Director of Social Media
Black & Grey HR
Total years of experience :16 years, 10 Months
As Director of Social Media, I am currently in-charge of the overall digital operation and brand representations of Black & Grey HR on social media. I also offer my services as a consultant for our clients who need specialized services in social media and employer branding. Apart from that I have also set my foot into digital recruitment and help the company in finding awesome digital talent for the various opportunities in outstanding organizations across the UAE.
Zynosure Consulting, part of Tanishvi Holdings is a Dubai based marketing consultancy offering 360 degree integrated marketing solutions. As Head of Engagement strategy and Planning, I am responsible for overseeing the creation, management and development of Social Media Strategies for our clients and driving the social media teams towards achievement of the client’s objectives. I am involved in conceptualizing, planning and delivering engaging, and successful social media campaigns and O2O activations. I am also actively engaged in maintaining relationships with clients, key stakeholders and partners.
As a Social Media Manager - I engage a team of 6 community managers into effectively managing the agency's key accounts in the region. My responsibilities include but are not limited to devising digital strategy, social media online and offline activation and implementation, social media community management, content strategy, monitoring, engaging and social media advertising.
My role revolves around bridging the Digital world and the Physical world for the clients of a digital arm of the Network Group. Thanks to digital technology, today’s consumers are “connected protagonists” - heroes of their own stories. As a community manager I give clients’ access to this powerful audience of connected protagonists helping them to tap opportunities for growth and development. Through entertainment, experience, information and engagement, I help brands leverage the fullest potential of social media communities and enable them to turn followers, fans or subscribers into powerful brand ambassadors who will create and share their brands stories.
As Managing Editor John Thomas is responsible for overseeing the editorial operations of UAE Top 5 website, as well as its brand representations on social media platforms like Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter. With his youthful energy and “lets do it” attitude, he ideally represents the new generation tech savvy managers having extensive knowledge in the digital media space. A result oriented Manager, he actively involves in promoting the website and the top 5 brands across multiple social networks. A multi-disciplinarian, he sometimes juggles the role of a journalist, photographer, copywriter and reporter. An avid photographer, John has backpacked across India, filming documentaries and living in deep jungles inhabited by indigenous tribes. He grew up in India and remains addicted to mountains, forests and spicy, delicious Indian food. John has a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication & Media Studies and a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication. He is an individual member of the International Association for Promotion of Christian Higher Education, a global network of Christian scholars and institutions
John Thomas took over as Editor of Networker magazine in May 2009. A keen wordsmith, he brought with him a blend of ideas, knowledge and experience.. Under his editorship Networker grew almost twice its size in circulation. He distinguished himself by possessing a sharp, critical editing eye and a repertoire of writing styles that ranged from writing PR’s to articles to web copywriting to everything in between. During his tenure at Networker, John was instrumental in bringing life to the magazine with many new additions and in June 2009, he orchestrated a successful redesign of Networker Magazine. Knowing well that web presence is important for a magazine to remain relevant and succeed in today’s digital world, he paved the way for digitalizing the magazine and gave the readers various digital offerings like website, digital subscription products and e-versions of the magazine.
John Thomas' desire to work with international agencies and brands brought him to Dubai, the Media hub of MENA. He joined AMC advertising in November 2008. John is a great listener and that patience results in excellent copy for AMC’s clients. Add to that his knowledge of web 2.0 environments and ability to write across a variety of media, he became a welcome addition to the AMC Dubai Team. Thorough, highly professional, committed to deadlines and personable, he understands the clients business and writes keeping the audience in mind. He has written brilliant copies and PR’s for some of the worlds most prestigious brands like Bugatti, Aston Martin, Bentley, Mitsubishi, Seat, Higer, Mack, Subway, Breitling, Jack and Jones, Didier Parakian, Vero Moda, Sinequanone and corporate business groups like Al Habtoor Group, Le Meridien Hotels, Al Habtoor Hotels, Union National Bank, etc.
John Thomas joined Alaknanda Advertising's National creative team as a Senior Copywriter in 2007. His strengths were his creativity, versatility and attitude. He brought with him a refreshing approach to work and slowly rose to be a top copywriter in AAL’s vast network, working for the agency’s biggest accounts like Robert Bosch, Pricol, BSNL, Presidium, Apollo group, etc.
Responsibilities:
Worked closely with the account management team to discuss client requirements and product background, brainstorming ideas and concepts; worked in a close-knit creative partnership with the art director to generate workable concepts and ideas; wrote clear, persuasive, original content; worked on several campaigns at once, under pressure and to tight deadlines; proofread copy to check spelling and grammar; oversaw campaigns through the production stage to completion.
After completing his masters in Journalism and Mass Communication with 2 University gold medals, John joined Strategion Brand Consulting Company as a trainee Copywriter. Being detail-oriented, adaptable, and a fast learner he quickly whetted his creative writing skills and became a valued extension to Strategion’s branding team. His ability to convert a client’s ordinary speak in to punchy, creative and attention grabbing copy earned him appreciation and fetched the agency several coveted accounts.
University First Rank (Gold Medal) in MA Journalism and Mass Communication from His Excellency Governor of TN, India Academic Excellence Award from His Excellency Rural Industries Minister, Govt of India. Individual membership and voting privilege at the International Association for promotion of Christian Higher Education ( IOWA, USA) Best Research Award for the research on " IMPACT OF SMS TEXT MESSAGING ON THE LANGUAGE SKILLS OF STUDENTS " Award for Proficiency in English Awards for English creative writing, Photography, and several other awards for State and National Level Intercollegiate competitions.
