MEL FERNANDES
London,UK
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in diary management, executive and board support, and office and operations management. Demonstrates exceptional flexibility and adaptability, ensuring seamless travel arrangements and effective stakeholder relationship management. Proficient in technology and systems, with a strong focus on confidentiality, discretion, and attention to detail. Committed to enhancing organisational efficiency through superior time management and communication skills.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Executive Assistant to SVP, CIO & VP
The Wella Company
London, UK
08.2024 - 09.2025
- Proactively managed global executive calendars and communications, ensuring alignment across time zones.
- Coordinated cross-regional travel logistics for senior leaders while maintaining cost efficiency.
- Served as a confidential liaison between C-suite leaders and stakeholders, safeguarding sensitive information.
- Streamlined executive workflow through effective management of schedules and itineraries.
Executive Assistant to the Founder & CEO
MG Empower
London, UK
11.2021 - 07.2024
- Managed complex calendar for Founder and CEO, optimising scheduling and prioritisation of commitments.
- Coordinated travel arrangements, including itineraries, accommodations and transportation for executive engagements.
- Organised annual events to foster cross-team collaboration.
- Oversaw high-level correspondence, expense management and confidential matters.
Senior Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Distell International Ltd / CVH Spirits
London, UK
07.2019 - 09.2020
- Coordinated national and international travel arrangements, ensuring seamless accommodation and documentation.
- Managed office operations and onboarding processes to enhance organisational efficiency.
- Oversaw event planning to optimise resource usage and engagement.
- Maintained office budgets and financial records for effective resource allocation.
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Unilever
London, UK
12.2018 - 03.2019
- Managed calendar and inbox for directors and executives to enhance productivity.
- Scheduled meetings, conferences and appointments for efficient time management.
- Coordinated with multiple departments to ensure seamless information flow.
- Oversaw office supply inventory to guarantee essential materials availability.
Executive Assistant to the Board and Office Manager
DMC Healthcare
London, UK
04.2017 - 11.2018
- Managed CEO's calendar and personal tasks, ensuring efficient meeting coordination.
- Organised international conferences to enhance corporate visibility and engagement.
- Handled board-level correspondence and travel arrangements for UK and international trips.
- Led team of two junior PAs, conducting reviews and delegating tasks effectively.
Legal Secretary / Executive Assistant
Arabtec Holding PJSC
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
02.2014 - 08.2016
- Supported Legal Directors and M&A team through efficient admin and document control.
- Coordinated meetings and schedules with global EA teams, ensuring seamless communication.
- Managed calendars, contacts and confidential correspondence with precision.
- Assisted legal team by drafting and proofreading documents for accuracy.
- Prepared legal documents and correspondence, maintaining high attention to detail.
- Conducted legal research, contributing to successful resolution of complex cases.
- Managed confidential information discreetly, guaranteeing privacy and compliance.
Executive Secretary / Administrative Assistant
Al Farida Investment Ltd (Private Office of Sheikh Hamed Al Hamed)
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
09.2011 - 09.2013
- Coordinated global travel and managed visa applications for senior executives entering USA and EU.
- Handled personal and business matters discreetly through effective stakeholder liaison.
- Ensured confidentiality standards by managing sensitive correspondence and documentation.
Education
Legal Secretaries - Legal Secretaries
ILSPA
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 02.2013 - 02.2021
Legal Secretaries - Legal Secretaries
ILSPA
London, UK 09.2020 - 02.2021
Skills
- Diary and travel management
- Executive support and operations
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Discretion handling
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Proactive approach
- Stakeholder engagement
- Technology skills
- High-level confidentiality
Accomplishments
- Successfully supported a large-scale office relocation in UAE
- Oversaw Corporate Website & Social Media Updates
- Organised & Coordinated Major International Conference
- Managed Company's General Inbox & Client Correspondence
Timeline
Executive Assistant to SVP, CIO & VP
The Wella Company
08.2024 - 09.2025
Executive Assistant to the Founder & CEO
MG Empower
11.2021 - 07.2024
Legal Secretaries - Legal Secretaries
ILSPA
09.2020 - 02.2021
Senior Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Distell International Ltd / CVH Spirits
07.2019 - 09.2020
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Unilever
12.2018 - 03.2019
Executive Assistant to the Board and Office Manager
DMC Healthcare
04.2017 - 11.2018
Legal Secretary / Executive Assistant
Arabtec Holding PJSC
02.2014 - 08.2016
Legal Secretaries - Legal Secretaries
ILSPA
02.2013 - 02.2021
Executive Secretary / Administrative Assistant
Al Farida Investment Ltd (Private Office of Sheikh Hamed Al Hamed)
09.2011 - 09.2013