Karen D'Souza

Deputy Content Editor at Spinneys Dubai LLC

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

I am an editor and writer with over 18 years of experience in the publishing and retail industries in India and the UAE. I have worked on lifestyle and travel publications to marketing communications, private label packaging and video scripts. I believe my exceptional organisational skills and ability to stay calm under pressure are my biggest strengths. I also hold certifications in sound healing therapy and yin yoga.

Experience

  • Deputy Content Editor at Spinneys Dubai LLC
    Oct 2020 - Present · 5 yrs 10 mos

    • Edit and proofread content for Nourish magazine • Write features on travel, food, wellness, chefs and domestic and international producers as well as restaurant reviews for Nourish magazine and Spinneys website • Write copy for in-store point of sale materials and branding projects • Edit and write copy for special projects such community cookbooks, monthly internal newsletters and SpinneysFOOD and Fine Food private label packaging • Scriptwriting for Spinneys commercial videos • Edit the annual company report • Manage multiple project deadlines simultaneously and work closely with the design team to deliver high quality content • Manage freelance writers, food stylists, photoshoots and videoshoots • Interview cookbook authors, wellness practitioners, producers, food influencers, chefs and entrepreneurs

  • Deputy Editor - Spinneys Media at ITP Media Group
    Nov 2018 - Oct 2020 · 2 yrs

    • Wrote, edited and proofread content for Spinneys magazines and seasonal guides • Uploaded content to Spinneys CMS • Managed freelance writers, food stylists and photoshoots • Interviewed producers, foodie influencers, chefs and authors

  • Outlook Publishing (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Full-time · 3 yrs 7 mos)
    • Editor, Outlook Traveller Getaways, Outlook Group
      Sep 2015 - Oct 2018 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      • Managed Outlook Traveller Getaways editorial, design and cartography teams • Planned and managed yearly publishing calendar and budgets • Wrote, edited and proofread content for Outlook Traveller Getaways guidebooks • Generated themes and ideas for new guidebooks • Commissioned and managed freelance authors • Contributed features to the Outlook Traveller website • Created content for online videos promoting Outlook Traveller Getaways • Oversaw the redesign of theme-based guidebooks • Liaised with the marketing team for advertiser requirements

    • Associate Editor, Outlook Traveller Getaway Guides
      Apr 2015 - Sep 2015 · 6 mos

      • Wrote features, copy edited and proofread copy • Planned book structures for new guides • Trained junior editors

  • Freelance Editor at sferastudios (now part of Deluxe Entertainment Services)
    Mar 2015 - Jun 2015 · 4 mos

    Proofread subtitle and closed caption files for Netflix Backlit QC project

  • Freelance Editor at freelance editor/writer
    Jul 2014 - Apr 2015 · 10 mos

    • Assisted with two publishing projects at Hachette India and Outlook Publishing Group, India • Edited, proofread and fact-checked spreads • Coordinated with authors and in-house editors to ensure projects remained on track