Rafat Raihan Khan
Account Manager- PR & Events
Concito
Rafat Raihan Khan, an Account Manager at Concito, excels in PR and events, driving impactful brand narratives and successful campaigns. His innovative approach and strategic vision position him as a rising leader in the corporate sector, making significant strides in enhancing client engagement and brand visibility on a global scale.
Let’s learn about his journey.
Mr. Rafat Raihan Khan, please share your professional and academic peregrination for our readers!
My journey has been one of diverse experiences and continuous learning. I started my academic journey at Adamjee Cantonment Public School & College and later pursued a BSc in Computer Science and Engineering from the American International University Bangladesh (AIUB). Despite my technical background, my career path took a turn toward the dynamic realm of public relations. I began as an intern at Novotel, a leading International Voice Gateway (IGW) operator in Bangladesh. However, I seized an opportunity to transition into the PR industry by joining Concito, one of the leading PR agencies in Bangladesh. I started as a Media Monitoring Executive. Through dedication and performance, I progressed through various roles, culminating in my current position as Account Manager. It’s been an enriching journey that has allowed me to blend my technical acumen with the artistry of PR and events. Later, I pursued further education, completing my MBA in Marketing from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). This additional qualification provided me with invaluable insights into the world of marketing, complementing my expertise in public relations.
Can you describe your role as an Account Manager in PR & Events at Concito and the key responsibilities you oversee in managing client relationships and event campaigns?
As an Account Manager in PR & Events at Concito, my role encompasses a comprehensive approach to client relationship management and campaign execution. With over 6 years of experience in the PR and Event industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse portfolio of local and global brands and organizations. My primary focus is on nurturing enduring client relationships built on trust, communication, and a deep understanding of their objectives. This involves regular engagement, strategic planning sessions, and proactive problem-solving to ensure client satisfaction and retention.
In terms of campaign execution, I’ve led numerous communication campaigns for esteemed clients such as Nokia, TikTok, PUBG, GE, Airbus, Evercare Hospitals, Xiaomi, Shark Tank, CNN, Casio, Mitsubishi Motors, Honda, and many others. Furthermore, I collaborate closely with our global partner agencies to execute integrated PR campaigns on a global scale. This involves coordinating with teams across different regions, aligning messaging and tactics, and leveraging local insights to maximize campaign impact.
In Concito, I had the opportunity to work with PR agencies in Singapore, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to execute PR campaigns for several brands. This collaboration allowed us to effectively reach and engage with target audiences in these regions, resulting in successful campaign outcomes.
In terms of events strategy, planning & execution, I have executed numerous projects during my job tenure in Concito. Some notable events would be Shark Tank Bangladesh launch and post-launch events, Honda Bike Launch, GE Gas Power event for US Ambassador Visit in Unique Meghnaghat Powerplant, and Airbus A350 Showcasing Event.
How do you approach strategic planning and execution of PR and event initiatives to achieve client objectives and enhance brand visibility for Concito’s clientele?
Strategic planning is fundamental to our approach. We start by thoroughly understanding our client’s goals, target audience, and market landscape. With this knowledge in hand, we develop customized strategies that harness the power of Result-Oriented Communication Strategy, Impact-Led PR Stunts, and Grand Events to elevate brand visibility and deliver concrete outcomes. Through careful execution and ongoing refinement, we ensure that our initiatives align seamlessly with our client’s brand identity and foster genuine engagement with their audience. After every project, my team and I evaluate the performance and how we can be more efficient & effective to generate extraordinary results for our partners. This internal evaluation process helps a lot to my team to execute future projects in a more efficient and effective manner.
What strategies do you employ to foster strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring successful outcomes for PR and event campaigns?
Frankly speaking, I personally recommend every agency professional to be a friend to your clients and try to be the Guardian Angel of their professional and if needed in their personal life. I mean, build that much trust and confidence between you and your client so that they can rely on you whenever they need, even during happening or crisis moments of them. This will reflect as a strong interpersonal relation with your clients. To start this stature of relation with your client my suggestion would be to understand the client’s philosophy towards professional and life goals. To generalize more, cultivating robust partnerships is crucial to my achievements. I prioritize transparent communication, listening attentively to my client’s needs, and offering strategic guidance to meet their goals. By nurturing a collaborative atmosphere, I ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and committed to my campaign’s success. Moreover, I strive to surpass expectations by delivering measurable results and showcasing the value I bring to my client’s brand growth and visibility.
What skills or competencies do you believe are essential for effective account managers in PR & Events, and how do you continuously develop these skills?
In my personal experience, being positive in any critical circumstance and the ability to perform when needed is very crucial to achieve any goal, it can be personal or it can be for my client. In my line of work, every professional requires a diverse skill set, including understanding the current trends, strategic thinking, creativity, and robust communication abilities. Proficiency in crisis management, project management, and stakeholder engagement is also vital in navigating the dynamic landscape of our industry. Additionally, the ability to communicate with other team members and listen to their ideas, as well as staying informed about recent campaign successes, helps generate new ideas and approaches. To continually enhance these skills, I prioritize ongoing learning and professional development.
What motivates you to excel in your role, and how do you stay inspired amidst the dynamic nature of PR and event industries?
I am driven by a passion for excellence and a desire to make a meaningful impact in everything I do. The dynamic nature of the PR and event industries presents endless opportunities for creativity and innovation, which serves as a constant source of inspiration for me. The work modality in this industry is so diverse and challenging that I never got bored. Every day I get the opportunity to work on new projects, and the versatility is exceptional compared to other professions. Additionally, the satisfaction of witnessing the positive outcomes of our efforts and the relationships we build along the way fuels my motivation to excel and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Mr Rafat Raihan Khan, please say something to the readers!
In general, I always try to be better than the person I was yesterday in every single day of my life. Being an avid reader is crucial for any communication professional, luckily I have the habit of reading books, online articles and journals. In the communication industry, it’s essential to stay updated on recent trends and how the global PR industry is evolving. Explore new platforms and draw inspiration from global trends and campaigns. Additionally, focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems, as this is crucial in the PR industry. In my opinion, it is crucial to think about Impact Driven Campaigns. When designing a campaign. Successful campaigns are impact driven campaigns which have the ability to make positive change in our society or even throughout the nation. In this fast-paced industry, where each day presents new opportunities and fresh challenges, your energy, creativity, and innovative thinking are invaluable assets. From crafting captivating campaigns to orchestrating unforgettable events, the realm of corporate communications is filled with excitement and endless possibilities. Embrace the journey, stay curious, and let your passion drive you towards success. My last message would be ‘Be the change, it can be small but it’s a start.’
Quick Chat with Rafat Raihan Khan
The most outstanding achievement of your life as of now:
Beyond my professional pursuits, I have a deep-seated passion for adventure. Journeying to both the Annapurna Base Camp and the Everest Base Camp in Nepal stands as a testament to my adventurous spirit. Among these thrilling expeditions, reaching the Everest Base Camp stands out as a pinnacle achievement, symbolizing perseverance, determination, and a profound connection with nature’s majesty.
Best piece of advice you’ve received:
Embrace the journey, not just the destination
You in only three words:
Passionate, diligent, problem-solver
The InCAP: Thank you, Mr. Rafat Raihan Khan! It’s a glittering conversation with you!
Mr. Rafat Raihan Khan: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you.
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