Melanie Antao Fernandes
Corporate Comms Expert

Melanie Antao Fernandes

Past clients include British Airways, Royal Caribbean, Sony, Lenovo, and Intel.

About

Melanie Antao Fernandes is an experienced PR and Corporate Communications Specialist. She is an expert in developing B2B content across industries including aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, energy, sustainable industries, etc. Additionally, she has executed Stakeholder Mapping, Crisis Communications, and Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns for her clients which includes British Airways, Royal Caribbean, Sony, Lenovo, Microsoft Mobile Devices, Canon, HSBC, Dow Chemical, Qatar Airways, and Intel.

Employment

7 roles
Dec 2018 - Feb 2019 2 months
Head - Media Relations
Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia

The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia is a Roman Catholic apostolic vicariate located in the United Arab Emirates.

  • Developed key messaging around the UAE Papal Visit of Pope Francis.
  • Served as the point of contact for Christian/Catholic and secular media from across the world. 
Feb 2015 - Jun 2015 4 months
Corporate Account Director
DABO & CO (Now Edelman Dabo)

Edelman is a global communications firm that partners with businesses and organizations to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations.

  • Covered for the Assistant General Manager who was on Maternity leave until June 2015.
  • Managed and directed 8-member staff ranging from account executives to associate account directors with clients in the technology, banking, finance, and corporate fields.
  • Clients: Honeywell, Microsoft Mobile Devices, Canon, HSBC, Dubai Islamic Bank, Aon Hewitt, Core Savills, National Bank of Fujairah, Equinix, DHL, and RSA.
Jun 2013 - Sep 2014 1 year 3 months
Senior Consultant
APCO Worldwide

APCO Worldwide is a global communication consultancy recognized by the Holmes Report as the "Agency of the Decade"​ and "Best Large Agency to Work For".

  • Managed and directed a total of five executives while reporting to the managing director and deputy managing director.
  • Successfully managed Schneider Electric, Invensys, eHosting Datafort, and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority.
  • Selected as short-term project manager to head in-house team, implement systems, and get the account up and running.
Nov 2009 - May 2013 3 years 6 months
PR Consultant
Independent

As a consultant for MCS Action PR/Action Global Communications:

  • Provided counsel and managed UAEand regional PR for British Airways, Royal Caribbean, and Aetna.

As a consultant for H+K Strategies:

  • Provided leadership and counsel for Dow Chemical, Lenovo, Yahsat, Intel, and Qatar Airways.

As a consultant for Dubai Airshow:

  • Built strong relations with international aviation and defense media, a list which spans 800 individuals across the Middle East, UK, Europe, and the US.
Dec 2007 - Oct 2009 1 year 10 months
MarComms Manager
ARCH Properties

ARCH Properties is a real estate brokerage firm in UAE.

  • Managed all marketing and communications for the company.
  • Provided clients with holistic communication services such as analysis on the real estate market, rentals, and sales.
Feb 2004 - Sep 2006 2 years 7 months
Group Account Manager
Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications network that delivers next-generation solutions to brands, businesses and organizations in major markets around the world.

  • Oversaw annual PR plans, strategy, and execution.
  • Provided client counsel on tactical matters.
  • Directed client editorial calendars and all editorial content.
  • Managed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and Crisis Communications for clients and their stakeholders.
  • Clients: British Airways, Zabeel Investments, Honeywell Process Solutions, ExxonMobil project, Carrier, Sony, Marriott Hotels, and Hansgrohe.
Sep 1993 - Jun 2003 9 years 9 months
Account Manager
MCS/Action Group
  • Developed and monitored an account to maximize positive column inches for the client, press releases, features, and tailor made stories for trade journal.
  • Managed media contacts, press interviews, press conferences, product launches/events, and budgeting projects.
  • Clients: DHL, LG, Arabian Travel Market, Dubai Airshow, Arab Health, Standard Chartered Bank, dmg Exhibitions, Novartis, and Al Dowali Hospital.

Education

Aug 2013 - Jun 2016 2 years 10 months
Masters in Communication Management, Communications
Syracuse University