Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Accomplishments
Languages
References
Work Availability
Timeline
Harish Rao

Harish Rao

Mumbai
It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.
Herman Melville

Summary

Experienced marketing communications professional with a proven track record of devising and implementing highly successful marketing campaigns. Expertise in understanding target audiences and competitors, enabling the development of effective messaging that drives sales. A forward-thinking individual who stays abreast of the latest industry trends and strategies, consistently bringing fresh and creative ideas to the table.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Marketing Manager

DAR Engineering (Alfanar Group)
Riyadh
04.2022 - 06.2023
  • Conceptualized and implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote the company's offerings in the engineering and construction segment.
  • Led external branding initiatives through by developing unified communication strategies across all platforms, resulting in a significant increase in brand recognition and recall.
  • Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, customer needs, and competitor strategies, and developed strategies accordingly
  • Demonstrated effective leadership by spearheading a cross-functional team to create compelling content and graphics for bid proposals, resulting in improved submission quality, higher success rates, and commendation from clients
  • Created customized marketing collaterals, including brochures, presentations, case studies, and whitepapers, that effectively communicated the company's value proposition and showcased its capabilities
  • Oversaw marketing campaigns, including digital marketing initiatives, content marketing, email marketing, and lead generation activities to generate quality leads and drive customer acquisition
  • Increased company participation in relevant events and exhibitions in Asia Pacific and MENA by 50% over last year
  • Led internal communication initiatives, including monthly newsletters, to enhance employee engagement and promote effective communication within the organization.

Head- Marketing Communications

Turner
Mumbai
04.2019 - 03.2022
  • Identified, developed, planned, and implemented impactful marketing campaigns across India, Turkey and SEA
  • Curated and sponsored strategic events across different regions to fortify brand positioning and recall
  • Collaborated with the BD team on bid proposals by taking the lead on content and graphics, resulting in substantial improvements and positive outcomes on key submissions
  • Conducted in-depth research on Data Centers, Aviation, and Defense markets in India and South East Asia to identify emerging trends, analyze market dynamics, and aid strategic decision-making of senior management
  • Authored cutting-edge, data-led research reports to capture important industry trends and provide valuable insights for individual marquee clients
  • Responsible for external and internal communications including website, social media, collaterals, media relations, employee engagement, townhall, executive speech, workshops, symposiums, press releases and newsletter
  • Developed and executed a strategic marketing plan to effectively promote allied services to targeted audiences, resulting in a 30% increase in qualified leads and improved conversion rates.

AGM-Corporate Communications

House of Hiranandani
Mumbai
01.2015 - 04.2019
  • Responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and implementing innovative and cost-effective communication strategies, supporting brand development plans for the entire brand portfolio
  • Increased share of voice in top-tier publications by over 30% through the earned medium by leveraging connections in traditional and digital media
  • Showcased top management as thought leaders in the real estate sector by identifying niche opportunities in online and offline space
  • Successfully wrote numerous corporate communications such as CEO letters, company brochures, brand fact sheets, executive speeches, web copy, marketing literature, and video scripts
  • Worked closely with the CEO and executive leadership team on strategic communications regarding sensitive topics and handled confidential information with tact, diplomacy, discretion, and judgment
  • Conceptualized quarterly newsletter to all the employees highlighting important company and employee achievements.

Corporate Communications Manager

Rustomjee
Mumbai
02.2013 - 12.2014
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive communications strategy that aligned with the organization's objectives and enhanced brand visibility amongst target audiences
  • Oversaw creation and distribution of press releases, articles, newsletters, and other communication materials and ensured consistency in messaging and brand voice
  • Organized and curated events, and other promotional activities to enhance brand recall and engage with key stakeholders
  • Monitored and analyzed industry trends, competitor activities, and public perception to identify opportunities and develop strategies to maintain a competitive edge
  • Measured and evaluated the effectiveness of communication strategies through metrics and analytics, providing regular reports to senior management.

Stock Market Correspondent

CNBC TV-18
Mumbai
10.2011 - 05.2012
  • Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, traders, and market regulators, to gather information and ensure access to exclusive news
  • Monitored and analyzed stock market data, including indices, stock prices, trading volumes, and market capitalization, to identify trends and patterns.

Stock Market Correspondent

The Economic Times
Mumbai
10.2009 - 10.2011
  • Wrote insightful articles, reports, and market commentaries on stock market movements, company earnings, and investment strategies
  • Adapted writing style to cater to different audiences, including retail investors, institutional traders, and financial professionals
  • Collaborated with the editorial team to plan and execute coverage of major market events and financial news stories
  • First reporter in Economic Times to write a column on Derivatives for retail investors.

Finance Executive- Global Market Operations

ABN-AMRO Bank
Mumbai
08.2006 - 06.2008
  • Executed trade settlements for equity transactions, ensuring accurate and timely processing of trades in accordance with market regulations and internal policies
  • Reconciled trade confirmations, cash flows, and trade-related documentation to minimize discrepancies and ensure data integrity.

Education

Masters in Journalism -

Times School of Journalism
09.2009

Bachelor in Commerce (Accounting & Finance) -

Mumbai University
07.2006

Skills

  • Brand Positioning
  • Public Relations
  • Digital Marketing
  • Social Media Integration
  • Content Strategy
  • Market Research & Analysis
  • Business Development
  • Lead Generation
  • Sales & Negotiation

Languages

Title: Marketing Communications Professional

Accomplishments

  • First reporter in Economic Times to write a fixed column on Derivatives Trading for retail investors.

Languages

English
First Language
Arabic
Beginner
A1
Hindi
Proficient (C2)
C2
Kannada
Proficient (C2)
C2

References

References available upon request.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Marketing Manager - DAR Engineering (Alfanar Group)
04.2022 - 06.2023
Head- Marketing Communications - Turner
04.2019 - 03.2022
AGM-Corporate Communications - House of Hiranandani
01.2015 - 04.2019
Corporate Communications Manager - Rustomjee
02.2013 - 12.2014
Stock Market Correspondent - CNBC TV-18
10.2011 - 05.2012
Stock Market Correspondent - The Economic Times
10.2009 - 10.2011
Finance Executive- Global Market Operations - ABN-AMRO Bank
08.2006 - 06.2008
Times School of Journalism - Masters in Journalism,
Mumbai University - Bachelor in Commerce (Accounting & Finance),
Harish Rao