Edem Knight-Tay Appointed Head Of Corporate Communications At Universal Merchant Bank – UMB
Celebrated broadcaster and strategic communicator Edem Knight-Tay has officially joined Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) as the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications.
With nearly two decades of experience in radio, public engagement, and brand strategy, her transition into banking marks a significant moment for the evolving relationship between storytelling, customer experience, and corporate growth.
For many Ghanaians, Edem’s voice is both familiar and comforting.
As programs director of Joy FM, she shaped some of the station’s most memorable shows and conversations, including her longstanding family-life show Home Affairs. Beyond the airwaves, she became known for her ability to connect deeply with audiences, design campaigns with emotional resonance, and lead talent with quiet power and emotional intelligence.
Now, at UMB, Edem Knight-Tay steps into a different kind of spotlight—one where visibility, trust, and transformation must be engineered not only through words but also through strategic intent and brand action.
A legacy of leadership and creative strategy
Edem’s career spans media production, executive leadership, corporate communications, and advocacy. A passionate champion for work-life balance, thriving families, women’s empowerment, and responsible storytelling, she is the founder of Family Forum Africa. This platform fosters constructive discussions on family and gender. She is also the creative director of Image Emporium, a media and PR consulting firm, where she has led campaigns for clients across diverse sectors, including insurance, energy, and education.
Throughout her 14-year tenure at Multimedia Group, she held multiple leadership roles, notably overseeing high-impact programming, managing complex teams, and collaborating with corporate clients on integrated campaigns that bridged content and commercial outcomes. Her leadership style is often described as inclusive, emotionally intelligent, and quietly assertive.
A new voice in corporate Ghana
Edem’s appointment at UMB signals more than just a change in role; it represents a shift in how institutions are rethinking the value of authentic communication in a trust-fragile, customer-driven market. As Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, she will lead the bank’s efforts to enhance brand visibility, customer experience, stakeholder engagement, and digital storytelling.
Insiders at UMB have expressed optimism about the transformational energy Edem brings to the table. According to internal sources, her appointment is part of a broader strategy to align the bank’s customer promise with its brand performance, ensuring that what the bank says externally reflects what customers experience internally.
“My move into banking is not a departure from storytelling,” Edem explains. “It is the next chapter. Banking is a trust business. It’s also deeply personal. And I believe the future of financial services belongs to brands that are not only functional but also emotionally resonant. I’m here to help build that narrative.”
She further shared that she envisions UMB becoming one of Ghana’s most admired brands—not just for its products, but for its **values, visibility and voice.
A signal to the industry
For many communications professionals watching her journey, Edem’s move is more than inspiring—it is strategic. It highlights how media leaders with strong emotional intelligence, audience insight, and brand agility can bring fresh momentum to traditionally conservative sectors like banking.
In an era where customer loyalty is earned not only through product performance but also through consistent and compelling storytelling, Edem Knight-Tay’s arrival at UMB is a gain for the bank.
