Head of Commercial Events

IMI; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global media group headquartered in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced professional to lead the strategy and delivery of high-impact commercial events. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years' experience in managing large-scale events and demonstrate a strong commercial acumen. This role involves executing an annual events strategy, developing monetizable event IPs, and optimizing performance metrics while working directly with top brands in MENA. This is a unique opportunity to shape brand authority and market positioning through effective event platforms.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in strategic events, sponsorship, or commercial brand activations.
• Proven experience in leading commercially successful large-scale events.
• Deep understanding of sponsorship models and partnership structures.

Responsibilities

• Build and execute an annual commercial events strategy and calendar aligned with brand priorities.
• Conceptualize and deliver flagship forums and leadership summits to attract sponsors.
• Oversee content framing, agenda design, and speaker line-ups aligning with commercial objectives.
• Drive cross-platform amplification through owned media channels.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Event production oversight

Partnership development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field

Job description

IMI is a privately-owned, global media group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with operations across 19 countries. Our portfolio includes renowned media brands such as Sky News Arabia as part of a joint venture with Sky UK, The National, Al-Ain News, CNN Business Arabic, and a minority stake in Euronews.

Additionally, through Redbird IMI, our joint venture with Redbird Capital Partners, we invest in leading media, sports, and entertainment brands worldwide. We bring the world closer by sharing stories that open minds, connect people, and enrich lives, empowering audiences with news, knowledge, and factual entertainment

Role Summary

Lead the strategy, design, and delivery of commercially driven, high-impact events under the umbrella of the group’s media brands — including Sky News Arabia, The National, and CNN Business Arabic. These events will serve as powerful revenue and partnership platforms while strengthening brand authority and market positioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and execute an annual commercial events strategy and calendar aligned with brand priorities and revenue targets.
• Conceptualize and deliver flagship forums, leadership summits, and thematic series designed to attract sponsors, partners, and high-value audiences, or designed to suit specific clients in need of such offerings.
• Develop and package monetizable event IPs tied to each brand’s editorial strengths.
• Oversee content framing, agenda design, and speaker lineups that align with commercial objectives.
• Manage event production and operations to ensure flawless execution and strong brand representation.
• Drive cross-platform amplification through owned media channels and strategic partner networks.
• Monitor performance KPIs (revenue, reach, engagement, partner satisfaction) and optimize for ROI.

Role Requirements

• Proven experience in leading commercially successful large-scale events.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to build and sell event IPs.
• Deep understanding of sponsorship models and partnership structures.
• Excellent stakeholder management and client-facing capabilities.
• Strong operational and production oversight.
• Existing access to the top 20 brands in MENA who are active on the events front.
• 10+ years in strategic events, sponsorship, or commercial brand activations.
• Experience working with media, government, or major corporate institutions.
• Demonstrated track record in growing events into revenue-generating platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.