JO
JAMES O. ONYANGO-P. O. Box 35291 – 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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SUMMARY:
A versatile, creative, hands-on and results oriented communication expert positioned to excel in
cross-functional media and communication fields of strategy formulation, management, writing,
editing, graphic design and layout (print). Well versed in software technologies including Microsoft
Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe
Illustrator among others.
FOUNDING EDITOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Executive Talk Magazine
Nairobi, KE - 2014 - present
Formulate editorial policy and strategy and ensuring that all departmental players are
aligned and riding on the same vision and mission. Strategy has led to footprint growth
of the magazine in terms of circulation and readership. Brand identity has also grown
immensely over the years with the Executive Talk gaining reputation as a veritable
platform for top corporate leaders such as chief executives, senior and middle level
managers for sharing and exchanging ideas/opinion and perspectives on emerging
trends of leadership and management.
Supervise a team of writers, photojournalists and supporting staff drawn from across
major cities across the nation and train them on areas of strategic focus and attention.
Collect and edit copy to conform to in-house production style and at the same time
ensure that copy is accurate, balanced, tight, punchy and free of grammatical errors.
Undertake design and layout of the magazine in creative and captivating styles
As a co-director, advise company on the best policy measures to take towards the growth of the
enterprise and help cascade such plans across and down the corporate web of staff network.
Represent the company in business meetings and articulate the issues that are at stake and
make mutually beneficial deals for all stakeholders.
Lead editorial team in executing commissioned external projects in gathering and collating
information, editing, design and layout of such projects including company annual reports and
corporate newsletters among others.
Practicing private consultant in executing external works from private individuals and
institutions.
MANAGING EDITOR
The Sunday Express Newspaper (A mass market coverage of news, Business,
Entertainment and Sports)
Nairobi, KE, 2012 – 2014
Responsible for all executive management decisions in running the newspaper
including staffing and editorial policies.
Work closely with reporters and contributors in assigning them to various beats for
content generation and ensuring that copy meets set standards.
Edit copy and occasionally undertake creative work including layout and design.
Managed to elevate the publication's brand and recognition in an environment that was
largely dominated by mainstream daily newspapers.
Represent the company in industry related meetings, seminars and conference.
MANAGING/FOUNDING EDITOR
CEO Africa Magazine
Nairobi, KE, 2006 – 2012
As the founding editor, I managed to set up a successful and respected business
magazine titled CEO Africa with a focus tilted towards highlighting achievements and
challenges faced by chief executives and other senior level managers in Kenya and
across the world.
Set up structures and systems for talent identification, staff recruitment and training
purposes.
Liaise with Chief Executives from various professional backgrounds and industries and
organize frameworks for interview sessions.
Represent the company in industry related meetings, seminars and conference.
Attend press events to pitch for story ideas and to network with industry stakeholders.
EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Communication Studies
The University of Nairobi, Kenya
2018 – December 2020
Teaching Assistant, University of Nairobi, Kenya
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies
The University of Nairobi, Kenya,
2014 – December 2017, 1st Class Honors
Emerged top in the class with 1st Class Honors
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies
The Kenya Polytechnic University College, 2004
Diploma in journalism & Public Relations
SKILLS
Business development (8 years), copy editing (10+ years), interviewing (10+ years),
media relations (8 years), Project management (6 years), Marketing (5 years), SEO,
Microsoft Excel (3 years), Microsoft Office (10+ years), Social Media Marketing,
PowerPoint, Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Communications, Adobe InDesign,
Photography, Social Media Management, Adobe Illustrator.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Business writing, newsletters, reports, proposals, interviewing, copy editing, design
and layout, special events, media relations, media training, media tours, product
introduction, speech writing, press kits and press release writing. Project
management: Publications production.
REFEREES
Silas Odongo Oriaso (PhD)
The University of Nairobi,
--Michael Omuodo
Managing Director,
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George Gathigi (PhD)
The University of Nairobi,
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Khalid Salim Masoud
Director, Corporate Affairs
The National Land Commission
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