Carine Nehme Kassis, Sales & Marketing Director

Carine Nehme Kassis

Sales & Marketing Director

Aura

Location
Qatar
Education
Master's degree, Digital Marketing
Experience
18 years, 8 Months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :18 years, 8 Months

Sales & Marketing Director at Aura
  • Qatar - Doha
  • My current job since January 2023

Responsible for developing and executing strategic sales and marketing plans to increase revenue and market share while maintaining the company's reputation in the industry, ensuring to keep up with the latest industry trends and implementing best practices to maintain a competitive edge. Key responsibilities:
▪ Develop and execute the strategic sales and marketing plan to achieve the company's financial goals and objectives.
▪ Manage and lead the team of sales and marketing (Online and Offline) to achieve individual and team targets.
▪ Create and maintain positive relationships with key clients/Accounts to improve existing and new business opportunities.
▪ Develop and implement sales strategies and training programs to enhance team performance and productivity.
▪ Collect and analyze market and consumer data to identify opportunities, trends, and brand positioning.
▪ Monitor and review sales and marketing budgets, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
▪ Oversee the planning and execution of marketing campaigns, including social media, email marketing, influencer marketing, and public relations activities.
▪ Ensure that new product introductions are marketed effectively by collaborating with cross-functional teams to create demand through targeted campaigns and promotions.
▪ Attending industry conferences and events to identify potential partnerships, network, and stay updated on industry developments.

Group Head of Marketing at The Blue Group
  • Qatar - Doha
  • November 2019 to December 2022

1. Developing the Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Branding, and Events (Corporate and Brands) Business Plans for The Blue Group and Subsidiaries including Adidas, Sports Corner, Rasen Sports, Laura Ashley, Madame Coco, Sports For Less, RKN, Design Hub, ID Design, Canis Logistics, and all related brands.
2. Leading the Marketing and Communications strategy and plans for TBG and all Subsidiaries in addition to; Customer Service, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Loyalty program across both eCommerce and traditional channels.
3. Led the Sports Corner rebranding project that included the new logo and brand image and the instore complete experience and instore fit-out.
4. Managing the Marketing strategy and Business development between TBG and key partners locally and globally such as FIFA, Supreme Committee, QFA, QOC, and many others related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
5. Developing the digital marketing strategy and social media marketing and content plans including content creation, and media buying (Display ads, social media ads, Paid search, Mobile ads, Video ads, and others). Search engine optimization (SEO) and online advertising, securing engagement, lead generation, and conversion.
6. Leading the Group’s Marketing direction in terms of Marketing Plans and budget - aligned with the Sales and Business Plan, Public Relations, Accounts Management, Product Management, Projects Management, Event Management, Merchandising, and advertising campaigns.
7. Managing the marketing operation of The Blue Group and subsidiary concepts and brands. This includes traditional marketing, digital and social media marketing, events, PR, and branding.
8. Develop sales forecasting and product branding marketing and communications plans.
9. Heading the rebranding and brand equity project of Sports Corner concept being the voice of the brand, managing (internal and external) stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the brand connect to the brand strategy and guidelines.
10. Heading the FIFA OLP marketing campaigns and International Marketing alignment.
11. Studying competitive environment, new product development, market trends, and differentiators or USPs impacting on the value or performance to develop the marketing business intelligence and strategy.
12. Creating marketing campaigns that integrate multiple channels such as social media, websites, mobile apps, and print ads
13. Develop the Business-to-Business marketing plan with efforts to leverage brand awareness, lead generation, website development, content curation/creation, and sales collateral.
14. Conduct quantitative and qualitative market research and customer insights.
15. Manage agreements negotiation and management with agencies, consultants, media partners, freelancers, and other suppliers.
16. Coaching and mentoring the marketing team to best deliver the business plans.

Head Of Marketing at Harvey Nichols - Qatar
  • Qatar - Doha
  • March 2019 to October 2019

1. Building brand awareness and positioning.
2. Leading Engagement activities and Events
3. Developing the marketing strategy and plans and communicating it to stakeholders and partners. Including tactical and thematic campaigns aligned with the local seasonality and global market trends.
4. Planning and managing advertising campaigns, events, conferences, trade shows, and major collaborations.
5. Overseeing the digital and social media marketing strategies and content marketing.
6. Researching market supply and demand for products and services, including competitor’s research.
7. Working with the sales department to develop pricing strategies to maximize profits and market share while maintaining the customer experience and profitable margins.
8. Identifying potential customers then developing a strategy to convert potential shoppers to loyal clients.

Group Marketing & Communications Director at Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding
  • Qatar - Doha
  • April 2017 to January 2019

1. Develop the marketing strategy including Budget(s), measuring matrix, marketing materials, Public Relations, CRM, Events, and trade shows.
2. Heading the Marketing Business planning, development, and implementation for Marzooq Shamlan Al Shamlan Holding and subsidiaries. Portfolio includes Qatar Trading Company, International Tire Centre, Q-Tire, International Construction Solutions, Kärcher Centre and Marzooq Al Shamlan & Sons.
3. Plan targeted marketing communication for MSSH and subsidiary companies backed by accurate and timely data analytics to understand the buying motivators and influences.
4. Lead the marketing and advertising solutions designed to retain existing customers, expand customers’ database, and increase revenue.
5. Leading the Strategic Planning and Development of Online and Offline strategies

Acting GM to Marzooq Al Shamlan & Sons

6. Managed “Marzooq Al Shamlan & Sons”- Watches & Accessories retail company. Management includes Operations and Brands.
7. Manage P&L working towards having greater revenues and lower expenses. Managed all departments including Buying, Brand Management, logistics and accounts.

Group Marketing Head at Abuissa Holding
  • Qatar - Doha
  • October 2015 to March 2017

1. Develop the MarCom strategies / all operating countries / all concepts and define long-term marketing strategy (Online & Traditional)
2. Develop, manage, and implement the advertising and communications campaigns in-house, including Media Buying, PR, creative, production, Events planning and management across Qatar and the additional 7 operating countries.
3. Increase the firm’s market share through marketing plans based on thorough analysis and evaluation of the local market. Included businesses: Abu Issa Holding, Blue Salon (High-end department store), Highland (Mid-high department store), Mosafer (Complete travel solution), Gold Gourmet (F&B gourmet), Arabesque (Multi-brand Arabic sweets and F&B), Godiva (Retail and F&B concept)Toys4Me (Multi-brand toys shop), Karisma (Cosmetics for teenagers & Lingerie), Momento (Fashion watches for teenagers), Corneliani, Elie Saab, Kilian, Aigner, Pal Zileri, Trussardi, Korloff, Breitling, Jacob & Co., Swarovski Cole Haan, Levi’s, Guess, Morgan, L’Occitane En Provence, Nespresso in addition to several FMCG brands.
4. Drive the Marketing and Communication strategy and positioning for the Holding and companies.
5. Planning, directing, and coordinating innovative customer-driven marketing efforts.
6. Brand Management with the retail and buying team to develop marketing plans that focus on increasing brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty among target audiences
7. Research about the current marketing trends and keep tabs on competitors.
8. Oversee the hiring, training, and performance evaluations of the marketing department.
9. Align the planning amongst different departments such as the retail, sales, wholesale, legal, product development, and design department.
10. Monitored threats and opportunities and took corrective actions where necessary, to ensure Brand/Sales development.
11. Research and analyze all marketing activities for the Retail business from sales, product mix, customer profile, to campaigns.
12. Undertake strategic initiatives and assignments mandated by the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman related to Business Development and Joint Ventures.

Marketing Head at Majid Al Futtaim
  • Lebanon - Beirut
  • January 2013 to October 2014

1. Lead the Marketing, Customer Service, and the Events management direction to successfully launch Majid Al Futtaim’s first and biggest mall in Lebanon - City Centre Beirut.
2. Managed the Customer Service Department, responsible for the CRM implementation and advancement of strategies, plans, and systems.
3. Developed and launched the Loyalty program
4. Developed the marketing, Décor, Events and Public Relations annual Plans and budgets for the property launch period and beyond including public relations, events, advertising campaigns and media buying.
5. Manage the selection process and project delivery when appointing agencies and suppliers.
6. Foster the connection between the mall tenants and the management / landlords as its the seed for success for the retail space by; Using streamlined communication to create a sense of community, supporting the tenant’s everyday business needs, sharing with the tenant’s visitor’s data analytics to enhance their strategies and planning.

Group Marketing Head at Landmark Group
  • Lebanon - Beirut
  • August 2010 to January 2013

1. Responsible for all marketing functions across the portfolio of Landmark Group in Lebanon
2. Successfully launched the Landmark Group and subsidiaries/concepts in Lebanon, including Centrepoint, Max Fashion, Shoe Mart, Babyshop, Splash, Lifestyle, and Home Centre a total of 36 stores.
3. Managed the Customer Services team and the Events Management team.
4. Launched the loyalty program
5. Conducted CRM Data Analysis to understand audience data and use it to market smarter
6. Meet or exceed the financial targets by the end of the quarter or financial year
7. Managed the In-House creative and production department and related budget(s)
8. Developed brand guidelines for the brands and ensured compliance.
9. Introduce innovative, customer-driven marketing campaigns.
10. Manage the communication (including online) PR activities and events.
11. Follow the company's KPIs acting as a link between the sales and marketing departments
12. Oversee the hiring, training, and performance evaluations of the marketing team
13. Monitor and report all the marketing activities and their results.
14. Operate with teams across different departments such as sales, corporate communications, Legal, Procurement and Product Development.
15. Managed the budgets and related reports.

Brand and Operations Manager at Salvatore Ferragamo
  • Lebanon - Beirut
  • July 2009 to July 2010

1. Develop Marketing sales plans and Budgets.
2. Developed buying, operations, and marketing budgets and financial reports.
3. Managed boutique Operations and Customer Service.
4. Liaised with advertising agencies to plan the Marcom strategy.
5. Responsible for events; launching of new collections, new store openings.
6. Organized and conducted training seminars for the sales team on product knowledge and sales strategies.
7. Direct relations with Salvatore Ferragamo’s head office team.

Marketing & Public Relations Manager at Coldwell Banker
  • Lebanon - Beirut
  • June 2008 to July 2009

1. Oversee all communications, public relations, events and promotional activities selected to support the brand and the assigned properties/projects.
2. Managed the in-house creative team to design and deliver marketing collaterals in addition to Online portal support such as; websites and social media channels) and evaluate ROIs and feedback.
3. Management of the CRM
4. Presented a Live broadcast on radio to promote properties/projects live.
5. Managed press relations, speaking engagements, special events, and community outreach activities. Website maintenance, social media participation, and trade show exhibitions presence.
6. Played the role of an internal consultant to all business units/departments within the organization.
7. Initiate business pitches.

Marketing & Sales Manager at Jewelry
  • Lebanon
  • August 2004 to May 2008

1. Managed the sales and operations team
2. Created the design of the unique one-piece jewelry collection.
3. Responsible for planning business objectives and employees KPI’s (appraisals)
4. Developed sales and marketing strategies/plans
5. Responsible for the conception and production of advertising and media plans
6. Conducted employee product knowledge and soft skills training
7. Represented the company at international trade shows for buying or exhibition purposes

Education

Master's degree, Digital Marketing
  • at Curtin University
  • March 2018

Bachelor's degree, Mathematics & Science
  • at American University of Beirut
  • October 2003

Specialties & Skills

Product Knowledge
Major Events
Brand Communication
Training Seminars
ADVERTISING
MARKET PLANNING
MARKETING
MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC RELATIONS
TRADE SHOWS
BUDGETING
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

Languages

Arabic
Expert
English
Expert
French
Intermediate

Training and Certifications

Curtin University (Certificate)