Lara Hafez
Dubai/London
Summary
Accomplished Global Head of Content and Creative Leader I spearheaded strategic content initiatives and integrated AI-powered solutions, enhancing production efficiency. Expert in cross-functional team management and global market strategies, I've significantly elevated creative outputs, leveraging both innovative production techniques and executive stakeholder engagement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Head of Content
M&C Saatchi World Services
London/Dubai
2024.11 - Current
- Served as the Executive Creative Director, leading and inspiring multidisciplinary creative teams to deliver world-class content and campaigns.
- Spearheaded the strategic vision and execution of content initiatives for government, NGO, and non-profit clients across global markets.
- Drove creative excellence by shaping compelling narratives, innovative storytelling, and audience-first content strategies.
- Integrated AI-powered production solutions to deliver content at scale, enhancing speed and efficiency while maintaining creative integrity.
- Developed and implemented new content capabilities, ensuring alignment with evolving client needs and market trends.
Head of Production/Production Director
M&C Saatchi World Services
London
2017.08 - 2022.11
- Built the production team from the ground up, establishing processes, workflows, and best practices to support a growing content operation.
- Directed large-scale, multi-platform production initiatives, overseeing global campaigns for government and non-profit organizations.
- Managed end-to-end production workflows, ensuring seamless collaboration between creative, content, and production teams.
- Negotiated and maintained relationships with key production partners, optimizing cost efficiencies and quality output.
- Established clear production processes, improving operational efficiency and reducing bottlenecks.
- Delivered complex, multi-market content projects, working with international teams and stakeholders.
- Partnered with creative leads to develop engaging storytelling strategies tailored to diverse audiences.
Film and TV Producer
Various
Los Angeles/London/Dubai
2007.07 - 2013.06
- Produced high-quality TV commercials, branded content, and digital campaigns for top agencies and media companies, including Ogilvy, Boomtown Productions, Abu Dhabi Media Company, and Al Jazeera.
- Managed all aspects of production, from pre-production planning to on-set execution, and post-production delivery.
- Served as an Associate Producer on the feature film, Removal.
- Worked closely with directors, editors, and creative teams to bring compelling narratives to life across various formats and platforms.
Education
Entertainment Media Management (Online), Arts, Entertainment, And Media Management -
NYU School of Professional Studies
2015-10
Professional Producing -
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles2008-09
Bachelor of Science - Multimedia Design
American University of Sharjah
United Arab Emirates2005-06
Skills
- Strategic Content Leadership
- Executive Stakeholder Engagement
- Cross-Functional Team Management
- High-Stakes Campaign Delivery
- Budget & Resource Optimization
- Innovation in production and content strategy
- Global Market Expertise
Languages
English
First Language
Arabic
Proficient (C2)
C2
Timeline
Global Head of Content
M&C Saatchi World Services
2024.11 - Current
Head of Production/Production Director
M&C Saatchi World Services
2017.08 - 2022.11
Film and TV Producer
Various
2007.07 - 2013.06
Entertainment Media Management (Online), Arts, Entertainment, And Media Management -
NYU School of Professional Studies
Professional Producing -
University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science - Multimedia Design
American University of Sharjah