Gulf Air's former Public Relations Manager Bahraini Hisham Abu Alfateh returns to Gulf Air headquarters as Manager Sports Marketing and Sponsorship after a 12-month stint at the airline's UK sales office.
Hisham is a well known TV and radio personality among the Bahraini media and business circle.
In his new role, he will manage all sporting and sponsorship events and activities including the overall management and co-ordination of the Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix to ensure maximum exposure for the airline's corporate and brand image.
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Hisham back to Bahrain," says Gulf Air Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave. "With his strong marketing, sports and media skills I am sure Gulf Air’s sports marketing and sponsorship activities will get a positive and professional boost.”
“Gulf Air spends a substantial amount of money every year sponsoring national and international sports events, and it is essential that we manage such sponsorships in a professional manner to ensure we get the best return on our investment and achieve value-for-money”.
As part of Gulf Air's marketing team, Hisham will be responsible for developing and driving the airline’s sponsorship strategy including the management and leverage of major events, capitalising on revenue generation and maximising brand exposure for Gulf Air.
A graduate of accounting from the University of Bahrain, Hisham is currently pursuing his MBA at the University of Sunderland, UK. He joined Gulf Air's Corporate Affairs Department as Public Relations Manager in January 2004 and moved to the company's UK regional sales and marketing team as Key Accounts Manager in January 2006.
About Gulf Air
Founded in 1950, Gulf Air, owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman, is the only truly Pan Gulf carrier in the Middle East region.
The regional, geographic and cultural values that the airline has embraced over more than half a century are still central to defining its brand and service ethos.
Today the airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 50 cities in 30 countries. The fleet comprises 34 aircraft and has the distinct advantage of possessing the strongest network across the Middle East.
A platform for sustained commercial operation has been established over the past three years as part of a multi-phased turnaround programme. It has also provided a framework for a succession of innovative products and services including the unique Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies that form part of Gulf Air’s ’smart airline, successful business’ vision.
International recognition has been achieved as a result of the turnaround programme leading to numerous awards for the airline’s innovative and high quality products and services: These include:
• Best Onboard Catering in First and Business Class (Skytrax World Airline Catering Awards 2005)
• Best designed in-flight magazine (American Creativity Awards,2005)
• Middle East Leading First Class Airline (World Travel Awards 2005)
• World’s Leading Airport Lounge (World Travel Awards 2005)
• Middle East & North African Platinum Best Airline (MENA Travel Awards 2004
• Most Improved Airline (Skytrax Awards 2004)
• Middle East First Class Airline (Arabian Business Awards)
• Best new product launch for in-flight services (PAX international Readership Awards)
• Best First Class Onboard Food (Skytrax Food Category 2004)
• Best Business Class Check-in (Skytrax Check-in Category 2004)
• Middle East region’s best airport restaurant for its restaurant in Bahrain International Airport lounge (PAX International Readership Awards 2005)
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2007
