nashwa zakaria

My primary focus was to increase DIFC’s global impact, thought leadership eminence and brand awareness. I created the social media, public relations, brand management and thought leadership strategies as well as the content.
I made sure that the highest professional standards within a broad and interrelated operational remit are set and achieved, that included the DIFC client experience, marketing and communications and corporate business development strategies. This has also involved developing the marketing strategy for DIFC, and directing all internal and external communication programs and supporting DIFC Authority and DIFC Properties’ strategic initiatives and establishing a company-wide public relations voice . Worked very closely with the Business Development team in setting up their strategy yearly to ensure profitability while maintaining top-notch customer satisfaction levels. Devise and implement a business-building mind-set and approach within the region and globally.
Was the Project Director of DIFC’s 10 Year Anniversary Campaign

* Build, manage and ensure deployment of the PR, Events, Social Media, and internal Communications strategy and activities with twofour54 operations
* Oversee and lead the PR, Events, Social Media and Communications activity
* Build and manage the external twofour54 positioning, perception and vision, locally, regionally and internationally
* Regularly develop and manage partnerships with third party providers and key partners and stakeholders to ensure objectives and desires outcomes are achieved.
* Identify Key speaking opportunities for senior managements
* Identify and lead events calendar and sponsorships as well as organising internal company events
* Manage all process related to launches from a PR and events and internal communications perceptive across the board.
* Build a robust, engaging and relevant, internal communications process/system for the entire twofour54 ( management and partners)
* Lead PR and events functional team
* Manage budgets
* Provide support for the COO and CEO as required to assist in the fulfilment of their roles
* Contribute to twofour54's strategy development
* Conduct periodic reviews with functional team and compile monthly reports for senior management team
* Mentor to many interns and fresh UAE graduate employees
* Work very closely with HR management team to create talent development programs, job descriptions, intern programs and training programs for different functions.

• Corporate objectives. (50% of the time, working for SHUAA Asset Management client aspect or institutional sales aspect.)Managing and developing annual Marketing and Communications strategies, activities and collaterals for BU ‘S, subsidiary and associate companies. This included developing BTL as well as ATL marketing campaigns.
• Built a cohesive Corporate Identify Management System
• Responsible for the SHUAA brand in terms of marketing and sales strategy and assuring it’s in line with brand and corporate design guidelinesResponsible for external and internal communication activities such as developing Annual reports, newsletters, website creating and digital media presentations.
• Planning, structuring and managing all PR activities and liaising on a day to day basis with the local, regional and international media. This includes, monitoring competitors, drafting releases in both English and Arabic and distributing them in specifies markets. Also includes identifying the crisis factors and developing a strategic crisis plan of action.
• Working with and given direction to PR, Marketing, Advertising and other service providers and external agencies to ensure alignment with corporate message

• Prepared annual communications campaigns and media related activities to ensure prominent exposure and to build awareness to guarantee the coverage of our top stories and to promote the corporate brand in lieu with our corporate messages.
• Established good relations with the media, and created activities to combine senior management with the media at high end events and created alternate ideas to build strong ties with the media.
• Managed the Press Demo Program by handling all aspects of development, execution and post-event evaluation for future planning.
• Worked closely in establishing GM as the company that cares, by introducing the CSR programs and executing various channels related to environment, healthcare, and other humanitarian causes.
• Took direct responsibility for creating and monitoring the development of the regional media website.
• Managed and supported GM corporate and brand sponsorship including execution, product placement, PR support, and GM representationWorked closely with senior management to identify crisis situations and create a crisis management manual.Identified sponsorship opportunities and speaking engagements for senior management and managed all logistics.
• Tracked PR and Marketing budgets for major events through maintaining records, regular updates and follow-ups.
• Created and maintained the central RMO calendar and PR event

NB: this position reported to the Director of Communications and PR

• Identified Communication & PR objectives for existing and potential clients
• Prepared and implemented strategy Comm/PR Planning and Proposals covering all aspects from Media Relations to Crisis Management.
• Wrote and Editing English and Arabic Press Releases and Speeches
• Organised Test Drive Programs for Journalists (SEAT being our largest client).
• Budgeted, pitched and offered strategic advice to clients.
• Managed a team of PR 6 Advisors.
• Produced, brand, business, and technical press releases, editorials, brochures, executive speeches and scripts for the media.
• Organised and planned meetings, press conferences, press tours product launches, media campaigns, marketing seminars, special events, media & broadcast interviews, corporate advertising and branding.

NB: This position reported to the MD

• Co-ordinated, managed and planned, conferences, exhibitions, seminars and training courses for executives and managers.
• Worked on a day to day basis with the marketing department and with advertising agencies on aspects regarding creativity, production and media bookings
• Prepared budgets and financial reports for each project.
• Developed new business opportunities

• Co-ordinated, managed and planned, conferences, exhibitions, seminars and training courses for executives and managers.
• Worked on a day to day basis with the marketing department and with advertising agencies on aspects regarding creativity, production and media bookings
• Prepared budgets and financial reports for each project.
• Developed new business opportunities

NB: This position reported to the MD