Ryan Dow
Dubai
Summary
A senior production, print, and account management professional with extensive experience delivering high-volume, brand-led retail and promotional solutions across South Africa and the Middle East. Proven in managing key brand accounts and end-to-end production for global names including Unilever, Coca-Cola, Nivea, GSK, Red Bull, SAB, and Nestlé, acting as the primary client interface from concept through delivery and installation. Strong background in leading large-scale print and manufacturing operations across digital and UV print, dye sublimation, fabrication, sewing, and logistics, combined with commercial oversight, team leadership, and consistent delivery of complex, high-value projects to brand, quality, and deadline expectations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Recruitment Consultant
EXERGY
Dubai
09.2024 - Current
- 360 recruitment for a leading boutique agency in the UAE.
- Executive sourcing of industry professionals in Power Generation & Water Supply value chain.
- Focus on Solar PV, BESS, SWRO, WtE, STP, CCPP roles in Business Development, Project Management, Construction, Contract Management, Finance, HSE, Asset Management and O&M.
- Working with IPP’s and government utilities in UAE and GCC.
- Www.exergyconsult.com
Customer Project Manager & Brands Account Manager
HL Display
Dubai
01.2023 - 08.2024
- Led project management for a global retail and brands solution manufacturing company.
- Responsible for all UAE Brands account management - POS & POSM design, production and delivery.
- Supported sales staff in project costing estimations and global logistics coordination across 8 internal factory locations worldwide for production and delivery to UAE.
- External local supplier negotiations and production management across wood, steel, acrylic and digital print sectors.
- Was responsible for all installation projects in the UAE including management and coordination of external teams and onsite supervision.
- Key clients include Nestle, Red Bull, GSK, Mundipharma, Point, Hasbro, Al Fakher and Beiersdorf.
- Www.hl-display.com
- Projects handled:
- Led 1m SAR custom retail solutions production, delivery and installation project for Danube across two store locations in Jeddah and Riyadh.
- Led 1.5m SAR custom gondola pricing chart project for Panda Retail in Saudi Arabia including production management in China and individual store installations across the Kingdom.
- Led 650k AED synchronized digital screen project for GSK (Haleon) in Dubai including custom screen sizing and multiple store installations in UAE and Kuwait.
- Led 800k SAR branded shelf tray solution project for Nadec in KSA, including extensive sampling, injection mould colour matching and 60 product delivery points across the Kingdom.
- Led 300k AED branded shelf tray solution project for Red Bull in Dubai, including full account management, artwork setup, production and delivery of product.
- Led 250k AED custom gravity bin project for Hasbro including injection mould colour matching and multi store delivery for Play-Doh across UAE.
Factory Manager
SG Branding Africa
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
11.2021 - 12.2022
- Managed the entire production operations at one of Durban’s largest branding and signage companies, reporting to Managing Director.
- Fully responsible for 24-hour production, including UV printing, wide-format dye sublimation, heat press, cutting, sewing, steel fabrication, procurement, and dispatch.
- Managed a team of 60 staff including 6 direct reports (2 managers and 4 supervisors).
- Accountable for full HR responsibilities for factory staff, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and disciplinary procedures.
- Maintained health, safety, and environmental compliance across the factory, ensuring adherence to local regulations and company HSE policies.
- Coordinated weekly global shipments to the UK and Africa.
- Key clients include Hollywood Bets, Coca Cola, Bell, aQuelle, Ola, Thule, Fitch & Leedes, South African Breweries (SAB) and Vodacom.
- Www.sgbranding.co.za
- Key Projects:
- Complete halfway branding package for the Comrades Marathon on behalf of Hollywood Bets.
- Export branding for leading UK-based food and beverage companies.
- Quarterly nationwide installation of fabric jonking banners at all international airports.
- Nationwide rollout of portable shade structures for Chill Beverages.
Print Production Manager
Colab Design & Manufacturing
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Fully responsible for all print and print production for a leading turnkey agency and production facility.
- Involved from company startup, setup entire print room and all print processes.
- Managed team of 4 direct reports and reported to General Manager.
- Led end-to-end FMCG print production across signage, fabrication, lightboxes, soft signage, banners and flags, wood and steel FSUs, POSM, POS, vehicle wraps, indoor wall graphics, outdoor building branding, event branding, and OOH media.
- Key clients include Unilever, Nivea, Seattle Coffee, Battery Centre, The Hub, Nandos, Rawson Properties, Famous Grouse, Ola and Macallan.
- Www.colabdm.co.za
General Manager
Metriplex Retail
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
10.2019 - 01.2021
- General Manager of the Metriplex production facility leading Print, Sewing, Wood and Steel divisions.
- Managed 112 staff including 4 direct reports (4 division heads).
- Responsible for key account management and commercial activities.
- Key clients include Unilever, Beiersdorf, Coca Cola, BMW, Standard Bank, Point Group, MTN, Twinkies, eThekwini Government, Durban ICC.
- Www.metriplexretail.co.za
Production Manager
Iconic Collective (Point Group)
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
09.2017 - 09.2019
- Led entire print and category banner production for a Point partnered production facility.
- Managed 45 staff including 3 direct reports.
- Responsible for all digital print and fabric production for Point’s Unilever account.
- Mass category banner, sustainable FSU and CTU, shelf edge solutions, fabric banners and jonking banner production.
- Key brands include Knorr, Hellmann’s, Magnum, Lipton, Dove, Vaseline, Lux, Surf and Omo.
- Www.icollective.agency
Print Manager
Dezzo Branding
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
04.2008 - 08.2017
- Responsible for all print production including digital print, UV print, dye sublimation and latex printing.
- Managed print operations, including scheduling, production, and quality control.
- Supervised a team of print operators and technicians.
- Ensured cost-effective procurement and inventory management.
- Developed and maintained relationships with clients and vendors.
- Www.dezzobranding.co.za
Education
Matriculated - undefined
01.2004
Diploma - Comprehensive Desktop Publishing
01.2008
Skills
- Print management
- Production management
- Account management
- Project management
- Staff management
Personal Information
- Family Status: Married without kids
- Notice Period: 1 Month
- Marital Status: Married without kids
Languages
English (Native)
Timeline
Recruitment Consultant - EXERGY
09.2024 - Current
Customer Project Manager & Brands Account Manager - HL Display
01.2023 - 08.2024
Factory Manager - SG Branding Africa
11.2021 - 12.2022
Print Production Manager - Colab Design & Manufacturing
02.2021 - 11.2021
General Manager - Metriplex Retail
10.2019 - 01.2021
Production Manager - Iconic Collective (Point Group)
09.2017 - 09.2019
Print Manager - Dezzo Branding
04.2008 - 08.2017
Durban High School - Matriculated,
Intec College - Diploma, Comprehensive Desktop Publishing