Muhammad Zaheer Iqbal

Looking after the Carestream business operations in Pakistan for healthcare imaging solutions including Computed Radiography, Digital Radiography, Digital LASER printing and Picture Archiving & Communication Systems.

Propelled sales growth to 500% in highly competitive market and unfavorable economic conditions. Spearheaded the cross-functional teams of sales, service and imports by consistently aligning operational strategies to achieve organizational goals. Effectively liaised with AGFA HealthCare’s international management at Belgium and Dubai for budgets, prices, warranty claims, technical support and day to day matters. Applied an integrated communication structure to streamline nationwide sales and service operations resulting in tremendous increase in business volume and customers’ satisfaction level. Directed the nationwide installations, round the clock backup services, inventory control, and revenue generation from spares and maintenance contracts. Privileged of working on a special assignment in the UAE from November 2009 to April 2010 with simultaneous management of AGFA business operations in Pakistan. Participated in business meetings, technical sales trainings, conferences, and trade shows in Belgium and Dubai.

Independently handled the new products development projects including proposal generation, product identification, market research, concept testing, artwork designing, packaging development and the launching process with prudently planned promotional strategies. A step forward to make CSM sustainable by adding profitable products to its portfolio, independently conceived, developed and launched xtacy brand, the first ever premium condom targeting to the niche market of county’s affluent class. Re-branded and repositioned EXCITE Studded Condom with innovative packaging and promotional strategies. Developed, coordinated and executed comprehensive marketing plans backed with result-oriented yet cost-effective ATL & BTL promotional strategies meticulously devised to penetrate and grow the target markets. Actively coordinated with advertising agencies in the creation of widely acclaimed and trend setting TV commercials and print ads for EXCITE Studded Condom and Xact Pregnancy Test Strip. Developed Behavior Change Communication brochures for EXCITE condoms and EXCIT-ER capsules to address myths & misconceptions associated with condoms and sexual products. Prepared and edited write-ups for corporate communication, trainings, product packaging, BCC brochures, advertising copy, press releases, branding collaterals, trade letters and promotional campaigns. Established liaison with designers, printers, advertising agencies, media companies, TV channels, nationwide distribution network and the venders associated with CSM operations. Conducted product and sales trainings for company field force and dealership network and developed effective sales tools to ensure result-oriented sales calls. Represented CSM in numerous seminars, exhibitions and workshops organized by public and private sector for population welfare and reproductive health.

Consistently aligned operational strategies with the overall organizational goals to achieve significant improvement in key business matrices including revenue generation, employee turnover, productivity and profitability. Designed an integrated communication structure to streamline the nationwide selling process and facilitated cross-functional interactions amongst the multiple operations of Marie Stopes Society Pakistan to increase awareness, sales and customer loyalty for CSM brands. Frequently traveled to all the provinces of Pakistan for sales team’s support and motivation, rectification of distribution and field related issues, opening of new markets and replacement of the low performing distribution setups. Established a result-oriented mechanism of performance driven incentives for CSM, MSS and distribution sales teams. Instigated a system of lucrative trade offers and customized promotional strategies for the retailers that helped in countering the profit margin issues as well as building-up a mounting push for CSM products in the market. Represented CSM Pakistan in national and international conferences, exhibitions and special events. Successfully organized CSM Annual Sales Conferences and imparted product knowledge and sales trainings to the field force.

Hosted the launching ceremony of EXCITE Studded Condom held in Sheraton Hotel, Karachi. Independently launched CSM operations in the whole Punjab and NWFP (now KPK) provinces through effective coordination with distribution network and sales channels. Hired and trained the field force and managed the overall business tasks of the assigned region. Generated outstanding market results leading to the promotion as National Sales Manager just in 8 months.

Over 8 years experience with reputable national and multinational pharmaceutical organizations including Aventis Pakistan Limited and Square Group of Industries, Bangladesh. Strengthened the forecasting, planning, organizing and field force management skills to meet or exceed the revenue objectives while looking after the Punjab and KPK provinces.