Michele Karaa
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Over 15 years of experience in marketing and business strategy, specializing in innovative solutions that drive growth. Proven track record as a regional marketing manager, overseeing personal care category strategies across MEA and collaborating with diverse teams. Successfully launched and scaled products and campaigns, resulting in significant increases in sales, market share, and brand equity. Recognized with Effie and Cannes Lions awards for excellence in marketing initiatives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
Marketing Manager MEA
Essity
Dubai, UAE
03.2016 - Current
- Develop comprehensive marketing strategies for MEA region for Nana, Libero and Demak 'up.
- Lead business cases to drive MEA business, including setting visions, research, budgetary and operational needs and step by step plans to achieve goals.
- Collaborate with sales, customer marketing and financial controlling teams to align marketing efforts with business objectives and drive growth.
- Manage cross-functional teams, local and global, to create the right innovation and communication for MEA.
- Establish strong relationships with key stakeholders within the regional and global teams to foster collaboration and support MEA marketing initiatives.
- Participate in quarterly and monthly business reviews with the distributors and internal leadership team.
- Created Nana network of agencies in MEA and negotiated contracts.
Category Marketing Manager MEA
Groupe Seb
Dubai, UAE
11.2013 - 02.2016
- Develop and implement the category marketing strategies, including innovation pipeline based on different clusters needs, pricing, sales targets and regional/local communication plans.
- Work closely with the sales team and distributors to address challenges and identify growth opportunities.
- Develop relations with key stakeholders in the global team.
Regional Brand Manager, ME and Iran
Pyrex
Dubai , UAE
02.2011 - 10.2013
- Established the network of media, creative and digital agencies in ME and negotiated contracts.
- Contributed and implemented brand strategies in ME.
- Led cross-functional internal and external teams to execute marketing campaigns and initiatives.
- Collaborated with sales teams and distributors to optimize promotional strategies and ensure brand guidelines are being followed.
Brand and Sales Manager
Fattal Group
Beirut, Lebanon
07.2009 - 01.2011
- Develop yearly brand plans including sales target, communication and activation plans, pricing strategies
- Led training programs for sales and merchandisers' teams to improve product knowledge.
- Analyzed sales data identify trends and optimize product offerings.
- Developed robust client relationships for improved business growth in different channels.
- Cultivated strong relationships with suppliers.
Key Account Manager
Fattal Group
Beirut, Lebanon
10.2007 - 06.2009
- Managed a portfolio of 7 brands and relationships with 4 key accounts.
- Developed strategic account plans to maximize growth opportunities across key accounts, the plans included planning and executing promotions calendars, category management and consumer activations.
- Conducted quarterly business reviews of account performance to identify improvement areas.
- Assisted with contractual agreements.
Customer service officer
BLOM Bank
Beirut, Lebanon
10.2004 - 09.2007
Education
Master's degree - Marketing and Communication
ESCP Business School
/2006 - /2007
Maitrise - Economics
Saint Joseph University of Beirut
/1999 - /2003
Languages
Arabic
Native
French
Fluent
English
Fluent
Italian
Upper intermediate
Timeline
Marketing Manager MEA
Essity
03.2016 - Current
Category Marketing Manager MEA
Groupe Seb
11.2013 - 02.2016
Regional Brand Manager, ME and Iran
Pyrex
02.2011 - 10.2013
Brand and Sales Manager
Fattal Group
07.2009 - 01.2011
Key Account Manager
Fattal Group
10.2007 - 06.2009
Customer service officer
BLOM Bank
10.2004 - 09.2007
Master's degree - Marketing and Communication
ESCP Business School
/2006 - /2007
Maitrise - Economics
Saint Joseph University of Beirut
/1999 - /2003