Hussain Odhwani
My Journey: Transforming Dreams Into Action...
Strategic brand and communications specialist with 16+ years of experience managing effective marketing content & event management, with public/media relations expertise and exceptional creative skills.
Events and Initiatives
A Revolutionary Approach to Corporate Branding that looks Beyond Marketing
Sarangi Music Initiative
My Contribution: Conceptualization and Execution
Launched in 2017 as part of Serena Hotel’s Cultural Diplomacy Initiative to encourage young talents & provide them a platform to become the nation’s rising stars. Through engaging online platforms, the music competition has received tremendous response & an incredible pool of talented singers & musicians has been identified & given opportunities.
Raabta Public Diplomacy
My Contribution: Conceptualization and Execution
Raabta, a nonpartisan public awareness initiative was launched to bring together experts, policy makers & the interested citizenry to inform & engage individuals & organizations in advancing debate, create knowledge & develop a wider appreciation of complexity of socio-economic subjects such as economics, health and education.
Fundraising through Cultural Diplomacy
My Contribution: Conceptualization and Execution
Art and culture build the strongest & most interesting bridges linking people & countries. A collaborative events with the diplomatic missions were initiated under the Cultural Diplomacy banner of Serena Hotels to strengthen the cultural exchange while at the same time supporting a cause – providing healthcare & quality education to the less fortunate.
Discover Pakistan
My Contribution: Conceptualization and Execution
This open annual photography competition ‘Discover Pakistan’ was initiated to showcase the immense beauty of the country giving young photographers an opportunity to present their skills & creativity. The post-competition coffee table book is also prepared to use as a national souvenir by Serena for the Head of States & other dignitaries.
Break the Bias
My Contribution: Conceptualization and Execution
Launched various activities resulting in increase of brand positioning & credibility be it celebrating Nowruz with Central Asian Diplomatic Missions, Baisakhi with the Sikh community in presence of the President of Pakistan or recognising female role models of Pakistan on Women’s Day by the First Lady. All these initiatives have become a huge success over the years.
Highest Altitude Marathon – Guinness World Record
My Contribution: Marketing, Media & Event Management
This was indeed a momentous occasion in the history of Pakistan as 154 ecstatic international runners from across the world ran on the Karakoram Highway. The event was organised in partnership with the Pakistan Air Force to promote Pakistan as the next adventure sports destination. The initiative was awarded with 03 Guinness world records under various categories.
Literary Festivals
My Contribution: Marketing and Hospitality Management
Literary Festivals bring out many people together to discuss & celebrate literary traditions, arts activism & traditions. Serena Hotels collaborated with Lahore & Quetta Literary Festival over past several years as a main partner for organising the mega events.
Sports Diplomacy
My Contribution: Conceptualization and Execution
Incorporated Sports Diplomacy into Serena’s annual calendar hosting diverse tournaments across different ages bringing people together & improving leadership and teamwork along with promoting a healthier lifestyle. This included President of Pakistan Golf Championship, CAS Squash & Polo Tournaments, Davis Cup & Blind Women Cricket to name a few.
Adventure Diplomacy
My Contribution: Conceptualization and Execution
Initiated Adventure Diplomacy to support adventurers & mountaineers on a mission to achieve historical records. Such examples are Mountaineer Sirbaz Khan who is on a mission to climb 14 highest peaks of the world without supplementary oxygen & Adventurer Wajahat Malik who completed the first-ever exploratory rafting expedition on the Indus River.
External Affairs
Building relationships with Diplomats, Govt. Agencies, Armed Forces & Organizations to improve external impact.
PR and Media Relations
Building Brand Awareness, Increasing Credibility and Authenticity
CSR Initiatives
Making a Positive Impact on the Society
Niaz Support – Gift with Purpose
My Contribution: Founder, Director Global Operations
Founded a social enterprise for developing and implementing innovative solutions to address the needs of persons with disabilities in Pakistan. Developed a manufacturing unit for customised wheelchairs in Pakistan based on the body measurement & disability needs. Raising funds through global ambassadors and a robust online platform to enable donors to directly support the beneficiaries.
Karighar Honey Bee Farming
My Contribution: Research, Implementation and Execution
Gilgit Baltistan is naturally blessed with an abundance of flora & honey bee farming has traditionally been a primary source of income for many inhabitants in the region. Karighar aims to empower such communities by providing them with professional training & subsequently purchasing their production at a premium price, hence promoting sustainable livelihood.
Embroidering Dreams
My Contribution: Conceptualization and Execution
The initiative aims to celebrate home-based workers and women artisans of Pakistan by providing them a platform to showcase their products and enhance economic prospects. The monthly exhibitions are organised in collaboration with leading NPOs, Government and Diplomatic Missions.
Product Launch Branding
A Coordinated Efforts to Bring a Product to the Market
Sofitel Towers
My Contribution: Creative Head
Launched in 2006, the Sofitel Towers Karachi was supposed to become the grandest building in Pakistan’s largest city. However, the deal was cancelled by Accor in 2008 after the completion of all 27 floors and pre-opening branding due to the law and order situation in the country. The building was later converted into offices and mall known as Ocean Tower today.
S-Tel Mobile App
My Contribution: Branding, Media and Marketing
S-Tel is an innovative breakthrough not only in Pakistan but the region’s hospitality industry. Serena Hotels in partnership with Telenor Pakistan launched a first-of-its-kind digital platform providing complimentary service for guests allowing them to stay in touch with the hotel for their basic amenities & connect with their loved ones around the world.
Altit Fort and Khaplu Palace
My Contribution: Branding, Media and Marketing
Headed the entire marketing efforts since the pre-opening phase of the 1000 years old Altit Fort Residence, Hunza and 800 years old Serena Khaplu Palace, Baltistan . These are one-of-a-kind historic heritage hotels in the Northern region of Pakistan with heritage rooms and garden suites.
Islamabad Serena Hotel – Extension
My Contribution: Marketing and Creative Design
Managed the pre-opening of 213-room hotel building as an extension to the existing Islamabad Serena Hotel which doubled its capacity along with ancillary services and an office building of approx 230,000 square feet, rentable space. Islamabad Serena Hotel is part of the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW).
Xinhua Mall
My Contribution: Creative Head
Headed the pre-opening branding of Xinhua Mall, a landmark 20 story multi-purpose, upscale shopping Mall, situated in Gulberg, Lahore. The mall consists of local & international stores, food court, an indoor amusement park & a cinema.
NIT Summit Co-Branded Card
My Contribution: Branding, Media and Marketing
National Investment Trust, Pakistan’s first and largest asset management company, in collaboration with Summit Bank introduced an ATM card for its unit holders across the country setting the benchmark in the mutual fund industry of Pakistan. The Co-Branded card allows NIT holders to withdraw cash against their units using any 1-Link ATM network in Pakistan.
