Stuart Matthewson

• Cold called and conducted face-to-face sales calls with C-level executives and directors in assigned sales territory.
• Implemented up-selling strategies, encompassing recommendation of hotel accommodation and complementary services.
• Maximized customer retention by resolving issues quickly.
• Created detailed sales presentations to communicate product features and market data.
• Maintained sense of urgency in answering customer questions and requests through email or voice messaging.
• Used consultative sales approach to understand customer needs and recommend relevant offerings.

• Built a sales representation portfolio for Media brands that wanted to break into the Middle East market.
• Worked with clients to increase knowledge of local media landscape
• Exceeded sales goals through effective time management and resource allocations.
• Created innovative sales strategies through monitoring and evaluating market trends and competitive offerings.

Responsible for setting up and maintaining the sales channels for www.elaph.com a 10 year old Arabic news portal that had relied solely on advertising revenue from Google Ad Sense. Implemented changes at Board level to the site structure to ensure advertising positions were IAB compliant; ad serving was changed to be in line with current online advertising guidelines.

Set up the sales processes and building relationships with all the major media agencies across the MENA region, as well as discussing opportunities with their clients.

This approach attracted major Blue Chip advertisers to start using the site as an advertising channel, HSBC, British Airways, Etihad, General Motors, Land Rover, CNN, Emirates Palace, Etihad Airways, Emaar, Microsoft to name but a few

• Worked with marketing department to create targeted advertising strategies for key customer demographics.
• Developed advertising tactics and implemented new solutions for increased brand awareness.
• Developed campaigns, led design and tracked results.
• Directed team of 4 design professionals.
• Planned and prepared advertising and promotional material to increase sales of F1 tickets
• Worked with Media planning & buying agency & creative agency within budget

• Forecasted monthly sales targets and set successful policies to achieve sales objectives and related metrics.
• Achieved dramatic sales increase by skillfully managing relationships and proactive sales approaches.
• Initiated new sales through new product roll-outs
• Maintained relationships with customers and researched new ones by identifying needs and offering appropriate media solutions.