About me
Chirag is an Account Manager turned Strategist, who integrates process with chaos. At the age of 10, he discovered his passion for advertising in the unlikeliest places of all - a Gold infomercial, which evolved into him leading a 75-person agency at the University of Illinois, and interning in Account Management at Leo Burnett, FCB, and The Martin Agency.
With primary experience in tactical direct mail campaigns at DDB Chicago, and an empty strategy portfolio, Chirag paved his way into strategy by self-inviting himself into a strategy workshop, and starting two social initiatives that tackled social stigma during the initial hullabaloo of people testing COVID positive. www.MyTrustedCircle.org ’s efforts in helping patients quickly notify others about the virus’ spread was beta-tested by clinics and inspired a research paper by George Washington University, whereas, CareBox UAE, a mindful gifting service uplifted over 200 people in quarantine.
As a Creative Strategist at AKQA Dubai, he works on global and local new business pitches ranging from fast fashion, financial services, to “F*ck what are we actually selling”? Following his wins at BBH’s Beautiful Minds, Young Lynx Academy, and new business with Hyundai, SEVEN and OMNIYAT, he was featured on Campaign Middle East as a ‘Creative Faces To Watch’. His mom now somewhat understands what he does.
Beyond his daytime role, Chirag dabbles with Improv and Padel, champions international students through Aliens In Advertising - a community he co-founded to help international students in the United States break into the industry. He is also the ideator of The Loudest Roar, a fantasy league for Cannes Lions, that reached 77 countries last year and inspired more people in our industry to create great work by learning how to judge great work.
Talent you might be interested in
Positions
Strategist
Clients:
Toyota UAE - https://www.akqa.com/work/al-futtaim-toyota/the-station-cafeteria/
Omniyat - Ecosystem Strategy and Digital products
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) - Brand Strategy
• Assist in developing brand architecture strategy for Jiffy Lube through qualitative and quantitative research to increase the brand’s distinction and affinity
• Conduct deep dives on State Farm’s products, evaluate customer experience and propose plans to leverage communication and increase cross-sell
• Oversee simulated market and response testing methodologies on State Farm Bank’s vehicle loan campaign to increase engagement and response
• Manage development, resources, and timelines of 19 direct marketing campaigns with 45 deliverables for State Farm Insurance and State Farm Bank
• Implement insights from 130 surveys by organizing 3 monthly agency events, overseeing 4 committees and installing new amenities to boost employee morale
