Shawna Dennis
About Shawna Dennis
Shawna Dennis serves as the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at MD Financial Management, where she leads various marketing initiatives and teams. With over 20 years of experience in content-driven marketing, she specializes in simplifying complex financial information and advocates for storytelling in marketing.
Current Role at MD Financial Management
Shawna Dennis serves as the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at MD Financial Management since 2018. In this role, she leads a team that manages various aspects of marketing, including social media, content creation, digital communications, and brand management. Her responsibilities also encompass external and internal communications, campaigns, events, creative direction, translation, and marketing operations. Shawna focuses on utilizing data and insights to inform decision-making and promotes a client-first approach in marketing strategies.
Previous Experience in Marketing and Communications
Shawna Dennis has over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, primarily within the financial services sector. She held several key positions at Manulife, including AVP roles in Digital Marketing, Global Content Marketing, and Integration Communications. Additionally, she worked as Associate Director of National Marketing at CIBC Wood Gundy and as Associate Director of Marketing Communications at CIBC. Her career also includes a role as a Marketing Associate at Merrill Lynch. This extensive background has equipped her with a strong understanding of wealth products and services.
Education and Expertise
Shawna Dennis studied at Sheridan College, where she earned an Honours degree in Print Journalism. She furthered her education at York University - Schulich School of Business, obtaining a Masters Certificate in Marketing Communications Leadership in 2014. Her academic background complements her specialization in simplifying complex financial information for better client understanding. Shawna advocates for storytelling in marketing, emphasizing its importance over traditional product descriptions.
Leadership and Team Engagement
In her current and previous roles, Shawna Dennis has demonstrated expertise in leading high-performing teams. She focuses on keeping teams engaged and motivated while influencing change and the adoption of best practices within organizations. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and strategic marketing initiatives, particularly in helping financial advisors build their brands effectively.