افتاب أحمد

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.

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.

 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

 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.

 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.

 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

 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.

 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.

 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.