Syed Maroof Akbar Email & Phone Number

Dubai, U.A.E.

- Hired as a Marketing Consultant by a heavy equipment and machinery to develop and implement annual marketing plan. Managed participation in three events, resulting in increased brand awareness through PR, advertising and digital platforms (SEO, social media).- Worked as Export Consultant for a automotive export agency in Europe for 100 units of Land Rover Defender and 150 units of Ford Ranger F 150 with military specifications. The units were sold to a government organization with extended service contract from a 3rd party repair and maintenance facility. As an Export Consultant for specialized automotive and earth moving equipment exporter based in Japan, consulted on exports to Nigeria, Angola, and UAE for re-export to Afghanistan, Pakistan and other countries. Carefully handled all documentation to take full advantage of subsidies under various trading (import and export) schemes internationally to slash taxes significantly.- Arranged two event pavilions of a Singapore based specialized Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) firm who wanted to expand their business in parts of the Middle East and Africa. Provided PR services by introducing them to some prospective clients in GCC.- Romanian specialized truck manufacturer hired to arrange exhibition pavilion for industrial events. This required stand booking, designing, build-up, logistics, public relations, media & advertising.- Produced & executed 2 conferences with top notch speakers, session chairs and audience from the region including C level executives. The topics were: Rebuilding Post Conflict Zones & Anti Money Laundry.- Several other projects of; events like trade-shows, conferences and exhibitions (event production, vendor negotiation, event contract procedures, audience management designing, production & logistics), advertising (production & media), marketing plan & marketing collateral (printed material and office stationery) were undertaken and handed over successfully.

Dubai, U.A.E.

- Worked as a Project Manager for one of the largest industrial event in the world. This required hiring of designing, production, logistics, insurance and travel agencies and also negotiates with the venue management. The project was completed with direct reporting and consultation of the Business Development Director and constant information to the COO Office; wherever needed.- Developed new branding scheme and successfully handled advertising (print and electronic – digital & offline), events, marketing collaterals, corporate gifts and souvenirs, office stationery, website, social media platforms. It was strictly adhered to maintain quality & cost controlling and timely availability at Head Office and various facilities.- Assisted Business Development Managers in conducting research for potential markets in various different regions. Also assisted other managers to develop presentations and research for specific potential markets and clients.

Sharjah, U.A.E.

- Provided custom-made marketing solution for a FMCG client. The brand gained huge market share resulting in redoing the supply and chain methodology. Campaign included:1. Brand strategy (product and market portfolios, growth strategies, strategic positioning).2. Above The Line (media planning, focused advertising, digital media, agencies management).3. Below The Line (direct marketing, brand activation, loyalty programs).4. Events (press events, shoots, press releases, celebrity appearances, event sponsorships).5. Visual Merchandising (VM Guidelines and Adaptations according to the local market, VM Projects for retail and distribution channels, sourcing quality supplies for permanent fixtures & POS).6. Appointed as Project Manager to work with Etisalat for consumer reselling project in Abu Dhabi. Convinced Etisalat Management to work on tailor-made terms resulting in enhanced financial goals and minimizing risk. Hired and trained a sales team. Client recognized drastic upward profit trend and offered other territories to take over. Etisalat awarded the title of “Best Manager – Agency Side”.

- Directly reported to the Group Accounts Director, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director. Led two teams headed by Account Managers and teams of Client Services, Creative, PR and Media. Managed a range of profit center accounts including; banking (largest Islamic bank), airline (national carrier), automotive (largest selling brand in the Country), home appliances, telecom, luxury and FMCG (cosmetics, soft drink and ice cream).- Led regular new business pitches including writing and presenting final recommendations and reported proactive proposals to the management as well as existing clients for organic growth. Successfully pitched the top earning clients (Bank, Telecom and Automotive).- Commercial responsibilities undertaken were; budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, and resource planning. Creative tasks included; consumer insight generation, briefing, concept appraisal, and presentation. Management of the team included all appraisals, department team meetings, workload planning, recruitment and education processes for the team and internees.- Acquired projects from clients and agencies including; advertising (concept, design, communication, branding and strategy), PR (media channels, footprint expansion and mergers), events (conferences, sponsorships, internal events, CSR) and communication (CSR, integrated communication campaigns, collaborations and partnerships).

- Directly reported to the Branch Manager (Consumer Banking) and Regional Manager (SME Banking). Managed and trained team of Relationship Executives, Direct Sales Staff and Interns. Provided supportive operational and technical expertise.- Approached and succeeded in getting NTBs including HNWI, by offering them different plans to suit their budgets and requirements. Provided stability to the Branch deposits by securing term deposits of MNCs, Government Organizations and Local Business Groups.- Regularly reviewed and updated KYC account activities and made appropriate recommendations for optimizing returns. Ensured compliance with the Bank’s AML and relevant policies.

- Managed very high-profile events (exhibitions, conferences, launching ceremonies, road-shows, mergers) at some of the most prestigious venues in Pakistan, UK, France, Singapore, Malaysia, Oman and U.A.E. Also managed events of public interest like; Health and Beauty Show, Face of the Year and Spring Festivals.- Managed sub-projects and cross-functional teams to ensure effective collaboration and timely execution of event planning efforts.- Communicated effectively with event affiliates from pre-show kickoff through post-show reporting. Managed the event's lifecycle which included: planning, budgeting, execution and evaluation. Ensured all elements of the event (concept, theme, message and purpose) were achieving financial and other goals.- Acted as first point of contact for all venue management, contractors, exhibitors and sponsors for smooth and coordinated operations. Consulted stakeholders to formulate strategic recommendations for event marketing and business impact. Maintained professional and consultative relationships with sponsors and partners. Coordinated with VVIP staff officers, speakers, and performers to ensure smooth flow of the event. Acquired professional training of VVIP handling (including: arrivals & departures, interviews, security, photo shoots and stage management).- Worked very closely with designers, CAD operators, production facilities, equipment hiring, logistics, insurance and travel partners.- Developed good relationships with the media to ensure better coverage of the events.

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Marketing

Hssc, Pre-Engineering

Activities and Societies: Head Boy College Captain Annual Magazine Editor Declamation Contestant (Contested at: College, City, District.

Bachelor Of Business Administration (Bba)