About 960

DIRECTOR

“At 960 Consultants, our philosophy is to treat our partner’s businesses as we treat our own. We apply our business acumen and market knowledge with utmost honesty, earning the trust of our partners. This, coupled with the passion and appetite we have for winning, enables us to quickly adapt to the dynamic business environment we operate in, helping our partners take great strides towards success.”

Imjad Jaleel is an entrepreneur and a seasoned business development expert with a special interest in strategic marketing and corporate communication. Since co-founding 960 Consultants, he works extensively with leading players in the tourism, finance, architecture and engineering sectors on projects related to strategy, operations, and government policy.

While serving as Chief Communication Strategist at the President’s Office from June 2017 till end of term in November 2018, key initiatives he delivered include:

• Complete digitization of the government’s communication ecosystem, enhancing communication across all platforms enabling real time access to information for the public
• Spearheading the creation of the first online digital platform, with an accompanying printed version, showcasing all national development projects achieved during the past 3 administrations since 2008; inclusion of thorough island level details enhanced transparency and accountability of the government’s achievements
• Successful implementation of aligning the entire strategic communication of the government, and all involved stakeholders, ensuring proper dissemination of key messages across all channels locally and internationally
• Head of Communication in key State level visits with heads of states and notably Head of PR and communications of the Maldives delegation and participated in all the official talks with President of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping (2017)

In his previous role at Dhiraagu Plc (a subsidiary of majority shareholder Batelco since 2013 and previously Cable & Wireless), Imjad’s notable contributions include:

• Led the strategic communication and marketing component of the 3G and 4G nationwide broadband coverage (2013 – 2015)
• A key team leader in the strategic communication of The government of Maldives launching Dhiraagu IPO Prospectus in 2011
• Co-team leader of the strategic communication of Dhiraagu Fibre Optic Submarine Cable network system in 2011, a USD 21.7m project to lay a 1,017km length fibre optic cable network system from north to south of the country
• Part of the core team of leaders shaping Dhiraagu’s 2017 rebranding campaign, the largest and most successful such campaign in the country
• Led the youth market in 2017 – one of the key revenue streams of the company

Having a keen interest in the driving forces behind the Maldivian economy, he started his first series of entrepreneurial projects soon after graduating from high school. The success of these projects were rooted in the innovative solutions offered that also promoted social development, a trait prevalent in his subsequent ventures.

Areas of expertise:

• International politics and contemporary global governance
• Local political landscape and stakeholder management
• Strategic management and business policy
• Marketing communication, public relations and crisis management
• Brand architecture, branding strategy and digital transformation
• New business development in Maldives

Education:

• Bachelor of Social Science (Honors) in Public Policy, Development and Management (PDM) track, majoring in Political Science and Economics, Singapore Management University (2010)

DIRECTOR

“As a rule, we do not settle for anything short of excellence in what we do, and that is at the very heart of every business decision we make. With a brilliant team and superb local and international connections, we are able to skillfully help our partners consistently navigate various key business decisions accomplishing what we set out to achieve as a team.”

Mohamed Latheef is an expert in the field of public finance and has led several major national development projects for the government sector. He has more than 18 years of finance, planning and management consulting experience, working with senior officials in both private and public sectors to address their most pressing strategic issues.

Prior to co-founding 960 Consultancy, he worked as an independent business consultant at United International Hotels Group Inc. from June 2015 – December 2017 focusing stakeholder relationship and new business representation services.

He served as Deputy Minister of Finance and Treasury from November 2012 to November 2013. In this role, his key focus was overseeing formulation and implementation of both fiscal and debt policies and compiling the national budget.

While at Thilafushi Corporation Limited from 2009 – 2012, his key areas of responsibilities included fulfilling the roles of Manager, Corporate Affairs & Legal and as Managing Director in 2012.

Earlier in his career, Mohamed Latheef was a Finance Specialist at UNICEF from December 2004 till January 2007. During his time at UNICEF and the Ministry of Planning and National development of Maldives, he led various projects, with his area of specialty being disaster management and rural development.

His major accomplishments include:

• Heading the Thilafushi land reclamation project, overseeing the implantation of the transaction to establish an international port in Thilafushi
• Representing the government via playing key roles in Gulheefalhu land reclamation project from the government side
• Overseeing financial allotment by UNICEF towards Tsunami aid projects

Areas of expertise:

• New business development
• Legal and compliance in public sector
• Major national development projects
• Public sector advisory
• Finance and planning

Education and Training:

• MSc in International Management, University of Liverpool (ongoing)
• Development Planning, Project Monitoring, Management and Evaluation, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand (2003)
• Diploma in Economics, University of London (2001)