Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A well-known, respected thought leader in MENA affairs with gravitas in content development, data analysis and communication strategy. Starting out as a journalist and rapidly progressing through the ranks to bureau chief, I then went on to launch a successful consultancy business. Most recently I am responsible for all content and editorial divisions of the MEED group, part of GlobalData PLC. I have almost two decades' experience in creating and managing B2B events, PR, data products, digital and print media focused on the UAE and the GCC region. I am a leading authority on project investment, macro-economic and geo-political developments in the region, and am an expert commentator at events, in print, radio or film. I have advised several government authorities on their commercial strategy in the region and am regularly sought for advice on business and communications on across a range of issues and topics. Specialisms: ▪ Providing board-level strategic advice to governments and companies ▪ Strategy & people management ▪ High-value business development ▪ Editorial and research leadership ▪ Content development, management and communications ▪ Event production, speaking and moderating ▪ Communicating complex concepts and strategies to different audiences
Responsible for the day-to-day running of the Middle East and Africa content, editorial and research departments for MEED and GlobalData PLC. This involves managing a team of more than 80 journalists, researchers and analysts in Hyderabad and Dubai, as well as providing sales and marketing support to the commercial and account management teams. As head of content, I am also responsible for defining the content and product strategy by working with the software teams to enhance and develop the MEED portfolio of products including the monthly magazine, meed.com and meedprojects.com, and with the marketing department to maximise reach and marketing campaigns. Responsibilities include: ▪ Overseeing the production of world-class content in print, film and word ▪ Website product platform and brand development ▪ Press release, newsletter composition and external communications ▪ SEO, social media and digital strategy development ▪ Strategic advice to internal and external company boards ▪ Conference and media interviews and presentations ▪ Database analysis and forecasting ▪ Acting as the “face” of the brand in the region
Responsible for the day-to-day running of the content and research departments of an $8 million projects tracking service and database. This involves managing a team of more than 80 researchers and analysts in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Dubai, as well as providing sales and marketing support to the commercial and account management teams. As head of content, I am responsible for defining the content and product strategy and working with the software teams to enhance and develop the product. Responsibilities include: ▪ Supporting and managing the research team on project coverage and updates ▪ Owning & driving a P&L ▪ Product and brand development ▪ Press release and newsletter composition ▪ Social media and digital strategy development ▪ Strategic advice to internal and external boards ▪ Conference and media interviews and presentations ▪ Database analysis and forecasting ▪ Acting as the “face” of the brand in the region
Knowledge Acquisition, Subject Matter Experts and +1 skill
In addition to managing a team of Dubai-based journalists, duties involved writing daily and weekly news, feature articles and analysis, conducting interviews with regional personalities, editing copy, conference chairing and being the “face” of the brand in the region. Role initially involved reporting on the ground from Libya, Iraq, Kuwait. Saudi Arabia and the other GCC states, and evolved into proofing and editing journalistic copy, training and mentoring junior journalists, in addition to commissioning work from freelancers and other third parties.