PR Account Director, Eva Glele

Name: Eva Glele

Age: 42

From: Born in Benin, raised in France, bred & defined by many cultural influences

Current job title: Account Director, Active PR

When did you arrive in the UAE?
I landed in the UAE September 2013.

Where did you work prior?
In incomparably cosmopolitan and vibrant London for three years as in-house PR Manager EMEA for Regus, the world’s largest provider in flexible working spaces.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
Great quality, especially in the fields of business, technology and lifestyle, where I’ve had the opportunity to directly collaborate with over the years. There is incredible growth potential in the region and a bunch of very talented and hard-working media professionals.

Have these impressions changed much?
Not really, they have only been strengthened.

Tell us about your new role…
My role is to oversee all of the agency accounts, provide strategic counselling to add value to our clients and help them achieve their business goals. I support the team as/when needed, as well as ensure we deliver on time and to agency standards. Another key part of my role is to help achieve our growth ambitions – which are huge and already paying-off. 

What challenges do you face?
All the normal challenges that are inherent to a fast-paced role in a fast-paced agency with a strong commitment to delivery.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I love when I see things fall into place.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far?
Having scored 10 new business wins as a team since the beginning of the year, diversifying our clients portfolio which means exploring new territories and industries we are excited about, and finding ourselves in the privileged position to choose who we want to work with. That is truly exciting!

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I find the media publications in the spaces we have traditionally worked with of great quality. Reaching the same quality and influence online will be the next focus in the region, I believe. 

What sets you apart from other PRs?
It is a bit difficult to answer this question without sounding presumptuous, as I cannot presume of the skillset of other PRs. I can only comment on what has proven to be my strengths over the years:

My credible international PR experience has allowed me to think strategically in a wide range of cultural settings, and effectively communicate across the boundaries – which was always my ambition when I started to work in PR. Versatility, gained through a mixed in-house/agency background and experience across industries ranging from luxury retail to B2B technology in Paris, London, Senegal, Tokyo and Mexico (I often say that I see myself as a true PR chameleon). A hands-on approach – blue chip company or SME, I was lucky to always be part of small, hard-working and result-driven teams, hence I’m not afraid of rolling-up my sleeves and working in the trenches if need be.

Finally, I would say that my good spirits have also always seemed to set me apart somehow. I am genuinely a happy person and I’m glad I have found in the Active team, kindred spirits who share and value the same qualities.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Either: My landline is always transferred to my cell phone.

What’s your most overused saying?
“Well done!” Does that actually qualify as a saying?

Five things you can’t live without?
Do you mean apart from the obvious: freedom, peace, respect, love, food, water, oxygen, natural light and sleep (not cheating at all)? I’d say my family, music, (paper) books, laughs and inspiration.

If you weren’t a PR, what would you be?
Most probably a kung-Fu master, a Gonzo writer, a language or art teacher, a humanitarian or a music festivals promoter.