I am a Global Communications Strategist, Leadership PR, Analyst Relations and Corporate Communications expert with a distinguished background in Broadcast Journalism and Publishing. I have spent over two decades devising and delivering integrated communication strategies, coordinating across departments, directing worldwide media outreach and public relations initiatives, and working across broadcast journalism, publishing and corporate communications. I am recognized for shaping impactful narratives and key messages, fostering influential partnerships, and driving global initiatives to success. I align comprehensive strategies with global business objectives through tailored approaches that fit diverse organizational dynamics and empower stakeholders. I am hands-on in producing high-quality written and visual content to boost visibility and reputation on an international scale. I serve as a trusted advisor to renowned figures and organizations, delivering transformative results through strategic corporate communications, media management and public relations to optimize brand reputation and stakeholder engagement.

Joanna Andrews

I am a Global Communications Strategist, Leadership PR, Analyst Relations and Corporate Communications expert with a distinguished background in Broadcast Journalism and Publishing. I have spent over two decades devising and delivering integrated communication strategies, coordinating across departments, directing worldwide media outreach and public relations initiatives, and working across broadcast journalism, publishing and corporate communications. I am recognized for shaping impactful narratives and key messages, fostering influential partnerships, and driving global initiatives to success. I align comprehensive strategies with global business objectives through tailored approaches that fit diverse organizational dynamics and empower stakeholders. I am hands-on in producing high-quality written and visual content to boost visibility and reputation on an international scale. I serve as a trusted advisor to renowned figures and organizations, delivering transformative results through strategic corporate communications, media management and public relations to optimize brand reputation and stakeholder engagement.

Available to hire

I am a Global Communications Strategist, Leadership PR, Analyst Relations and Corporate Communications expert with a distinguished background in Broadcast Journalism and Publishing. I have spent over two decades devising and delivering integrated communication strategies, coordinating across departments, directing worldwide media outreach and public relations initiatives, and working across broadcast journalism, publishing and corporate communications. I am recognized for shaping impactful narratives and key messages, fostering influential partnerships, and driving global initiatives to success.

I align comprehensive strategies with global business objectives through tailored approaches that fit diverse organizational dynamics and empower stakeholders. I am hands-on in producing high-quality written and visual content to boost visibility and reputation on an international scale. I serve as a trusted advisor to renowned figures and organizations, delivering transformative results through strategic corporate communications, media management and public relations to optimize brand reputation and stakeholder engagement.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced
German
Intermediate
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner

Work Experience

Executive Director, Communications at PRO COMMS CONSULTING
May 1, 2024 - Present
Providing communication consulting services for large organisations in EMEA across Sustainability and Technology, Digital Transformation, and Artificial Intelligence. Developing innovative communication strategies that enhance leadership visibility and drive business impact. Crafting high-quality content, speechwriting, thought leadership, and crisis communications to position executives as industry influencers. Leveraging nearly two decades of experience as a journalist at Reuters and CNBC, as well as senior communications roles at global organisations, to deliver world-class internal/external communication strategies, PR and media training.
Executive Director, Communications at ProComms Consulting
May 1, 2024 - Present
Providing communication consulting services for large organisations in EMEA across sectors, focusing on Sustainability, Technology, Digital Transformation, and Artificial Intelligence; developing innovative communication strategies to enhance leadership visibility and deliver business impact. Crafting high-quality content, speechwriting, thought leadership, and crisis communications, drawing on nearly two decades of experience in journalism and senior corporate roles.
Executive Director, Communications at PRO COMMS CONSULTING
May 1, 2024 - Present
Providing communication consulting for large organisations in EMEA across sustainability, technology, digital transformation, and AI. Develops innovative strategies, thought leadership, and crisis communications. Crafts high-quality content to position executives as industry influencers, drawing on nearly two decades in journalism with Reuters and CNBC and senior roles at Cisco to deliver world-class internal/external communications, PR and media training.
Director, Communications, Customer Experience EMEA at Cisco
April 30, 2024 - September 18, 2025
Transformed global communication strategies at Cisco to align with the company’s brand, business, and product goals, while nurturing a high-performing team of communication professionals, driving innovation, and achieving significant growth within the CXE department. Demonstrated excellence in communications across CXE MENA, a team of 6,000 service professionals across 50+ countries, while fostering collaboration with 16,000+ partners to drive innovation.
Director, Communications, Customer Experience EMEA at Cisco
April 30, 2024 - September 18, 2025
Transformed global communication strategies to align with brand, business, and product goals; led a high-performing team of communication professionals across CX EMEA, and fostered collaboration with partners to drive growth. Overhauled internal/external engagement, led CX Sustainability and AI narratives, and amplified executive visibility through keynote speeches and thought leadership.
Director, Communications, Customer Experience EMEA at Cisco
April 30, 2024 - September 18, 2025
Transformed global communication strategies to align with brand, business and product goals; led a high-performing team of 6,000 service professionals across 50+ countries and collaborated with 16,000+ partners to drive innovation.
Communications Consultancy for 2 Tech Startups at Cisco
March 31, 2022 - September 18, 2025
Responsible for setting up the Corporate Communications department for two tech startups in the United Arab Emirates: Tradeling (B2B eMarketplace) and TSLC (FinTech). Internal and external communications including executive profiling, thought leadership, public relations, and partnerships, as well as enhancing digital presence. Spearheaded the region’s first-ever white paper on B2B e-Commerce in the MENA region and introduced a pioneering business confidence index. Authored speeches and thought leadership articles for Tier 1 media, managed PR agencies, and orchestrated internal communications to foster a strong organizational narrative. Led brand development from inception, shaping core values, vision, and mission statements, and directed local and global teams in branding, communications, and events. Mentored senior management and conducted media training; formulated ESG strategy and reports.
Communications Consultancy for 2 Tech Startups at Cisco (Dubai, UAE)
March 31, 2022 - September 18, 2025
Set up the Corporate Communications function for Tradeling and TSLC; managed internal and external communications, executive profiling, thought leadership, PR and partnerships; launched the region's first white paper on B2B e-Commerce in MENA and introduced a pioneering business confidence index.
Communications Consultancy for two Tech Startups at Cisco UAE (Tradeling & TSLC)
March 31, 2022 - September 18, 2025
Established corporate communications for two UAE tech startups, including executive profiling, thought leadership, public relations management, and internal communications; led brand development, messaging, and ESG strategy.
Vice President of Communications at GEMS Education
February 29, 2020 - September 18, 2025
Spearheaded comprehensive PR, Communications, and Social Media strategies for GEMS Education across the MENASA region, enhancing brand visibility across platforms. Crafted speeches for high-profile stakeholders, led crisis communications and risk mitigation, managed internal and external communications including magazine production, and presented reports to the Board. Collaborated with Investor Relations in preparation for an IPO, conducted media training and developed Thought Leaders to represent the brand, coordinated events and awards, and implemented social media strategies to boost engagement. Oversaw and mentored a dynamic team to support business objectives.
Vice President of Communication at GEMS Education
February 29, 2020 - September 18, 2025
Led PR, Communications, and Social Media strategies across MENASA; crisis communications and risk management; collaborated with Investor Relations for IPO preparation; conducted media training and developed Thought Leaders; coordinated events including Global Teacher's Prize.
Vice President of Communications at GEMS Education
February 29, 2020 - September 18, 2025
Led PR, communications and social media for the MENASA region; crisis management; collaborated with Investor Relations for IPO readiness; developed thought leadership and managed events.
Director of Communications, Editor & Ghost Writer at Al Habtoor Group
April 30, 2018 - September 18, 2025
Directed media, communications and social media strategy at the Group level, reporting to the Chairman. Ghostwrote speeches and books, including 'Is Anybody Listening? How world leaders ignored prescient warnings on the Middle East,' and served as Editor-in-Chief of internal and external magazines. Led crisis communications, supported overseas visits with strategic guidance, and launched the Chairman’s Foundation and museum in collaboration with The Carter Center Pathways to Peace. Directed an editorial team across magazines, PR, publishing, and events; oversaw brand MarCom for new brands entering the Group’s portfolio; emceed large events and led mentorship and Emiratisation initiatives. Played a pivotal role in preparing for an IPO and mitigating risk with compliance to international standards.
Director of Communications, Editor & Ghost Writer at Al Habtoor Group
April 30, 2018 - September 18, 2025
Directed media strategy at group level; ghostwrote speeches and books; Editor-in-Chief of internal and external magazines; supported the Chairman on overseas visits; led crisis communications and brand-building efforts for IPO readiness; launched the Chairman's Foundation and museum.
Director of Communications, Editor & Ghost Writer at Al Habtoor Group
April 30, 2018 - September 18, 2025
Directed group-wide communications strategy; ghostwrote speeches/books; edited internal/external magazines; supported overseas delegations; advanced corporate image and risk management. Played a pivotal role in launching the Chairman's Foundation and museum and contributed to Pathways to Peace.
Editor & Broadcast Head at CPI Financial
August 31, 2012 - September 18, 2025
Managed a team of journalists covering business, financial and lifestyle titles. Established the first broadcast department for CPI Financial, covering filming, interviewing, producing and editing. Provided media training to staff and clients, participated in high-level meetings and events, and contributed to content across Banker Middle East, Wealth Magazine, Finance Middle East and Islamic Business & Finance.
Editor & Broadcast Head at CPI Financial
August 31, 2012 - September 18, 2025
Established the first broadcast department; managed journalists; delivered media training; produced content across multiple titles; led contract publishing and large-scale website projects.
Editor & Broadcast Head at CPI Financial
August 31, 2012 - September 18, 2025
Built the first broadcast department; managed editors, media training, and high-level events; produced and edited content for Banker Middle East, Wealth Magazine, Finance Middle East, and Islamic Business & Finance.
MENA Business Reporter / Senior Series Producer at CNBC Television (ME)
November 30, 2010 - September 18, 2025
Spearheaded CNBC’s Middle East unit, directing production of the flagship program Gateway to the Middle East. Managed end-to-end production, filming, editing, and coordination of freelancers across MENA for global distribution. Conducted high-level interviews, organized high-profile debates, and collaborated with anchor Maria Bartiromo to produce Middle East coverage and outside broadcasts. Directed a half-hour program featuring HM Queen Rania of Jordan and contributed to CNBC’s regional reputation as a leading business news outlet.
MENA Business Reporter/ Sr. Series Producer at CNBC Television (ME)
November 30, 2010 - September 18, 2025
Launched CNBC's Middle East unit; produced regional business programming; conducted high-profile interviews; directed end-to-end production and coordinated regional teams; contributed to CNBC's global coverage.
MENA Business Reporter / Senior Series Producer at CNBC Television (ME)
November 30, 2010 - September 18, 2025
Launched CNBC ME unit; produced 'Gateway to the Middle East' and other programs; managed end-to-end production, interviews with leaders, and outside broadcasts across MENA.
Sr Series Producer & Voice-Over Artist at CNBC Television (Asia)
October 31, 2007 - September 18, 2025
Led programming initiatives in Asia management, hosting a successful show and providing on-air reports to a global audience. Key contributor to the launch of CNBC’s tri-anchored show Worldwide Exchange and the expansion of CNBC’s global portfolio, delivering market analysis and interviews from across the region.
Sr Series Producer & Voice-Over Artist at CNBC Television (Asia)
October 31, 2007 - September 18, 2025
Led Asia's series production and on-air hosting; contributed to major shows like Worldwide Exchange and Capital Connection; managed regional teams and travel for live reporting.
Senior Series Producer & Voice-Over Artist at CNBC Television (Asia)
October 31, 2007 - September 18, 2025
Led CNBC Asia’s programming and launched 'Worldwide Exchange' and 'Capital Connection'; hosted and produced shows; coordinated interviews with ministers and business leaders.
TV Producer & Voice-Over Artist at CNBC Television (Asia & Europe)
July 31, 2003 - September 18, 2025
Led show development, live reporting, scriptwriting, and on-air delivery; produced content for CNGB/CNBC Asia & Europe portfolio; received industry recognition for high-quality productions.
Sub Editor at Reuters
July 31, 1999 - September 18, 2025
Assignment Editor coordinating news coverage with photographers and journalists in Europe, the Middle East & Africa. Field editor for major events including the 1997 Hong Kong handover, the Winter Olympics and numerous elections across Asia. Monitored global news, edited news pictures, and provided up-to-date commentary for a 24-hour News Pictures Desk operating across London, Washington and Singapore.
Sub Editor at Reuters
July 31, 1999 - September 18, 2025
Assignment editor coordinating coverage across Europe, Middle East & Africa; field editor for major events; managed 24-hour News Pictures Desk operations and edited global coverage.
Sub Editor at Reuters
July 31, 1999 - September 18, 2025
Assignment Editor coordinating coverage across Europe, the Middle East & Africa; field editor for major events; managed the 24-hour News Pictures Desk and editorial output.

Education

History of Art at University of Oxford
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2020
Learning for a Sustainable Future at University of Edinburgh
January 11, 2030 - September 18, 2025
Interior Design at University of the Arts
January 1, 2022 - September 18, 2025
Graphic Design at California Institute of the Arts
January 1, 2021 - September 18, 2025
Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking at HarvardX
January 1, 2020 - September 18, 2025
Journalism & Media Techniques, Photography at Uxbridge College
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1993
RYA Sailing: Competent Crew at RYA Sailing
January 11, 2030 - September 18, 2025
History of Art at University of Oxford
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Learning for a Sustainable Future at University of Edinburgh
January 11, 2030 - September 18, 2025
Interior Design at University of the Arts
January 1, 2022 - September 18, 2025
Graphic Design at California Institute of the Arts
January 1, 2021 - September 18, 2025
Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking at HarvardX
January 1, 2020 - September 18, 2025
Journalism & Media Techniques, Photography at Uxbridge College
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1993
History of Art at University of Oxford
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Learning for a Sustainable Future at University of Edinburgh
January 11, 2030 - September 18, 2025
Interior Design at University of the Arts
January 1, 2022 - September 18, 2025
Graphic Design at California Institute of the Arts
January 1, 2021 - September 18, 2025
Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking at HarvardX
January 1, 2020 - September 18, 2025
Journalism & Media Techniques, Photography at Uxbridge College
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1993

Qualifications

HarvardX: Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking
January 1, 2020 - September 18, 2025
RYA Sailing: Competent Crew
January 11, 2030 - September 18, 2025
History of Art
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Learning for a Sustainable Future
January 11, 2030 - September 18, 2025
Interior Design
January 1, 2022 - September 18, 2025
Graphic Design
January 1, 2021 - September 18, 2025
Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking
January 1, 2020 - September 18, 2025
Journalism & Media Techniques, Photography
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1993

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Telecommunications, Education