Today’s corporate environment is fast-paced and constantly changing, making the work of a marketing director even more crucial. A marketing director is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning of a company’s brand identity and market presence, involving the analysis of customer behavior, technical developments, and competitive dynamics. Mahmoud Mirza is a Marketing Director at MUVI CINEMAS.
Mahmoud’s journey began with his continuous passion about work and its environment, to the extent that he decided to work part-time in the banking industry during his highschool years. This ignited in him a joy in engaging with customers and coworkers, understanding the business and work environment, which helped shape his personality. When Mahmoud applied for a bachelor’s degree, he felt that Marketing would be the most suitable due to his character and personality. From there, his journey in the marketing field began, leading him through many learnings and practices that have helped him become the person he is today.
This article explores the path of a marketing director who fosters innovation and growth in addition to providing visionary leadership. This article will also examine the abilities, perspectives, and experiences that characterize a successful marketing director and how their leadership may change a brand’s place in the market, from directing fruitful campaigns to establishing strategic direction.
What are the main factors that guided you to where you are now?
Apart from the self-development I do to myself, I was lucky enough to have great support and guidance from most of my superiors who I have learnt a lot from directly and indirectly. In addition to that, the determination and commitment I was offering to the place I worked in, such as abiding by my obligations and commitments to what I have promised to deliver. I also felt obliged not to consider any other opportunities before fulfilling what I have come for first.
Given your years of experience and accomplishments, what would you say was your biggest achievement?
I’m grateful, thankful, and satisfied about all the achievements I have had in my entire career, be it on the personal level, team level or company level. I admit that none of the achievements are to be made without a great team. Yet, the reputation I left behind me in every organization or place I worked for is my biggest achievement in my opinion.
What is the quote that inspires you the most?
A quote from Prophet Mohammed translates to “Allah loves those who when they work, they master it”.
What personality traits contributed to you being a successful Marketing Director ?
I do not think there is a unified formula for a successful marketing employee. Indeed, some competences are required to help having a successful career in this domain. As I have been told, I’m a social person who always finds ways to break the ice in no time, a spokesperson, a dynamic and a spontaneous person too. When it comes to creativity it’s something relative, and people within marketing need to have their eyes always open as everything around us is helping us to expand our thoughts and always gain knowledge that shall help in creativity and thought process.
What metrics do you prioritize when evaluating the success of a marketing campaign? Why?
There is no direct answer to this question. It always depends on the objectives of the campaign and what is to be gained from it. It could be linked with sales, satisfaction, awareness, lead generating…etc. Everyday the tools are evolving and there are always new tools being launched. Using the latest tools help optimize marketing budgets towards certain objectives, especially digital marketing that has proven itself effective in the past years. Yet, traditional marketing channels will always exist.
In light of your journey and experiences, what message would you like to convey to aspiring entrepreneurs?
It’s not something new to be said, but I shall confirm that failure and obstacles are part of the success process.
What is your personal team leadership philosophy, and how does it shape the approach and methodologies used by MUVI CINEMAS ?
Without trust and speed, it will be difficult to go anywhere. As well, being transparent and realizing that people come from different backgrounds and have different personalities, so a leader needs to adapt instead of asking an entire team to adapt to himself. It is important to always empower people and make them feel accountable. As a leader it is always better for others to clap for your team instead of yourself, as the team’s success is the leader’s success.
What is the most valuable lesson learned from your professional journey ?
There are a million ways of doing things right and wrong. There is never one way, so listen to others and be open to all ideas. Never look for appreciation and always seek recognition.
Tell us more about what distinguishes MUVI CINEMAS from others providing similar services?
We are the only Saudi brand in the market. We capture the imagination of the nation. Being a Saudi company helps us understand the culture more, and provide them with the experience they aimed for when choosing to go to a cinema theater. Our customers experience a journey and all touchpoints designed to give our customers a hassle-free experience that meets their expectations along with the food catering etc. MUVI CINEMAS today is the market leader by far and I’m proud to be part of this success.
Where do you see the future of marketing heading in the next 3-5 years, and how do you plan to adapt to those changes?
Marketing has been and always will be an essential factor of success in any organization. year after year new tools, mediums and trends are being explored. Every marketing professional needs to adapt always and show flexibility. Nowadays we start seeing marketing AI tools penetrating the market and this will help marketeers to further optimize their budgets and get the best out of their practices.
