2017 MEPRA Awards -The “Dave Robinson” Award for Outstanding Young Communicator of the Year, Agency: Weber Shandwick MENA, David Willett

Entry Overview

I was appointed to create a digital practice within Weber Shandwick Abu Dhabi in September 2015. Since, I have grown the practice from 0 to 5 clients, and undertaken a number of significant social and digital projects for a diverse portfolio of clients including NPCC, Audi, Ministry of Finance, FGB (NHL), Warner Bros. World™ and HAAD. I am responsible for all digital new and existing business, strategy development and troubleshooting whilst managing a team of four communications executives.

October 2017 sees me complete six years of growth in the communications industry, starting at dair Cheltenham before moving to the Four Communications graduate scheme and eventually Four Gulf, I joined Weber Shandwick as Digital Manager in September 2015. Having proven my value through the depth of my expertise, enthusiasm in contributing to the agency’s goals and new business acumen (ultimately winning enough clients to establish a department in the Abu Dhabi office) I was officially promoted to Head of the new digital function in July of this year.

I endeavor constantly to better myself and improve the value I can add to the agency. This drive has seen me continue to upskill my multimedia skills, undertake webinar training including on social media for sales and on influencer management, as well as further training programs on strategy, creativity and the MyLead management course. I hope to continue to grow the Weber Shandwick Digital and Creative function with further opportunities for growth coming from both existing clients and new business opportunities.