Head of Marketing and Communications, Paul Mampilli

Name: Paul Mampilli
Age: 45
From: India
Current job title: Head of Marketing and Communications, Noor Bank

When did you arrive in the UAE?
I left Singapore for Dubai in January 2009.

Where did you work prior to joining Noor Bank?
I was previously General Manager (MEA) at Resultrix – A Publicis Company, and prior to that was Head of Marketing, PR & Communications (MEA) for Mastercard Worldwide. I’ve also worked with Zenith, Visa, BBDO and TBWA.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
When I first moved here, I compared the region to South East Asia (SEA) and the rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC), and because of this I felt this region had a lot of catching up to do.

Have these impressions changed much?
The industry has transformed a lot in the last two years. I experience a lot of sophistication coming into the industry and this is primarily being driven by the digital space. A lot of talent has moved into this market and that has also resulted in local talent being up-scaled.

Tell us about your new position as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications…
Noor Bank has rebranded itself and is on an exciting path to grow itself. The senior management and employees within the organisation are very switched on and this makes it an immensely satisfying place to work. Given we are a fairly young bank, there is a lot of appetite to try out new things which you would not find in larger organisations. I am looking forward to bring several digital practices to the fore as part of our efforts.

What challenges do you face?
Ensuring that the philosophy of the brand “Noor gets it done” is consistently delivered through every single consumer activity and touch point of Noor Bank.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Every time I am able to impact a change in the way we plan and implement our philosophy across the bank in the way it reaches its consumers.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far?
The planning and engagement of digital marketing practices.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I think they are fairly good compared to Asia, but need more than the regular sales push.  As the Middle East is a highly connected region, more efforts to bring in sophistication on the digital front would do well.

What sets you apart from other marketing professionals?
I took the decision to dive into the digital agency space two years ago to learn about what makes it tick. Now back on the client’s side, it would be fair to say that I would probably be one of the few professionals who bring with them an in-depth knowledge of digital marketing, advertising, media and marketing practices.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Both.

What’s your most overused saying?
Plan and persevere to succeed.

Five things you can’t live without?
Aside from my family, my iPhone 5s, iPad Air, Mac Book Pro, Nexus 5 and Garmin Fenix 2 devices.

If you weren’t in marketing and communications, what would you be?
A running coach. I coach around 40 kids and adults as a hobby and it’s my way of giving back to society. Running is a passion.