Maria Jose Gonzalez
Managing Director
London
Maria is a Managing Director in Prosek’s London office, bringing ten years of experience devising strategic communications programmes for financial services firms, with a focus on asset management and private markets.
She joined Prosek’s London team from Goldman Sachs in New York, where she covered the firm’s consumer and investment management division within the corporate communications team. Prior to Goldman, Maria worked at Prosek in New York, where she worked with the firm’s traditional and alternative asset management clients to build, enhance and protect their reputations. Earlier in her career, she served as an associate in the press & media relations group at Deutsche Bank, covering the firm’s asset management and investment research businesses in the Americas.
Originally from Mexico City, Maria holds a BA with Honours in Journalism from New York University and an MBA from the London Business School. She is fluent in Spanish and English, and dabbles in French and Italian.
Q & A
What are you most proud of in your career?
Completing an MBA whilst working full-time, all during a global pandemic – though if I was going to be stuck indoors for two years, I suppose I timed it right.
Name one thing most people don’t know about you.
I parlayed a career in late night talk shows in New York into corporate communications at a German investment bank. There are more similarities in the two than you’d think!
How would your mother describe you?
A classic middle child.
What are your greatest strengths as a communications practitioner?
I’m creative, solutions-oriented and get stuff done.
What is your favourite food?
Chopped salads. A dearth of them in London, I’m sorry to say.
Describe your perfect client.
One who understands the impact that brand and communications can have on their bottom line – and is open to new ideas, collaboration and challenges us to get there.
What three hobbies or activities do you enjoy most?
Walking my dog, traveling and not cooking.
What’s your favourite part of the workday?
The process of brainstorming with my teams and seeing the idea come to life.
The thrill of a “yes” from a reporter – ten years in, it doesn’t get old.
Making Phil Walters laugh.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
I’m told Sandra Bullock on at least a weekly basis, but also – and I’m not ashamed to admit this – Ricky Martin.
What is your favourite quote?
“‘Ask and you shall receive’ is the rule, but you must learn how to ask and how to receive.” – Gary Zukav. I’ll take any quote from Gary Zukav.