Senior Business Director

SO&U Limited

Mar 2019 - Present (6 years 3 months)

Drove over ₦600m in agency billings, overseeing strategic marketing campaigns and creative execution. Directed account and creative teams to deliver compelling, timely campaigns.

Strategic Marketing Marketing Execution Account Management Team Leadership Talent Management Campaign Delivery Marketing Strategy

Brand & Consumer Experiential Manager

Nitro 121

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 5 months)

Developed experiential marketing strategies for major brands, including London King Size cigarette, Seamans Schnapps and Lord’s Dry Gin. Enhanced sponsorship, influencer partnerships, and experiential marketing programs, driving brand affinity and audience engagement.

Brand Partnerships Brand Affinity Marketing Strategy Brand Management Campaign Development Event Management

Team Lead

Nitro 121

Apr 2016 - Present (9 years 2 months)

Led a team focused on value for money brands for British American Tobacco. Managed brand initiatives and team performance to achieve marketing objectives.

Team Leadership Brand Management Marketing Objectives Performance Management Strategic Planning Brand Strategy Consumer Goods Market Analysis Product Development Campaign Execution

Brand Manager/Team Lead

Nitro 121

Mar 2015 - Present (10 years 3 months)

Managed brand portfolios and led a team to execute marketing strategies. Responsible for brand performance and market positioning.

Brand Management Marketing Strategy Team Leadership Positioning Brand Performance Product Marketing Consumer Insights Campaign Management Budget Management

Deputy Brand Manager

Nitro 121

Apr 2012 - Present (13 years 2 months)

Assisted in the development and execution of brand marketing plans. Supported the brand manager in various marketing initiatives.

Brand Marketing Marketing Planning Market Research Data Analysis Product Launch Communication Strategy Vendor Management Reporting Administrative Support

Assistant Brand Manager

Nitro 121

Jan 2008 - Present (17 years 5 months)

Supported brand management activities and assisted in the coordination of marketing campaigns. Contributed to market analysis and reporting.

Campaign Assistance Market Analysis Reporting Data Entry Communication Research

Trainee

Nitro 121

Oct 2007 - Present (17 years 8 months)

Gained foundational experience in marketing and brand operations. Assisted various teams with daily tasks and learned industry best practices.

Marketing Operations Industry Best Practices Team Collaboration Data Collection Communication Skills Learning Agility Basic Research

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Lagos

Bachelor of Arts, French Language

Completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on French Language. Gained a comprehensive understanding of the language and its cultural contexts.

Nigeria French Language Village

Diploma, French Language

Obtained a Diploma in French Language, enhancing proficiency and foundational knowledge in the language. This program provided intensive language immersion.

Digital Marketing Institute

Professional Diploma, Digital Marketing

Completed a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing, acquiring expertise in various digital marketing strategies and tools. This certification enhanced skills in modern marketing practices.