Aftab Ahmed, Agency Head

Aftab Ahmed

Agency Head

5 Elements Advertising

Location
Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
Education
Master's degree, Master of Business Administration - MBA
Experience
30 years, 8 months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :30 years, 8 months

Agency Head at 5 Elements Advertising
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • April 2015 to March 2016

Joined a new start up Social media Communications agency named 5 Vitamins and took charge of establishing Advertising agency operations named 5 Elements. Found ways to synergize the operations of both agencies.
 Worked on the agency financial planning model for both the operations and established work flow systems and practices. Involved in screening & hand picking a high caliber agency team.
 In charge of Strategic planning for the ad agency clients and for the social media agency clients. Established the practice of Consumer Groups Segmentation before attempting to engage audiences on social media channels. Working towards creating a robust agency through a ‘strategy led creative process’ way of life.

Group Head at The Brainstorming Marketing Communications
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • March 2011 to April 2014

Joined this small creative Ad agency having ambitious plans on paper to grow and expand operations beyond Advertising
 Managed to turn around the operations and have a productive team in place during the first year.
 In the second year, opened up 3 new Strategic business units viz: Brand identity development company, 3D Animation & Multi-media and Brand Activation unit and headed the entire group and its operations.
 Directed Business Unit heads to structure their divisions effectively and offer their expertise to relevant target market segments. Advised on accurate staffing needs and engaged in outsourced HR solutions.
 Spearheaded the Strategic brand planning function in both the Advertising SBU and in the Brand identity creation SBU
 Recommended a visionary growth plan targeting new markets in the GCC and spearheaded the company’s structuring and effective formation as a group.
 Responsible for billing growth and achieving profitability. Achieved Transformational growth of Brainstorming from a small operation to a multi-disciplinary specialist operation with entry plans into new markets.

General Manager at The Classic Partnership Advertising
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • July 2003 to December 2008

 Launched a midsize AD Agency branch operations in KSA market and established the brand firmly in a highly competitive business environment.
 Achieved a cumulative billing of SR.46.76 million over first 5 year period with Gross revenues touching SR. 13.6 million, all accomplished for a new name in the market.
 Built a client portfolio for the Agency from none at the beginning of the assignment to some of the respectable names in the market operating in diverse business categories.
 Recruited and staffed key personnel of various departments within the Agency. Adapted a hands-free approach to people guidance and encouraged performance by pursuing people-friendly HR policies.
 Spearheaded new business development with a genuine, honest and scientific approach to solving clients’ marcom challenges.
 Convinced clients to practice a well defined Marketing process taking their brands through the 5Ps of Marketing including defining consumer insights through a structured, commissioned market research process.

Some of the client categories served under my responsibility:
Branded White goods, Big Box format Electronics retailer, Investment Banking, Hospitality, F&B, Leading bookstore, Lighting accessories, Automotive, Fashion & Home Retail etc

Sr. Group Account Director / Head of Strategic Planning at Fortune Promoseven
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • January 1997 to June 2003

 Brand building for blue chip clients operating in FMCG, MNC in Consumer durables, Personal communication devices, Automobiles, Banking categories
 Key member of New business pitch team. Worked out numerous marcom strategic plans during the 7 year period.
 Recommended and Implemented Integrated Marketing Communications plans for various product categories.
 Conceptualising, Planning and Executing Consumer Promotions and Loyalty programs in KSA
 Was nominated for a 7 day Strategic Planning workshop organized by McCann Erickson Worldwide in Copenhagen, Denmark during year 2000.

Account Group Manager at DDB Needham
  • Saudi Arabia - Riyadh
  • January 1996 to July 1996

 Planning, Developing and executing Advertising plans for Al Marai Dairy, Carrier Air-conditioners and CIBA Geigy.
 Supporting New Business development and organized Agency systems and work practices in the newly set up operations of the Agency in Riyadh.

Account Group Manager at BBDO, India
  • India - Chennai
  • December 1994 to December 1995

 Head of one of the key Account Management groups of the Agency.
 Developed sharp focused Marcom strategies under the guidance of the dynamic Advertising Guru Mr. Arthur Sturgess, then Chairman of BBDO, Asia Pacific region.
 Built Client - Agency relationship modules.
 Was in charge of Inter-branch co-ordination

Account Supervisor at JWT, India
  • India - Chennai
  • November 1992 to December 1994

 Hyperactive team member managing a portfolio of brands. Inducted and got trained in Strategic Planning process.
 Was given the responsibility of servicing sensitive clients
 Was independently servicing clients.
 Undertook qualitative market research for various clients of the Agency
 Was responsible for profitability of all jobs in my group.

Senior Account Executive at BBDO, India
  • India - Chennai
  • November 1989 to October 1992

 Serviced top three clients of the Agency
 Learnt mechanics of client servicing function in depth.
 Training was given to cater to attention to detail while executing all tasks.
 Inducted to multi-tasking process during this early stage of my career.

Marketing Executive at Sterling Holiday Resorts
  • India - Chennai
  • September 1987 to October 1989

 Involved in concept selling of Property Time Shares, a new concept then in India.
 Organized and executed Sales presentations direct to prospective consumers in various segments.
 Met stiff time bound targets.

Education

Master's degree, Master of Business Administration - MBA
  • at Bharathiar University
  • June 1987

MBA with emphasis on Marketing, Advertising and Entrepreneurship course electives. Internship on a Market Research project for a MNC in India

Bachelor's degree, B.Sc
  • at Madras University
  • June 1984

Specialties & Skills

Strategic Planning
operations
Market Research
Business Administration
Banking
Team Leader
Marcom strategist
Market research facilitator
Experienced presenter
Strategic Planner
Practicioner of 5Ps of Marketing
Budgeting and control

Languages

English
Expert