Sign In

Gillian Monahan

Marketing Communications

Professional Background

Gillian Monahan is a distinguished public relations professional with a proven track record in the travel and tourism sector. She has had a remarkable career trajectory, known for her innovative approach to public relations and her ability to cultivate strategic communication that resonates across cultures. Currently serving as the Team Lead for Brand and Campaigns at the Department of Conservation (DOC), Gillian is recognized for developing and implementing comprehensive PR plans that effectively merge strategy and creativity, driving notable results in the industry.

Her extensive experience in global communications is highlighted by her previous role as General Manager of Global Communications at Intrepid Travel, where she oversaw communication initiatives that enhanced the organization's brand visibility and stakeholder engagement on an international scale. Gillian's ability to manage multiple agencies and coordinate communication efforts across various time zones sets her apart as an effective leader in the public relations realm.

Education and Achievements

Gillian holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Marketing, Media, and Social Sciences from The University of Waikato. This academic foundation has informed her insightful approach to public relations, allowing her to understand the intricacies of market dynamics and consumer behavior.

In 2017, Gillian was honored with the prestigious Women in Travel 'PR of the Year' award, a testament to her exceptional skills and contributions to the field. This recognition not only underscores her professional accomplishments but also highlights her commitment to driving positive change within the travel industry.

Professional Journey

Gillian's career journey is marked by her progressive roles within leading organizations in the travel and tourism sector. Prior to her position at DOC, she has held several key positions at Intrepid Travel, starting as a Global PR & Social Media Manager and advancing to the role of General Manager. Her expertise in spotting news stories and opportunities has significantly contributed to Intrepid Travel's strong media presence and successful communication strategies.

Before her tenure at Intrepid Travel, Gillian honed her public relations skills at Tourism New Zealand in their London office. Serving as PR Coordinator for the UK & Europe and later as PR Manager, she developed strong relationships with travel media and stakeholders, enhancing the visibility of New Zealand as a top travel destination. Her role as a Media Advisor further solidified her reputation as a go-to expert for effective communication in the tourism sector.

In addition to her experiences at Intrepid Travel and Tourism New Zealand, Gillian was the Associate Director at The Brighter Group Ltd, where she leveraged her strategic PR skills to craft campaigns that connect brands with their audiences. Her diverse background has equipped her with a unique perspective that she continually applies to her work in brand and communications management.

Notable Skills and Expertise

Gillian Monahan excels in multiple facets of public relations, including:

  • Developing Strategic PR Plans: She has a knack for crafting PR strategies that blend innovative ideas with measurable outcomes, ensuring that campaigns are both creative and effective.
  • Cross-Cultural Communication: With experience managing communications globally, Gillian adeptly navigates cultural differences, ensuring that messages resonate with diverse audiences.
  • Spotting Communication Opportunities: Her keen eye for identifying newsworthy stories enables her to leverage media opportunities for brand promotion and engagement.

Community and Professional Contributions

In addition to her professional endeavors, Gillian is passionate about contributing to the travel and tourism community. Her involvement in initiatives aimed at empowering women in travel has made her a role model for aspiring professionals in the industry. She is known for sharing her insights and experiences, encouraging the next generation of communicators to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

Gillian Monahan's impressive background, combined with her dedication to excellence in public relations, makes her a valuable asset to any organization in the travel and tourism sector, exemplifying leadership, creativity, and commitment to impactful communication.

Highlights

Aug 21 · linkedin

After 18 months at Department of Conservation (DOC), I am returning to the tourism and hospitality industry this week as Head of Marketing & Communications at Wellington Culinary Events Trust. It's a dream job and I am super excited to get my teeth into promoting New Zealand's delicious food and drink experiences through iconic events like Visa Wellington On a Plate, Beervana, and Highball.

It is bittersweet to leave an organisation like DOC, but I feel privileged to have played a very small role in engaging New Zealanders to care and act for nature.

While the 30 Years of Great Walks campaign and Kākāpō breeding season have been personal highlights, the thing I will treasure the most from my time at DOC is the people I've met. There are so many genuinely good humans who work at and with DOC.

Thanks especially to Lindsay Young, Sarah Wood, Deborah Chae, Lisa Nilsen, Cici Huang, Stacey Perkins, Tiffany Shera-Kong, and Ruth McKie for all the support and laughs. And a special hat tip to my CEU, Kākāpō Recovery Programme, Meridian, and national partnerships whanau. I'll be cheering you all on from the sidelines, quite possibly while eating something delicious. Mā te wā.

May 28 · linkedin

Intrepid is growing and so is our Global Comms team. I am now recruiting for two new roles: Global PR & Communications Advisor and a Corporate Content Specialist. Please spread the word.

The role of Global PR & Communications Advisor will support regional PR, product, Purpose and brand teams in the development and execution of our external communication activity. I'm looking for a strong writer who can spot a story a mile away - and collaborate across teams to drive global media coverage. For more information or to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/f6jhqvN

The role of Corporate Content Specialist is to write, edit, and distribute our integrated Annual Report and manage our online corporate presence on www.intrepidgroup.travel and LinkedIn. You'll also need to be able to turn numbers in to newsworthy stories and write speeches that will inspire and humour any audience. For more information or to apply, visit: https://lnkd.in/fEgZxkS

#Bthechange #integratedreporting

Related Questions

How did Gillian Monahan develop her expertise in public relations in the travel sector?
What innovative strategies did Gillian Monahan implement during her tenure at Intrepid Travel?
In what ways has Gillian Monahan contributed to women's empowerment in the travel industry?
What were key learnings from Gillian Monahan’s experience at Tourism New Zealand that she applies in her current role?
How does Gillian Monahan manage communication across different cultures and time zones effectively?
Gillian Monahan
Add to my network

Location

Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand