020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
Tonya Macari has degrees in law and business, extensive experience across the communications industry and a passion for engaging a live audience. She is well suited to the role of corporate event presenter and management development facilitator. On television, Tonya is a presenter, a broadcaster and a specialist on leadership. She is also a recognised contributor to the BBC.
There’s also a fun side to Tonya which saw her in 2017 as a guest on BBC Scotland’s comedy panel show, Breaking The News.
Born and brought up in Edinburgh, Tonya spent her student years acquiring an LLB, a Dip LP and an MBA from Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities. She also acquired an Equity card from a spot of board-treading in theatrical comedy revues. Also spent time as a singer in a series of ‘never-quite-likely-to-make-it’ bands.
After university, Tonya moved into a client account management role at the global HQ of leading advertising agency, JWT, in London. Here she spent two hectic years of pitching and developing TV, Print and radio campaigns. She was now working for a broad range of blue-chip clients including Unilever, Allied Breweries and several government agencies.
Tonya Macari then moved back up to Scotland, to try something different. She spent two years as a music presenter with Northsound Radio in Aberdeen. This was before getting the opportunity of a year-long stint as a DJ at Capital Radio on the shores of the Indian Ocean, in South Africa.
On returning to the UK, Tonya joined the BBC as a staff presenter with the award-winning News and Features team at BBC Radio Gloucestershire. Following her success down south Tonya returned to Edinburgh, taking on a mainline presenter role at Radio Forth.
During her 16 years at Forth House, Tonya broadcast a variety of music, talk and interview programmes. She loved chewing the ‘on-air’ fat with a host of politicians, writers and celebrities. These ranged from Lionel Richie and Westlife to the likes of Ben Elton, Gordon Ramsay and Alexander McCall Smith. She also continued to work regularly, as a live compere at a wide variety of large scale public events. These included Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, The Bank of Scotland Fireworks, Truckfest and Fringe Sunday. There was also more intimate events like product launches, family events and roadshows.
Along the way, Tonya spent several years as a newspaper columnist and features writer. This was with a variety of publications and as a part-time college lecturer in Business and Management. Eventually this led to work in presentation and communication skills training.
As a CIPD certified practitioner in Learning and Development and an experienced stage performer, Tonya enjoys working on both entertainment and learning events. These have been for a diverse range of private clients and organisations. They include The City of Edinburgh Council, Waterstones, Baillie Gifford, Talisman Energy and Scottish Water. Also included are Business Stream, Axis Shield, Unique Events and The Edinburgh Moonwalk. She is also a Founding Patron of It’s good 2 give a children’s cancer charity
Tonya Macari is a total professional and her preparation for any event is meticulous. She is a superb host and facilitator whose knowledge and experience enables her to deliver impactful and effective events. She does this for a wide range of client activities, including conferences, staff events and skills training. Also, awards ceremonies and corporate dinners.
“Articulate and perceptive, Tonya is a skilled presenter whose warm, empathic style engages with delegates of all levels. I would have no hesitation in recommending Tonya to other clients as a presenter and facilitator.”
Chris Wallace, Director of Communications, Scottish Water
