HUDA ISMAIL
Dubai
Summary
Seasoned communications senior exdecutive with a proven track record in driving high-performing teams, leading complex initiatives, and delivering on strategic priorities. Skilled at streamlining processes, upholding excellence, and aligning execution with organizational vision. Recognized for a collaborative mindset, strategic foresight, and results-driven leadership.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of PR
National Network Comunication (NNC)
06.2023 - Current
- Redesigned PR and communications workflows, increasing operational efficiency by 30% and improving campaign turnaround time to better align with client KPIs.
- Secured strategic partnerships with key brands, generating co-branded opportunities that expanded client reach and contributed to measurable upticks in media coverage and engagement.
- Led data-informed campaign evaluations, translating insights into optimizations that improved media ROI and strengthened client positioning.
- Directed high-stakes reputation management, reducing potential negative exposure and safeguarding brand equity during crisis periods.
- Negotiated high-impact sponsorships and partnerships, securing deals that increased client visibility and delivered measurable media value.
- Built and led a performance-driven team culture, achieving higher productivity and retention through individual coaching and outcome-focused management.
- Launched the region’s first MCM student-run agency in partnership with AUS and NNC, creating a scalable model for talent development and academic collaboration.
- Developed and scaled internal training programs, improving team performance metrics and establishing the department as a value center within the organization.
Engagement Director
KATCH International
01.2022 - Current
- Designed and executed high-impact brand launch strategies, accelerating market entry and delivering measurable uplift in media share and consumer engagement.
- Positioned C-suite executives as thought leaders, securing high-value speaking and media opportunities that enhanced brand credibility and investor confidence.
- Owned client P&L and co-led business development, contributing to revenue growth through strategic upselling, cross-selling, and retention planning.
- Shaped and amplified corporate brand identity, driving consistent messaging across media channels and increasing brand visibility among target audiences.
- Forged strategic industry partnerships, enhancing campaign reach and multiplying earned media value through collaborative activations.
- Led RFP/RFQ strategy and delivery, contributing to key business wins through tailored, insight-driven proposals.
- Managed a high-performing PR and media relations team, focused on measurable outcomes and delivering consistent client value.
Senior Strategist & Communication Specialist
Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC Group)
11.2021 - 12.2022
- Developed integrated communication strategies for high-profile government, cultural, and entertainment clients, including the KSA General Entertainment Authority and Dubai Tourism, aligning messaging with national agendas and audience insights.
- Led narrative development and storytelling initiatives, transforming brand objectives into compelling, multi-platform campaigns that elevated public engagement and cultural relevance.
- Conceptualized and executed TV and digital campaigns, optimizing message delivery across channels to increase reach, retention, and audience conversion.
- Formulated short- and long-term communication roadmaps, ensuring strategic continuity while achieving quick wins and long-term brand equity growth.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with production teams, presenters, and digital specialists, shaping event narratives and creative concepts to maximize content impact.
Manager - Strategy & Content
FiftyFour Creatives
07.2020 - 11.2020
- Developed high-impact communication strategies and thought leadership positioning for top-tier clients, enhancing brand authority and market influence.
- Led executive training for spokespeople, improving media performance and strengthening internal alignment with brand narratives.
- Advised CEOs and MDs on strategic messaging, aligning leadership visibility with organizational vision and driving stakeholder confidence.
Group Account Director
APCO Worldwide
09.2017 - 04.2020
- Led a high-value portfolio of international clients, including Meraas, Tecom Group, Dubai Holding entities, LinkedIn, and Bundesliga, with annual revenues exceeding AED 457,000—achieving 38% portfolio growth.
- Designed and executed integrated PR, influence, and public affairs strategies, driving brand visibility, stakeholder engagement, and policy alignment across regional and global markets.
- Directed local and international media relations, securing high-impact coverage and positioning clients as industry leaders.
- Initiated stakeholder mapping and led senior-level engagements, including with government entities, to support client advocacy and reputation goals.
- Advised clients on regional policy developments, enabling them to respond with innovative, forward-looking communication strategies.
- Drove strategic communications for over 30 business development pitches, contributing to major client acquisitions through leadership profiling, ideation, and customized messaging.
Production Manager
Middle East Broadcast Company (MBC Group)
05.2017 - 07.2017
- Handled key assignments for the General Entertainment Authority (KSA), ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and cultural expectations.
- Reviewed and refined TV promos, ensuring content accuracy and consistency with event messaging prior to broadcast.
Manager-PR, CSR Events (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain,Kuwai)
Mashreq Bank
07.2009 - 04.2017
- Directed multi-market communications strategy across five countries, aligning messaging with regulatory, retail, and corporate banking goals.
- Managed and scaled an internal PR team, reducing agency dependence and increasing execution efficiency by over 30%.
- Directed CEO media presence and speeches, amplifying executive positioning and trust among stakeholders and regulators.
- Negotiated and optimized multi-channel media buys (TV, print, digital), driving higher returns on campaign investments.
- Led brand reputation management during crises, improving the bank’s media complaint resolution rank from bottom to top 3 in the UAE.
- Conceptualized and launched award-winning CSR programs, earning Dubai Chamber CSR Label for six consecutive years—positioning Mashreq as a responsible banking leader.
- Executed quarterly and annual financial PR campaigns, ensuring precision and timely disclosures in coordination with investor relations.
- Developed social media governance and content strategy, increasing engagement and halving response times across digital platforms.
PR Manager
MATRIX CONSULTING
02.2005 - 06.2009
Senior PR Executive
Matrix Consultancy
09.2004 - 01.2005
Junior PR Executive
Matrix Consultancy
07.2003 - 08.2004
Education
Master of Arts - Communication Studies
United States International University Africa
Nairobi, Nairobi County2017
BBA - Communications
James Madison University
2005
Skills
- Strategic Communications Planning
- Brand and Reputation Management
- Executive Messaging & Thought Leadership
- Crisis Communication & Issues Management
- Integrated Campaign Development
- Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Cultural Intelligence & Diplomacy
- Negotiation & Influence
Interests
Basketball, crossfit, volunteering, reading and mentorship
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Arabic
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Interests
Basketball, crossfit, volunteering, reading and mentorship.
Timeline
Head of PR
National Network Comunication (NNC)
06.2023 - Current
Engagement Director
KATCH International
01.2022 - Current
Senior Strategist & Communication Specialist
Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC Group)
11.2021 - 12.2022
Manager - Strategy & Content
FiftyFour Creatives
07.2020 - 11.2020
Group Account Director
APCO Worldwide
09.2017 - 04.2020
Production Manager
Middle East Broadcast Company (MBC Group)
05.2017 - 07.2017
Manager-PR, CSR Events (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain,Kuwai)
Mashreq Bank
07.2009 - 04.2017
PR Manager
MATRIX CONSULTING
02.2005 - 06.2009
Senior PR Executive
Matrix Consultancy
09.2004 - 01.2005
Junior PR Executive
Matrix Consultancy
07.2003 - 08.2004
BBA - Communications
James Madison University
Master of Arts - Communication Studies
United States International University Africa
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