Fuelling the future: Paulo Coelho’s vision for Namcor

Shaping the public image of Namibia’s energy giant
In a world where perception is everything, managing the image of a national energy giant is no small task. But for the dynamic marketing and communications leader at the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), it's a challenge that is both thrilling and demanding.
Tina Victor
  • 3 Days Ago
As Namibia stands at the dawn of its oil industry boom, Namcor’s role in shaping the nation’s energy narrative has never been more critical. At the forefront of this effort is Paulo Coelho, whose expertise in branding, stakeholder engagement and crisis communication ensures that Namcor remains a trusted player in the sector.

Coelho, Namcor’s marketing, communications and PR manager, is leading the charge in shaping the company’s public image as Namibia steps into a new era of oil and gas development. Having joined the company in 2021, he has played a key role in elevating Namcor’s brand positioning and reinforcing its credibility.

With a bachelor’s degree in media communications and marketing from the University of Namibia and a minor in sociology and Portuguese at the International Centre of Hotel Management, Brazil, Coelho’s expertise in branding, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management is crucial in ensuring Namcor’s reputation remains strong, both locally and internationally.

Over four years, his leadership has transformed Namcor’s brand positioning, elevating its reputation locally and internationally. "We’ve successfully rolled out campaigns that have increased brand awareness and trust," he shares. The impact of these efforts can be seen in the growing confidence of investors, the strengthened relationships with stakeholders, and the heightened visibility of Namcor in the global energy space.

However, managing the public image of a company operating in a sensitive industry is not without its challenges. Navigating crisis communications, responding to media queries, and aligning messaging with business objectives require not only strategic thinking but also adaptability under pressure. "Every challenge presents an opportunity to refine our approach and find innovative solutions," he notes, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of his work.



Safe hands

Looking ahead, his vision for Namcor is clear: enhance digital engagement through data-driven strategies, reinforce thought leadership, and develop campaigns that educate the public about the company’s role in shaping Namibia’s energy landscape. "Our focus is on reinforcing Namcor’s position as a trusted and forward-thinking energy company," he explains.

But beyond boardrooms and marketing strategies, this multifaceted leader is far from one-dimensional. A passionate storyteller and branding expert, he also has a life outside of corporate communications that is just as dynamic. A former football player, an active runner, an MMA enthusiast, a watch collector, and even a stand-up comedian – his interests reflect a personality that thrives on challenge, creativity and discipline.

"I also love helping others build their personal brands and grow as individuals," he says, revealing his commitment to personal development. In the fast-moving world of oil and gas, where public perception can make or break an entity, Namcor’s marketing and communications efforts are in capable hands. And with a leader who blends analytical thinking with creative storytelling, one thing is certain – Namcor’s brand is in safe and strategic hands.