Profile & Objectives
Proactive, experienced, results oriented Arabic speaking General Manager specialising in Sales,
Distribution, Marketing and Communication of branded Skin care products, Toiletries, OTC medicines, Health foods and drinks, Baby and Personal products.
Career has been 24 years with European manufacturers, 8 years as a distributor in U.A.E.
Seeking Senior management role in a marketing oriented company.
Proven ability to develop new business through market development (segment and geographical) and NPD (product diversification and development).
Strengths, Capabilities & Skills
Manage profitably all parts of the commercial mix .
Plan, implement and control Advertising and Promotional programs to improve share.
Manage all aspects of Trade and Distribution (listing, shelf space, trade promotions etc….).
Acquire and launch new products.
Budgeting, Planning ,Financial control ,Sales and Profit improvement.
Select, Appoint and negotiate with distributors to achieve objectives.
Skilled negotiator with distributors and suppliers.
Manage ,Motivate and train sales and marketing teams.
Computer literate (Spreadsheets, Word Processing) .
Excellent Arabic and English language fluency.
Career History
FARMECO (Advanced Dermoceuticals-Italia)
January 2004-Present
Regional Manager – GCC (based in Dubai)
FARMECO is a premium manufacturer and marketer of Dermocosmetics brands that include the Coverderm range of treatment cosmetics and skin care lines ( Whitening/Anti pigmentation, Anti-Wrinkle , Hydration , Suncare). These brands in addition to being Colour cosmetics and Skincare are also treatments hence prescribed by doctors and distributed mainly in pharmacies.
Achievements
Expanded the GCC business from $ 1.4 M to $4.8 M through tighter working with distributor sales forces and training medical reps and promotion ladies.
Activated new marketing plans to include Magazine Advertising, in-store video demonstrations, consumer purchase with gift promotions and POS/Display materials.
Launched new products and formulae in the region- Luminous, Maxydrat and Peptumax.
UNICARE TRADING ESTABLISHMENT –DUBAI-U.A.E(Division of Modern Pharmaceutical Company)
January 2001 – December 2003 : General Manager
November 1995 – December 2000: Sales and marketing Manager
UNICARE represented as Distributors and Marketers in the UAE the consumer brands of Bristol Myers Squibb (CLAIROL, MUM, HERBAL ESSENCES), Johnson & Johnson (ROC Skincare), Mead Johnson Nutrition (Enfamil & Sustagen),NANNYS diapers, SAFEX condoms, COVERDERM cosmetics and other Personal products.
Achievements
Started the company from scratch as a sister company of Modern Pharmaceutical co.
Grown the company by acquiring new agencies ( Nannys, Coverderm, Safex and others) .
Recruited and managed 23 people ( Salesmen, Medical reps, Merchandisers and Promo ladies).
Initiated and managed all marketing activities Below-The-Line .
Full charge of Budgeting, Planning, Purchasing, receivables, stock control and other logistics.
Full Financial responsibility in charge of US$3.5 M Sales and US$1.0 M Brand Contribution.
Steered Unicare towards achieving ISO 9002: 1994 and implementing SAP.
LONDON INTERNATIONAL GROUP – UK
August 1992 – October 1995: Marketing Manager, HEALTH ,BEAUTY AND PERSONAL PRODUCTS
November 1987 – July 1992: Brand Manager, DUREX , MARIGOLD
Achievements
Increased profit contribution of the Overseas Division from £300k to £1200k in 5 years through new products/range extensions and new market penetration .
Grew market shares to brand leadership of Woodwards Glucose drinks and Durex condoms .
Raised the profile of core brands, (Durex & Marigold) in the Middle East .
Introduced vending and franchising agreements for Durex in Malta and Cyprus.
Launched baby care line of Italian Sister company (Mister Baby) in the Middle East.
BEECHAM PRODUCTS OVERSEAS-UK
October 1986 – October 1987: Area Manager, Southern Arabia/East Mediterranean
July 1984 – September 1986: Area Supervisor, North & East Africa & Yemen Republics
Achievements
Full P&L responsibility of the above designated areas turning them into profit.
Increased profit from £200k to £1200k in 3 years through local manufacturing projects of (Silvikrin, Brylcreem, Ribena, Body Mist) in the Yemen
Won Sales Manager of the year award in 1986.
YOUNG & RUBICAM ADVERTISING-UK
August 1983 – June 1984
Account Manager on P&G Brands.
Education & Qualifications
1990/92 M.B.A City University- International Business & Marketing
London – England
1980/83 B.A. (Hons) Business Studies, University of Westminster
London – England
1979/80 Accounting
Foundations University of Westminster . London-England
1977/79 GCE ‘A’ Levels Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics, Paddington College – London-England
1975/76 GCE ‘O’ Levels Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Geography, English, Arabic – ST Edwards school-Sierra Leone(W.Africa)
1963/73 Elementary
Education CHOUEIFAT School – Lebanon
Personal Information
Date of birth: September 16, 1959
Marital status: Married + 1 child
Nationality: British
Languages: English and Arabic
