Harish Rao
Marketing & Communications Professional
Dubai
Summary
Dynamic marketing communications professional with experience devising and implementing marketing campaigns. Built deep understanding of target audience and competitors to develop effective messaging. Early adopter of latest industry trends and strategies, resulting in consistently fresh and creative ideas. Experienced in leading high-performing marketing teams and collaborating with cross-functional units to accomplish key business objectives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Marketing Manager
DAR Engineering (Alfanar Group)
Riyadh
04.2022 - 04.2023
- Effectively led a cross-functional team in developing compelling proposal content and graphics, resulting in higher success rates and positive client feedback.
- Spearheaded the company's external branding efforts by crafting consistent communication across all channels, thereby boosting brand awareness and recall.
- Utilized market trends and target audience statistics to effectively market different services. Increased sales of ancillary services in the Power, Energy and Healthcare sectors by over 20% in the last two quarters.
- Rolled out compelling and engaging information to the target audiences through targeted e-mail marketing, LinkedIn, and monthly newsletters.
- Implemented initiatives to promote thought leadership, positioning the company as an authoritative voice in the industry
- Increased company participation in relevant events and exhibitions in Asia Pacific and MENA by 50% over the last year
- Oversee internal communication initiatives, including monthly newsletters, to enhance employee engagement and promote effective communication within the organization.
Head- Marketing Communications
Turner
Mumbai
04.2019 - 03.2022
- Identified, developed, planned, and implemented impactful marketing campaigns across India, Turkey and SEA.
- Spearheaded conceptualization and development of all communication and marketing materials.
- Curated and sponsored strategic events across different regions to fortify brand positioning and recall.
- Collaborated with the BD team on bid proposals by taking the lead on content and graphics, resulting in substantial improvements and positive outcomes on key submissions.
- Conducted in-depth research on Data Centers, Aviation, and Defence markets in India and South East Asia to identify emerging trends, analyze market dynamics, and aid strategic decision-making of the senior management.
- Authored cutting-edge, data-led research reports to capture important industry trends and provide valuable insights for individual marquee clients.
- Effectively managed agencies for social media strategies, content development, and website management achieving a 30% increase in lead generation through a strategic blend of offline and online initiatives.
- Developed a client-focused Project Management App that facilitated real-time progress tracking and project monitoring on work sites.
- Implemented PR strategies to ensure top-of-the-mind recall amongst target audiences using earned and paid media.
AGM- Corporate Communications
House of Hiranandani
Mumbai
01.2015 - 04.2019
- Responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and implementing innovative and cost-effective communications strategies, supporting brand development plan for the entire brand portfolio
- Developed and executed PR plans successfully and managed strategic media relationships as a two-way communication enabler
- Managed media planning with a key focus on developing communication strategies, image-building initiatives and handling promotional activities
- Focused on increasing the share of voice in top-tier publications through the earned medium
- Showcase top management as thought leaders in the real estate sector by identifying niche opportunities
- Designed concept notes & authored articles for regional and national media outlets
- Conducted media perception dipsticks at regular intervals to mitigate any negative reviews of the organization
- Developed editorial calendar to improve the rollout of more frequent and higher quality content to the website and social media platforms.
Manager-Corporate Communications
Rustomjee
Mumbai
02.2013 - 12.2014
- Implemented strategies to enhance brand value and awareness while upholding its core values and provided strategic communication solutions to support various divisions within the company
- Developed a first-of-its-kind index to measure "Child Happiness" to highlight the organization’s focus on children in their projects
- Prepared media strategy through various ATL & BTL mediums using offline as well as social media platforms
- Developed strategies and presented external communication plans for both corporate and divisional activities
- Constantly evaluated and improvised the existing divisional communication activities
- Ensured market research coordination and data analysis interpretation and reporting
- Provided communication solutions to new initiatives from inception to implementation
- Actively participated in management meetings on communications requirements, planning and presenting solutions
- Managed events from concept design to execution within stipulated budgets; ensured smooth execution.
Stock Market Correspondent
CNBC TV18
Mumbai
10.2011 - 05.2012
- Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, traders, and market regulators, to gather information and ensure access to exclusive news.
- Covered live market events, such as earnings releases, IPOs, and economic announcements, providing real-time updates and analysis.
- Monitored and analyzed stock market data, including indices, stock prices, trading volumes, and market capitalization, to identify trends and patterns.
Stock Market Correspondent
The Economic Times
Mumbai
10.2009 - 10.2011
- First reporter in Economic Times” to write a fixed column on Derivatives.
- Wrote insightful articles, reports, and market commentaries on stock market movements, company earnings, and investment strategies.
- Adapted writing style to cater to different audiences, including retail investors, institutional traders, and financial professionals.
- Collaborated with the editorial team to plan and execute coverage of major market events and financial news stories.
Finance Executive- Global Market Operations
ABN AMRO BANK
Mumbai
08.2006 - 07.2008
- Executed trade settlements for equity transactions, ensuring accurate and timely processing of trades in accordance with market regulations and internal policies.
- Reconciled trade confirmations, cash flows, and trade-related documentation to minimize discrepancies and ensure data integrity.
- Collaborated with traders, brokers, and custodian banks to resolve trade settlement issues and facilitate efficient trade processing. Monitored and managed trade settlements through various clearing and settlement systems, ensuring adherence to settlement deadlines.
Education
Master’s - Journalism & Mass Communications
Times School of Journalism
07.2008 - 09.2009
Skills
Brand Strategy
Team leadership & management
Digital & social media marketing
Public relationsMarket research & analysis
Reputation management
Events management
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long time.
Steve Jobs
Timeline
Marketing Manager
DAR Engineering (Alfanar Group)
04.2022 - 04.2023
Head- Marketing Communications
Turner
04.2019 - 03.2022
AGM- Corporate Communications
House of Hiranandani
01.2015 - 04.2019
Manager-Corporate Communications
Rustomjee
02.2013 - 12.2014
Stock Market Correspondent
CNBC TV18
10.2011 - 05.2012
Stock Market Correspondent
The Economic Times
10.2009 - 10.2011
Master’s - Journalism & Mass Communications
Times School of Journalism
07.2008 - 09.2009
Finance Executive- Global Market Operations
ABN AMRO BANK
08.2006 - 07.2008