Christine Coombs

AZA Finance is a fintech company that specializes in fx, treasury, and payment solutions within the African Continent. We have offices across Africa and Europe including in: Ghana, Spain, South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, Uganda, and the United Kingdom.

Promoted due to proven ability to manage complex strategic projects and act as a trusted partner to the CEO and C-Suite. Continued to deliver all core Executive Assistant and communications responsibilities from previous role while expanding remit to include corporate development and operational strategy initiatives.

• Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and five other C-Suite Executive (Chief Technology Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Legal Officer, and Chief People Officer), managing high-priority initiatives, corporate development, and operational improvements.
• Oversee board and investor communications, including preparation of executive decks, briefing papers, and key messaging for high-level meetings.
• Support corporate development initiatives, including market expansion research, partnership development, and M&A evaluations.
• Serve as primary liaison between executive leadership and internal/external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy.
• Manage sensitive and confidential matters, including CEO travel and schedule priortization to align with strategic objectives.

In this role, I provided comprehensive Executive Assistant support while managing strategic communications and PR initiatives on behalf of the CEO.

• Provided high-level EA support to the CEO and wider C-Suite (Chief Technology Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief People Officer), managing complex global scheduling, travel, and cross-functional communications.
• Led CEO personal branding and PR initiatives, drafting speeches, press releases, and thought-leadership content to enhance executive visibility.
• Managed executive communications across internal and external stakeholders, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with corporate objectives.
• Produced executive reports, board papers, and presentations for investor and leadership meetings.
• Built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, strengthening brand reputation and executive management.
• Managed a range of high-level personal and administrative tasks for the CEO, including UK/US tax documentation, citizenship and visa applications, and relocation logistics.
• Organised personal events and celebrations, including milestone birthdays and private functions, ensuring seamless execution and discretion.
• Oversaw sensitive personal matters with strict confidentiality, acting as a trusted point of contact for both personal and professional affairs.

Worked as part of the Operations team to support and deliver key projects and strategic initiatives, driving operational efficiency and organisational effectiveness.

• Supported strategic operations and cross-departmental projects, streamlining workflows and improving reporting processes.
• Produced operational and performance reports for senior leadership to drive data-informed decision-making.

Provided essential PA support to the Director of International, while coordinating logistics and events in collaboration with the wider International team. Regularly liaised with key stakeholders across China, the Middle East, and Europe to ensure seamless delivery of international initiatives."

• Provided support to the Director of International, including diary management, briefing preparation, and travel coordination.
• Organized and supported international events across Europe, China, and the Middle East, managing stakeholder communications and logistical planning.
• Drafted reports, briefing documents, and official communications for senior leadership and international partners.

Provided high-level executive support within the Executive Office at the U.S. Embassy in London.

• Supported the Executive Office of the U.S. Ambassador, by managing schedules, diplomatic correspondence, and high-level event preparation.
• Drafted briefing notes, speeches, and formal communications for the Ambassador and senior diplomatic staff.
• Coordinated with UK government departments and international stakeholders to facilitate diplomatic engagements.

As the Political-Economic Intern at the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona, Spain, I provided comprehensive administrative support to the Political-Economic team.

• Researched and analysed political, economic, and regulatory developments to support diplomatic reporting.
• Drafted official cables, reports, and briefing materials for U.S. diplomatic officials.
• Assisted in organising high-level political and trade events, strengthening U.S.-Spain relations.