Firat Aktas

Succession Path:
Group Communication Director, Since Apr 2016
Group Communication Director, Dec 2013 to Apr 2016
Communication Director, Jun 2010 to Dec 2013

Group Communication Director, Since Apr 2016
Emirates Airline, GMC, OSN, FGB & Dubai Properties

Key Responsibilities: Developing short- and long-term plans for the marketing communications programs and its activities. Building and managing the corporate communications budgets. Leading, building and managing the Communications team from planning, production, execution to post-analysis.

Significant Highlights:
• Created a dynamic work culture and led the team on Emirates Airline marketing communications for GMEI and North Africa regions, GMC ME, OSN network, First Gulf Bank and in roster for Dubai Properties Holding brand communications requirements.
• Acted as a point of Contact for all above brands’ marketing, advertising, activation, digital and social media operations. Worked closely with various partner agencies, regionally and internationally.
• Actively engaged in KPI preparation and tracked all activities to ensure measurable success.
• Headed internal departments to prepare and execute annual marketing strategies and implemented management structures to secure financial stability and profitability of the business.

Group Communication Director, Dec 2013 to Apr 2016
Du Telecom, Ulker Alpella, Dubai Design District & GMC

Key Responsibilities: Developed communication strategies for delivery of advertising and activation requirements. Led du business and managed Enterprise segment, Ulker Alpella and GMC ME. Headed the team to create brand identity and launch marketing plans for Dubai Design District. Ensure high-quality and highest impact communications are created for both internal and external audiences.

Significant Highlights:
• Headed marketing and media partners to develop and execute programs in-line with the brands’ communication and business objectives.
• Actively engaged in working closely with the brand teams to develop as well as identify marketing strategies and coordinate implementation.
• Worked with the board and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and promoted a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.

Communication Director, Jun 2010 to Dec 2013
Du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company)

Key Responsibilities: Managed du Consumer segment marketing and advertising requirements. Drove corporate strategy and message development for all sub-segments. Developed marketing initiatives, internal communications and external media relations. Determined communications strategy and execute programs to deliver objectives throughout the organization. Created, organized, planned and implemented effective annual communications messages and strategies, as well as fast turnaround reactive engagement rules for the Telecom industry.

Significant Highlights:
• Led the du business and handled consumer segment, mobile, home services, broadband and fixed services.
• Exceled in delivering retail engagement proposal and executed retail re-branding for 2 flagship stores and 42 du co-outlets in UAE.
• Handled the account’s financial stability and organic growth. Completed development of ‘duLive!’ platform for du’s music and entertainment sponsorships that has significant positive effect on brand health results.
• Displayed excellence in creating and securing approval on telecom portfolio creative development process and consumer insight segmentation.

Succession Path:
Account Director, Nov 2008 to May 2010
Sr. Account Manager, Oct 2006 to Nov 2008
Account Manager, Jun 2004 to Oct 2006

Account Director, Nov 2008 to May 2010
Kraft Foods MEA, Unilever MENAT & AcDelco

Key Responsibilities: Handled overall growth and development of accounts and ensured to meet profit goals on each. Ensured the timely development and execution of plans, campaigns, and projects to achieve pre-set objectives on all markets in the Middle East. Provided account team leadership, and conveyed the specific requirements for multi-functional support to the appropriate functional regional management on a timely basis. Worked in close coordination with marketing and media partners to develop and execute programs in-line with the brands’ strategic directions.

Significant Highlights:
• Led Kraft Foods MEA (Tang, Toblerone), Unilever MENAT (Dove skin, Dove hair & Comfort) as well as AcDelco businesses as an Account Director with full budget responsibility for TTL marketing strategy, brand development and production, including digital and social media requirements.
• Planned, developed, and defended budget recommendations, work goals, measurements, and training requirements necessary to provide both quality and profitable service to clients.
• Displayed excellence in working closely with the brand teams to develop and identify marketing strategies.
• Successfully coordinated with internal departments and ensured interactive, CRM and activation, to be the 1st point of contact for the annual marketing plans.
• Implemented management structures to secure financial stability and profitability. Successfully handled planning and production of several TTL campaigns coordinating with regional and international counterparts.
• Contributed to reposition Tang brand and led the re-launch communication campaign. Received the GMR effectiveness award for Best Re-Launch 2008.
• Efficiently coordinated occasion specific (Ramadan and Summer) retail branding as well as promotions in KSA and UAE for Tang.

Sr. Account Manager, Oct 2006 to Nov 2008
Kraft Foods MEA, Power Horse, MBC Group & Nike MENA

Key Responsibilities: Supervised and supported account team and representatives to ensure client satisfaction. Communicated with clients at a senior level to resolve issues and inquiries. Generated innovative ideas to support customers and boost brand awareness, as well as ensured delivery of day-to-day requirements.

Significant Highlights:
• Meticulous in managing Kraft Foods MEA (Tang), Power Horse, Nike MENA as well as MBC Group (MBC2, MBC4 & MBC Action) brands.
• Executed best possible solutions to brand’s requirements and handled Power Horse introduction communication to KSA market, where the campaign has been used globally due to success in the region.
• Successfully coordinated Power Horse roadshows in GCC to activate the brand for youth segment.

Account Manager, Jun 2004 to Oct 2006
Kraft Foods MEA, GlaxoSmithKline ME, Volvo ME, Shuaa Capital

Key Responsibilities: Shouldered accountability to manage Kraft Foods MEA (Tang), GSK ME (Panadol & Eno) and Volvo MENA businesses. Ensured the correct products and services are delivered in a timely manner. Served as the link of communication between key stakeholders to ensure delivery.

Significant Highlights:
• Displayed excellence in handling Panadol Actifast and Extra introductory TVC production projects.
• Actively engaged in creating an integrated communication channel structure on creative decisions between Volvo MENA and regional dealers for a centralized strategy.
• Engaged as the coordinator for all Volvo dealers in MENA region, ensured unified brand communication and provided solutions for market specific challenges.

AVIS, Royal Brunei Airlines, Home Store & Sherwoods Property

Spirax Sarco ltd. (UK) & Forbes Marshall (India) Collaboration