Biography of Anouska Ruane: Chief Communications Officer at Soho House
Biography of Anouska Ruane:
From Leeds Beckett to Soho House: Anouska Ruane’s Journey
Anouska Ruane's career began at Leeds Beckett University,
where she studied Business and Corporate Communications between 1994 and 1997.
During her time at university, she laid the foundation for what would become a
highly successful career in communications. Her education helped her understand
the intricate dynamics of business communication, which would later become the
cornerstone of her professional journey. Armed with this knowledge, she
embarked on a path that would take her through some of the world’s most
influential companies.
Pioneering at Facebook: Shaping Corporate Reputation
Anouska’s career truly took off when she joined Facebook in
2014 as the Director of Communications for the UK, Ireland, and Africa. During
her time at Facebook, she was responsible for overseeing the company’s
corporate reputation across these regions. She was instrumental in managing
Facebook’s global communications, a role that required her to navigate the
complex matrix of public opinion and corporate perception. Under her
leadership, Facebook enhanced its reputation, and she helped steer communications
through times of both growth and scrutiny.
Expanding Her Impact at Tesla
In 2018, Anouska moved to Tesla, where she served as the
Director of Communications for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). At
Tesla, she was tasked with setting the vision and strategic direction for
communications across multiple countries. One of her biggest challenges was
restructuring a fragmented communications team, which she did successfully. She
not only led the team but also built new capabilities, making a significant
impact on Tesla’s growth and profitability in the region.
A New Role at Samsung: Communications Leadership
Anouska’s success at Facebook and Tesla caught the attention
of other leading global brands, and in 2019, she joined Samsung Electronics as
the Director of Communications and Events for Europe. During her time at
Samsung, she led the communications strategy for the company’s highly
successful Galaxy product line. Her ability to manage corporate communications
at a global scale earned her a spot in PRWeek UK’s Power Book 2021, where she
was recognized as one of the top communications professionals in the telecoms,
media, and technology sectors.
Biography of Anouska Ruane: Chief Communications Officer at Soho House/entrepreneur/age/net worth/startup/Soho House story/Anouska Ruane story
Achieving Recognition in PRWeek’s Power Book
Anouska’s work at Samsung did not go unnoticed. In 2021, she
was included in PRWeek’s UK Power Book, which recognizes the top 20
professionals in telecoms, media, and technology communications. Her role at
Samsung was pivotal in driving the success of the Galaxy product range, and she
was acknowledged for her leadership in this high-demand market. This
recognition solidified her reputation as one of the foremost communications
experts in the tech industry.
The Leap to Soho House
In April 2021, Anouska took on a new challenge when she
became the Chief Communications Officer at Soho House & Co. In this role,
she was tasked with overseeing the global communications strategy for the
renowned lifestyle brand. Soho House, known for its exclusive private members'
clubs, became the perfect environment for Anouska to utilize her expertise in
corporate communications, public relations, and brand management to further
elevate the brand’s image and influence.
Board Governor at Leeds Beckett University
Aside from her corporate roles, Anouska also took on the
role of Board Governor at Leeds Beckett University in 2020. In this position,
she worked to support the university’s strategic direction, bringing her vast
experience in communications and corporate governance to the table. Anouska’s
ongoing connection with her alma mater shows her commitment to giving back and
supporting the next generation of business leaders and communicators.
Leadership in Corporate Affairs and ESG
Throughout her career, Anouska has consistently taken on
leadership roles that go beyond traditional communications. She has worked at
the board level, advising on corporate affairs, brand communications, digital
marketing, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. Her
experience in these areas has made her a trusted advisor to some of the world’s
most recognizable founders and executives, helping them navigate periods of
transformation and global scrutiny.
Building High-Performing Teams
One of Anouska’s key strengths has been her ability to build
high-performing teams. Whether at Facebook, Tesla, Samsung, or Soho House,
Anouska has always focused on nurturing talent and developing teams that can
work effectively in complex, matrixed organizations. She is known for her
collaborative, hands-on approach, which has helped her lead teams through
high-pressure situations and emerge stronger. Her leadership style is one that
inspires confidence and motivates teams to excel.
Recognized as a Leader: FT’s Top 100 BAME List
Anouska’s leadership abilities have earned her recognition
on numerous prestigious lists, including the Financial Times’ Top 100 BAME
Leaders in the UK. This honor reflects her contributions not only to corporate
communications but also to her role as a trailblazer for underrepresented
groups in leadership positions. Anouska’s journey has been a testament to the
power of diversity, hard work, and the impact of effective communication in
shaping the global business landscape.
Timeline for story
1994-1997 - Studied Business and Corporate Communications at
Leeds Beckett University.
2014 - Joined Facebook as Director of Communications for the
UK, Ireland, and Africa.
2018 - Became Director of Communications for EMEA at Tesla.
2019 - Joined Samsung as Director of Communications and
Events for Europe.
2021 - Featured in PRWeek UK’s Power Book; became Chief
Communications Officer at Soho House.
2020 - Appointed Board Governor at Leeds Beckett University.
2021 - Recognized on FT’s Top 100 BAME Leaders list.
