FRANCIS SHENYAGWA
Dar es Salaam
Summary
Brand and Marketing leader with 8+ years’ experience driving brand equity, portfolio growth, and premiumization within consumer brands, beverage, and agency-led marketing environments. Proven track record of developing insight-led brand strategies, delivering high-impact campaigns, and partnering cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, and Supply to unlock commercial growth. Strong capability in agency leadership, experiential marketing, and translating consumer insight into execution excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Advocacy Manager
Serengeti Breweries Ltd (Diageo)
Dar es Salaam
01.2025 - Current
- Develop and execute brand advocacy strategies that support portfolio growth, premiumization, and long-term brand equity.
- Translate consumer, trade, and channel insights into experiential programs that drive brand consideration and recruitment.
- Lead execution of brand experiences, tastings, and campaigns aligned to annual brand and marketing plans.
- Partner closely with Sales, Category, and Commercial teams to ensure brand plans deliver volume, value, and visibility.
- Build and manage relationships with agencies, venues, and industry partners to ensure consistent brand standards and execution excellence.
- Track brand health through advocacy KPIs including menu listings, quality of serve, engagement, and outlet activation.
Head of Strategy & Business Development
Gravitas Solution Limited
Dar es Salaam
01.2024 - 03.2025
- Led brand, communication, and growth strategy for a diverse portfolio of local and regional clients.
- Owned strategic planning, campaign roadmaps, and commercial proposals aligned to client brand and business objectives.
- Acted as senior strategic advisor, translating consumer and market insight into integrated brand solutions.
- Managed agencies and cross-functional teams to ensure execution excellence and consistent brand standards.
Head of Strategy & Business Development
Fern Marketing Tanzania Ltd
Dar es Salaam
03.2023 - 01.2024
- Developed insight-driven brand and communication strategies across multiple consumer categories.
- Led end-to-end campaign development and execution, ensuring alignment to brand positioning and objectives.
- Partnered with creative, media, and digital teams to deliver measurable brand and commercial outcomes.
- Supported business growth through strong strategic delivery and senior client relationship management.
Head of Strategy & Business Development
Studio Life (TZ)
Dar es Salaam
07.2021 - 03.2023
- Acted as strategic brand advisor on positioning, architecture, and integrated marketing strategies.
- Collaborated with creative, media, and digital teams to translate strategy into compelling brand campaigns.
- Mentored junior strategists and ensured consistency of strategic thinking across the portfolio.
Account Director
AIM Group
Dar es Salaam
01.2020 - 06.2021
- Led end-to-end brand campaigns from strategy through execution for key clients.
- Managed agency teams, budgets, and timelines to deliver against brand and commercial KPIs.
- Ensured excellence in execution and strong collaboration between strategy, creative, and production.
Account Manager
AIM Group
Dar es Salaam
07.2016 - 12.2019
- Managed client relationships and delivered integrated advertising campaigns.
- Supported business growth through market research and competitive analysis.
- Coordinated creative and production teams for brand-consistent execution.
Intern – Communications & Events
Corporate Reflections Ltd
Kenya
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Managed social media for the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK).
- Supported organization and delivery of major regional conferences and forums.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication (Public Relations)
Daystar University
Athi River, KenyaSkills
- Brand strategy and planning
- Consumer insights
- Portfolio growth
- Campaign development & Execution
- Agency management
- Commercial acumen
- Cross-functional leadership
- Experiential marketing
Honors And Affiliations
- Member, Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK), 01/01/14 – 12/31/16
- Dean’s List, Daystar University, 01/01/15
References
Available upon request
Early Career Experience
Intern – Communications & Events, Corporate Reflections Ltd, Kenya, 01/01/15, 12/31/15, Managed social media for the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK)., Supported organization and delivery of major regional conferences and forums.
Core Expertise
- Brand Strategy & Planning
- Consumer & Trade Insight
- Portfolio & Equity Growth
- Campaign Development & Execution
- Agency Management
- Commercial Acumen
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Experiential & Advocacy Marketing
Timeline
Advocacy Manager
Serengeti Breweries Ltd (Diageo)
01.2025 - Current
Head of Strategy & Business Development
Gravitas Solution Limited
01.2024 - 03.2025
Head of Strategy & Business Development
Fern Marketing Tanzania Ltd
03.2023 - 01.2024
Head of Strategy & Business Development
Studio Life (TZ)
07.2021 - 03.2023
Account Director
AIM Group
01.2020 - 06.2021
Account Manager
AIM Group
07.2016 - 12.2019
Intern – Communications & Events
Corporate Reflections Ltd
01.2015 - 12.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Communication (Public Relations)
Daystar University