Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Issam Fawaz

Milton Keynes

Summary

Marketing, analytics, and data communication specialist with over 12 years of experience across academia, digital marketing, and NGO leadership, currently finalizing a PhD in Marketing at The Open University. My research bridges behavioural theory with data-driven advertising, with a focus on consumer trust, green marketing, and spokesperson effectiveness. I have designed and executed multiple experiments using advanced analytics and behavioural insight models. In parallel, I’ve led cross-platform communication strategies and large-scale digital campaigns for global initiatives, achieving measurable audience growth and engagement. My teaching experience includes undergraduate marketing modules and curriculum development, and I am passionate about integrating analytics, strategic storytelling, and digital innovation into pedagogical practice. Adept at cross-functional collaboration, I bring a rare blend of academic rigor, data expertise, and real-world marketing acumen.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

President & Founder

I Believe in Science Foundation
01.2016 - Current
  • Established a prominent science communication platform with over 8 million followers through multilingual content and behavioral segmentation.
  • Developed and evaluated campaign messaging strategies to maximize public engagement.
  • Conducted qualitative and quantitative consumer insights analysis to inform campaign direction and assess perception changes.
  • Led a volunteer team of 250 across 12 countries, promoting a high-trust and high-performance remote culture.

Associate Lecturer

The Open University
04.2024 - 09.2024
  • Delivered undergraduate lectures in Marketing (B328 module) through synchronous and asynchronous formats.
  • Provided constructive feedback on assignments and assessments to enhance student learning.
  • Contributed to module production and curriculum planning, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
  • Organized faculty colloquium in 2024, promoting academic exchange and collaboration among peers.

Data Analysis and Communication Manager

Ideas Beyond Borders (Bayt Al Hikma 2.0 Project)
New York (Remote)
09.2019 - 01.2023
  • Transformed Bayt Al Hikma 2.0 into flagship initiative, enhancing digital engagement with data-driven strategies.
  • Developed comprehensive communication strategies to elevate public awareness of mission and services.
  • Created engaging content for newsletters, blogs, and press releases to strengthen outreach efforts.
  • Analyzed campaign performance metrics to refine audience targeting in multilingual markets.
  • Facilitated training sessions on effective communication techniques to enhance internal capabilities.
  • Translated complex data into accessible reports to drive donor engagement and stakeholder support.
  • Coordinated with product and data science teams to ensure content relevance based on user behavior.
  • Managed crisis communications, preserving brand integrity during sensitive projects in conflict zones.
  • Produced monthly analytics reports detailing progress towards goals set by departmental leadership.
  • Conducted detailed market research to identify trends and insights for campaign optimization.
  • Gathered insights into consumer behavior and preferences using analytics tools and used this information for targeted marketing efforts.

Marketing Mentor & Entrepreneurship Coach

North Lebanon Economic, North LEDA
01.2018 - 12.2022
  • Provided strategic mentoring on marketing and governance for start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs
  • Conducted training sessions on business model development and market research techniques.
  • Organized networking events to connect mentees with industry professionals.
  • Conducted regular one-on-one meetings with each mentee to discuss challenges, successes and goals.

Teaching Assistant

Arab Open University
02.2021 - 02.2022
  • Delivered engaging Business courses through lectures and tutorials, both in-person and online.
  • Co-supervised undergraduate research and dissertation projects to ensure academic rigor.
  • Provided coaching on dissertation presentations and defense techniques for improved student outcomes.
  • Evaluated assignments and assessments, delivering constructive feedback to enhance learning.

Sales and Marketing Manager

Samad for Touristic and Hospitality Investment
10.2017 - 04.2021
  • For the travel and cargo company called Samad for Travel and Tourism, which equipped me with a wide knowledge of IATA regulations.
  • Led customer acquisition campaigns and oversaw the social media and digital presence for the four companies under Samad for Touristic and Hospitality Investment, which included the travel and tourism company, a boutique hotel, and two fine dining outlets.
  • Designed and implemented marketing and consumer behavior research studies to inform strategy, including in-house data collection on customer preferences, booking patterns, and service satisfaction.
  • Contributed immensely to the transformation of the company into one of the top tourism and hospitality companies in Lebanon and the Middle East.

Country Manager

World Tourist
01.2013 - 01.2017
  • Restructured operations across four cities, increasing monthly revenue from under $100K to $1.6M.
  • Negotiated contracts and launched new departments, enhancing operational capabilities, and expanding service offerings.
  • Integrated client feedback and booking behavior analytics into product refinement and market strategy.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to streamline operations and improve service delivery.

Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager

Samad for Touristic, Hospitality Investment
01.2011 - 09.2013
  • Executed promotional campaigns for restaurant and travel operations, enhancing brand visibility.
  • Coordinated development of brand materials to support marketing initiatives.
  • Contributed to customer service team to improve client satisfaction and engagement.

Sales and Marketing Officer

Samad for Touristic and Hospitality, Investment
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Supported the marketing department with market research, campaign execution, and customer engagement planning across hospitality services

Education

PhD - Marketing

The Open University
UK
01.2025

MBA - Management

The Open University (via Arab Open University)
Lebanon
07-2022

BBA - Business With Economics

Arab Open University
Lebanon
07-2011

Skills

  • Consumer insight and research
  • Experimental design and analysis
  • Marketing strategy and analytics
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Stakeholder management
  • Curriculum design and delivery
  • Project management
  • Team leadership
  • Data analysis
  • Profit optimization
  • Decision-making skills
  • Remote team management
  • Budget oversight
  • Change management
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Sales and marketing

Languages

Arabic
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
French
Advanced (C1)
C1

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Associate Lecturer

The Open University
04.2024 - 09.2024

Teaching Assistant

Arab Open University
02.2021 - 02.2022

Data Analysis and Communication Manager

Ideas Beyond Borders (Bayt Al Hikma 2.0 Project)
09.2019 - 01.2023

Marketing Mentor & Entrepreneurship Coach

North Lebanon Economic, North LEDA
01.2018 - 12.2022

Sales and Marketing Manager

Samad for Touristic and Hospitality Investment
10.2017 - 04.2021

President & Founder

I Believe in Science Foundation
01.2016 - Current

Country Manager

World Tourist
01.2013 - 01.2017

Assistant Sales and Marketing Manager

Samad for Touristic, Hospitality Investment
01.2011 - 09.2013

Sales and Marketing Officer

Samad for Touristic and Hospitality, Investment
01.2010 - 01.2011

PhD - Marketing

The Open University

MBA - Management

The Open University (via Arab Open University)

BBA - Business With Economics

Arab Open University
Issam Fawaz