VP Corporate Communication
Mashreq · United Arab Emirates
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President, Head of Corporate Communications to lead and execute a global corporate communications strategy for a leading financial institution. This executive leadership role is responsible for driving external and internal communications, public relations, executive thought leadership, content strategy, social media management, crisis communications, and ESG communications across multiple markets.
The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, EXCO members, business leaders, and key stakeholders to enhance brand reputation, increase share of voice, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and position the organization as a market-leading financial services brand. This role requires a blend of strategic vision, storytelling excellence, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive global corporate communications and public relations strategy aligned to the bank's strategic objectives and brand ambitions.
- Drive executive thought leadership programs for senior leadership and EXCO members through media engagement, speaking opportunities, and strategic storytelling.
Lead all public relations activities, including media relations, reputation management, awards submissions, industry partnerships, and corporate announcements. - Develop and oversee crisis communication strategies, ensuring timely and effective management of reputational risks and sensitive issues.
- Lead internal communications initiatives, including town halls, executive messaging, employee engagement programs, and intranet communications.
- Create and implement an integrated content strategy across earned, owned, and paid channels, ensuring consistency in brand voice and messaging.
- Oversee social media strategy and channel management, utilizing analytics and insights to drive audience engagement, brand awareness, and stakeholder sentiment.
- Lead ESG communications and sustainability storytelling, partnering with business leaders to communicate key ESG initiatives and achievements internally and externally.
- Manage relationships with global communications, PR, social media, content, and creative agencies to maximize effectiveness, innovation, and ROI.
- Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing communications team while managing budgets, performance metrics, governance, and strategic priorities.
Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Business Administration, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is advantageous.
- Minimum 18-20 years of progressive experience in corporate communications, marketing, branding, public relations, or media leadership roles.
- Strong experience within banking, financial services, or highly regulated industries operating across multiple international markets.
- Proven track record of leading large-scale corporate communication strategies and enhancing brand reputation at a regional or global level.
- Demonstrated success in executive communications and developing thought leadership platforms for C-suite and senior executives.
- Extensive experience in media relations, reputation management, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong expertise in digital communications, content marketing, social media strategy, and data-driven performance measurement.
- Experience leading and managing external agencies, including PR, media, social, content, and creative partners across multiple geographies.
- Fluency in both English and Arabic with exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and storytelling skills.
- Strong leadership, influencing, stakeholder management, budgeting, and team development capabilities with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.