JOHN AKUWUDIKE
Marketing Communications Expert
Lagos
Summary
An alumnus of reputable global marketing communications networks – McCann, DDB, (Ogilvy - 141worldwide of the WPP Group) – John has huge experience working on global and international brands across different sectors, and covering different end markets in West Africa. He has led Agency teams across different functions, including: Brands and Trade/Channel marketing operations, Strategy, Global Travel Retail (GTR) initiatives, Market cum consumer insight generation, and Corporate communications. Cumulatively, John has over two decades industry experience, building great brands and providing winning marketing communications solutions.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Lead
Brand Dimensions
01.2019 - Current
- Providing strategic support and direction for Through-The-Line marketing campaigns, branding and activations
- Developing and advising on communication strategy for projects.
- Commercial Evaluations of Projects.
- Business Development and Sustenance (New Prospects and Existing).
- Training
Managing Director
Immersion Marketing Strategies (IMS)
08.2022 - 04.2024
- Day to Day business leadership and management of the Agency operations.
- New business development
- Team coaching and training
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve company-wide growth objectives, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Launched new products successfully into the market by leading multi-disciplinary teams from ideation to launch.
- Policy formulation and implementation.
Business Director - Strategy, Brands, Trade & Channel Marketing
141 worldwide
01.2013 - 01.2019
- Managed the entire British American Tobacco (BAT) WAA business (brands, trade and corporate) in the Agency.
- Partnered BAT Nigeria Marketing team on new brand launches and campaigns, trade and channel marketing activities to ensure year on year market share growth by volume and value.
- Key liaison officer with EMEA Regional team and AMU teams on campaign and operational alignment within the region.
- Team leadership, process management and accountability to the local and regional teams for Client and Agency network.
- Led and provided direction for Bajaj Auto Limited marketing / campaign activities in Nigeria and other African markets.
- Provided trade & channel marketing directions for other non - BAT businesses in the Agency
- Generated market insight for new business pitches.
- Developed SME business strategy for the Agency.
Associate Director - Strategy & Brand Management (with Trade & Channel marketing interface and Events Coordination)
141 worldwide
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Etisalat:
- Strategy development, Brand management and Communication plans for Etisalat in Nigeria, from launch.
- Launched and managed the Etisalat brand (now 9mobile) in Nigeria till it became firmly rooted in the telecommunications sector in Nigeria.
- Grew subscriber base from zero at launch, as well as other vital brand health indicators.
- TomTom re-launch:
- TomTom 40th anniversary celebration campaign, new pack launch and post launch consumer / trade activations.
- TomTom Line Extension launch (TomTom Honey Lemon)
- Trade Marketing:
- Trade marketing initiatives for British American Tobacco business in Nigeria.
- Developed and implemented various promotions and loyalty schemes for trade partners (wholesale & retail) to ensure growth in volume and value contribution year on year.
- Discovered and cultivated new strategic channels for brands within BAT portfolio, as well as rural market expansion programmes.
- Trade Communication & Engagement Programmes for BAT Trade Partners
- Trade Advocacy Schemes for BAT
- In-bar promotion and neighbourhood party for Star lager beer (NB Plc brand) at 60.
- NB Plc retail market expansion (Merchandising-In- Trade – MIT) activation.
Account Director - (Rothmans)
141worldwide
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Managed the brand profitably by increasing its value contribution within the British American Tobacco portfolio.
- Addressed key bottlenecks of the brand on the Consumer Disposition Funnel (grew conversion rate of target consumers from Consideration to Trial).
- Initiated and executed equity building BTL activities/events to grow youthful cues for the brand and drive association with young smokers - (above 18years, but under 30years).
Deputy Account Director
DDB Lagos, Nigeria
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Managed the Glo brand (Globacom) in terms of communication strategy and execution, with key results in top of mind awareness for the brand, growth in uptake by subscribers, and market share.
- Played significant role in the pitch for the MTN business, which we also won before my exit.
- Managed Fidelity Bank campaigns, re-capitalization, re-branding and re-positioning program post consolidation.
- Managed Diamond Bank campaigns.
- Developed and executed impactful communications support for two ISPs: (Broadband Technologies Limited and Linkserve).
Group Head
Tie Communications Ltd
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Developed and implemented impactful campaigns for financial institutions, which significantly improved brand awareness and customer perception for the banks – Citizens Bank & National Bank.
Account Manager - (Coca-Cola)
STB -McCann, Lagos
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Managed brand activations and ATL campaigns for Coca-Cola.
- Successfully launched into the Nigerian market Coke 50cl SKU with re-sealable cover; and several brand campaign launches.
- Successfully managed Coke football activations, including World Cup trophy tour, and African Cup of Nations, 1999.
- Managed several trade promotion activities (regional and national).
- Managed several price change campaigns for the entire portfolio.
Snr. Client Service Manager
Zepol Advertising Limited
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Effectively managed brand building campaigns for Binatone electronics and electrical appliances.
- The brand’s equity grew, as well as market share and home penetration of Binatone range of domestic appliances.
Education
Master in Communication Art (MCA) - undefined
University of Ibadan
Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) Advertising - undefined
Nigerian Institute of Journalism
Bachelor of Arts (2.1) in English Language & Literature - undefined
Imo State University
Brands Accounts Managed
- Telecommunication Sector: Etisalat, Globacom, MTN
- FMCG Sector: British American Tobacco (brands, trade, & corporate), Coca-Cola, Lucomalt, Lucozade Boost, Cadbury (TomTom & Buttermint)
- Financial Sector: Fidelity Bank plc, Diamond Bank, FSB Int’l Bank plc, National Bank, Citizens Bank
- Pharmaceutical Sector: Panadol, Farmex Meyer brands, Swipha brands
- Electronics & Electrical Appliances: Binatone range
- Automobile Sector: Bajaj Three Wheeler Vehicle, Bajaj Two Wheeler Vehicle
- Alcoholic Beverage: Star Lager Beer, Golden Guinea Lager Beer, Seaman’s Schnapps, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue
Professional Bodies Membership
Associate Member - APCON
Professional Courses Attended
- Shopper Marketing: Understanding Shopper Behaviour to Maximize Retail Media Environment
- FUSION – An Ogilvy new way of marketing training
- Advanced Marketing Communications
- Effective Presentation Skills
- Survey of the Nigerian Media Scene
- Managing Advertising for Business Growth and Enhanced Profit
- Brand Management Course
Timeline
Managing Director
Immersion Marketing Strategies (IMS)
08.2022 - 04.2024
Principal Lead
Brand Dimensions
01.2019 - Current
Business Director - Strategy, Brands, Trade & Channel Marketing
141 worldwide
01.2013 - 01.2019
Associate Director - Strategy & Brand Management (with Trade & Channel marketing interface and Events Coordination)
141 worldwide
01.2007 - 01.2012
Account Director - (Rothmans)
141worldwide
01.2006 - 01.2007
Deputy Account Director
DDB Lagos, Nigeria
01.2004 - 01.2006
Group Head
Tie Communications Ltd
01.2000 - 01.2004
Account Manager - (Coca-Cola)
STB -McCann, Lagos
01.1997 - 01.2000
Snr. Client Service Manager
Zepol Advertising Limited
01.1995 - 01.1997
Master in Communication Art (MCA) - undefined
University of Ibadan
Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) Advertising - undefined
Nigerian Institute of Journalism
Bachelor of Arts (2.1) in English Language & Literature - undefined
Imo State University
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