Head of Public and Media Relations

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SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we'll always strive to be better, we're proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.

SMBC is one of the biggest banks in the world, headquartered in Japan and with global presence. Our universal banking platform in EMEA has a growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate and investment banking products and solutions to our customers as well as a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.

The Head of Public & Media Relations, EMEA
, will lead SMBC's external reputation across the region, combining strategic public relations with high-impact media relations to shape how the organisation is perceived by the market, clients, partners, and the press. This senior role is central to positioning SMBC as a trusted, influential, and forward-looking institution in EMEA, and offers the opportunity to define a cohesive, insight-driven external communications strategy.

The successful candidate will oversee corporate storytelling, narrative development, media engagement, reputation management, spokesperson positioning, and strategic messaging across all external channels. They will build and execute an integrated public and media relations programme that enhances SMBC's visibility, supports business growth, and ensures clear alignment with global communications priorities.

• Design and deliver SMBC EMEA's media relations strategy, raising the bank's profile across priority outlets and building strong, proactive relationships with senior stakeholders and key journalists.
• Develop and maintain clear, consistent messaging that reflects business priorities and ensures alignment across all external communication channels.
• Manage the relationship with SMBC's external PR agency, overseeing day-to-day media activity, press office support and issues management.
• Oversee and regularly update the EMEA crisis communications plan, participating in training and ensuring full readiness for effective media response during high-pressure situations.
• Lead the production of annual reports for SMBC EMEA entities, coordinating inputs from the company secretary team, finance, and external design partners.
• Strengthen and protect SMBC's brand and visual identity across EMEA, ensuring alignment with global guidelines and consistent application in all media-facing materials.
• Partner with business teams to develop high-quality, branded templates and client-ready materials that support a professional, unified external presence.
• Provide oversight of SMBC's EMEA website, ensuring content accuracy, media relevance, strong user experience, and alignment with global standards.
• Lead and develop a small external communications team covering media relations, digital channels, and brand governance, fostering high performance and collaboration.
• Work closely with internal communications to deliver seamless, coordinated output and an "agency-style" project approach across functions.
• Build strong relationships with regional communications teams and HQ in Tokyo, ensuring alignment of messaging, announcements and media strategy across all markets.

Leading the development and execution of an impactful media strategy that strengthens SMBC's profile and reputation across EMEA. This includes managing proactive and reactive media engagement, securing high‑quality coverage, elevating senior spokespeople, and shaping clear, consistent messaging aligned with business priorities. You will oversee the creation of media materials such as press releases, briefing documents, Q&A,…