Hi, I’m
Veruschka Mungroo
Toronto,ON
Business has only two functions – marketing and innovation.
Peter Drucker
Summary
Proactive, innovative and results-oriented Marketing and Communications Director bringing 8+ years of marketing and leadership experience, delivering exceptional cross channel 360 degree campaigns, content and collateral based on established and innovative strategies. 15+ years in the media industry, specializing in film and television. Well-versed in both online and traditional marketing approaches.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
Work History
The Walt Disney Company UK (Paradigm Marketing)Remote
Marketing and Communications Director
06.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Successfully launched a new Disney channel, Star Life, in 2018 by conducting extensive market research to identify new opportunities and target markets. Targeting the mass Sub-Saharan African market, the launch resulted in a boost in Star Life's ratings to become the 5th most watched satellite channel in South Africa, with over 5.5 million daily viewers in just 3 years.
- Managed over US $200,000 p/a budget allocation and resource utilization to maximize marketing and advertising ROI through targeted 360-degree cross channel marketing and communications strategies including on- ground activations; media buying, press releases, etc
- Monitored social media trends, opportunities, and threats to set the tone for messaging and portray the channel's values.
- Spearheaded the development, coordination, and implementation of impactful media and social media strategies, resulting in increased public awareness of Star Life's programs, expertise, and services engaging more than 320,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram.
- Played a key role in boosting brand visibility by writing and distributing press releases and organizing press conferences
- Developed creative presentations and trend reports to inform decision-making and support the achievement of key marketing and communications goals.
YLG Law GroupToronto, ON
Senior Editor and Media Advisor
01.2021 - 06.2022
Job overview
- Provided strategic guidance and counsel to the law firm on media relations and communications, resulting in identifying hot topics to provide key messaging and increased visibility for the firm in key markets.
- Wrote and edited articles for external media
- Created a comprehensive three year business plan for the launch of a digital immigration magazine, resulting in a substantial start-up funding from the government
- Successfully launched Immigrants Life digital magazine just eight months after the initial concept was conceptualized, demonstrating effective project management skills and the ability to execute on a tight timeline.
- Produced high-quality content, including video interviews with Toronto celebrities ensuring lively, accurate, and unique coverage of a wide range of immigrant-related stories.
- Coordinated and supervised the work of web programmers, content creators, freelance writers, and other contributors to ensure a streamlined editorial process, resulting in the timely delivery of high-quality content.
- Planned the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements, demonstrating attention to detail and adherence to established industry standards for fact-checking and verification.
The Edge: A Leader’s MagazineToronto, ON
Senior Content Editor
07.2020 - 01.2021
Job overview
- Improved the quality of published articles by thoroughly evaluating and editing materials submitted by writers, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to established standards and legal requirements.
- Created a comprehensive style sheet from scratch, resulting in more efficient proofreading processes and improved consistency and coherence across the magazine's content.
- Assigned topics, events, and stories to individual writers and reporters, resulting in timely and diverse coverage of finance and technology-related topics.
- Provided regular reports to the President and Editor-in-Chief and collaborated with management and editorial staff members to determine the placement and emphasis of developing news stories, ensuring alignment with the magazine's mission and editorial policy.
- Conducted thorough research on relevant subjects to suit the target audience and reported news stories for publication, resulting in engaging and informative content that resonated with readers.
Rouge Media (now Rogers Sports And Media)Toronto, ON
Executive Assistant to the Chairman and CEO
03.2019 - 12.2019
Job overview
- Provided high-level administrative support to the CEO, managing his calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating travel arrangements, resulting in streamlined and efficient operations.
- Acted as a liaison between the CEO and other internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives, clients, and business partners, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
- Managed confidential information and sensitive correspondence with discretion and professionalism, maintaining the trust and confidence of the CEO and President and safeguarding the reputation of the company.
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the office with over 40 staff members, including ordering supplies, processing expenses, and maintaining files, resulting in a well-organized and efficient work environment.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)Toronto, ON
Global Communications and Media Coordinator
05.2018 - 08.2018
Job overview
- Successfully supported in the execution for communication campaigns for the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, working closely with the Manager and Director of Communications to ensure on-brand communications across various channels.
- Leveraged and expanded relationships with media from around the world, including print, radio, television, social media, and online influencers.
- Wrote, edited, and proofread public-facing materials such as press releases, key messaging, speeches, newsletters, articles, video content, photos, and Q&A's for press interviews, TIFF's website, and social media.
- Researched and presented trends, important audience interests, and passion points to journalists, their audiences, and third-party organizations in unique and inspiring ways.
- Created strong partnerships with journalists and external stakeholders, ensuring that their needs were met within their tight deadlines.
21st Century Fox UK (Paradigm Marketing)South Africa
Marketing and Communications Director
09.2014 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Successfully founded and led a boutique agency, demonstrating strong entrepreneurial skills and a keen business acumen - average annual sales US $250 000
- Led marketing and communication initiatives for 21st Century Fox in Sub-Saharan Africa, collaborating with teams across multiple regions including the UK, South Africa, India, and United States.
- Developed and executed successful cross-channel marketing campaigns, leveraging a range of communication channels including billboards, traditional advertising and social media
- Managed various ad hoc marketing requests, including surveys and special projects, while ensuring consistent adherence to brand guidelines across multiple platforms and stakeholders.
- Analyzed marketing data, prepared reports, and made recommendations for future marketing strategies, using digital marketing tools such as HubSpot, Google, website and other social media Analytics
Independent Newspapers LimitedSouth Africa
Journalist
04.2005 - 09.2014
Job overview
- Specialized in entertainment journalism, with experience in interviewing A-list celebrities from both Hollywood and Indian cinema.
- Written over 850 articles covering various aspects of the entertainment industry, including movie reviews, celebrity interviews, red carpet events, and industry news.
- Diversified experience in journalism, including coverage of technology, travel, and finance, which has helped develop a broad range of skills and perspectives.
- Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines and produce high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers across diverse audiences.
- Skilled in conducting research, analyzing information, and synthesizing complex ideas to create compelling stories that inform and entertain readers.
Education
Durban University of TechnologySouth Africa
Bachelor of Technology from Communications Science
12.2016
Durban University of TechnologySouth Africa
Bachelor of Management Science from Marketing Management
12.2004
Skills
- Analytical Problem Solver
- Strategic Thinker
- Cross-channel global marketing
- Entrepreneurship spirit
- Social Media expertise
- Excellent Written Oral communication
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Hootsuite HubSpot
- Google, Microsoft Apple suite
- Website Google Analytics
- Adobe Photoshop and Premiere
- Wordpress Mail Chimp
Timeline
Marketing and Communications Director
The Walt Disney Company UK (Paradigm Marketing)
06.2021 - Current
Senior Editor and Media Advisor
YLG Law Group
01.2021 - 06.2022
Senior Content Editor
The Edge: A Leader’s Magazine
07.2020 - 01.2021
Executive Assistant to the Chairman and CEO
Rouge Media (now Rogers Sports And Media)
03.2019 - 12.2019
Global Communications and Media Coordinator
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
05.2018 - 08.2018
Marketing and Communications Director
21st Century Fox UK (Paradigm Marketing)
09.2014 - 12.2018
Journalist
Independent Newspapers Limited
04.2005 - 09.2014
Durban University of Technology
Bachelor of Technology from Communications Science
Durban University of Technology
Bachelor of Management Science from Marketing Management