saad ahmad khan
professional profile
I am a Marketing, Communications, and Creative professional. These three are often confused with each-other and therefore many organizations conflate them. With over 25 years of experience in leadership positions, while touching an array of industries - I have been able to hone my expertise in driving all three, in harmony, to achieve successful and sustainable results.
My skillset has allowed me to lead my teams to success, whether departments that were entrusted to me, or projects. I have paid my dues to, and learned from - organizations with luxurious budgets to startups who were searching for both, their “starts” and their “ups”. Each was a learning experience that I cherish. My contribution to each of my team is what I bring to the table every time, namely:
- Strategy that identifies practical goals and fluid pathways to achieve them.
- Designing & Planning for high impact on the audience but low on the budget.
- Production & Execution to hit the finish line like champions, feeding dust to competition.
I am trained in multiple fine and digital art disciplines, as well as technologies that span from computer and networking hardware to a full stack for media development, including AI platforms. I have taught these subjects to undergraduate students for 17 years. “I am Never a servant of a software” is the mantra I live by, therefore, my Mar-Tech has never been dependent on a narrow field. I am a self motivated avid learner who constantly explores and trains on new tools and technologies. Still, a list of my software expertise can be found through the following link (https://saadstudio.com/profile/ ).
My leadership style, as well as my work style, is that of an expedition team. Take time to learn, take time to plan, level the playing field, go farther than your expectations, but leave no-one behind; detach and rest upon return - repeat. It sounds a bit fantastical because it is. I am part of that late Gen X who watched Jason and the Argonauts, Star Trek, The Goonies, and Misfits of Science (go find that one) among others as a kid, and thought to myself, “That’s what I am going to do when I grow-up”. Lo and behold, I found my work ethic in them--running my projects, my classes and my departments in expeditionary fashion--all with enough success to feel the fearless confidence that I feel today.
As an individual with a varied skill set and diversity in my experience, I am the “Swiss Army Knife” of my profession. This claim may sound braggadocious, and even comical in a certain way, but I have successfully taken organizations through such unpredictable territories where the “cookie cutters” were utterly useless.
Disclaimer
In this uncanny likeness of myself to the left - although masterfully drawn, the only thing untrue in this image is the fact that I do not smoke.
case studies
Strategic Leadership in Marketing & Communications
- Brookwood Companies: Established and led the first integrated Creative–Marketing department, aligning branding with corporate vision, expanding visibility, and opening new revenue streams.
- ACE Institute of Technology: Guided the institute’s brand evolution over 17 years, positioning it as a nationally accredited leader in career-focused education.
Innovative & Impactful Creative Direction
- American Friends of Bar-Ilan University: Directed visual storytelling strategies and global fundraising campaigns that elevated donor engagement and broadened institutional visibility.
- Bradford Entertainment Inc.: Developed dynamic creative content for entertainment properties, strengthening audience reach and brand appeal.
Resourceful Project Execution & Budget Management
- Brookwood Companies: Spearheaded the launch of a first-ever e-commerce platform for the textile sector, balancing budget constraints while modernizing sales infrastructure.
- Siscotek Inc. & Wavestek Inc.: Delivered marketing initiatives that maximized impact within tight budgets, demonstrating creative problem-solving and operational efficiency.
Advanced Technical & Mar-Tech Proficiency
- ACE Institute of Technology: Integrated advanced AdTech tools into enrollment marketing strategies while teaching industry-standard creative software to the next generation of professionals.
- Brookwood Companies: Leveraged programmatic advertising, customer data platforms, and analytics to drive precision targeting and campaign optimization.
Collaborative & Team-Centric Leadership
- Brookwood Companies: Built and mentored a high-performing creative/marketing team, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
- ACE Institute of Technology: Led program development and mentoring that prepared students for successful careers in multimedia and creative industries.
Adaptability & Continuous Professional Growth
- Diverse Industry Experience: Transitioned seamlessly across industries including textiles, technology, education, and entertainment, adapting expertise to varied organizational needs.
- Lifelong Learning: Earned professional certifications such as Project Plus (CompTIA) and maintained a commitment to continuous skill development across emerging technologies.
Bhaag Meray Jaani – Music Video
Saad Ahmad Khan | SAAD’STUDIO | OriginalSaad A story of survival during Eid-ul-Adha. Original song Original words Original video
OriginalSaad – A Short Visual
A short visual piece by Saad Ahmad Khan (OriginalSaad), exploring identity, rhythm, and presence through original images and sound.
Moonshine Pistola — An Experimental AI Short Film
Moonshine Pistola is a short piece assembled using AI-generated imagery, treated as found footage. Working this way means accepting a certain lack of control — something that’s not unfamiliar to filmmaking when you’re not shooting everything yourself. The images don’t...
Ramadan Mubarak
Woodwork Samples
A few samples of some recently created woodwork pieces.
Snow Over Frozen Lake George
It is frozen. January 5th of 2016 brought this winter and I both together at Lake George, NY. I don't remember anything but being cold when I was taking this picture but I appreciate those tiny little snowflakes that are captured in this photograph.
LOOP: A Short Film
JENN is trapped in a science lab as the result of a failed experiment. Not only that she has to find out where she is but also "when".
Neighbors
It's so easy to feel like this - even when there was no pendemic. I drew this in 2016 and feel like this in 2020, still.
GUMRAH (گمراہ): A short film
Two reporters interview a teenager suspected of a "triple murder" Gumrah (گمراہ) means "Adrift" in English. The movie is published in 3 parts.
experience
industries of experience
As a seasoned Marketing Director, I bring expertise across diverse industries, including Manufacturing, Education, Medical, SaaS, IT Services, Entertainment, Publishing, Fashion, Non-Profit, and Event Management. I excel in driving brand growth through data-driven strategies, digital transformation, and innovative campaigns. My experience includes managing trade shows, e-commerce platforms, lead generation, and sustainability initiatives. With a focus on storytelling, audience engagement, and ROI-driven results, I have consistently elevated brands and forged meaningful industry connections.
Manufacturing Industry
As a Marketing Director in the manufacturing industry, I have demonstrated expertise in driving B2B and B2C marketing initiatives, including brand development, product launches, and digital transformations. My experience includes spearheading sustainable product campaigns, like Brookwood-ZERO™, and integrating e-commerce platforms that streamlined customer experiences. By utilizing advanced CRM systems and data-driven analytics, I optimized lead generation and improved conversion rates. My ability to align manufacturing goals with marketing strategies has positioned companies as leaders in their markets, fostering long-term customer relationships and driving profitability.
- 5 years at Brookwood Companies Inc. as a Creative/Marketing Director
- 2 years at Ashfar Enterprises Inc. as a Creative/Marketing Consultant
Educational Institutes
In the educational sector, I have successfully implemented enrollment-focused marketing strategies and student engagement campaigns. Leveraging digital channels, I created data-driven outreach programs that improved student retention and enrollment rates. By integrating cutting-edge communication tools and enhancing institutional branding, I built lasting connections with students, parents, and alumni. My campaigns incorporated storytelling to highlight the institution’s mission and values, strengthening community ties and boosting fundraising efforts.
- 17 years at ACE Institute of Technology as a Creative/Marketing Director
- 4 years at Bar-Ilan University as a Creative/Marketing Director
Medical Institutes
My marketing leadership in medical institutions has focused on patient-centered campaigns and regulatory-compliant messaging. I have overseen the development of educational content, patient engagement platforms, and physician outreach programs. By implementing innovative digital strategies, I increased patient retention and streamlined appointment scheduling systems. My expertise in HIPAA-compliant communication and branding helped medical institutions enhance their reputations and expand patient trust.
SaaS Industry
In the SaaS industry, I excelled at driving customer acquisition and retention through tailored marketing campaigns. By integrating marketing automation tools like HubSpot and Marketo, I streamlined lead nurturing and optimized the sales funnel. My focus on content marketing, webinars, and SEO resulted in significant growth in organic traffic and user engagement. Additionally, I utilized data analytics and A/B testing to refine strategies and deliver measurable ROI, cementing the brand’s position as a leader in the SaaS space.
- 2 years at RedVision Systems Inc as a Creative/Marketing Consultant through Enkay Solutions
- 2 years at SISCOTEK Inc. as a Creative/Marketing Consultant
Managed IT Services
My marketing expertise in Managed IT Services includes crafting targeted campaigns to showcase innovative technology solutions. I developed thought leadership content, including blogs, whitepapers, and webinars, to highlight industry expertise. By leveraging account-based marketing (ABM) and event-driven strategies, I attracted enterprise clients while maintaining strong relationships with SMBs. My work drove increased brand visibility, lead generation, and client retention in an intensely competitive market.
- 5 years at Wavestek Inc. as a Creative/Marketing Director
- 10 years at EnKay Solutions as a Creative/Marketing Consultant
- 2 years at SISCOTEK Inc. as a Creative/Marketing Consultant
Entertainment Industry
In the entertainment industry, I have managed high-impact campaigns that spanned film, music, and live events. My efforts focused on multi-channel marketing strategies, including social media buzz campaigns, influencer collaborations, and digital advertising. I have a proven track record of executing creative projects that captivate audiences and drive ticket sales. By fostering partnerships and utilizing innovative promotional techniques, I ensured the success of major events and media releases.
- 5 years at Bradford Entertainment Inc as a Creative/Marketing Director
- 14 years at KHAN Projects as the Head of Marketing and Creative (My own agency)
Publishing Industry
My work in the publishing industry includes launching book releases and driving subscription growth for digital publications. I developed and executed marketing campaigns that combined traditional PR with cutting-edge digital techniques. Through partnerships with influencers, author events, and targeted email marketing, I increased readership and enhanced brand loyalty. My expertise in SEO and content optimization positioned publications for maximum discoverability and audience engagement.
- 4 years at Bradford Entertainment Inc as a Creative/Marketing Director
- 14 years at KHAN Projects that served major and minor publishers in and around New York city
Fashion Industry
In the fashion industry, I created brand strategies that resonated with target audiences, combining traditional retail marketing with innovative e-commerce approaches. By leveraging social media platforms, influencer collaborations, and compelling visual storytelling, I drove brand awareness and sales. My ability to anticipate trends and align them with the brand identity helped companies achieve rapid market penetration and build lasting consumer relationships.
- 14 years at KHAN Projects that served some major brands but several boutique startups.
Non-Profit Organizations
In the non-profit sector, I designed mission-driven campaigns that amplified fundraising and volunteer engagement. By blending emotional storytelling with strategic digital marketing, I increased donor contributions and community support. My experience includes creating impactful campaigns for causes like education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Through efficient budget management and data analytics, I ensured that every initiative delivered maximum impact and reached the intended audience effectively.
- 4 years at Bar-Ilan University as a Creative/Marketing Director serving their American Satellite AFBIU
- Several organizations as an independent consultant including political campaigns for both; DNC and GOP Candidates.
Event Management and Trade Shows
My expertise in event management and trade shows spans end-to-end planning, execution, and post-event analysis for a diverse range of industries. I have successfully managed large-scale trade shows, conferences, and product launches, ensuring every detail aligns with the brand’s objectives. From crafting compelling booth designs to curating engaging presentations, I created experiences that captivated attendees and generated quality leads. Leveraging data-driven insights, I optimized event ROI by integrating digital marketing campaigns and follow-up strategies. My ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, negotiate vendor contracts, and deliver memorable events has consistently elevated brand visibility and strengthened client relationships.
- 5 years at Brookwood Companies Inc. as a Creative/Marketing Director
- 17 years at ACE Institute of Technology as a Creative/Marketing Director
- 2 years at SISCOTEK as a Creative/Marketing Consultant
- 2 years at Technical Support Business Inc. as a Creative/Marketing Director
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
STRATEGIC & MARKETING SKILLS
- Brand Development & Positioning
- Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy
- Integrated Marketing Campaigns
- Product Launch & Messaging
- ABM (Account-Based Marketing)
- SEO/SEM & Digital Acquisition
- Data-Driven Marketing (GA4, Looker, HubSpot, etc.)
- Customer Journey Mapping / UX Strategy
- MarTech Stack Integration
- Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
COMMUNICATION
- Content Strategy & Editorial Direction
- Messaging Hierarchy & Tone of Voice
- Crisis Communication & Internal Comms
- Investor & Stakeholder Messaging
- PR/Media Relations Management
- Influencer & Thought Leadership Campaigns
- Copywriting & Scriptwriting for Multimedia
MANAGEMENT
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Creative Ops & Workflow Systems (Asana, Monday, etc.)
- Freelance/Agency Management
- Budget Oversight & ROI Analysis
- Client Pitching & Stakeholder Alignment
- Recruitment & Team Building
- Agile / Sprint-Based Marketing Ops
CREATIVE & PRODUCTION
- Creative Direction Across Web, Print, and Video
- Hands-on Multimedia Production (Adobe CC, Figma, Canva, etc.)
- Packaging & Brand Asset Design
- UX/UI Design Principles
- Motion Graphics & Video Editing (After Effects, Premiere)
- 3D/Environmental Signage Design
- Event & Trade Show Branding
TECH-FORWARD INNOVATION
- WordPress & CMS Management
- Email Marketing Automation (Mailchimp, Marketo, Klaviyo)
- A/B Testing & Personalization Tools
- AI-Enhanced Creative Tools (ChatGPT, Midjourney, etc.)
- E-Commerce UX / Shopify / WooCommerce Optimization
- SaaS Marketing / Funnel Strategy
FILMMAKING
- Digital Videography.
- 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm
- Cinematography.
- Film and Video editing.
- 2D and 3D animation.
- Stop Motion Animation.
PHOTOGRAPHY
- Digital photography as well as 35mm, Medium Format, Large Format, and Pinhole film photography.
- Film development and printing in black & white and color. (Highly skilled in Darkroom processes)
- Digital Photo editing, color correction, and doctoring. (Highly skilled in Photoshop)
STUDIO
- Highly skilled in lighting any kind of scene, situation, and mood for the film, video, or still photography.
- Woodworking and general studio craft for efficient and effective sets.
PC TECH AND NETWORKING
- Intensive knowledge and expertise in PC build, repair, and administration.
- Intensive knowledge and expertise in Computer Network Architecture, Engineering, and administration. This includes the implementation and use of Servers, Routers, Switches, Cabling, and other related devices or technologies.
Marketing Technology Stack (Mar-Tech)
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Mailchimp
Marketing Automation
- Marketo Engage
- ActiveCampaign
- Adobe Express
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence (BI)
- Google Analytics 4
- Looker
- Power BI
Content Management Systems (CMS)
- WordPress
- Drupal
- Adobe Experience Manager (AEM)
Email Marketing Platforms
- Mailchimp
- Constant Content
- Campaign Monitor
Social Media Management & Listening
- Adobe Express
- Canva
- Zoho Social
Advertising Technology (AdTech)
- Google Ads
- Facebook Ads Manager
- LinkedIn Ads
Collaboration & Workflow Tools
- Microsoft Sharepoint
- Teams
- Google Workspace
- Monday.com
Automation
- Power Automate
- Make (Formerly Integromat
AI Generation
- Runaway
- Midjourney
- ChatGPT
- Sora
- DALL-E
- Deep Seek
Affiliate & Influencer Marketing
- Impact.com
- Refersion
- Aspire
- BuzzSumo
SOFTWARE EXPERTISE
DESIGN & MULTIMEDIA
Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign & InCopy
- Adobe Premiere
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Audition
- Adobe XD
- Adobe Dimension
- Adobe Animate
- Adobe Dreamweaver
Web Based Designing
- Figma
- Canva
- Sketch
Other Desktop Publishing
- Corel Draw
- High Logic Font-Creator
3D Design & Modeling
- Cinema 4D
- 3D Studio Max
- Rhino 3D
- Auto CAD
Audio & Video
- Adobe Premiere
- Final Cut pro
- Mixcraft Pro Studio
- Audacity
- Adobe Audition
Generative AI
- Mid Journey
- Runaway
- Chat GPT
- Sora
- DALL-E
- Deep Seek
- Suno
OFFICE & NETWORK ADMINISTRATION
MS Office
- Project
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Publisher
Other Administrative
- Windows Server 2016 & 2019
- UBUNTU Client & Server
- Amazon Web Services
- Adobe InCopy
DIGITAL SPACE & CODING
- HTML
- CSS
- Java Script
- PhP
Online CMS
- WordPress
- DIVI Coder
- Shopify
brand designs
The make of my personal brand; from traditional Urdu/Arabic letters to something slightly different.
artworks
A small selection of some of the photography and other artworks created over the years.