Marketing Director / Managing Editor, Roshin Rahman

Name: Roshin Rahman
Age: 28
From: India
Current Job Title: Marketing Director / Managing Editor, Signé magazine

When did you first arrive in Dubai?
I arrived a year ago, but I was a regular traveller to Dubai.

Where did you work prior?
I used to work for the Italian division of WGSN, a leading trend forecasting company in the fashion, design and luxury industry. I was handling a few names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Larusmiani, Pininfarina etc…

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
The Middle East is a fast growing market and the level of enthusiasm and dynamism in the media industry is fascinating. Speaking of the luxury media industry in particular, the growth is immense, with the luxury aficionados growing day-by-day in the Middle East. An important fact is that unlike other markets the flexibility for doing business in the Middle East provided by the government is really visionary. Moreover I believe the Middle East has become the ‘centre of trade’, thanks to far-sighted leaders and geographical positioning.

How has your opinion changed after the last few years?
As I’ve mentioned, I had always been traveling to Dubai and kept this market under my close watch in terms of luxury media. Compared with the last couple of years, I believe the market is now ready for the next level of luxury or ‘luxury unplugged’ and this is what Signé magazine stands for.

Tell us about your role…
Being the Co-Founder of Signé magazine and specialising in luxury marketing, I manage multiple roles in the organisation. Signé is a curated magazine, so our teamwork is what reflects as a quality magazine. It is very important that each topic and image going into the magazine is up to the quality of our readers. But yes, my main role is divided as Marketing Director and Managing Editor.

What challenges do you face?
I believe challenges are a way to make you stronger, so I prefer not to whine about it.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
It may be a cliché, but I love what I do so I guess that’s the best reward.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I feel there are quality publications in terms of editorial and print, but there is always room for improvement. 

How do you find PRs in the region?
Dynamic, active and friendly.

What’s your pet PR peeve?
E-mail spam.

What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage in your magazine?
Make sure that you understand what Signé magazine stands for, and propose only content that fits our philosophy.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Mobile.

Describe yourself in five words…
Simplicity, quality of life, good food, family, a Signé man

What’s your most overused saying?
“Discretion is the new elegance.” 

Five things you can’t live without?
Family, music, books, breakfast and Signé magazine

If you weren’t a Marketing Director / Managing Editor, what would you be?
I like farming, so…!