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Hello, I'm Sylvain.
'I'm a seasoned global marketing and brand leader with 20+ years of executive-level experience in building, launching, and scaling consumer brands across Fintech, FMCG, retail, and tech in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the US.
My career is defined by a unique blend of founder's agility and corporate discipline, having successfully built, funded, and exited multiple ventures. Key successes include co-founding a pioneer digital banking agency (Voxel/Advance Communication), which led to a successful $18M IPO listing, launching the first luxury fashion magazine in the GCC (MOJEH), and co-founding the award-winning FMCG ice cream brand EnjoyTrill, which achieved 250% distribution growth in global markets.
I specialize in digital transformation and market expansion. I drove pioneering consumer engagement campaigns for The Dubai Mall and Chalhoub Group and architected the e-commerce platform for a boutique Swiss airline, achieving 85% of total sales online. I combine a founder's agility in driving innovation with a mastery of P&L management and cross-functional leadership. My entrepreneurial focus is now shifting from "zero to one" to applying that strategic mindset to a "ten to one hundred" challenge: scaling established brands and driving innovation within a larger, established organization
Details
Professional CategoryConsulting & Advisory
Years of Relevant Experience20+ years
Seniority LevelC-Suite
Consulting Rate (Hourly)350
Headline
Fractional CEO & Strategic Operator | Founder, $18M IPO, & Global Scaling Leader | FinTech, FMCG, & Cross-Border Digital Commerce/Transport
Experience
Founder & Managing Director
Bakingsoda Studio December 2011 - CurrentA catalyst that develops embryonic concepts into fully fledged businesses, with key clients including Reed Exhibitions, Elyseum Capital Partners, Ikano Group, Tonic Moon, and Radisson Hotel Group (KSA).
Developed and delivered brand identities, creative direction, and marketing playbooks for clients in F&B, hospitality, retail, and tech.
Spearheaded the healthy food retail concept MIAM Soft Serve Bar, from business plan and brand creation to successfully securing a deal on the TV show Shark Tank Dubai.
Provided business development consulting to Nearbuy Group for six months before transitioning into a full-time CEO Asia role.
Led the end-to-end development of Rydr, a peer-to-peer car rental app concept for the UAE market, including the complete brand identity, UI/UX, and a launch-ready functional prototype.
Co-Founder & Brand Director |
ENJOYTRILLDecember 2019 - December 20221. Co-founded and launched an award-winning FMCG ice cream brand with less sugar than an apple, building the full brand universe from concept to global distribution.
2. Expanded the brand into 5 new international markets within 18 months, securing key listings at 8 major retailers, including Migros, Waitrose, and El Corte Inglés.
3. Orchestrated a data-driven omnichannel marketing strategy that increased brand awareness by 60% and directly contributed to a 40% rise in sales within the first year.
Executive Leadership with a Fractional Mandate for Asia Growth (CEO Asia)
Relevant/Notable employerNearbuy GroupDecember 2017 - December 20191. Defined and led overall business strategy for the entire Asia region.
2. Drove 300% increase in regional revenue by executing digital transformation services and securing key accounts (Sunway Velocity Mall, and MidValley Megamall
3. Held full P&L responsibility and led global expansion (strategic partnerships, team building) within a concentrated period.
Head Of Business Development & Digital Transformation
NEARBUY GROUP December 2015 - December 20171. Managed key accounts and led a multinational business development team across MENA, Asia, and Europe.
2. Developed and scaled a proprietary in-venue digital media network of 3,000+ screens, engaging over 3 million monthly users for retail partners.
Srategic Advisor Mandate
APELABDecember 2014 - December 2016Advised the leadership of the Los Angeles-based VR/AR studio on brand strategy, market positioning, and commercialization.
Played a key role in the fundraising process, successfully helping the company shape its pitch and secure its seed funding round.
Srategic Advisor Mandate (Los Angeles)
PRIVATE FAMILY OFFICE DUBAIDecember 2010 - December 2011Recruited on a 14-month mandate to build the private equity arm for a newly created Dubai-based family office. Key achievements included:
Defined the investment thesis and operational framework, focusing on opportunities in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.
Spearheaded the cross-border acquisition of a high-end boutique hotel and vineyard in the Cape Town region of South Africa.
Led deal structuring and negotiations from term sheet through to final closing.
Founder & Director | Portfolio of 5 Early-Stage Ventures
Relevant/Notable employerEarly Career VenturesDecember 1999 - December 2010An 11-year entrepreneurial period founding and scaling five innovative companies from the ground up. This foundational chapter of my career included:
1. Voxel Digital Agency: Built one of Switzerland's pioneer digital agencies and steered it through a successful merger and an $18M listing on the London AIM market.
2. Flybaboo Airline: Executive Role: Co-Founder & Head of Marketing/Chief Marketing Officer.
- Fundraising: Organized $6M in Series A funding.
- E-commerce/Digital Hack: Pioneered the e-commerce booking platform which achieved 85% of total revenues from online sales.
- Financial/Operational Metrics: Managed a $12M turnover and oversaw 80,000 online transactions (in 2004).
- Team Leadership: Responsible for the company's sales, marketing, and communication activities, managing a team of 16 people.
- Scaling: The airline scaled to 200+ employees and 26 destinations.
- Retention Strategy: Developed consumer retention & loyalty programs; improved repeat booking.
3. TheTimeTV: Created the first online channel for luxury watchmaking, raising $1.2M and securing partnerships with over 40 brands like Patek Philippe
4. Takehollywood: Built a 'MasterClass-style' EdTech platform, attracting a lead investment from the private equity arm of of a Global 500 telecommunications company.
5. MOJEH Magazine: Launched the GCC's first homegrown luxury fashion magazine, securing flagship advertisers like Cartier and Mercedes-Benz.
Industry
Consumer Services
Entertainment Providers
Financial Services
Retail
Technology, Information and Media
Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
Specific Jurisdictions That I'm Qualified In or Can Cover
France
United Arab Emirates
Language(s)
English
French
Education
New York Institute of Management
MastersMarketing & Business StrategyDecember 2014 - November 2015
