Saudi Arabia
As a versatile senior communications executive, I have significant expertise in driving global communications strategies aligned to organisational goals. As an academic, author, journalist and communications leader, I bring a deep understanding in how to develop communications to support the international sustainability agenda. This thinking is set out at length in my book, Communicating Sustainable Development Goals in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, which introduces the AI Sustainability Exclusion Theory (ASET) as a framework for examining how artificial intelligence can deepen, rather than close, the divides the SDGs were designed to address. An inspiring leader, I develop high performing teams through empowerment and accountability. I unite stakeholders behind a clearly articulated vision and pragmatic journey to achieve measurable outcomes. ✪ Director of Communications ✪ Head of Communications ✪ Communications strategy ✪ Stakeholder engagement ✪ Sustainable Development Goals ✪ Reputation management ✪ Artificial Intelligence ✪ Public policy ✪ International development ✪ Crisis communications strategy ✪ Development strategy ✪ Inclusive team leadership ✪ Published author and journalist ✪ Public speaker and influencer ✪ Speech and op-Ed writing
I lead strategic communications and knowledge management initiatives across the Global Practice and Partnerships Directorate of the Operations Complex, spanning five specialized departments covering economic and social infrastructure, resilience & climate action, cooperation & capacity development, South-South cooperation and Islamic finance. I serve as principal communications advisor to the Director General, crafting speeches, talking points, and strategic messaging for engagements with multilateral partners, member country delegations, and international forums. I have also developed the communications strategy for the IsDB Concessional Finance Window, articulating the fund's value proposition to donors and positioning IsDB as a partner of choice for concessional development finance. In 2025, I led the inaugural GPP Knowledge Week, convening IsDB business units, regional offices, and global partners including Saudi Irrigation Organization, Expo City Dubai and CGIAR to demonstrate how knowledge solutions drive development outcomes. I have also designed and delivered targeted knowledge sessions on the SDGs, strengthening internal understanding of IsDB's strategic contributions to the 2030 Agenda.
I was promoted to oversee a team of 20 responsible for all internal and external communications and outreach services promoting bank projects, work and interests across Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America. The internal communications team drive change management, news and sharing of information across over 1200 staff and 57 countries. I also oversee the external communications and outreach team and multi-channel communications campaigns across education, energy, food security and other key corporate messages. I led development and implementation of the communication plan for the Bank 50th Anniversary celebration multiplying social and traditional media reach 5x higher than any previous annual meeting. Additionally, I increased social media impressions to 1bn+ reaching a 53+ million audience during the 2024 Annual Meetings and Golden Jubilee. For the annual meeting I delivered compelling content, success stories, media partnerships, exhibitions, social media campaign, book publications and testimonials from top dignitaries including heads of state and UN Secretary General. I launched IsDB Connect, a new podcast premiered every week, featuring high profile staff interviews. This has helped increase employee engagement and transform the culture of the bank. I am leading development of the Global Communications Strategy and Media Relations Advisory for staff. Additionally, I have created the first visibility guidelines to increase prominence of projects in member countries. Organisational capacity has been built through staff training in editorial writing, social media and video news releases. Communications synergy has been created between IsDB and all group entities with improved consistency and collaboration. I am managing a major rebrand including visual identity, mission and vision to create differentiation and ensure consistency with other multilateral Development Banks. I have also led the development of the first editorial guidelines for the Bank.
In this role I oversaw all external communications for the bank and stakeholders to ensure promotion of bank development projects, brand and corporate reputation and manage responses. I also advised executives and senior management on all communication matters. I developed an annual workplan and mobilised the media for key meetings and external engagements. I also initiated the first bank podcast and media guidelines to support media engagement. Currently leading in managing the re-design of the Bank’s website. Working to maximize the skills of the communications team, and align them with organizational goals. I also led in designing and executing communication campaigns during the UN General Assembly and several country engagement visits by IsDB senior management.
Served voluntarily as the Managing Editor of Africa Policy Journal at the Harvard Kennedy School during the 2020/2021 academic session (https://apj.hkspublications.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/APJ_Int_2021_fnl.pdf): • Received the Most Valuable Editor Award (MVE) from Harvard Kennedy School’s Africa Policy Journal. • Managed a team of 12 editors from Harvard University Graduate Schools to oversee the publication of APJ. • Act or deputise for the Editor-in-Chief in all administrative matters and implementation of annual plan. • Lead and allocate the review of all articles submitted to APJ to publication editors for feedback and coordination with authors on all submissions. • Coordinate the publication process of APJ and support the multimedia and interview teams with review and sourcing of high-quality articles and interviewees for Op-Eds, articles and book review sections.
I was selected to teach media and politics at this university located in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. I published extensive research during this time period, presenting work locally and internationally. Successes include the development of a new module from scratch; Classic Journalism, which followed the history of journalism through exceptional journalists who have made a huge impact on society over time. I also taught and developed the Global Media module, applying innovative teaching methods such as mobilising students to use their already well-utilised smartphones as research tools. I achieved amazing student feedback on my teaching methods and have remained in touch with many students.