Elie Kawkabani Email & Phone Number

Neom, Saudi Arabia, Sa

Leading the Business Development strategy and operational teams at NEOM's Media Industries and tasked with incubating, populating, and growing the most ambitious and technologically advanced media hub in the world; all while ensuring a deep understanding of market trends and regional dynamics. Key responsibilities include strategic relationship building, sales forecasting, market analysis, business development planning, and value proposition development. In a very short period of time, established current media complex at NEOM as the premier media hub destination in the region, aiming to become the regional media epicentre and an elite global hub in the next few years.

Markham, Ontario, Ca

Markham, Ontario, Ca

MENA HQ for NEXTOLOGIES

Dubai, Dubai, Ae

Lead efforts to transform the company from incumbent traditional media platform to a true diversified digital enterprise with future-centric approach. Lead and manage all operations for OTT product (WAVO). Implement result-producing strategic and operational functions to incubate, launch, and grow all new business development projects. My key accomplishments to this role: * Directed the company to the digital media world in a difficult region by identifying new markets, introducing innovative products, revealing potential, and directing the transition to the next phase of growth. * Introduced three new products in 2018 targeting an increase in business development revenues by fivefold within the next three years.* Exceeded the revenues by 300% in potential markets by designing and launching bespoke distribution models in several piracy-plagued markets.

Dubai, Dubai, Ae

Ensured rapid growth in sales revenues by directing the newly formed Emerging Markets division and controlling all business development for multinational operator, serving 24 countries in the MENA region. Generated revenues and achieved profit targets within the Emerging Markets territories through exceptional partner relationships and sales and marketing initiatives.Strengthened relationship with merging markets partners in all areas from sales to finance and legal to make sure the smooth running of business operations.My key accomplishments to this role: * Reduced partner costs by 25-30% across several regions due to solid relationships and future potential. * Increased new business development revenues by 40% in a period of one year, 35% in two years, and doubled in three years through significant growth in Emerging Markets departments. * Made significant increase in revenues as much as five times in some regions by creating and promoting the several new products that increased the range of the company offering.

Steered activities related to planning, financial management, HR, marketing, and PR, as well as legal and compliance functions of the corporation. Encouraged strategic direction by the Board of Directors through annual operating plans. Supported sustainable financial outcomes, continuous improvement, and corporate responsibility to accomplish goals. Guided staff in administering annual budgets in accordance with operating plan. Finalised agreements with major social networking operators such as YouTube and Hulu to supply them with content as part of the store within the platform.My key accomplishments to this role: * Launched first linear OTT streaming platform in North America focusing on niche and ethnic markets; securedcompany to the second largest provider of ethnic channels in the US and the largest in Canada. * Communicated with technology providers to design and transfer the whole IPTV infrastructure in line with TV2MORO business model and target markets. Secured contracts for carrying over 80 ethnic channels at favourable terms. * Achieved a number of subscribers that exceeded first year goals by 30% under budgetary constraints, which eventually ensured the company as the largest legal platform in its categories.

In charge of operational undertakings and strategic growth planning. Orchestrated development of a seven-year strategic plan for the company, while exceeding every single goal set. Finalised new distribution and carriage deals for several of the company's channels with major Cable, Telcos as well as broadband, cellular, and other wireless distribution media. ATT U-Verse, Verizon FIOS, Comcast, Time Warner, Charter are just a few of the partners we reached agreementswith.My key accomplishments to this role: * Carried out 25% growth in revenues within first 12 months and increased number of subscribers and corresponding revenues from 30,000 to 170,000 in a few years.* Achieved a rare penetration rate of 70% into the target markets, thereby dominating the market and limiting competition. * Led the business to be ranked number #1 in terms of number of subscribers, revenues, and number of channels offered by any provider of ethnic channels to DISH Network.

Master Of Business Administration - Mba, Finance, General

Certificate Of Completion, Corporate Governance

Bachelor, Business Administration

High School