Women in PR: Giovanna “Gio” Bennett on Connecting Brands, Creators and Culture

With over 12 years of experience in public relations and communications, Giovanna “Gio” Bennett has built a career around bringing ideas to life, connecting people and helping brands tell stories that resonate.

Her professional journey has seen her work with major names, including L’Oréal, Unilever, DStv and Red Bull, giving her experience across different industries and audiences. Today, she leads Red Bull’s Creators department, where she develops campaigns that connect brands with creators and contribute to shaping culture.

For Gio, PR and communications remain more than just a profession. They are a passion rooted in the power of connection. Whether bringing a project together, identifying the right creative voices or helping a brand communicate its message, her work centres on turning ideas into meaningful experiences.

“I think any PR professional would agree that relationships are everything. It’s not just about building them, but maintaining them through open communication and collaboration. I believe in brainstorming alongside partners and working together to bring ideas to life, rather than simply handing over a brief and expecting them to run with it.” She said

In an industry where authenticity matters more than ever, understanding creators and the communities they represent is essential. Gio’s approach recognises that successful campaigns go beyond visibility. They require a genuine understanding of people, culture and the stories worth telling.

Beyond the boardroom and campaign briefs, Gio brings an energetic, warm and humorous personality to her work, balanced by a strong focus on results. Her recent interest in cycling has also introduced another dimension to her routine, offering a fresh perspective on balance and life beyond the demands of communications.

” ⁠Oh ye, being on the bike actually forced me to switch off. One of the biggest things it has also taught me is patience. It has also forced me to understand the importance of early mornings and setting the tone for the day” – Gio

As part of our Women in PR series, we celebrate Giovanna “Gio” Bennett, a communications professional whose journey reflects the importance of creativity, collaboration and building connections that move culture forward.