Ilke takes the lead
Namibia heads communications for GCBL
As from 1 July 2022, Ilke Platt – the founder of Poiyah Media – heads up the Global Chamber of Business Leaders (GCBL) Communications following her acceptance as its Director of Communications.This is a first for Namibia, as the Chamber boasts countries from around the world as members.
GCBL is a coalition of governmental leaders, CEOs and executives, entrepreneurs, investors, as well as business and industry leaders who share a common vision, namely the sustainable well-being and growth of business in a disruptive and ever-evolving global economy.
Platt obtained her Masters and BA in Communications through the University of Namibia and is soon to finalize her PhD in the same field. Boasting close to twenty years in the media space as well as serving on several prestigious boards, GCBL chairman Dejan Stancer, stated that Platt’s ability to engage with various stakeholders in Namibia through the Office of the President in November last year with its Director of GCBL Shakemore ‘Shacky’ Timburwa, showed her ability to drive the organisation’s narrative on a global level.
“We were impressed with Platt’s ability to communicate with all media houses, including that of the highest office in the country, to help synergize our partnership with partners to drive our mission and vision. It was an easy decision to make based on her skills as well as credentials that suit the profile for this task to drive and lead communications within our organisation,” he said.
Driving the converstation
Timburwa added that Namibia has many strategic partnerships and influence in industries, especially in driving the conversation around Green Energy. “My official visit to Namibia last year convinced my team that allowing Namibia to drive communication through Platt is the best option to also allow other African countries to customise its message from a place that has so many natural resources and communities that have power and impact to change the world,” he said.
Platt thanked the GCBL and gave the assurance of her commitment to not only showcase that Namibia can lead conversations, but can also be of influence in directing African stories which are more understandable to communities.
Poiyah Media was approached late last year to provide public relations and communications services to the director of GCBL Africa and ensured that media engagements were well executed.
“I am delighted that we surpassed their expectations and that I have been appointed as the Director of Communications until the end of this year. It shows that service delivery is critical to maintaining relevance and preference even if it is in my private capacity. I look forward to this 6-month term with GCBL along with other opportunities,” she said.