
Nour Essam
Verified Expert in Marketing
Marketing Expert
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Toptal member since November 19, 2024
Nour is a marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in D2C, B2C, and B2B marketing across the MENA region, including work with leading brands and Y Combinator-backed startups. With expertise across technology, eCommerce, food and beverage, logistics, and fashion, she specializes in growth strategies, product launches, and campaign management. Nour is skilled in brand building, data-driven marketing, and team leadership, delivering impactful results that enhance brand presence.
Project Highlights
Expertise
- Ads
- B2B Marketing
- B2C Marketing
- Branding
- Growth
- Market Research & Analysis
- Project Management
- Team Management
Work Experience
Co-founder & CMO
OxtonGrid
- Co-founded and built the OxtonGrid brand from the ground up, including naming, brand identity, voice, and positioning. Established the company as a digital transformation partner focused on SMEs and mid-market businesses across the MENA region.
- Designed and developed OxtonGrid’s official website using the Odoo platform, ensuring optimal SEO, performance, and mobile responsiveness. Structured the content for service clarity, lead capture, and future scalability.
- Launched a high-performing content strategy across LinkedIn and the company blog to position OxtonGrid as a trusted advisor in digital transformation.
- Created and rolled out a lead generator/referral partner model with commission structure, designed to extend reach without increasing fixed costs.
- Designed and executed the GTM strategy targeting B2B decision-makers in tech-savvy and growth-stage companies. Developed sector-specific messaging for SaaS, retail, and logistics verticals.
- Created the social media strategy and execution for OxtonGrid on social media.
Paid Ads & CRO Expert
Deniz Moda IQ
- Increases the number of sales compared to the past 6 months.
- Worked on 3 ads with the lowest cost per result compared to the past year.
- Developed a content guide for the content team to be used to create high-performing ads.
Website and Social Media Manager
Kairosa Design LLC
- Revamped the brand of Kairosa design and created a new brand book.
- Worked on tech stack audit for the old website and suggestions for improvement.
- Created a growth strategy for the brand on social media.
Marketing Expert
Alyahya Group
- Revamped WordPress website by creating new content and a new design in both English and Arabic.
- Created social media content for Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
- Created sales enablement material to be used by the sales team.
Product Marketing Manager
The Zerene L.L.C-FZ
- Led the go-to-market strategy for Zerene’s luxury aromatherapy line in KSA, establishing brand positioning that blended French perfumery with Thai wellness traditions.
- Created product marketing frameworks, including packaging concepts, messaging, and tone of voice guidelines that reflected luxury positioning while remaining culturally aligned with the Saudi market.
- Directed cross-functional collaboration between product design, branding, and sales to ensure marketing campaigns aligned with both retail and B2B revenue objectives.
- Produced localized marketing collateral in English and Arabic, enhancing resonance with both Saudi luxury consumers and corporate procurement teams.
Product Marketing Lead
Fotopia
- Planned and executed the marketing launch strategy for Fotopia's latest AI product, Fotoverifai.
- Executed all aspects of the product launch for the most recent sub-product of Fotopia, Fotoverifai, including the physical launch at AI Everything in Dubai.
- Gathered feedback from customers, partners, and field teams to inform product development and marketing content.
- Collaborated with designers, copywriters, and performance marketers to build content that drives demand, including case studies, blog posts, videos, and white papers.
- Created pitch decks, one-pagers, battle cards, and training materials to empower the sales and partnership teams.
Shopify Developer
Hope Flower Farm Winery LLC
- Built a wholesale customized solution on Shopify, including a dedicated wholesale collection along with a wholesale sign-up form.
- Revamped storefront menu items for clearer navigation and better conversion.
- Created a dedicated wholesale collection along with a wholesale sign-up form.
- Introduced and added SKU codes to all +2000 products for better tracking.
- Cleaned up inventory by moving out-of-stock items to draft status.
- Removed unnecessary apps to improve site performance and back-end efficiency.
Growth Marketing Manager
OneCommerce
- Secured contracts with five major retailers and generated a 35% increase in annual B2B revenue by developing and executing a comprehensive account-based marketing strategy targeting high-value fashion retail clients.
- Improved client satisfaction and retention rates after spearheading the launch of an online wholesale portal that streamlined client orders and reduced order processing time by 40%.
- Achieved a significant increase in annual revenue after submitting tailored tenders and successfully securing three major supply contracts with prominent NGOs, including the United Nations.
Brand Manager
Shemsi
- Drove 11x sales growth by managing multichannel marketing campaigns, including social media, influencer partnerships, and PR events.
- Spearheaded and executed many marketing campaigns that resulted in thousands of orders and increased revenue.
- Increased Instagram followers from 38,000 to 100,000 and Facebook followers from 13,000 to 50,000. Reached 10,000 shares and 250,000 likes on Facebook, 4 million views on TikTok, and 4,000 followers on LinkedIn.
Marketing Manager
Taager
- Achieved 120% of merchant acquisition signup goals, driving significant growth in Taager's merchant base through innovative campaigns and outreach strategies.
- Created and launched the Jawda after-sales services brand, developing its identity and marketing strategy to achieve a 96% merchant retention rate and a 9.5 merchant net promoter score.
- Directed a white-label fashion brand's creation and soft launch, crafting its branding and marketing strategy to expand market reach and customer engagement.
Marketing Lead | Founding Member
Flextock
- Launched Flextock's marketing strategy from scratch, establishing it as a trusted fulfillment solutions partner in the region.
- Ran a successful lead generation campaign that achieved 1,000+ signups—onboarding 150+ merchants and driving substantial growth.
- Positioned Flextock as a thought leader in the logistics and eCommerce sectors through strategic content marketing and digital campaigns.
Project Manager
Bites
- Planned and launched the catering and business meal project from scratch—acquiring 80+ corporate clients and delivering 300+ successful events and orders—achieving a total gross merchandise value of EGP 5+ million.
- Collaborated with the technical team to develop and integrate the catering product in the app, streamlining the customer journey and enhancing order efficiency.
- Designed and executed targeted marketing strategies, driving client acquisition and retention and positioning Bites as a top player in the corporate catering market.
Country Organization Development Manager
AIESEC
- Developed and implemented training programs for 2,000+ members, focusing on leadership, communication, and project management skills, significantly improving team performance and engagement.
- Coached nine local chapters in developing their annual strategic plans, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and enhancing the impact of their programs.
- Restructured internal processes to enhance operational efficiency, resulting in a 20% improvement in team productivity and faster execution of strategic initiatives.
Project History
Shemsi Brand Launch and Growth
https://www.nouressam.com/shemsi-mena/Designed and executed multiple successful online and offline marketing activities for Shemsi.
Shemsi is the leading period underwear brand in the Middle East and North Africa. More than selling products, they empower women to break the taboo about periods. I planned and led the brand for two years, executing many successful ideas.
Jawda Brand Creation
https://www.jawdaonline.com/Created the brand and planned the customer journey and operational funnel to give Taager's end users the most seamless experience.
Jawda is a subsidiary brand of Taager for end-customer after-sales services. It serves 5,000 to 10,000 customers daily and gives them a seamless experience for exchanges, returns, and product inquiries.
Shemsi Digital Marketing Campaigns
https://www.nouressam.com/successful-marketing-campaigns/Planned and executed many successful digital campaigns for Shemsi, leading to thousands of orders.
Shemsi is the leading period underwear brand in the Middle East and North Africa. I managed various multichannel marketing campaigns, including social media, influencer partnerships, and PR events—resulting in 11x sales growth.
Certifications
Odoo Functional Certification - Sample
Odoo
Attract and Engage Customers with Digital Marketing
Google | via Coursera
Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce
Google | via Coursera
Skills
Core
Marketing, Brand Strategy, Influencer Marketing, B2C Marketing, Digital Marketing, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing (SMM), Content, Copywriting, Social Media, Audience Targeting, Content Strategy, Marketing Analytics, Paid Advertising, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), SEO Keyword Research, Marketing Strategy, Brand Marketing, Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Go-to-market (GTM) Strategies, Facebook Marketing, Instagram Marketing, Digital Marketing Strategy, Funnel Marketing, Public Relations (PR), Social Media Management, Content Marketing Strategy, Instagram Growth, Social Media Content, Social Media Campaigns, Organic Social Media, Performance Marketing, Content Creation, Writing & Editing, Marketing Campaigns, Growth Hacking, Social Media Strategy, Marketing Communications (MarCom), Marketing Leadership, Google Ads, Branding, LinkedIn Marketing, Lead Generation, Affiliate Marketing, SEO Marketing, Facebook Ads, TikTok Ads, Social Media Analytics, SEO Content, Product Marketing, Omnichannel Marketing, Experiential Marketing, A/B Testing, Ads, Content Marketing, Market Research & Analysis, Account-based Marketing (ABM), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Google SEO, Community Management, Sales, YouTube Ads, Social Media Advertising, Print Advertising, On-page SEO
Platforms & Tools
Instacart Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, Content Management Systems (CMS), Asana, Klaviyo, TikTok, Instagram Ads, Odoo, X (formerly Twitter) Marketing
Business Models
Business to Consumer (B2C), Business to Business (B2B), Software as a Service (SaaS), Business to Government (B2G), B2B, SaaS Product Marketing, Business Models
Other
Buffer, Shopify, Advertising Copy, Project Management, eCommerce, Customer Journey, Shopify Marketing, Shopify SEO, Product Listings, Growth Marketing, Messaging Development, Social Media Video Marketing, Go-to-market Plans, Lifecycle Marketing, Marketing Plans, Content Writing, Web Content, Fashion, Loyalty Marketing, Loyalty Programs, Brand Positioning, Strategy, Brand Guidelines, eCommerce Marketing, eCommerce Strategy, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Direct to Consumer (D2C), Audits, B2B, Marketing Metrics, Launch Strategy, Instagram, Creative Operations & Leadership, Global Digital Marketing Strategy, Multichannel Content Strategy, eCommerce Platforms & Operations, eCommerce Growth, Audience Segmentation, Zendesk, Coda, Meta Ads, B2B Marketing, B2B Lead Generation, Market Research, Customer Acquisition, Project Planning, Product Launch, Creative Design, App Growth, Growth Strategy, Process Flows, B2B Partnerships, Startup Consulting, Market Fit, Pricing Strategy, Account Management, Sales, Business Development, Business Strategy, Business Development, Event Marketing, Campaign Design, Creative Production, Design, Fashion & Beauty, Influencers, Growth Marketing Product Manager, Real Estate, Real Estate Marketing, Amazon, TikTok Shop, Liquid, Shopify Customizations, Analysis, Reporting, YouTube, Slack, CXP, Events, Public Speaking, Presentations, Growth, Team Management, Blog Posting, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Customer Insights, Brand Books, Mobile UX, Push Notifications, Sales Promotion, Strategic Planning, Organization Strategy, Organizational Development, Conference & Event Production, Advertising, Event Planning, Journey Mapping, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Expansion Strategy, X (formerly Twitter), X (formerly Twitter) Account Management, User-generated Content (UGC), User Experience (UX), Reddit Marketing, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), Data Analytics, Sales Strategy, Luxury Industry, Startups
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