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Kassem Kaouk

Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at BAT (British American Tobacco) - MENA
24.6 yrs experiencePublic Relations & Communications
Jan 2025

The move

MoveJTI (Japan Tobacco International) → BAT
TitleCorporate Affairs and Communications Director - Emerging and Developing Markets + Nakhla (Global) → Cluster Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs - Middle East and North Africa
LocationDubai → Dubai
Cross-border moveNo — same country
Native languageArabic, Romanian
Total experience24.6 years
BAT headcount10,001+ employees
BAT industryManufacturing
BAT HQLondon
BAT founded1902
BAT typePublic Company

Career arc

  1. Cluster Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs - Middle East and North AfricaJan 2025 — Present
    BAT· Full-time
  2. Cluster Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs - Middle EastMay 2024 — Dec 2024
    BAT· Full-time
  3. Corporate Affairs and Communications Director - Emerging and Developing Markets + Nakhla (Global)Jan 2020 — May 2024
    JTI (Japan Tobacco International)
  4. Corporate Affairs and Communications Director - Nakhla Portfolio (Global)Oct 2018 — Dec 2019
    JTI (Japan Tobacco International)
  5. Director of Communications and ITJun 2013 — Sep 2018
    The Arab Council for the Social Sciences· Beirut District, Lebanon
  6. Regional Director of Operations and Government Affairs - MEA RegionSep 2011 — Aug 2013
    Global Coalition for Efficient Logistics· Geneva, Switzerland
  7. Marketing and Communications OfficerDec 2009 — Nov 2011
    United Nations Development Programme
  8. Marketing and Communications ManagerJun 2005 — Dec 2009
    British Council
  9. Academic Administrative AssistantSep 2000 — Aug 2004
    Lebanese American University· Dean of Students Services Office

Education

Languages

  • Arabic · Native or bilingual
  • Spanish · Elementary
  • French · Full professional
  • Romanian · Native or bilingual
  • English · Full professional

Top skills

Internal CommunicationsBusiness PlanningEvent ManagementProject ManagementSocial MediaMedia Relations

About

Dynamic and results-oriented corporate development executive with over 20 years of strategic experience across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe. Proven track record in navigating complex regulatory environments and cultivating government relations, while implementing innovative anti-illicit trade strategies and driving international trade initiatives. Leveraging a strong ethical foundation and commitment to continuous improvement, the focus is on delivering sustainable business growth through effective communications, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. Quadrilingual proficiency in Arabic, Romanian, English, and French enhances the ability to foster relationships and collaborate across diverse cultural landscapes. Strategic Specialties: - Government Relations &

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