I'm a senior communications and engagement leader with experience across agency and in-house environments, spanning telco, utilities, media, government, property, and lifestyle sectors. For the past five years, I’ve specialised in transformation and organisational change – partnering with programme offices and leadership teams to navigate complex, large-scale change. I bring clarity to ambiguity, align diverse stakeholders, cut through noise, and strengthen employee engagement during moments of disruption. I’ve built and led high-performing teams, including as Head of Communications at Stuff NZ and in government and private sector roles across New Zealand and the UK. My approach blends calm under pressure with a bias for action and measurable results.

Sophia Berry-Smith

I'm a senior communications and engagement leader with experience across agency and in-house environments, spanning telco, utilities, media, government, property, and lifestyle sectors. For the past five years, I’ve specialised in transformation and organisational change – partnering with programme offices and leadership teams to navigate complex, large-scale change. I bring clarity to ambiguity, align diverse stakeholders, cut through noise, and strengthen employee engagement during moments of disruption. I’ve built and led high-performing teams, including as Head of Communications at Stuff NZ and in government and private sector roles across New Zealand and the UK. My approach blends calm under pressure with a bias for action and measurable results.

Available to hire

I’m a senior communications and engagement leader with experience across agency and in-house environments, spanning telco, utilities, media, government, property, and lifestyle sectors. For the past five years, I’ve specialised in transformation and organisational change – partnering with programme offices and leadership teams to navigate complex, large-scale change.

I bring clarity to ambiguity, align diverse stakeholders, cut through noise, and strengthen employee engagement during moments of disruption. I’ve built and led high-performing teams, including as Head of Communications at Stuff NZ and in government and private sector roles across New Zealand and the UK. My approach blends calm under pressure with a bias for action and measurable results.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder at Shortlist Dating
October 1, 2025 - Present
Founded and built a modern matchmaking brand focused on intentional dating, creating brand strategy, operating model, pricing, CRM architecture, and end-to-end client journey. Led marketing, partnerships, and growth activities from concept to launch, establishing scalable processes and client engagement workflows.
Change Specialist – Engagement and Relationships at AA Insurance
April 1, 2025 - Present
Leading programme-wide internal communications and engagement for the Digital Insurer Transformation, shaping messaging architecture, leadership packs, and stakeholder engagement across NZ teams; designed SharePoint governance, information architecture, and tools to strengthen alignment and information flow.
Transformation Engagement Lead at IAG
September 1, 2023 - April 30, 2025
Delivered end-to-end internal communications and engagement for enterprise-wide technology transformation affecting 1,000+ staff across multiple units. Built programme narrative, produced leadership content, and supported rollout of new delivery models; onshore/offshore engagement across 11 sites.
GAP 2 Communications Manager at Informa
August 1, 2022 - May 31, 2023
Led internal launch of refreshed business strategy, managed UK/Global stakeholder engagement for a £150m investment programme across five divisions, and delivered the GAP 2 Accelerator offsite with senior leadership teams.
Change Communications Manager at Landsec
November 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022
Communications lead across three transformation programmes; advised ELT/PMO on change messaging, culture, and engagement; supported sustainability and cross-functional initiatives; delivered internal coms for leadership forums and affinity networks.
Senior Advisor, Internal Communications & Team Lead at Callaghan Innovation
January 1, 2021 - July 31, 2021
Established internal communications function, led a cross-functional team, relaunched internal channels, and drove organisation-wide culture and engagement initiatives as part of a digital office portfolio.
Account Director & NZ Lead at CampaignLab
August 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020
Launched NZ arm, led media relations, PR strategy, and corporate communications; managed major product launches and partnerships to establish client presence in the market.
Head of PR (Freelance) at VMLY&R
June 1, 2019 - July 31, 2019
Head of PR for brand campaigns; led PR strategy and execution during freelance engagement.
Head of Communications at Stuff NZ
May 1, 2018 - May 31, 2019
Led internal communications strategy for 1,000+ employees; managed external PR for corporate brands; led transformation office communications during large-scale office and publication closures.
Communications Manager at Vocus NZ
April 1, 2016 - April 30, 2018
Led internal communications for 750+ colleagues; managed external communications for three consumer brands; drove product launches and HR-focused initiatives.

Education

Bachelor of Communication Studies, PR major at AUT University
January 11, 2030 - February 21, 2026
Bachelor of Communication Studies, PR major at AUT University
January 11, 2030 - February 21, 2026

Qualifications

Informa Awards 2023: Global Support ‘Fresher Thinking Award’ – GAP 2 relaunch campaign
January 1, 2023 - February 21, 2026
PRINZ Awards 2017: Marketing Communication – ‘Bringing Your Modem Out of the Closet’ (Orcon)
January 1, 2017 - February 21, 2026
Informa Awards 2023: Global Support ‘Fresher Thinking Award’ – GAP 2 relaunch campaign
January 1, 2023 - February 21, 2026
PRINZ Awards 2017: Marketing Communication – ‘Bringing Your Modem Out of the Closet’ (Orcon)
January 1, 2017 - February 21, 2026

Industry Experience

Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment, Government, Real Estate & Construction, Professional Services, Energy & Utilities, Retail

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