CAMPAIGN MEDIA FACES TO WATCH 2019 – BASSEL MAKAREM, 28, SENIOR INTEGRATED MEDIA PLANNER, CARAT KSA

Nominated by Eyad Zarea, GM, Carat KSA
“Bassel is an exemplary talent and a self-learner. In a very short period of time, he was able to supply our portfolio of clients with top-class digital servicing from planning to trading and reporting. Bassel was able to broaden the operation’s digital revenues due to his proactivity that has translated into solutions to several clients’ challenges. Bassel now works on our largest KSA client, Al Rajhi Bank, interfacing daily with senior client leadership. Bassel is exemplary of how hard work and dedication pay off and enable you to quickly excel along your career path.”

Career path
“During my internship at Carat, I took an online coding course and built my first website from scratch using only HTML, CSS and JavaScript. This increased my knowledge about how computers work hand-in-hand with digital media. I then proceeded to undertake my Google Certifications successfully and consequently aimed to learn the full 360-degree-scope digital approach from planning to executing to reporting. Currently I am learning programmatic buying to further develop my skills. I’ve just been promoted to senior media planner after less than three years at Carat, and this is a clear recognition of my dedication and commitment to our clients with top-quality servicing.”

Guiding principles
1. Own your career and learn as many skills as you can.
2. Challenges are the best teachers when supported by determination.
3. Find a way, not an excuse.