Donna Jacobson
Marketing Manager
Senior Marketing Leader | FMCG & Consumer Health | Brand Innovation | Expert in Brand Strategy | Cross- Functional leadership
About Donna
A skilled marketer with extensive experience across consumer healthcare, FMCG and retail, spanning global and local roles. Proven success leading brand plans and portfolio strategies for major brands including Voltaren, Aquafresh, Nicabate, Otrivin, FESS and Flixonase.
Wins? Delivered a 62% turnaround growth for Voltaren through commercial and product innovation, drove mass-consumerisation of pharmacy brands, and amplified global campaigns to record share highs.
Experienced in cross-functional and cross-market collaboration, working with teams across Europe and Australia, and partnering with operations, creative, digital and PR agencies. Known for blending creativity with science, uncovering deep consumer insights and translating human truths into impactful brand storytelling. Passionate about connecting people with products, style and emerging trends.
An agile, fast learner able to pull myriad pieces together and back them with a comprehensive strategy and solid plan.
Experience
Vitaco Health
Senior Brand Manager Nutra-Life Supplements (2024 – 2026)
Developed brand and portfolio growth strategies, managed innovation pipeline, and led consumer communications and go-to-market plans. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful market execution. Achieved significant brand growth and successful product launches.
Abbott Nutrition
Brand Lead Adult Nutrition (Maternity Cover) (2023 – 2024)
Led commercial and brand strategy, developed influencer-led campaigns, and enhanced packaging and HCP education. Increased brand growth and consumer awareness through strategic marketing campaigns.
Actor Pharmaceuticals
Marketing Manager (2021 – 2023)
Owned strategic marketing, innovation, and commercial execution for consumer healthcare and OTC brands. Successfully launched international healthcare brands and improved brand performance through integrated engagement frameworks.
Care Pharmaceuticals
Brand Manager (2019 – 2021)
Led strategic repositioning and portfolio optimisation of FESS, developed integrated packaging and retail execution. Achieved increased market share and strengthened leadership in nasal health.
GSK Consumer Healthcare ANZ
Senior Brand Manager (2018 – 2019)
Led strategy and performance for Respiratory and NRT portfolios, defined growth priorities, and led cross-functional execution. Developed innovative strategies and supported portfolio expansion.
Stuart Alexander & Co.
Brand Manager (Contract) (2017 – 2017)
Managed FMCG/confectionery portfolios, developed digital campaigns, and delivered growth through communication and trade plans.
Novartis OTC South Africa (GSK C.Health)
Category Brand Manager (2015 – 2016)
Led strategy, commercial performance, and innovation for Pain Relief and NRT brands. Successfully launched new products and achieved significant growth for Voltaren.
Novartis OTC South Africa (GSK C.Health)
Category Brand Manager (2012 – 2015)
Led strategy, commercial performance, and innovation across Pain Relief and NRT brands. Delivered significant growth for Voltaren and Nicotinell.
Clicks Group South Africa
Marketing and Brand Manager (2010 – 2012)
Managed marketing and brand strategy for various categories, delivered campaigns, and repositioned brands. Increased brand awareness and engagement for Clicks Baby brand.
Johnson & Johnson
Product Manager (2008 – 2010)
Achieved growth for Women's Healthcare brand, launched new packaging, and managed product portfolios.
GlaxoSmithKline
Brand Manager (OTC/Nutritional Brands) (2006 – 2008)
Led brand strategies and marketing campaigns, achieving year-over-year growth. Launched successful innovation enhancing market share.
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