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CAROLINE EUNICE WAIRUGU
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, ABSA BANK KENYA
When it comes to strategic communication, Carol Wairugu has the Midas touch. Over the past 15 years, she has built a career advising organisations on the subtle art of achieving and sustaining meaningful relationships with their various publics. For Carol, a successful communication strategy is one that centres on personal experience in a fast-paced world flooded with information.
This heightened concern for the individual is rooted in her personal drive and ambition to create win-win solutions between publics that often have differing objectives. Over the years, Carol has earned the trust of global and regional brands across a range of sectors, including financial services, healthcare, fintech, sustainable development, state agencies, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs).
Carol’s integrated approach to communication leverages new media and technology to find common ground and deliver shared value with outstanding results. Her extensive experience covers stakeholder engagement, public affairs and policy dialogues, media relations, press statements, editorial pieces, C-Suite executive briefing documents, media training, and executive thought leadership workshops.
Carol currently serves as the Senior Communications Manager at Absa Bank Kenya, where she plays a key role in developing and implementing communication strategies that support the bank’s business objectives and bolster its brand reputation.
Before joining Absa Bank, she held pivotal positions at Ogilvy Africa, where she orchestrated strategic campaigns that enhanced the perception of various regional and global brands in sectors such as Finance, Education, Healthcare, the Public Sector, and Humanitarian Development. Her portfolio included clients like Equity Group Holdings, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) East Markets, the European Investment Bank, and Project Last Mile, among others.
Carol’s impressive track record has earned her numerous accolades. She received the prestigious Platinum Superior Achievement in Branding, Reputation, and Engagement (SABRE) Africa Award in 2020, and she also secured the award for Best Public Relations (PR) Campaign in East Africa for Equity Group’s Wings to Fly programme. Additionally, Ogilvy Africa honoured her with a certificate as Leader of the Year, and she was recognised as a Global SABRE Finalist for PR Campaigns for the 14/40 – Wings to Fly initiative.
Driven by the belief that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, Carol is committed to transforming obstacles into stepping stones – a philosophy that not only propels her career but also fuels her passion for empowering the next generation with the skills and confidence to succeed.
Carol is a full Member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) and holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Communications, Public Relations (PR), and Community Development from Daystar University. Currently, she is working toward a master’s degree in Business Psychology at the University of East London (UEL), driven by her passion for wellness.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Carol is a vibrant soul, embracing life with passion and enthusiasm. She is actively involved in community service and leadership roles, currently serving as the Board Vice Chair of Renal Care Kenya, where she contributes her expertise to promote healthcare initiatives. Additionally, she serves as the Deputy Public Image Director for the Rotary Club of Lavington Eco, Nairobi, a role she has held for the past two years, demonstrating her commitment to social impact, environmental sustainability, and community development.
Carol leads a fulfilling life as a dedicated mother of three and a passionate recreational runner. She expertly balances her demanding career with personal pursuits, ensuring she has time for both family and her fitness interests. Despite her busy schedule, she finds a way to embrace her passions while maintaining a harmonious work-life balance.
