Meet Nneka Etoniru: A Strategic Advisor Powering Avenue Z’s Brand Offering

At Avenue Z, we don’t just shape brand narrative; we set the standard for influence. Leading that charge is Nneka Etoniru, a powerhouse in strategic communications, crisis communications, and brand transformation. As Executive Vice President of Global Brand Strategy, she has spent nearly 15 years guiding some of the world’s most influential companies through high-stakes moments and industry-defining shifts.

From breaking financial news to advising Fortune 500 executives, Nneka’s career is defined by insight, resilience, and strategic brilliance. Today, she leads Avenue Z’s New York office, overseeing its brand strategy services and advising on navigating complex narratives, protecting their reputations, and positioning them as industry leaders.

From Financial Journalism to Brand Strategy Powerhouse

Nneka’s career began in the fast-paced world of investigative journalism. As a financial reporter at REDD Intelligence, she covered capital markets, M&A deals, and significant financial restructurings, including working with her colleagues to cover Brazil’s largest-ever corporate bankruptcy. Her ability to translate complexity into compelling storytelling set the foundation for her next chapter: helping brands have control over their image and narrative.

Transitioning into strategic communications, Nneka quickly became an expert in media relations, corporate positioning, crisis management, and narrative development, first handling comms and PR at IMTC, and later joining FTI Consulting as part of the teams advising renowned brands including Mastercard, Kraken, and Voyager Space.

In 2022, she joined Avenue Z, a media and technology leader reshaping influence in the digital age. After successfully helping expand the client roster and generate massive results on key campaigns, she was promoted to Partner and then appointed EVP of Global Brand Strategy, a testament to her ability to drive industry-defining impact.

Shaping the Future of Avenue Z

As EVP of Global Brand Strategy, Nneka is leading the future of brand strategy at Avenue Z. She has unified AvenueZ’s brand portfolio, expanded its influence, and positioned the firm as the go-to agency for high-growth businesses in media, finance, and technology. Her ability to anticipate industry shifts and develop forward-thinking communications strategies has made her a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 executives, VC-backed startups, and public figures navigating high-stakes moments.

One of her most notable contributions is spearheading the launch of the firm’s Public Affairs Practice, designed to help businesses navigate the increasingly complex intersection of government, media, and public opinion.

An example of this is the work she’s done in higher education, helping universities engage with various stakeholders and audiences amid fraught climates on campus.

Industry-Shaping Campaigns:

Nneka has been at the helm of groundbreaking AvenueZ campaigns and has run point on announcements that have reshaped industries and sparked critical conversations, including:

Better.com’s One Day Mortgage™ and Amazon Equity Unlocker, with the latter securing 850+ media placements and syndications within three days and a Wall Street Journal print feature.
Choke Point 2.0, helping Web3 clients engage with regulatory audiences and inject their perspective into the conversation with Wall Street Journal Op-Eds and thought leadership during the banking crisis.
Recharge Capital’s women’s health business, driving significant media coverage and investor momentum, including orchestrating a months-long feature in Vogue about IVF access post Roe v. Wade

With a track record of shaping industries and advising top executives, Nneka continues to drive Avenue Z’s impact in media, finance, and technology. Her leadership cements the firm’s role as the go-to partner for high-growth businesses, navigating critical moments and building lasting influence.

A Champion for Influence, Advocacy, and Diversity

Nneka Etoniru’s influence extends beyond strategic communications by passionately advocating for diversity, equity, and women’s health. Her mission runs deep. Nneka is a cancer survivor, and after navigating one of the most challenging periods of her life, she is now dedicated to raising awareness about reproductive health and the overlooked impacts of cancer—particularly on Black women, who face disproportionate barriers to care.

She has shared her journey on major stages, including Dana-Farber’s Young Adult Cancer Conference and thought-provoking essays for Glamour and PR Week, aiming to empower others battling similar journeys. On top of that, she is a member of Chick Mission’s PEEPS Committee, raising awareness of the fertility challenges that come with treatment.

At the same time, Nneka is deeply committed to advancing equity in leadership, ensuring that diverse voices have a seat at the table. In a field where only 9% of leadership roles are held by Black women, Nneka is rewriting the rules—not just by breaking barriers but by paving the way for the next generation of leaders. At Avenue Z, nearly 75% of the PR portfolio consists of women- and/or minority-led companies, directly reflecting her mission to promote diversity in the industry. She has played a key role in mentoring rising leaders, having previously served on the Halcyon Future Builders Fellowship Selection Committee, and judging pitch competitions for underrepresented founders, including for TiE Women Global and Fix25 Fintech Islands.

A Vital Voice in the Industry

Nneka’s impact extends far beyond the brands she advises. She’s a sought-after public speaker, thought leader, and expert in strategic communications and reputation management.

She has shared her insights at premier industry events, including:

Fix25 Fintech Islands– Leading conversations on fintech innovation and trust
Hamptons Tech Week– Shaping the future of brand strategy in emerging tech.
Financial Club– Participating as a member in conversation with leaders in financial services and technology.
Rise NY 2025 Fintech Funding Outlook – Moderating a discussion with Portage Ventures on the state of VC investment.

Beyond the stage, her expertise has been featured in Forbes, Adweek, Communication Intelligence and The Fine Line, among others, offering sharp analysis on crisis management, branding, and the evolving media landscape. Recognized as one of Crain’s Notable Leaders in PR (2023), she is redefining what it means to lead in communications today: guiding brands, shaping narratives, and driving influence at the highest levels.

The Future of Brand Strategy, Powered by Nneka

For brands, reputation isn’t just important. It’s everything. And no one understands that better than Nneka Etoniru. As EVP of Global Brand Strategy at Avenue Z, she’s shaping how companies build trust, command influence, and drive real impact. From crisis navigation to industry-shaping campaigns, she ensures brands don’t just compete—they lead.

Stay ahead of what’s next. Connect with Nneka on LinkedIn or explore her work at AvenueZ.