Melissa Ohlsson

Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Advanced
Xhosa
Advanced
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Freelance Group Account Director at Ogilvy CPT
October 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Led strategic planning and execution of integrated marketing campaigns for global clients; led cross-disciplinary teams across digital, social media, print, and broadcast; conducted performance reviews; developed pitches; secured new business; strengthened client retention.
Lead Strategist / Head of Strategy at Flowz LLC
January 1, 2024 - September 30, 2024
Led strategic planning and execution of integrated marketing campaigns for global clients including Marriott International, Turkish Airlines, Pepsi, Dunlop, and Shiseido. Managed multi-disciplinary teams across digital, social media, print, and broadcast channels. Conducted performance reviews and ROI analysis. Developed pitches and secured new business opportunities.
Head of Strategy at Volt Africa (Independent Media)
January 1, 2021 - July 31, 2021
Led strategy development and execution for Africa's independent media network; aligned growth initiatives across platforms and strengthened cross-team collaboration.
Marketing Manager – Events at Young Presidents' Organization (YPO)
July 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
Developed and executed marketing strategies for global events; created engaging content for corporate audiences; collaborated with event teams to maximize attendance and brand exposure.
Senior Social Marketing Specialist at Native VML
June 1, 2017 - March 31, 2018
Developed social media strategies; liaised with creative teams on social media concepts for brand campaigns; provided live event coverage; managed Pernod Ricard portfolio (Jameson, Absolut Vodka, Chivas Regal); managed paid media briefs.
Account Manager at VIVID LUXURY
January 1, 2014 - February 28, 2015
Led PR and digital campaigns for luxury clients; managed paid media briefs, content creation, and client engagement.
PR + Marketing Liaison Africa
June 1, 2012 - January 31, 2014
Liaised PR and marketing across Africa; built relationships with media and brands.

Education

BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism + Mass Communication) at Varsity College
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2007
Digital Marketing Course at GetSmarter (UCT Short Course)
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Marketing & E-Commerce Specialization Course at UCT Short Course
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023

Qualifications

Digital Marketing Course (GetSmarter)
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009
Marketing & E-Commerce Specialization Course
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Financial Services, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Retail, Software & Internet