Kym Bradbury

Kym Bradbury’s love of words and storytelling has taken her all over the world – from Hamilton to London and Toronto.

“I think I’ve always been interested in people and storytelling, so what I tried to do was find something that built on those interests and passion points,” Kym explains.

After graduating from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Communication Studies with Honours in 2007, Kym began her public relations career with a stint at SweeneyVesty in Auckland, where she was seconded to work for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Ready for some new adventures, a few years later Kym headed for the Gold Coast, Australia, where she took up a PR account manager role.

In 2011, Kym packed her bags once again to go travelling through Europe. On returning to London, she was appointed as Communications Manager at Telereal Trillium, one of the UK’s largest property companies with an £8bn asset portfolio.

Kym Bradbury at the IKEA Group in London.

This provided a springboard for Kym to join IKEA Group – the world’s largest home furnishing retailer – as their Corporate PR Manager.

Initially she was based in London, until she grabbed an exciting opportunity to work in Canada as IKEA’s Country Communications Manager, covering for maternity leave.

In 2018, Kym was promoted into a senior leadership role as Country Communications Manager for IKEA UK and Ireland.

I think I’ve always been interested in people and storytelling, so what I tried to do was find something that built on those interests and passion points.

“I enable the business to deliver its outcomes and goals through communication. And what that really means is positioning IKEA as a trusting and meaningful brand in people’s hearts and minds,” says Kym.

“What I really enjoy most about my job; and what gets me out of bed in the morning; is that communication is so varied.”

Kym says her studies at the University of Waikato taught her about the power that words can hold, and the importance of context and perception. She feels a sense of responsibility to use authentic communication as a tool to unite people, rather than divide them.

“What I would say to those considering a career in communication is absolutely go for it. What you learn at WMS really sets you up in a way that benefits you both personally and professionally.”