Maria
Adediran
Associate Director,
Wimbart
"
Her portfolio includes M-KOPA, Andela, and Kobo360
Maria is a founding member of Wimbart, a public relations agency focusing on Africa and emerging markets. With extensive experience in consumer and corporate PR, she specialises in African entertainment and technology sectors.
As Wimbart’s Associate Director, Maria is integral to the Senior Leadership Team, leading strategic PR campaigns for various African tech firms, from startups to Unicorns. Her portfolio includes M-KOPA, Andela, and Kobo360, overseeing client counsel, strategic planning, and messaging.
Her expertise spans communications strategies, crisis management, social media campaigns, audience development, and event management. Maria excels in cross-functional, international teams.
Additionally, Maria is an advisory board member for The Xec Leadership scheme.
Before Wimbart, Maria started her career as a PR Executive at IROKO and was a Press Officer at YouGov.
q&a
Why did you sign up to be a judge for The Pros Awards 2025?
I am passionate about recognising exceptional BME talent in our industry, which is frequently overlooked. As a long-standing supporter of BME PR Pros, I’ve witnessed projects consistently transform the landscape. Judging for The Pros Awards allows me to contribute to spotlighting outstanding BME professionals, which I was privileged to do last year. It’s an honour to be part of this vital change because [In Elizabeth’s voice…] DIVERSITY MATTERS.
What Insta, LinkedIn or Tik Tok account should every comms pro follow and why?
@nellarosee – she is a natural communicator. She’s funny, sharp, and always in tune with culture. She knows how to command attention, engage audiences, and create viral moments effortlessly. Whether reacting to pop culture, telling stories, or partnering with brands, Nella brings authenticity and personality, which is exactly what great comms should do. For PR pros, she’s a masterclass in audience connection and showing how brands can engage without losing their voice.
What was your favourite PR/comms campaign from 2024 and why?
Black Ballad’s The Cost of Being a Black Woman campaign really stood out in 2024. It combined real stories with solid research to highlight the financial, health, and social inequalities Black women face in the UK. What made it so powerful was how it sparked real conversations—beyond just awareness, it pushed brands and policymakers to take action. It was a great example of PR that truly puts the community at the heart of the story.
As always, we’ve got a great DJ booked for The Pros Awards award ceremony in September – what’s your dancefloor-filler request?
BoyPee, Hyce & Brown Joel – Ogechi Remix feat. Davido.