Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
BOARD MEMBERSHIPS
Timeline
Generic

SARA BOYES

London

Summary

Seasoned Marketing & Communications Director with over 20 years of international leadership across financial and professional services in EMEA, APAC, the UK, and Israel. Renowned for driving integrated, multi-channel strategies that blend digital innovation with traditional marketing, crisis management, and data-driven execution. Proven track record in steering brand resilience during transformative change, executing flagship events, and forging strong stakeholder and investor relationships. Known for cultural agility, strategic change management, and a hands-on approach to delivering measurable ROI.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Managing Director, Head of EMEA & Asia Communications

Jefferies
London, U.K.
09.2013 - 12.2024
  • Integrated Strategic Leadership: Steer comprehensive communications and marketing strategies across EMEA, APAC, and the UK, covering media relations, digital marketing, internal communications, and sponsorship initiatives for investment banking, capital markets, and asset management
  • Crisis & Transformation Expertise: Successfully navigated crisis and change communications to ensure brand resilience during significant market shifts
  • Strategic Stakeholder & Investor Engagement: Partnered with C-suite executives and key stakeholders on transformative projects-including the divestment of Bache commodities; the transitions of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management to Julius Baer and Merrill Lynch Investment Managers to Blackrock; and the strategic alliance expansion with Jefferies and SMBC in Asia
  • Investor Relations: Collaborated with global teams to develop clear, compelling narratives for quarterly earnings releases, investor presentations, and shareholder communications, significantly enhancing market confidence and transparency
  • Flagship Event Leadership: Developed and executed marketing and communications strategies for high-profile events, including: Jefferies Healthcare Conference: Oversaw all aspects of marketing, communications, social media, branding, thought leadership, and media relations
  • Managed in-house teams and an international network of PR agencies, overseeing budgets and strategic projects
  • Tech Trek (Israel) & Asia Forum (Hong Kong): Enhanced brand visibility and market leadership
  • Data-Driven Execution: Manage budgets and leverage analytics to fine-tune marketing strategies, ensuring precision targeting and sustained business growth







Head of Media Relations EMEA

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
London, U.K.
04.2005 - 06.2013
  • Directed integrated media relations, communications, and marketing initiatives for both institutional and retail financial products across EMEA
  • Member of the ML Risk Committee
  • Managed in-house teams and external PR agencies, overseeing budgets and strategic projects
  • Led high-profile marketing campaigns and flagship initiatives such as the Merrill Lynch Fund Manager Survey and MLIM (latterly Blackrock) European Seminar
  • Flagship Event Leadership: Spearheaded the annual Merrill Lynch Family Offices event in Monaco, delivering elite event positioning and stakeholder engagement
  • Played a key role in crisis management and strategic change communications during major transitions, including post-acquisition scenarios following BlackRock's involvement
  • Developed industry-leading reports (e.g., the Fund Manager Survey, and Merrill Lynch Capgemini World Wealth Report) to position the firm as a market authority

Global Communications Manager

Ernst & Young
London, U.K.
07.2002 - 02.2005
  • Collaborated with Global Executive Board members to design and execute global media, executive, and internal communications strategies
  • Directed communications plans that enhanced organisational engagement and brand visibility across multiple regions

Deputy Editor / Acting Editor

Credit Magazine
London, U.K.
09.2001 - 07.2002
  • Oversaw editorial planning, budgeting, and production of high-quality financial content for professional audiences
  • Led story generation and team coordination, ensuring impactful content delivery to senior financial decision-makers

News Editor

Corporate Finance Magazine
London, U.K.
08.1999 - 09.2001
  • Managed the news editorial cycle, commissioning, and production of content for CFOs, Finance Directors, and Treasurers
  • Maintained high journalistic standards and collaborated with industry experts to provide insightful global financial trends coverage

Executive Officer

Home Office
London, U.K.
10.1991 - 07.1995
  • Member of the Secretariat for the Ministerial Group on Women's Issues, drafting speeches and research reports for Ministers and senior civil servants
  • Assisted in managing the annual funding process for the Equal Opportunities Commission, ensuring transparency and accountability







Education

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Media & Cultural Studies

The London Institute
U.K.
09/1995 - 07/1998

Postgraduate Degree - Journalism

The London Institute
U.K.
09/1998 - 07/1999

Skills

  • Strategic Marketing Leadership
  • Brand Building
  • Crisis Communications
  • Change Communications
  • Multi-Regional Collaboration
  • Cross-Discipline Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Relations
  • Investor Relations
  • Media Relations
  • Digital Campaign Strategy
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Paid Media
  • Owned Media
  • Earned Media
  • Event Planning
  • Event Execution
  • Budgeting
  • Analytics
  • Data-Driven Execution
  • Cultural Agility
  • Regulatory Compliance

BOARD MEMBERSHIPS

Trustee & Co-Chair, Development Committee, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Provide strategic   oversight for one of the world's premier chamber orchestras, supporting international tours and special events., Contributed to governance during the Marriner 100 season, celebrating the centennial of founder Sir Neville Marriner.

Timeline

Managing Director, Head of EMEA & Asia Communications

Jefferies
09.2013 - 12.2024

Head of Media Relations EMEA

Bank of America Merrill Lynch
04.2005 - 06.2013

Global Communications Manager

Ernst & Young
07.2002 - 02.2005

Deputy Editor / Acting Editor

Credit Magazine
09.2001 - 07.2002

News Editor

Corporate Finance Magazine
08.1999 - 09.2001

Executive Officer

Home Office
10.1991 - 07.1995

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Media & Cultural Studies

The London Institute
09/1995 - 07/1998

Postgraduate Degree - Journalism

The London Institute
09/1998 - 07/1999

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
SARA BOYES