Fathima Beckmann

Fathima Beckmann is a globally experienced leader in Group Corporate Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, Reputation Management, Thought Leadership, Stakeholder Relations and Regional Marketing across the territories of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

In 2017, she was appointed the role of Director of Communications for ViacomCBS Networks Africa where she serves as counsel, oversees reputation management, corporate, brand and employee communication, diversity and inclusion and social impact stakeholder relations for ViacomCBS Networks Africa (black excellence channel BET, Comedy Central, youth led platforms MTV, MTV SHUGA and MTV BASE along with children’s brand Nickelodeon).

Beckmann’s communication, corporate affairs and marketing career began at UUNET VERIZON in 1996. She has held Executive Corporate Communication, Corporate Affairs, Marketing and Stakeholder Partner based roles at leading global organisations from Intel Corp., Microsoft Middle East and Africa, Huawei Middle East and North Africa, Multichoice South Africa and Old Mutual Emerging Markets (Africa, LATAM and Asia).

In addition to working in South Africa, Fathima was based in Dubai from 2009 to 2012 in regional HQ roles with Huawei and Microsoft which extended across the Middle East and North Africa. She has also led strategic communication delivery, reputation and issues management, diversity and inclusion and stakeholder engagement relations into the US, the UK, Europe, India and China.

Beckmann was appointed member to UNICEF South Africa’s Influential Women’s Circle (IWC) in August 2019. The UNICEF IWC launched in 2018 with a mandate to mobilize female leaders and philanthropists to lead efforts to enhance the protection and wellbeing of children. She has previously served as a board member to the Maths Centre whose focus is enabling teacher and learner led Maths, Science and Technology education. Her previous board member roles include the ESKOM Expo for Young Scientists from 2001 to 2003, Cotlands (creating access to play-based early learning opportunities for young children)

from 2004 to 2007 and Mindset Education from 2005 to 2006.

Ms. Beckmann holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of South Africa.