Thoko Zondo
Putney,United Kingdom
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in inclusion & diversity strategy, internal brand & communications, and employee engagement. Proven track record in marketing & brand management, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder and community engagement. Adept at driving cultural transformation through effective project & programme management and regional campaign execution. Committed to enhancing customer & guest experience while demonstrating strong leadership & coaching abilities.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work history
Inclusion & Internal Brand Pillars Manager
Nando’s UK & Ireland
Putney, UK
2025.02 - 2026.02
- Lead the strategic development and execution of the Internal Brand Pillars, integrating culture, identity and lived experiences into organisational programmes.
- Partner with People, Brand, Marketing, and Operations to drive storytelling, employee belonging, and internal engagement initiatives.
- Embed inclusive practices across teams, ensuring alignment with company values and DEI commitments.
Inclusion & Diversity Lead
Nando’s UK & Ireland
Putney
2020.11 - 2025.02
- Designed and delivered the organisation’s I&D strategy, focusing on equity, representation, and cultural awareness.
- Led initiatives that improved employee belonging, strengthened inclusive leadership capability, and supported diverse communities within the workforce.
- Collaborated with Exec and Senior Leaders to embed inclusive behaviours and policies across the business.
Brand Manager – Grocery
Nando’s Grocery Division
Putney
2016.09 - 2020.11
- Managed brand strategy and campaigns for Nando’s products in retail channels.
- Drove brand growth through innovative marketing, cross-functional retail partnerships, and consumer insight.
- Oversaw product positioning, packaging, launches, and brand storytelling for the grocery portfolio.
Regional Marketing Coordinator
Nando’s UK & Ireland
Putney
2012.09 - 2016.09
- Coordinated regional marketing plans, events, and campaigns across multiple locations.
- Supported restaurant openings, community partnerships, and local brand activations.
- Provided regional teams with marketing insights and tools to enhance guest experience.
Customer Experience Executive
Nando’s UK & Ireland
Putney
2010.01 - 2012.09
- Enhanced guest experience by reviewing feedback, resolving service issues, and refining customer journey processes.
- Supported operational teams in delivering exceptional hospitality and consistent brand standards.
Restaurant Team Member
Nando’s UK & Ireland
Putney
2006.09 - 2010.01
- Delivered high-quality service, food handling, and front-of-house hospitality.
- Built strong understanding of restaurant operations, customer service, and team collaboration.
Education
Skills
- Inclusion & Diversity Strategy
- Internal Brand & Communications
- Employee Engagement
- Marketing & Brand Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Stakeholder and Community Engagement
- Cultural Transformation
- Project & Programme Management
- Regional Campaign Execution
- Customer & Guest Experience
- Leadership & Coaching
Professional Development
Optional — add any training, certifications, DEI courses, leadership programmes, etc.
Personal Information
Title: Inclusion & Internal Brand Pillars Manager
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Inclusion & Internal Brand Pillars Manager
Nando’s UK & Ireland
2025.02 - 2026.02
Inclusion & Diversity Lead
Nando’s UK & Ireland
2020.11 - 2025.02
Brand Manager – Grocery
Nando’s Grocery Division
2016.09 - 2020.11
Regional Marketing Coordinator
Nando’s UK & Ireland
2012.09 - 2016.09
Customer Experience Executive
Nando’s UK & Ireland
2010.01 - 2012.09
Restaurant Team Member
Nando’s UK & Ireland
2006.09 - 2010.01