Unathi Batyashe-Fillis has recently joined Lafarge South Africa as Country Manager: Communications.

Unathi has an impressive track record in reputation and crisis management, corporate social investment, brand management, stakeholder relations management and corporate communication.

She holds a Degree in Communications Science from the Free State University and successfully completed the International Executive Development Programme with Henley Business School. She is also a Non-Executive Director for a Johannesburg based IT Company, Mpilo Technologies.

Batyashe-Fillis began her career as a Journalist more than 15 years ago. She has 10 years of success as a dynamic prime time news anchor, writer and editor with top South African media including Independent Newspapers, DSTV and PRIMEDIA Broadcasting.

High flying career

Prior to joining Lafarge South Africa, she cut her teeth at Airports Company South Africa’s flagship airport, O.R. Tambo International Airport where she played a significant role in successfully carrying through the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup Communications plan.

She had been appointed two months before the major tournament. The 37-year-old played a significant role in transforming both the internal and external communications portfolios within the group.

In 2012, she was appointed as the Communications Team lead in Brazil in the run up to the concession operating the Guarulhos International Airport following a successful bid process by ACSA. She became group spokesperson and headed up the company’s corporate communications portfolio in 2013.

Batyashe-Fillis is part of Lafarge South Africa’s executive committee, reporting directly to Country CEO Ken MacLean.

Commenting on her appointment MacLean says; “I am confident that Unathi is exactly what we need to further entrench our brand in South Africa and will play a crucial role in our efforts to strengthen relationships with our key stakeholders. She will also provide strategic insight on various platforms and more importantly in driving business objectives both internally and externally.