Interview with Shirley Tony Kum from Vivo

15-07-2022

Interview with Shirley Tony Kum from Vivo

GNBCC had a final interview with Shirley Tony Kum who is leaving the Board after a tenure of 4 years. We look back on her journey on the board of GNBCC.

Shirley Tony Kum is an Accredited Public Relations Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in communications, public relations and integrated marketing communications in the media, mining, and petroleum sectors. Prior to her current role at Vivo Energy Ghana (Shell licensee), Shirley had worked at Newmont Golden Ridge Limited, Stratcomm Africa Limited, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

Who is Shirley and how did you get started in your career?

I am a wife and mother of three kids. I am also an alumna of the University of Leicester, UK and the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ). I am very passionate about PR and communications, integrated marketing communications, sustainability, crisis management and community development. My motto is “work hard and play hard.” My journey started in the news room, public service, agency/consultancy, mining and finally in the energy sector respectively.

How long have you been in your role as PR and Communications Expert at Vivo Energy, what are your core values, and how has the journey been so far?

I am currently in my 9th year of working with Vivo Energy. My core values are honesty, transparency, and respect for people. The journey with Vivo has been fulfilling. They encourage creativity and understand the role of communication. We have good and friendly employees and a young team that is very hard working. Vivo Energy can be described as “One Big Family”.

Any achievements you are proud of?

In 2019 Shirley was elected as the Honorary Secretary of the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana. She is a Board member of the Ghana Netherlands Business and Culture Council and in April, 2021, was appointed a member of the Governing Council of the African University College of Communications. She serves on the Publicity, Publication and International Affairs Committee of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana.

Shirley is a recipient of the prestigious Head of State Award Scheme, (the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Ghana) under the former President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency, John Agyekum Kuffour for distinguished young leaders.

In 2017, Shirley was crowned the PR Discovery of the Year by the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana and named among the 6 Most Influential Women in PR, Ghana in 2017. In 2019, 2020, 2021 respectively, Shirley was named among the top 10 PR Women in Ghana. She was crowned the Corporate Lady of the year at the 2020 Women’s Choice Africa Awards and named the Unsung Hero at the 2020 Ghana Oil and Gas Awards.

Shirley is an accredited member of the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana (IPR) and an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana.

 

Can you give us some background information on Vivo Energy?

Vivo Energy was established in 2011. Vivo Energy is the company that distributes and markets Shell and Engen branded fuels and lubricant to retail and commercial customers in Africa. The Group operates in 23 countries across North, West, East and Southern Africa and has a network of over 2,000 service stations. We offer high-quality products and services to our customers, setting new standards for safety, innovation and service, wherever we operate. Our vision is to become the most respected energy business in Africa. Vivo Energy Ghana’s commercial portfolio includes customers from the mining, road construction, manufacturing, agro-forestry, road transport and aviation.

Why did you become a board member and how has the experience been? What are some challenges you have faced and how did you conquer them?

I was approached to join the board as a member based on my background, strong network and industry experience. I believe that my input at meetings and AGM has been industrial. My relationship with GNBCC started in 2014 when it was still GHANECC and since Shell is Anglo Dutch we dealt a lot with the Dutch embassy and likewise GNBCC. I have enjoyed my time on the board and working with two successive team. I like the diversity of Ghanaians and Dutch on the board. This helps to create synergy and learn about the difference ways of thinking. 

How do you feel as your tenure comes to an end?

My first response when finding out my tenure had come to its end was: ‘all too soon’. It has been a fulfilling journey and I am proud to have been a board member and I will still provide support whenever needed. I am just a call away in case of anything.

Where do you see GNBCC in the next 5 years?

This year has been active for GNBCC. Ghana is developing at a faster rate and I think GNBCC is well positioned to tap into this, especially for investors that want to invest in Ghana. GNBCC also has the potential of growing beyond the borders of Ghana. I personally believe this is a good time to be a member of GNBCC and urge other organization to join the Council.

What are the next steps for Shirley and what can we look forward to from Vivo Energy?

Vivo Energy will continue to partner with GNBCC and look forward to support the hosting of one of the business cocktails. The future is looking good for me too as I am well positioned to continue to move up.

 

 

 

GNBCC | News