Vodafone Malta's former brand manager Deborah Grech has been appointed regional brand marketing manager for Europe for the world's seventh most valuable brand.

Now based in Dublin, Ms Grech, 35, is responsible for brand marketing in Vodafone's partner markets in central Europe. Her brief is to launch new partner markets and work with existing ones "to implement the brand through products, services and customer experiences".

Ms Grech, who has a degree in commerce, joined Vodafone Malta in 2001 as marketing executive. She was later named corporate affairs manager and administrator and secretary of the company's charity, the Vodafone Malta Foundation. In March 2008, she was appointed brand manager.

"Part of my responsibilities in my brand role involved actively working with the global brand team, in terms of implementing the global strategy at a local level, as well as participating in group projects and forums," Ms Grech told The Times Business.

"After working for Vodafone Malta for eight years, I was considering the opportunity to move on to my next challenge at an international level. When there was an opportunity within the global team, I expressed my interest - and here I am."

Ms Grech acknowledged that holding different posts in Malta helped her gain valuable experience and knowledge which will be useful when she deals with the diverse needs of Vodafone's partner markets in her new role. At Vodafone Malta she managed marketing campaigns, sponsorships and events, and was later responsible for media, public relations, internal communications, corporate responsibility and the company's charity.

In the Irish capital, Ms Grech joined a team responsible for partner markets across the global Vodafone footprint which each member responsible for a specific region. The global brand team oversees the implementation of the various aspects of the brand strategy across the whole group.

Ms Grech explained: "Vodafone operates in 13 markets as fully-owned businesses in Europe, including Malta. The group has a further 24 partner markets in Europe, which vary between co-branded, single and dual branded markets. Partnerships range from straightforward co-branding on specific products and services, to more intricate arrangements offering a holistic Vodafone experience, similar to that found in a Vodafone market."

Last February, Brand Finance ranked Vodafone the seventh most valuable brand in the world. Ms Grech said Vodafone continued to lead in its sector, but is now also engaged in competing with other top international names like Apple and Google.

"In order to stay a step ahead, Vodafone must become more relevant to the customer, offering products and services which make a difference in people's lives and offering an unrivalled customer experience - putting the customer at the heart of its operations - as expressed in the new brand expression 'power to you'."

Over the years, several Maltese have worked within various Vodafone Group functions in different countries on short-term or permanent appointments.