VP Media Relations

We are working with a leading global organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi on a search for a Vice President of Media Relations. This is a senior leadership appointment for an exceptional communications professional who has operated at the highest levels of international media relations and crisis communications, someone who has genuinely been in the thick of it and come out stronger.

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-profile, complex organisation at a pivotal moment, leading a specialist team and working directly alongside the most senior levels of leadership.

The Role

Reporting into the Group Communications function, the VP of Media Relations will own the organisation's media relations and crisis communications agenda globally. You will lead a dedicated team including a Media Team Manager, Media specialists and Crisis communications professionals and will serve as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Executive Committee on all matters relating to media strategy, reputation and crisis response.

This is not a role for someone who has observed crisis communications from a distance. It is a role for someone who has led from the front, under pressure and at pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and drive the organisation's international media relations strategy, proactively shaping narrative, managing tier one media relationships and ensuring consistent, disciplined messaging across all external channels
• Serve as the organisation's senior point of contact for all media engagement, including handling the most difficult and high-stakes journalist conversations with both confidence and diplomacy
• Lead the crisis communications function, developing frameworks, managing live situations and protecting and restoring corporate reputation when it matters most
• Brief and prepare the CEO and senior leadership for media engagements, high-profile interviews and crisis scenarios
• Monitor the media and issues landscape, staying ahead of emerging risks and opportunities
• Lead, develop and inspire a team of media and crisis communications specialists
• Manage relationships with external advisers and agencies where relevant

About You

• A highly seasoned international media relations professional with extensive tier one media experience.
• Proven crisis communications experience at a senior level, ideally having navigated complex, high-profile reputational situations with significant media scrutiny
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to narrative, you do not wait for issues to come to you
• Deeply knowledgeable about your sector and the global media landscape, you stay ahead of trends and understand how stories travel
• Exceptionally polished and confident, able to operate credibly at CEO and board level
• Experienced working across international and culturally diverse environments
• Regional Middle East experience is advantageous but not essential, this is a global search

What's on Offer

A senior leadership role within a prominent and respected organisation, with genuine scope to shape and lead a world-class media and crisis function. The role offers a highly competitive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority of the appointment, based in Abu Dhabi.