Area Sales Manager
Firefly Communications
Total years of experience :5 years, 3 Months
Firefly Communications is the largest privately owned Qatari Media House comprising print and digital media activities as well as corporate branding, film production and stockpile images solution.
I was responsible for setting up and opening the UAE branch of this regional firm. My main responsibilities included the following:
• Setting up the company branch in Media City (includes licensing of company and products, securing legal matters)
• Developed and brought to life the company business plan for the UAE project
• Maintain existing and develop new relationships with corporate accounts, media as well as PR agencies
• Responsible for identifying and securing key regional logistic partners
• Taking part in launching a Pan-GCC “Sur La Terre” franchised magazine
• Actively promoting and selling our print brands “Sur La Terre”, “Alef” and “The Edge”
Worked at the W Hotel & Residences (445 rooms and residences), 5*, Doha, Voted world’s leading hotel & residences 2011 (World Travel Awards) as Sales Manager and Account Director within the Sales & Marketing department.
My main responsibilities included the following:
• Taking part in the realization of annual room budget & marketing plan
• Responsible for the development and success of 4 Account Directors
• Defining and monitoring hotel sales strategy and tactics to increase market penetration (117.7%) Average Daily Rate (increase by 19% vs 2010)
• Achieved 15% growth in room revenue for both corporate and group market segment (2011)
• Managing & growing hotel’s largest corporate portfolio (QAR 13 Million).
• Representing W brand in international road shows and exhibitions
• Active role in Six Sigma project- Identifying and putting in place tactics for maximising banqueting and outside catering revenues
Successfully graduated from ESSEC Business School MBA program majoring in international hospitality management. This was a one year intensive program designed for professionals with at least 3 to 5 years experience. This MBA allows me to better work when assigned a group project. Learning and adapting from various co-workers to drive positive results that will directly impact the company's profitability. Also gave me a better understanding of the corporate world of tomorrow and how important it is to constantly evolve with existing market trends as well as use strategically the information at your disposal to face potential geo-political scenarios.
Successfully secured my BBA degree along with an award for most enthusiastic and dedicated student of the 2003 graduates. An international school with worldwide recognition offering me a great added value in managing successfully in a multi-cultural environment.