PORTFOLIO
PREEMA YOHANNAN
Marketing Professional
http://ae.linkedin.com/in/preemayohannan
Dubai, UAE
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Integrated Marketing - ATL / TTL / BTL
• B2B, B2C & B2G Marketing
• Marketing Communications / Collateral Development
• Media Planning & Management
• Event Planning & Management / Product & New Market Launches
• Corporate Brand Development
• Customer Service & Sales Administration
• Training & Development
• Contract Negotiation & Budgeting
• Building Strategic Alliance, New Business Development & Marketing Strategies
CAREER SYNOPSIS
• Total 6 years of marketing experience in UAE with
- 3 years in Surface Preparation & Coating Technology Supply & Services and Steel
- 2 years in Hotel/ Wellness/ Travel
- 3 years in Solar industry
• Experience in B2B, B2C, B2G marketing engagement
• Launched projects: new product, brand, start-ups or expansion of business units in new markets, re-branding, business alliances, CSR/CER programs
• Managed corporate / marketing communication strategy of brands: Not limited to concept and content development for e-marketing, website, social media and point of sale materials; but also for indoor and outdoor advertisements, scripts for TV & Radio ads, press release, print media, and corporate emails/contracts/agreements
• Worked with media houses and PR agencies in local and international markets. Negotiated media buys
• Managed overseas principals and business partners. Also catered to the government, corporate & general clients
• Managed marketing budgets of AED 0.1 - 0.25 million
• Managed creative team & visual merchandisers to finalize campaign designs
• Managed teams of more than 3 people
PROVEN JOB ROLES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
About 3 years with PANSUN GROUP (www.pansun-group.com): A leading regional conglomerate ventured into sectors ranging from Industrial Supplies Trading & Manufacturing, Engineering & Fabrication, Health Care and Hospitality - with 13 entities operational across GCC and India.
MARKETING MANAGER
January 2014 - October 2016 (2 years 10 months)
ROLE
* Report to the Chief Operating Officer for marketing operations; also to the Managing Director and Executive Director - for key assignments of Pansun Group as a whole and for individual entities * Manage the marketing team and direct the creative designer
KEY DELIVERABLES
• Formulate marketing activities to promote products and services of each division.
• Evaluate sales, then identify and develop a marketing strategy based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost & markup factors.
• Spearhead and host business launches and handle PR & media for the same. Also, organize annual and occasional inter-office staff gathering.
• Develop concept and content for all mediums of marketing: e-catalog, the point of sale materials, website, digital marketing campaigns, press release, social media pages, audio scripts (for TV & radio advertisements), visual presentations, indoor & outdoor advertisements.
• Increase client base and get new business leads through search engines, online advertising, and e-marketing.
• Direct contact with the suppliers for all product details and the purpose of effective marketing.
• Develop agreements and contracts for prospect associations, and maintain correspondence with potential clients.
• Update and monitor Online Travel Portals (OTPs) for the Resorts and Hotels division.
• Liaise with senior managers and coordinators of each division to devise periodical marketing programs and to extract the latest information to update marketing channels.
• Conduct and coordinate photo and video shoot for digital and media advertising.
• Provide orientation, train and evaluate the performance of marketing staff (in hospitality and trading division) and oversee their daily activities.
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS & MILESTONE
• Recognized and awarded twice by the management with "Certificate of Excellence'' in June 2015 and "Certificate of Appreciation'' in October 2016 for dedicated efforts.
• Organized and hosted the inauguration of Pansun Group's Luxury Hospitality Chain on 29 January 2015, by honorable Shri. Oommen Chandy, Former Chief Minister of Kerala at Wetzlar Resorts & Hotels, Kerala – India
• Re-positioned the brand image of each company in their respective market and industry, gaining a larger market value with corporate identity.
• Introduced and facilitated the sales and marketing process via Online Tools.
• Introduced New Product Developments and Marketing Strategies for Industrial Supplies and Hotel division that contributed to increasing inquiries from untapped markets.
• Encapsulated all communications under standard marketing guidelines uniquely created for each division.
• Furthermore, assumed responsibility for the website and server management.
• Also extended administrative support to management in restructuring the organization at various junctures.
3 years with PTL SOLAR FZ LLC (www.ptlsolar.com): A multi-award winning solar business group listed in Top 100 Dubai SME at rank 11 with operations across Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
ASSISTANT MANAGER – MARKETING
June 2012 - November 2013 (1 year 6 months)
ROLE
* Report to the Managing Director for marketing operations of S. Asia market and assist the Marketing Manager for the Middle East & Africa * Responsible for Solar Programs & Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) Initiatives * Guide the Graphic Designer
KEY DELIVERABLES
• Develop programs and proposals for the MD & Senior Executives; also conduct product or industry specific presentations to potential clients for ad-hoc projects.
• Plan and organize the launch of new product or business channel and while expanding to a new region in UAE & India. Also monitor the development of promotional items, marketing activities, and publications to promote the program's / outlet's services and products - including visual merchandising and product display, design and supply of marketing collaterals, outdoor advertisement, as well as solicit media opportunities.
• Arrange and promote selective product range by representing at lucrative local trade shows, industry-related conferences, and
• international exhibitions
• Develop and control strategic alliance with government, private and other business associations across UAE, utilizing stellar
• communication & negotiation skills.
• Improve turn-around times by providing suggestions to the management team; devising marketing strategies to maintain business
• volume and client base.
• Formulate strategic plans, research, and analysis for each region; further measure and report on any issues, opportunity and
• development plan.
• Generate business inquiries through regular communication - promotion campaigns & value deals and active customer
• participation through client feedback; also sending newsletters & email blasts on product launch and festive greetings
• Work closely with the PR and Media Agencies to provide functional support at negotiated rates and also monitor their works.
• Liaise with key industry players and business associates for association in large scale events.
• Develop training manuals for sales, new recruits; and educational programs for clients.
• Manage departmental expenses and develop marketing programs within agreed budgets.
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS & MILESTONE
• Introduced and initiated the launch of an Open House Program `SOLARNIVAL' in June 2013
• Instrumental in designing extensive promotional messages & campaigns in TV & RADIO channels across GCC and generating 1000+ inquiries in Q1, 2013.
• Certificate of Appreciation received in August 2012 for significant contributions to the department.
• Inauguration and launch of `The one stop solar energy mart' propaganda - a franchise business program in Q3, 2012.
• Facilitated the successful launch of PTL Solar's India regional office in Kerala in Aug 2012.
• Commended on designing creative and contemporary logo designs for re-launching existing product range in the Indian market.
SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR
April 2011 - June 2012 (1 year 2 months)
ROLE
* Handled office activities of the Marketing Manager (Oct 2011-May 2012) and the Office Admin (June-Oct 2011) on their absence and worked closely with the MD for implementation of various marketing plans and activities aimed at improving the business of the company * Direct the Graphics Designer
KEY DELIVERABLES
• Work together with the management and plan activities for the financial year.
• Submit periodical reports on marketing and customer service operations along with action plan for the following term.
• Communicate with sales on new arrivals and share necessary tools and updates that support their sales process.
• Improve product visibility at retail outlets.
• Assist senior executives and technical team in writing reports, analyzing data and proofreading marketing materials.
• Compile product capability booklets (also assemble proposals, slide shows, and demo) with competitor analysis to support sales presentations.
• Record press releases and ad copy, also maintain marketing library by checking and replenishing inventory.
• Coordinate with the designer and ensure availability of technical datasheets, catalog, and illustrations for all products dealt by the company
• Monitor, revise and regularly update marketing channels and all marketing collaterals offered to the distribution network.
• Maintain schedules, deadlines, appointments and follow up from time to time on all activities handled by the marketing department.
• Telesales marketing and record client
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS & MILESTONE
• Formulated the flagship launch and marketing initiatives of `PTL SOLAR ACADEMY' (first renewable energy training institute in the region) in Feb 2012; with an overwhelming response for enrolment from across varied industries.
• Conducted the timely launch (in Dubai) of a retail wing in Deira by the Green Sheikh in Oct 2011 and inauguration of another prospective outlet in Sabkha in
• Feb 2012.
• Appreciated with `Employee of the Month' certificate in January 2012 for significant contributions to the department.
• Spearheaded the CER initiative `SOLAR FOR SCHOOLS' program by targeting schools in UAE on World Environment Day 2011 which drew the participation of 30 students at PTL corporate office premises, educating them on renewable energy and engaging them in an art competition and planting ceremony.
• Highlighted the need of MIS in tracking CRM, sales force performance and evaluating the marketing programs; which led to developing online customer service.
• Instrumental in securing new distribution channels to the scope of business in expanding the retail supply chain across UAE.
EXECUTIVE - SALES ADMINISTRATION
October 2010 - April 2011 (5 months)
ROLE
* Reporting to the Managing Director and working under the guidance of Sales Manager.
KEY DELIVERABLES
• Follow-up sales team, chasing sales quotes and produce reports to the MD.
• Generate and expand prospect client database from new and untapped markets and industry.
• Listing the company and its operations on online business directories.
• Cross-selling by maintaining a thorough knowledge of products, services and other company offerings including their rates, specifications and how they can be useful to the buying public.
• Remain the first point of contact for walk-in/ email/ phone-in customers and assist with inquiries, orders, complaints or after-sales service. Further route prospects to regional sales agents.
• Support Sales Team by scheduling appointments, organize meetings and other assigned duties.
• Prepare sales documentation for/on behalf of the sales representative in their absence and for urgent inquiries.
SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS
• Improved visual display and indoor advertising at all operating units.
• Extended quality customer service to heighten the sales opportunity of each business contact. Provided close, personal client attention and tenacious follow-up to ensure best services.
• Initiated and conducted occasional inter-office programs (games and recreational activities, inspiring business presentations, festivities celebration), so an amicable environment is created and work atmosphere is re-energized.
• TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
• Attended private seminar on `Marketing Warfare' & `Positioning Has Gone Global' by the Legendary Marketing Strategist & Guru Mr. Jack Trout at an event hosted by TECOM Media Cluster on 31 October 2013,
• Attended Thought Incubator session on `Managing Online Reputation in Media' by Mr. Husam Jandal, Digital Marketing Consultant at WSI Academy and a member of the Web Analytics Association; organized by Dubai Media City on 26 May 2011.
• Taken up Value Added Courses on `Organization Structure, Planning and Development', `Data Analysis for Management Research', and `Managing Knowledge Workers' from Kristu Jayanti College of Management - each during 2nd, 3rd & 4th Semester.
• Certified 1a course in the French language from Alliance Francaise, Bangalore. Further learning it 3 years as 2nd language during B.Com.
ACADEMY
QUALIFICATION
• MBA - Marketing & Human Resource, Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore City – India, 2010
• Bachelor of Commerce - Accounts (Hons.), Mount Carmel (Autonomous) College, Bangalore City – India, 2008
• High School – SSLC, Stella Maris School, Bangalore City – India, 2003
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
• Converted 48 candidates (Declined-to-Start and Reneges) as employees at Accenture Services Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore in the 6 weeks Live-Project Internship Program on - the analytical study of the Candidate Experience during the Recruitment Process at Accenture BPO.
• Secured 4-time accolades in HR & CSR Competitions by representing the MBA team at Inter-Collegiate Fests in South India.
• Head the operations as Core team member for the National Level Intra-Collegiate Management Fest - TALENTO' 09 at Kristu Jayanti College.
• Voluntarily participated as Editor and Core team member of the MBA Department Newsletter `THE CREST' during the 2nd Semester.
• Recognized as `Outstanding Christian Student' for the Academic Year 2006-07 at Mount Carmel College.
• Lead the Christian Students Association at Mount Carmel College and organized several interactive programs & events as Coordinator. The huge milestone was the flagship Inter-Collegiate Christian Cultural Fest successfully conducted in 2006-07 & 2007-08.
• Won several group events - contemporary dance, folk dance, street play, and choir while participating in Inter and Intra-Collegiate cultural events.
COMPUTER, IT & DESIGN SKILLS
• Competent in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Ability to create visual content.
• Expert on E-marketing tools and platforms
• Savvy in the use of social media tools such as LinkedIn and Facebook
• Competent in using the Internet, Cloud Computing, and E-mail systems
• Knowledge of graphic design programs (Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and print media operations
• Proficiency in Website back office management and Email server
ABILITIES & STRENGTHS
• Adept at managing gamut of tasks keeping in view the interest of the team and the organization
• Ability to communicate and interact with overseas and multicultural staff, media contacts, corporate clients and customers at all levels
• An active listener with strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work with cross-functional team
• Passionate to work under own initiative and without supervision
• Proven team leader with flexible, highly organized and detail oriented attitude
• Strategic thinker with good administration skills
• Efficient planner & organizer
• Keen client needs assessment aptitude with customer-centric approach
• Good telephone etiquette
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
• Ambitious, proactive individual with entrepreneurial personality, eager to make a difference
• Strong sense of initiative and a `can do' attitude
• Self-motivated even by challenges
• Responsible, reliable, diligent with an uncompromising work- ethic committed to excellence and success for tasks undertaken
• Enthusiastic, Resourceful & Talented
• High flexibility& adaptability
PERSONAL PROFILE
• DOB : 13 Sept. 1987
• Gender : Female
• Civil Status : Married
• Citizenship : Indian
• Religion : Christianity
• Languages : English, French, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil