Gunel Ahmadova
Baku
Summary
Accomplished PR Manager with 15 + years of experience managing teams, developing and executing successful communication strategies and campaigns. Skilled at creating positive relationships with media and stakeholders. Strategic and committed to staying responsive and proactive in dealing with crises. Excellent research, written and verbal communication skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
PR Manager
Information Communication Technologies Agency/MDDT
2023.01 - 2023.12
- Developed innovative PR strategy, communication plan and guidelines.
- Wrote engaging and successful press releases to control information and public opinion.
- Led website launch and created compelling content for various platforms, increasing engagement.
- Conducted market analysis and monitored competitive activity.
- Drafted speeches for Agency and Ministry executives and advised on media talking points.
- Developed crisis management plans, allowing for quick response time in challenging situations.
Head of PR
Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency
2019.08 - 2021.12
- Developed PR strategies and guidelines for brand, media relations, internal communication, social media.
- Created data-driven news stories that resulted in a 40% in media hits.
- Managed team of 4, consistently delivered on all projects on time and coordinated corporate culture and team-building activities.
- Launched Agency’s new website in two languages.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging and content creation.
Communication & Visibility Expert
Azerbaijan’s Accession To WTO (EU-funded Project)
2018.03 - 2019.04
- Planned monthly editorial calendar to drive visibility and communication.
- Prepared, edited and translated video content with interviews for wto.az portal.
- Prepared communication and visibility materials for different events.
- Organized and participated in conferences to increase the Project's visibility.
- Identified and leveraged partnerships with local businesses and economists.
Media Strategist
PSP Service Ltd.
2017.01 - 2018.03
- Researching, writing, and organizing information in strategies in a professional and credible manner.
- Prioritizing responsibilities to meet deadlines.
- Editing and revising proposals according to feedback.
- Maintaining consistency in proposal writing by following company policies.
PR and Brand Senior Specialist
Deloitte
2014.07 - 2016.12
- Executed comprehensive marketing communication plans that consistently achieved targets for increased revenue.
- Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
- Spearheaded rebranding efforts, effectively revitalizing the company's image and increasing overall market share.
- Aligned internal teams with brand guidelines, ensuring consistent representation of the company across all departments and touchpoints.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, vendors and industry influencers to create positive brand experiences.
- Created and managed social media campaigns to increase brand engagement.
Communications Officer
BBS-CIS Ltd. Consulting
2012.03 - 2014.03
- Organised business visits for companies from CIS countries to the leading European and US-based oil, gas & energy companies.
- Conducted research, to organize site visits to oil & gas companies.
- Served as liaison with vendors on event-related matters (Exxon Mobil, Schlumberger, BP etc.).
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, including rates, lectors/trainers to meet budgets & expectations.
- Developed official request letters, informative materials about companies for visiting, including agendas notes, topics for business discussions.
Documentary Filmmaker
British Embassy in Azerbaijan
2013.01 - 2013.06
- Produced documentaries by conducting thorough research and identifying compelling stories.
- Elevated the quality of storytelling through meticulous scriptwriting and innovative editing techniques.
- Managed production budgets effectively, ensuring optimal resource allocation for each project phase.
Corporate Communications Specialist
Bakcell
2009.07 - 2010.08
- Produced and distributed brochures, newsletters and press kits.
- Facilitated press conferences and other outreach events to raise visibility of organization.
- Coordinated media interviews with organization staff, board members and volunteers.
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions.
- Organized successful company events that fostered positive relationships with stakeholders and promoted brand awareness.
Special Correspondent
TREND News Agency
2007.08 - 2009.03
- Achieved high levels of reader engagement by producing compelling news stories on various topics.
- Established a strong professional network with sources, resulting in exclusive interviews and breaking news stories.
- Maintained journalistic integrity by adhering to ethical standards and best practices throughout the reporting process.
- Improved writing quality with thorough editing and fact-checking procedures before publication.
News Anchor
Antenn 101 FM Radio
2002.02 - 2007.06
- Prepared and read news for radio.
- Developed strong relationships with guests and industry professionals, leading to exclusive interviews and increased credibility for the station.
- Found, researched, fact-checked and wrote scripts for relevant topics in local news.
- Recorded and edited high-quality interviews and audio clips for broadcast.
- Efficiently adapted to unexpected changes during live broadcasts without compromising show quality or professionalism.
Education
Master of Arts - International Relations And Global Change
University of Westminster
London12.2012
Master of Arts - TV & Radio Journalism
Baku State University
Baku12.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Baku State University
Baku12.2003
Skills
- Leadership & Team Management
- Strategic Communications Planning
- Media Relations & Press Release Writing
- Crisis Management & Communication
- Visual Communication & Multimedia Content Creation
- Digital Marketing and Social Media Strategy
- Market Research
- Event Planning & Coordination
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building
- Emotional Intelligence & Empathy
strengths
- Excellent Communication
Established strong relationships with key media contacts resulting in consistent high-quality media coverage
- Data Analysis
Generated 25% more thought leadership opportunites by analyzing market research data and presenting insights in a clear, concise manner
Accomplishments
- Handled a high-profile crisis for companies, resulting in minimal reputational damage.
- Established strong relationships with key media contacts resulting in consistent high-quality media coverage for clients.
- Created and led two new website launches.
- Participated in rebranding and brand refresh (digital transformation).
- Developed four big market reports on corporate governance, energy, ICT spheres.
- Organised more than 10 national and international level events which attracted +400 participants
Teaching
- Reading Lecturer in Journalism, Azerbaijan State University of Languages, 2018
- Member of the Examinations Board for MA programs in Journalism, State Examination Center of Azerbaijan
- Reading Lecturer in Journalism, Baku State University, Azerbaijan 2015-2016
Timeline
PR Manager
Information Communication Technologies Agency/MDDT
2023.01 - 2023.12
Head of PR
Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency
2019.08 - 2021.12
Communication & Visibility Expert
Azerbaijan’s Accession To WTO (EU-funded Project)
2018.03 - 2019.04
Media Strategist
PSP Service Ltd.
2017.01 - 2018.03
PR and Brand Senior Specialist
Deloitte
2014.07 - 2016.12
Documentary Filmmaker
British Embassy in Azerbaijan
2013.01 - 2013.06
Communications Officer
BBS-CIS Ltd. Consulting
2012.03 - 2014.03
Corporate Communications Specialist
Bakcell
2009.07 - 2010.08
Special Correspondent
TREND News Agency
2007.08 - 2009.03
News Anchor
Antenn 101 FM Radio
2002.02 - 2007.06
Master of Arts - International Relations And Global Change
University of Westminster
Master of Arts - TV & Radio Journalism
Baku State University
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Baku State University
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