Priscilla Urquhart

As a dynamic, multicultural and growth orientated Senior Executive with proven expertise in the Public Affairs, Government Relations, Communications and Sustainability sphere, I have successfully led and executed within this specialised portfolio for several multinational companies over the past 18 years. I have achieved business and organisational results by contributing positively to growth strategies through integrated communication, strategy planning, stakeholder engagement and innovation and design.

In my current role as Head of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability for Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, the franchised bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company based in Cape Town, I have achieved various milestones including coastal clean-ups of World Heritage site Robben Island and the recycling, upcycling and repurposing of plastic and other waste. An achievement I am incredibly proud of is initiating the removal of plastic straws from the SA bottling system. Other notable milestones include leading the business through the Day Zero Water Crisis in 2018/19, connecting and enabling stakeholder relationships to lead us through a tumultuous time. Another achievement I am both proud and humbled to have led is the humanitarian operation of community support during the Covid-19 pandemic, reaching more than a million beneficiaries through feeding programmes, mobile vaccine units, supporting frontline medical and community care workers. 

In my experience as a journalist, I have built up strong PR and media relations experience as well as a robust network across various sectors, globally. 
As Corporate and Brand PR Manager for Brandhouse Beverages (Pty) Ltd, I played a significant role in building the reputation of a business that was little known at the time and high risk as a new alcohol beverage entity. Reputation building, stakeholder engagement and responsible drinking were top communications priorities with shareholders Diageo, Heineken and NBL. I also project-managed the communications and launch event of the Sedibeng Brewery and during this time, conceptualized and launched the Responsible Drinking Media Awards.

I want to be remembered for delivering value to business, communities, consumers and shareholders, shaping the environment we operate in. I am passionate about sustainable and measurable initiatives that support the changing world we’re living in, influencing through communication and conversation.

Philanthropy and making a difference informs my persona and I am a proud Ambassador of the Amy Foundation in South Africa.