With a background in Visual Communication and a Master’s Degree in Communication Strategy, Ismail prides himself on operating at the intersection of brand and customer experience. His professional journey has taken him across continents, from Africa to Asia Pacific where he led strategic thinking at both large network agencies, including Ogilvy, TBWA, and VMLY&R Singapore, as well as independents like VCCP Singapore in his role as Head of Strategy - APAC.

While at Media Arts Lab Singapore - he was the APAC Strategic Director for Apple across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and India.

Beyond Apple, Ismail’s career portfolio has spanned various industries including technology (MTN), automotive (Ford, Hyundai), aviation (Cathay Pacific, South African Airways), FMCG (Coca-Cola and Colgate), Broadcast (DStv Africa, SuperSport), banking (HSBC, Standard Chartered, Absa, Nedbank, First National Bank), insurance (Singsaver, Hollard) quick-serve restaurants (KFC, Nando’s), delivery services (Deliveroo), sports marketing (Cricket South Africa, Nedbank Cup, Supersport Football Club) as well as fashion retail (Nike, Edgars) and news media (The Straits Times, The Sowetan).

With a design-thinking-led approach to brand challenges, Ismail is skilled at crafting strategies that inspire rich creative ideas that drive business results.

When he’s not chasing effectiveness metrics, he can be found reading Spanish literature, curating indie playlists and chasing a football on a Sunday afternoon.