Ingrid Meier
Leidschendam
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with extensive leadership experience in high-stakes environments, including Oil & Gas, Technology, NGOs, and FMCG sectors. Expertise in strategic planning, operational optimisation, and driving organisational growth has consistently led to successful management of large-scale projects and implementation of innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Proven track record of leading high-performing teams while fostering collaboration and adaptability in changing conditions underscores a commitment to delivering exceptional results. Key strengths include strategic vision and effective stakeholder management, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and objectives.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Head of Executive & Employee Communications
Heineken International
06.2024 - Current
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and streamline processes, for example as Business Owner for the Workvivo implementation replacing Meta's Workplace.
- Directed budget management efforts, ensuring optimal resource allocation across projects; from CEO positioning, companywide and business/functional townhalls to agency spend and beyond.
- Developed strategic employee initiatives to drive market growth and brand recognition positioning employees as brand ambassadors.
- Implemented performance metrics to evaluate team effectiveness and improve productivity - Eliminate, Simplify, Standardise and Automate [ESSA].
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders to align organisational goals with market and communications trends.
- Leading a multicultural team of over 15 communications professionals who are accountable for integrated communications [internal and external] for the Heineken Company and the respective Executives.
- Managed employee appraisals, promotions and terminations based on performance reviews.
- Located bottlenecks to streamline existing processes.
Head of AWS EMEA Internal Communications
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
09.2022 - 05.2024
- Leading internal communications for the AWS EMEA with a diversity of 100+ countries.
- Strategic-thinking leader with deep and broad-based expertise in communications and change management.
- Developing and executing best-in-class communications and coaching senior leadership on their engagement strategies.
- Developed and executed internal communication strategies to enhance employee engagement across global teams.
- Collaborated with cross-functional partners to align messaging with corporate objectives and initiatives.
- Led change management communications during organisational transformations to ensure clarity and consistency.
- Managed crisis communications efforts, ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent information sharing with employees.
Sabbatical
09.2021 - 08.2022
Head of Internal Change Communications
Shell International
07.2015 - 09.2021
- Leader of a team of 25 people accountable for managing internal communications for large and complex projects (reorganisations, culture change, etc) and campaigns (diversity & inclusion, safety, ethics & compliance etc) - approximately > 80 change projects a year.
- Designed and built up this global team from its start in 2015.
- Part of Shell's global Internal Communications Leadership Team as well as Shell's Brand Leadership Team.
- Designed the blueprint and managed outsourcing of internal communication activities in higher cost countries to our business operation organisation in Krakow.
- My blueprint was replicated by the external communications organisation a year later.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
HSSE internal & external communications manager
Shell International
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Enhanced safety performance across the Group through inspiring and fit-for-purpose communications that built awareness and understanding of Shell's Safety, Environmental (including CO2) and Social Performance position, internally and externally (contractors & industry standards).
- Successfully managed the global team of 4 internal and external communications professionals.
- Appointed as Shell's Communications Representative for IPIECA (International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association).
- In this role I was part of Shell's global Internal Communications Leadership Team.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive communication strategies to enhance stakeholder engagement.
- Led cross-functional teams to deliver impactful internal and external communications initiatives.
- Managed crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and accurate messaging to stakeholders.
Various internal and external communications manager roles in IT, Information Risk Management and HR
Shell International
02.2007 - 07.2013
- Developed and implemented internal and external communication strategies to enhance stakeholder engagement.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute integrated communications campaigns effectively.
- Managed internal communications, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and culture.
Press officer and spokesperson
Ministry of Finance
08.2003 - 01.2007
- Responsible for media related affairs and relations of the Dutch Tax Authority (33,000 employees) i.e. writing press releases, managing radio, television, newspaper, magazine interviews, guiding the Minister, State Secretary to external events.
- Manage the media relations for the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service/Economic Investigation Service and Customs.
PR & Communications Manager
Embassy of The Netherlands
01.2005 - 07.2005
- Set up a press network for the national (Dutch) and international (Malay, Chinese, Indian) for the Embassy.
- Dealing with international media, organising visits for Dutch ministers and big companies.
Education
MSc - Business Administration
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Rotterdam01.2002
VWO - athenaeum, pre-university school
Christelijk Lyceum Zeist
Zeist, Netherlands06-1996
Skills
- Effective strategic communications
- Collaborative team management
- Stakeholder management
- Change management
- Business partnering
- Workforce engagement
- Project management
- Continuous improvement
- Corporate storytelling
Languages
Dutch
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Interests
- Spending time with my family
- Traveling
- Tennis
- Walking our dog
- Wining & dining
Hobbies
Spending time with my family, traveling, tennis, walking our dog, wining & dining.
Timeline
Global Head of Executive & Employee Communications
Heineken International
06.2024 - Current
Head of AWS EMEA Internal Communications
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
09.2022 - 05.2024
Sabbatical
09.2021 - 08.2022
Head of Internal Change Communications
Shell International
07.2015 - 09.2021
HSSE internal & external communications manager
Shell International
07.2013 - 07.2015
Various internal and external communications manager roles in IT, Information Risk Management and HR
Shell International
02.2007 - 07.2013
PR & Communications Manager
Embassy of The Netherlands
01.2005 - 07.2005
Press officer and spokesperson
Ministry of Finance
08.2003 - 01.2007
MSc - Business Administration
Erasmus University Rotterdam
VWO - athenaeum, pre-university school
Christelijk Lyceum Zeist