Profile  

Senior Communication, Engagement and Marketing Consultant | Freelance  |Sep 2018-to date

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• Served as the Head of Communications, Marketing, and Engagement at NHS, managing employee communication and engagement for over 7000 employees, newsletters, website, intranet, external communication, and communication for various ongoing projects across multiple locations. Additionally, I conducted and presented the annual staff survey report to the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team, and managed Government and stakeholder relations.

• Developed and implemented comprehensive internal and external communication, employee engagement, and marketing strategies, supported by well-organised delivery plans for various high-profile clients.

• Provided strategic communication insights, reputation management advice, crisis communication advice and marketing consultancy to Senior Leadership Teams and operational managers, enabling them to drive innovative and engaging initiatives for project support.

• Promoted a culture of employee participation and transparency, managing regular team meetings that encouraged two-way communication throughout the organisation.

• Led the development of the organisation’s brand positioning and strategy, ensuring consistent messaging across all marketing platforms as the brand’s diligent custodian.

• Designed, executed, and oversaw both digital and traditional marketing campaigns for clients, strategically enhancing product promotion and broader business visibility.

• Worked with clients to create and deliver a variety of communication assets including written content, newsletters, case studies, engaging infographics, and informative learning events, all closely aligned with the business’s scope.

• Successfully managed multiple communication and marketing projects simultaneously, ensuring they were delivered on time and within budget. This involved setting project goals, planning timelines, coordinating with different teams, and monitoring progress to ensure objectives were met.

• Providing innovative services to help broadcasters and high-profile organisations to reach their audiences in a timely, cost-effective and high-quality way.

• Providing guidance in installation, launching and upgrading a DTH TV Channel.

• Supporting media houses and individual clients in designing, developing, reviewing and editing Television programs and other broadcasting materials.

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Channel head/Director of Marketing, Communications & Engagement |Aug 16 –Sep 17 | 

DM/Aaj TV -Manchester, UK.  (Broadcasting on BSKYB UK)                     

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• Devised and executed the company’s comprehensive internal and external communication guidelines, while concurrently strategising the brand approach. This transformation effectively reversed losses, propelling the venture into profitable territory with augmented revenue streams, demonstrating strong management and communication skills.

• Led the development and oversight of the company’s annual marketing strategies and financial allocations, resulting in a significant increase in sales figures, showcasing effective stakeholder management and marketing acumen.

• Initiated the integration of modern production methodologies, broadcasting techniques, and innovative programming paradigms, leading to an impressive 35% reduction in operational costs and a noteworthy 30% decrease in post-production cycle time, highlighting strong management skills.

• Directed the recruitment and training of a proficient team to adeptly manage organisational transitions, facilitating seamless adaptation to changes, demonstrating effective stakeholder identification and management.

• Represented the company’s interests on various public and private platforms, advocating its goals, initiatives, and achievements with vigour, showcasing strong communication skills.

• Managed the strategic planning and flawless execution of a range of large-scale community events, effectively promoting cultural diversity across the UK while enhancing the brand’s visibility and community engagement, demonstrating effective stakeholder management and marketing skills.

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Channel Head/Director of Sales, Marketing and Communication                          | Jan 12 – Jul 16             Takbeer TV, London, United Kingdom (Broadcasting on BSKYB UK)                                                                                          

• Enhanced the esteemed reputation of the “Takbeer” brand, leading to consistent annual revenue growth, increased advertising market share, and improved viewership metrics. This was achieved through effective internal and external communication strategies, and robust PR initiatives.

• Took the lead in identifying and resolving key challenges within the management framework, resulting in reduced overheads and streamlined processes across production, delivery, marketing, and sales. This was accomplished through strong stakeholder management and clear communication

• Rejuvenated the entire television programming lineup by strategically modifying existing programmes and introducing new initiatives. Guided the production team to deliver high-impact on-screen presentations, ensuring clear communication of objectives and expectations.

• Recruited and developed new team members strategically, enhancing both productivity and profitability. Implemented timely hiring and bespoke training initiatives aligned with organisational goals, ensuring clear communication of roles and responsibilities.

• Designed and executed over 30 significant charitable initiatives, including fundraising telethons, charitable dinners, and community events, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. This was achieved through effective stakeholder management and PR strategies.

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Director of Marketing and Communications                                                            | Jan 2009 – Dec 2011           ARH Media, London, United Kingdom                                                                                          

• Led comprehensive corporate marketing, strategic planning, and diverse communication initiatives, covering both digital and traditional channels, demonstrating strong leadership in marketing and business development.

• Drove year-on-year revenue growth initiatives by leveraging a data-driven approach and innovative strategies, showcasing effective business development skills.

• Formulated and implemented targeted crisis communication plans, ensuring the effective dissemination of information during challenging times, demonstrating strong communication and management skills.

• Developed and delivered a range of written and verbal communication materials, including emails, candidate literature, speeches, and engaging social media content, showcasing strong marketing and communication skills.

• Produced proactive and authoritative press releases, briefings, and articles, designed to align seamlessly with comprehensive reports and analyses, demonstrating strong marketing and business development skills.

• Managed a series of large-scale cultural events and concerts across London, Birmingham, and Manchester, on behalf of a diverse client base, showcasing excellent organisational skills and attention to detail in marketing and business development.

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Senior Director and Presenter                                                                                             |Jan 2007 – Nov 2008           ARY Digital Television Network, London, (Broadcasting on BSKYB UK)

 

• Crafted and delivered diverse news and current affairs programs, showcasing expertise in engaging presentation and in-depth reporting.

• Evaluated scripts sourced from various departments for distinct shows, refining content to ensure alignment with production objectives and audience engagement.

• Orchestrated seamless collaboration between camera crews and cross-functional teams, ensuring timely program delivery while adhering to stringent production schedules.

• Conducted insightful interviews with a wide array of guests, adeptly exploring subjects of current significance, drawing from their diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

 

Director of News & Current Affairs                                                                       |Jun 2005 – Jan 2007             DM Digital Television Network -Manchester (Broadcasting on BSKYB UK)

 

• Pioneered the establishment of the news and current affairs department for a nascent digital TV channel.

• Orchestrated the recruitment and training of a proficient team capable of delivering an eight-hour programming cycle.

• Conceptualized and fine-tuned all program content, and meticulously finalized set designs. Simultaneously, coordinated comprehensive news coverage.

• Provided strategic guidance to staff in the ideation of compelling story concepts. Ensured the responsible and effective production of news reports, identified training necessities, orchestrated team coordination, and continuously assessed audience reception.

• Spearheaded the transformation of a conventional broadcast newsroom into a dynamic multi-platform news operation, adapting to evolving media landscapes.

• Devised schedules, generated reports, and managed budgets to facilitate the smooth functioning of the department. Set and monitored performance goals for both the team and the station.

• Exhibited prowess in both B2B and B2C airtime sales, culminating in the achievement of record-breaking individual sales figures.

• Organised and executed a series of events, notably including the highly successful official channel launch, attended by an impressive gathering of 2000 participants.

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Senior Editor News/ Senior Producer & Presenter                                                    |Jan 2000 – Dec 2004           ARY Digital Television Network, London, (Broadcasting on BSKYB UK)

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• Pioneered the role of news editor for the channel, leading the design, planning, and daily production of eight news bulletins in both Urdu and English formats.

• Covered a broad portfolio of 150 significant news events, including the Second Iraq War. Reported alongside British Forces, providing comprehensive coverage and notably documenting President Bush’s inaugural visit to the UK.

• Revolutionised digital broadcasting by creating and hosting the first live two-hour daily breakfast show on Pakistan’s premier private digital TV network, ARY. With an impressive record of over 1300 breakfast shows, I consistently delivered engaging content.

• Mentored a team of reporters, providing valuable guidance to enhance the quality of their stories and refining narratives as needed to achieve higher standards.

• Conducted impactful interviews with a range of notable figures, including Tony Blair, Nick Clegg, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Nouri al-Maliki, Jack Straw, and over 100 other prominent global politicians and showbiz personalities.

• Played a crucial role in organising large-scale musical and community events, notably contributing to the planning and execution of various musical concerts at prestigious venues like The SSE Arena Wembley and the Evening News Arena Manchester. Additionally, I contributed to the successful execution of multicultural Mela events across different UK cities.

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Additional Professional Experience:

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Television

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Director of News & Current affairs  ​                                                      | Channel 5, Pakistan

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Senior Producer                                                                                    | Asia 1 TV UK

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Breakfast Show Host & Producer                                                          | Sunrise Television England

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Senior News Reporter & Producer                                                        | Pakistan Television Corporation 

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Breakfast Show Host                                                                             | Pakistan Television Corporation

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Newspaper

 

Founding Editor & Company Director                                                   | Daily Ausaf & Pakistan Today, UK

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Editor                                                                                                    | Humwatan London

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Senior Diplomatic Correspondent                                                        | The Daily Ausaf, Pakistan

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Radio

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Presenter, Producer & Head of Sales                                                    | Asian Sound Radio, Manchester

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Breakfast Show Host & Producer                                                          | FM100 Islamabad, Pakistan

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Presenter & Producer                                                                            | Sunrise Radio, England

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Presenter & Producer                                                                            | ARY Radio, London

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Presenter, Producer & Editor News                                                       | Radio Harmony, England

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Senior Presenter (AA Category)                                                            | Various stations of Radio Pakistan

                                                                                                               (World Service, Current Affairs, FM)