Leona McDaid
Communications Specialist

Leona McDaid

Brand communications, media & content specialist.
Work with Leona Work with a Communications Specialist

About

With over 15 years’ experience, Leona McDaid has expertise extending to brand communications, content marketing, online publishing, print publishing, native advertising, PR, broadcast promotional campaigns, events, social media, and lecturing. As a communications specialist, she has worked with category defining brands across food, fashion, retail, travel, hospitality, music, and design. Her clients include Theo & George, Manley, Edge Only, Global Action Plan, Luna & Bo, maven46, and more. Leona also has led award-winning initiatives over the last several years, including the launch of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Employment

4 roles
Feb 2016 - Present 10 years 3 months
Brand Communications Consultant
Independent
  • Worked with category defining brands across food, fashion, retail, travel, hospitality, music, and design.
  • Developed and secured brand and agency partnerships.
  • Clients: Theo & George, Manley, Edge Only, Global Action Plan, Luna & Bo, maven46, and more.
Dec 2014 - Feb 2016 1 year 2 months
Senior Account Director, Brand Communications
The Reputation Agency

The Reputation Agency is a strategic reputation, communications, and public relations agency based in Dublin.

  • Directed several brands such as Discover Ireland (Home Holidays PR), Discover Ireland (copywriting and storytelling), Wild Atlantic Way, Visit Dublin, Stena Line, Swatch, Dublin Cookery School, Fingal Tourism, IAPI (the governing body for Ad Land in Ireland), and Bord na Mona.
  • Launched and acted as account lead for the launch of the Wild Atlantic Way in summer 2014 and 2015. Winner of Best Collaboration Between Agency & Radio Station at the 2016 Love Radio Awards for the Wild Atlantic Way campaign.
  • Directed the #thisisLIVING Discover Ireland Home Holidays campaign. Shortlisted for a 2015 All Ireland Marketing (AIM) Award. 2015 PRII shortlisted for Best Consumer Campaign and Best Use of Media.
Apr 2012 - Dec 2013 1 year 8 months
Account Director, Brand Communications
BeSpokeWithDirection (now The Reputation Agency)
  • Commended for Best PR Campaign (small budget category) - Tattersalls Horse Trials & Country Fair (2014); also commended for Best Use of Media Relations for the launch of the Croke Park Ethiad Skyline Tour (2013).
  • Brands: Failte Ireland, eircom, Croke Park, Newbridge Silverware, Eddie Rockets, IAPI, and Tattersalls Horse Trials & Country Fair.
Oct 2007 - Mar 2012 4 years 5 months
Account Executive & Manager
Aiken PR

Aiken PR is a full-service independent communications agency that operates across the island of Ireland.

  • Worked with acts, including Snow Patrol, Stereophonics, Divine Comedy, and Ed Sheeran.
  • Commended for Best Use of Media Relations for McDonald's.
  • Brands: HMV, McDonald's, Bibby Financial Services, BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, United Wine Merchants, and Tantastic.

Education

Jan 2004 - Dec 2004 11 months
Post Graduate Higher Diploma, Journalism & Media Communications
Griffith College Dublin
Sep 2000 - Sep 2003 3 years
BA, English & Sociology, 2:1
NUI Maynooth

Portfolio

8 items