Laurence Udo

Develop, implement and manage the online and offline wholesale marketing strategy for the 30 brands of the Technology Division at Darwish Holding, including the launch of a new brand on the market (FNAC Qatar)

 Responsible for the rebranding strategy of Dar Al Sharq Group, as well as its 8 subsidiaries
 Responsible for the development process of all the new marketing collateral and communication tools such as Brochures, Websites, Corporate promotional Video, e- Newsletters, Social Media presence
 In charge of planning and implementing strategic PR plans and communication campaigns to promote the Group's products and services, as well as its new brand image
 Responsible for the implementation and enforcement of Brand Standards, corporate guidelines and Branding in the Group and all its subsidiaries
 In charge of ensuring consistent marketing communications in all advertising and collateral
 Responsible for evaluating new marketing opportunities
 Responsible for the development a client’s databases for promotional purposes

CURRENT PROJECT:
- Sahara Al Sharq Public Relation
--> Consultant / Senior Projects Director (Freelance)

Responsible for the business and clients portfolio development
In charge of planning and implementing strategic PR plans and communication campaigns to promote the agency’s products and services to potential clients
Ensure consistent marketing communications in all advertising and collateral to build the company’s identity and recognition on the market
Responsible for evaluating new marketing and PR opportunities
Provide level counsel to major accounts ensuring they run effectively and efficiently
Identify, recommend and implement marketing and PR initiatives in line with clients’ business goals

PAST PROJECTS:
- Medeis Al Khaleej
--> Consultant / Project Manager (Freelance)

1) ‘QATAR SUCCESS STORIES’: corporate publication focusing on the profile, achievements and projects of over 40 major institutions in Qatar
 Meeting the decision makers of all the major companies selected and pre-sell the profile pages
 Collect and manage the relevant information for the editorial, as well as payments
 Liaise and follow-up with the editor

2) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion at COP18 / UN Summit
 Responsible for Media Relations on the Pavilion as well as organization of media interviews
 In charge of protocol and VIP visits of the Pavilion
 Writing of press releases and ensure publication in local, regional and international media

3) AEF (Audiovisuel Extérieur de la France)
 Market intelligence
 Facilitate meetings with relevant stakeholders and major potential partners

 Plan and proactively implement the public relations and advertising plan for all F&B, Spa and rooms promotions in lign with the goals of the Hotel Business Plan in local and international media
 Responsible for the design, development and printing process of all marketing collateral such as Hotel Brochures, Newsletter, in-house collateral, food and beverage promotional collateral, in-room Services Directories
 Responsible for the management and implementation of Brand Standards, corporate guidelines and Branding in the Hotel and ensure consistent marketing communications in all advertising and collateral
 Responsible for evaluating new marketing opportunities
 Manage, maintain and update the hotel website ensuring an optimised SEO
 Review and provide analysis on all websites and e-channels featuring the property
 Manage and implement monthly promotional email campaigns
 Responsible for the development and quality of client’s databases of all segments for promotional purposes by implementing the right tools and data cleaning processes
 Manage PR and Marketing budget throughout the year and keep track of actual versus planned marketing budgets providing input and recommendations as needed regarding reallocation of funding
 Track ROI of all marketing initiatives, including online, direct mail and print advertising
 Plan and supervise all photo shoots, developing shot list while ensuring goals of property and brand image are met
 Manage all sponsorship opportunities and ensure like for like media and advertising coverage to sponsorship
 Ensure and maintain relationships with local and international media publishers, editors and feature writers, with business partners and with local authorities
 Host and organise events and parties to promote specific activities

In charge of the day-to-day running of Creative Services department and management of the Creative team
Managed the development and implementation of all new communications collateral and marketing programmes liaising with all relevant internal or external stakeholders at all levels
Coordinated and assigned adhoc marketing projects, e-mailing campaigns, direct mailing projects and sales tests
Responsible for liaising with and brief Corporate team in US Headquarters on marketing and internet initiatives and ensured awareness and understanding of pending and planned projects
Managed content and update of the Regional EME Sales and Marketing intranet
Managed the complete translation process for all departments in the Regional Headquarters
Managed department’s budget and tracking of all financial transactions including the updating of the period budget accounts and budget figures

Implemented direct marketing tools to recruit new agents/clients and promote products
Negotiated the contract heads of terms with agents for the placement of their candidates
Performed day-to-day account management, ensuring the level and quality of services met all client’s requirements and needs
Represented the company in different international workshops and exhibitions