Manar Hassan

Formulate annual strategy and conceptualize and develop effective marketing plans for all the brands in each segment, including medical, point of sale, communications, and digital to drive greater brand awareness and consumer engagement.
Direct a team of one trade marketing manager and two merchandisers on successful execution of POS campaigns. Lead all aspects of product launch from idea to successful market execution on yearly basis, ensuring product reach across all channels. Perform regular analysis of sales to evaluate buying patterns for consistent sales performance. Develop innovative designs and concepts for a wide range of point of sale tools, including Gondolas, Floor Stands, and Wall Units. Oversee the creation and management of digital plans for consumer brands in regards to all marketing initiatives, such as managing media / influencers, press conferences, and events. Build medical cycle plan with key elements, including marketing messages, medical brochures, and medical studies for field force to detail with doctors. Plan and organize events, private symposiums, and annual sponsorships in regional and international dermatology conferences as well as set up and establish booths.

Envisioned and implemented the brands strategic and tactical marketing plans for the GCC in order to attain set targets.
Planned, organised, and executed a wide range of scientific events with paediatricians at each market level as well as organised multiple scientific conferences and exhibitions with paediatricians and medical tools for field force. Led internal / external marketing communications and managed communication channels and groups, including PR, advertising agencies, and media to acquire forecasted marketing goals. Implemented diverse range of marketing activities in close collaboration with commercial team utilizing appropriate material, ensuring proper execution in accordance with market needs. Conducted cycle meetings for medical representatives that include organisation, medical and product training, marketing messages, and cycle plan. Coordinated marketing efforts by delivering communication tools, such as merchandising kits and POS training to promoters and sales men.

Spearheaded the management of healthcare marketing initiatives of Bioderma range portfolio as well as administered the launch of new babies skin care range (ABCDerm) across the Middle East and Indian Sub-continent region.
Directed an Event Manager tasked with conducting all company events with several direct report responsibilities. Established annual medical marketing strategies for ME region and delivered global marketing guidelines to achieve greater market share. Developed and delivered innovative projects and campaigns to build stronger brand loyalty. Took an active part in quarterly cycle meetings to communicate marketing messages and cycle plan per quarter and train the field force on several soft skills and selling techniques. Planned and propelled product campaigns, launches, and events through maintaining effective communications with advertising / events agencies.

Highlight:
Played a pivotal role in the PR launch of the vaccine in UAE with coverage in over 50 publications.

- Developed strategic media plans for AFME region to support both corporate and brands’ objectives.
- Planned and initiated media campaigns for several brands such as nutritionals with intensive coverage by top-tier journalists.
- Kept abreast of all current media trends and reported on them to keep the company aware of all media monitoring.

Joined the organization as Senior Medical Representative, moved on upward career trajectories to merit promotion to the position of Communications Associate.

Designation Chronology:
• Mar ‘09 - Feb ’10: Public Relations Associate
• Jun ‘05 - Mar ’09: Senior Medical Representative (Nutrition and Vaccine)

Key Responsibilities as Public Relations Associate: (Mar ‘09 - Feb ’10):

- Dispatched corporate and brand press releases and editorials to create awareness on the therapeutic values of various products.
- Organized press conferences and events to generate media interest and coverage on innovative or new product launches.
- Planned and prepared training workshops for journalists and doctors as well as created consumer awareness through intensive media coverage.

- Boosted sales of infant nutrition by 132% in 2008 in comparison to sales of 2007.
- Increased sales by 93% for Prevenar vaccine vs. 2007 achievement.
- Bestowed with several awards; Excellence Award - Nutritional Line, team Award for best country in MENA, recognition award for annual sales conference organizing committee.