Andrea

Ilaka

Associate Director, Coolr

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professional, creative and very enthusiastic Public Relations professional who thrives in fast-paced environments

Andrea is a respected, trusted and revered communications professional who has handled accounts and implemented successful strategies for clients and brands such as Deliveroo, TikTok, KFC, Adidas, Google, Warner Brothers and Weetabix Food Company.

She is a professional, creative and very enthusiastic public relations professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, amd is able to develop strategic campaigns to satisfy clients’ objectives. Capable of working independently and in a team, Andrea is poised and competent, able to communicate effectively with target audiences through strategic brand management and PR campaigns

Q&A 

Why did you sign up to be a judge for The Pros Awards 2024?

I signed up to be a judge for The Pros Awards because last year I was a nominee/winner, and not only do I want to be part of the team/process so someone else can be highlighted in our industry, but also, to be honest, I was honoured that Elizabeth and her team would even consider me, as I admire all the work and effort that clearly went into last year’s award ceremony.

What Insta/Twitter(X)/Tik Tok account should every comms pro follow and why?

Because of Them We Can
It’s the account for the “Home of Black Excellence – Past, Present and Future” and I love getting great insights from them and the people they highlight.

What was your favourite PR/comms story from 2023 and why?
In 2023, Equinox Gyms made headlines with a controversial move, refusing new memberships on January 1st. This PR/comms strategy drew mixed reviews, with critics accusing the brand of insensitivity. However, I appreciated the boldness in challenging the norms of New Year resolutions and social media culture. Any brand willing to risk their bottom line for impactful PR/comms earns my admiration.

As before we’ve got a great DJ booked for The Pros Awards awards ceremony in July – what’s your dancefloor-filler request?

Anything from Beyonce, Wizkid, old school R&B, UK Garage, Afrobeats, Dancehall and 90s Pop music