Katherine Gunningham
Bracknell,United Kingdom
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Corporate Communications Leader with a proven track record in shaping global internal communication strategies, driving employee engagement, and enhancing corporate reputation. Adept at developing high-impact messaging for senior leaders, designing multi-channel campaigns, and delivering engaging employee experiences that align with business objectives. With extensive experience in change communication, executive storytelling, and corporate brand positioning, I have successfully led large-scale transformation initiatives and internal engagement programmes for multinational organisations. A trusted advisor to C-suite executives, I specialise in aligning communications with strategic priorities to foster a connected and informed workforce.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
VP: Client & Employee Communications Manager
Lockton LLP
London
06.2021 - 03.2025
- Researched, developed, and implemented Lockton's first employee communication proposition and framework , structuring it as a unique value proposition in the market to complement benefits and reward consulting and broking projects, driving revenue generation and differentiation.
- Develop and implement employee engagement strategies , aligning with company vision, HR strategies and cultural priorities.
- Advise senior leaders on internal communications tactics to enhance their storytelling and influence.
- Develop comprehensive communication plans for successful HR campaigns and change initiatives.
- Lead training sessions to improve staff communication skills and efficiency.
- Tailor communication materials to target audience preferences and behaviours.
- Partner with HR and leadership teams to drive engagement in transformation and performance initiatives.
- Write compelling content for use across platforms, leveraging purpose-specific voice and style, while ensuring messaging and branding consistency
- Lead multi-channel corporate communication campaigns , leveraging health, benefits and wellbeing insights to refine strategies.
Communications Manager, Global People & Culture
BP
London
02.2019 - 06.2021
- Part of the core internal communications team during BP's largest transformation, managing messaging for 64,000 employees globally.
- Increased reward and wellbeing visibility by developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies.
- Collaborated with HR executives to develop key communication campaigns and write content for major initiatives such as BP's first employee share programme, annual reward reporting, the introduction of a new benefits portal, and the implementation of the Real Living Wage.
- Strengthened internal communications for enhanced employee engagement.
- Managed content creation process from concept to completion, achieving cohesive messaging across all platforms.
- Coordinated cross-departmental communication efforts, ensuring smooth information flow.
- Developed and executed internal campaigns around reward, benefits, and performance management.
- Designed and managed executive communications for senior leadership, including company-wide announcements.
- Created engaging multi-channel strategies, leveraging intranet, digital tools, and employee events
Customer Experience Coordinator
Salesforce
London
11.2018 - 02.2019
- Managed, organised, and ensured successful executive customer experiences at Salesforce's London Innovation Centre.
- Fostered relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure a strategic understanding of customer and sales objectives, aligning product positioning directly to business goals and the customer experience.
- Oversaw and supported the successful execution of customer meetings at the EMEA Salesforce Innovation Centre by providing strategic guidance to dedicated event coordinators and team members.
- Implemented feedback systems with the goal of gauging and improving service standards.
- Facilitated seamless communication for enhanced teamwork and productivity.
Change & Communication Consultant
Sasol LTD
Johannesburg
11.2017 - 10.2018
- Designed stakeholder engagement campaigns to support business transformation initiatives.
- Simplified complex financial messaging for employees, shareholders, and external partners.
- Led company-wide communication strategies to increase transparency, understanding and engagement.
- Facilitated effective communication between different departments within the organisation, fostering teamwork and collaboration.
- Created compelling content to boost audience understanding, interest and interaction.
- Coordinated corporate events from planning to execution stage, ensuring smooth operations and successful outcomes.
- Liaised with media team to ensure positive coverage of company events and announcements.
- Ensured consistent messaging across all channels for a unified brand voice.
- Built strong relationships with stakeholders for increased engagement.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion whilst communicating effectively internally and externally.
- Prepared clear, on-point speeches for senior leaders and worked with executives on event preparation.
Marketing & Business Transformation Manager
Compex LTD
Johannesburg
07.2015 - 11.2017
- Led brand positioning and internal communication strategies to drive engagement.
- Executed multi-channel campaigns , ensuring consistent corporate messaging.
- Delegated administrative tasks to identified employees to improve efficiency, streamline procurement practices, implement policies, and enhance employee morale.
- Developed and launched a performance management system and company values , aligning them with corporate objectives to drive performance, growth, and internal collaboration.
- Managed exhibition design and marketing team , overseeing brand corporate identity, social media strategy, and go-to-market positioning while ensuring internal design principles and capacity planning met customer satisfaction and delivery goals.
- Quickly learned and applied new skill s to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Interim Group Brand Marketing Manager
Sasol
Johannesburg
03.2013 - 06.2015
- Managed and monitored the formalisation of divisional budget , specifically focusing on marketing and sponsorship activities from both head office and business unit perspectives, ensuring accountability for spend and campaign performance.
- Led and directed a team of seven , responsible for creative design, marketing, and brand-related business requirements, including global brand management support and policy development campaigns.
- Translated complex business objectives into clear branding strategies resulting in cohesive messaging across all platforms.
- Managed multi-channel advertising campaigns to support business objectives.
- Project managed and launched Sasol's first global intranet (serving 32,000 employees), ensuring a fit-for-purpose application with appropriate content development, policy and functionality specifications, user-friendliness, translations, and accessibility.
- Oversaw, developed, and promoted the embedding of Sasol's refreshed brand CI guidelines across global territories, ensuring consistent application through training, workable templates, and design support.
- Monitored and managed external creative and media agencies , ensuring objectives related to creative briefs were met through co-creation efforts between internal teams.
- Led creative team in developing engaging marketing materials, enhancing public perception of the brand.
Senior Brand Strategist
Sasol LTD
Johannesburg
02.2011 - 03.2013
- Led the production and creation of content , as well as above-the-line marketing initiatives, ensuring alignment with the corporate brand strategy and messaging.
- Managed sponsorship campaigns and event activations for corporate social responsibility initiatives, including Mandela Day, and sponsorships such as the South African 2012 Olympics and Paralympics teams and the National Youth Orchestra.
- Collaborated with internal creative teams to leverage resources and expertise, delivering marketing and internal communication campaigns across various channels, including intranet, newsletters, audiovisual content, posters, TV screens, roadshows, and desk drops.
- Partnered with creative and media agencies to design and execute communication campaigns, including developing creative briefs, concept creation, execution, and performance reporting.
- Developed and implemented corporate identity and brand application guidelines , ensuring consistency both regionally and internationally, in close collaboration with creative agencies, internal teams, and legal and intellectual property departments.
- Developed comprehensive brand narratives for enhanced customer engagement.
- Optimised budget allocation across various marketing channels; maximised return on investment.
Corporate Affairs Manager
Sasol Polymers
Johannesburg
01.2011 - 03.2013
- Developed and executed corporate communication strategies to enhance internal and external stakeholder engagement.
- Managed crisis communication efforts to ensure effective and timely responses to operational challenges within the manufacturing plant.
- Led government and regulatory affairs initiatives , ensuring compliance with industry regulations and fostering positive relationships with authorities.
- Designed and implemented employee engagement campaigns , driving alignment with corporate values, safety campaigns and business priorities to support a turnaround project.
- Oversaw corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs , enhancing the company's reputation and community impact.
- Collaborated with HR, Operations, and Safety teams to drive internal communication strategies supporting workforce engagement and culture.
- Boosted employee engagement through internal communications campaigns.
- Managed media relations and alignments with group communications , positioning the company as an industry leader.
- Implemented executive communication programmes , supporting senior leadership in delivering key messages to employees and external stakeholders.
- Organised various corporate events to drive business objectives, leadership engagement and boost employee morale and team spirit during large-scale organisational change.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Henley Business School
Reading 06.2016 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Business Administration - Corporate Communication
University of Pretoria
Pretoria 01.2006 - 01.2007
Degree - Marketing Management
University of Pretoria
South Africa 01.2003 - 12.2005
Short Learning Programme - Desktop Publishing and Design
Vega School of Brand Leadership
South Africa 01.2014 - 05.2014
Skills
- Employee Engagement & Culture Building
- Executive & Leadership Communication
- Change & Transformation Communication
- Strategic Internal Communications
- Multi-Channel Communication Campaigns
- Stakeholder Collaboration, Team Orientation & Business Partnering
- Corporate Reputation & Brand Awareness
- Results Driven, Self-motivated, Flexible & Enthusiastic
- Problem-solving & Knowledge Sharing
- Planning, Prioritisation & Project Management
- Commercial Acumen & Business Awareness
Certification
- Foundations of Agile Practice, BP
- Smart Brevity Writing Approach, BP
- Crisis Communication Certification, BP
- Mastering the Art of Facilitation & Coaching, Services Seta
Accomplishments
- Part of core internal communications team working on BP's largest global restructuring, ensuring clarity and engagement for 64,000 employees.
- Designed and launched BP's global employee share plan campaign, increasing financial literacy and participation with employees globally.
- Developed Lockton's first-ever client communications strategy, transforming internal and external engagement in the UK & Ireland.
- Created executive communication strategies supporting senior leadership, including financial results, business priorities, and company culture.
- Oversaw and promoted the embedding of the refreshed Sasol corporate identity and brand guidelines, internally and externally, through training, design of workable templates and integrated project and change management.
- Organised and managed the World's first fully synthetic jet fuel flight on behalf of Sasol Ltd
- Spearheaded the launch of a global intranet, enhancing internal communication for a workforce spanning 70+ countries.
- Led high-impact corporate storytelling initiatives, including ESG campaigns and sponsorships like the London 2012 Olympics & Paralympics.
Affiliations
- Travelling: Passionate about exploring new cultures and countries, to enhance my awareness of the world and the differences that exist globally.
- Golf: Have just started taking lessons in golf with the aim of having a handicap by close of 2025
- Fitness: Committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, demonstrating discipline and focus.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
VP: Client & Employee Communications Manager
Lockton LLP
06.2021 - 03.2025
Communications Manager, Global People & Culture
BP
02.2019 - 06.2021
Customer Experience Coordinator
Salesforce
11.2018 - 02.2019
Change & Communication Consultant
Sasol LTD
11.2017 - 10.2018
MBA - Business Administration
Henley Business School
06.2016 - 01.2021
Marketing & Business Transformation Manager
Compex LTD
07.2015 - 11.2017
Short Learning Programme - Desktop Publishing and Design
Vega School of Brand Leadership
01.2014 - 05.2014
Interim Group Brand Marketing Manager
Sasol
03.2013 - 06.2015
Senior Brand Strategist
Sasol LTD
02.2011 - 03.2013
Corporate Affairs Manager
Sasol Polymers
01.2011 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Business Administration - Corporate Communication
University of Pretoria
01.2006 - 01.2007
Degree - Marketing Management
University of Pretoria
01.2003 - 12.2005
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