https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8d79M0LtfY

Keith Parker

Speaking Bio

A unique global speaking profile with local relevance

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”

– Seneca

Keith Parker is a globally experienced marketing and communications leader. Following a 10-years career in Dubai, UAE, he is now based in jointly in Austin, Texas, and San Francisco, California. He speaks on topics surrounding global marketing and communications effectiveness, particularly for B2B tech, startups, destination marketing, program management, and higher education.

As a Vice President at Hotwire Global, he enables B2B client to better achieve business outcomes through effective strategy. His work focuses on global communications strategy, marketing alignment, and brand definition & development. Prior to returning to the US, Keith led and supported the marcom success of prominent leaders and companies within the UAE including Masdar Institute, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Ports, and Dubai Creative Clusters Authority.

Earlier Career

Keith led major destination marketing campaigns for the Sacramento, California, region that incorporated a full spectrum of creative, digital asset development, PPC, digital retargeting, social, content marketing, PR, event marketing, OOH, video, experiential, and more. He spearheaded and led cooperative marketing programs with the Sacramento Airport, the Sacramento Kings, Golden1 Arena, SMUD, Raley’s Family of Fine Stores, Powerschool, El Dorado County, the River District, and the cities of Woodland, the Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, West Sacramento, Citrus Heights, and Elk Grove.

Keith led a national marketing effort focused on attracting Amazon’s HQ2 project to the Sacramento region, with video, print, digital, events, and social elements. He also let a national effort to attract startups to the region through similar platforms.

He has created exposure through the BBC, CNN, WSJ, Bloomberg, Inc. Magazine, Time Magazine, Sky News, AP, and AFP. He has led joint engagements with over 150 entities, including The White House, The UAE’s Prime Minister’s Office, The Clinton Foundation, Etihad Airways, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, GE, Maersk, BP, Siemens, Engie, UOP Honeywell, and many others.

Keith has written feature articles for Abu Dhabi’s leading English-language paper, created books available in stores across the UAE, and launched a widely circulated magazine. As Director of Projects at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, overseeing the UAE Academy, he led the re-launch of the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) in collaboration with a renowned UK University and led the formulation of an NQA-aligned series of vocational business training programs for corporate and public sector clients.

His work with the Abu Dhabi Municupality included the development of the marketing and communications framework for the re-addressing of the entire Abu Dhabi Emirate. Through 3 years in marketing and creative roles with Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, he was among the founding team for the Abu Dhabi Eye on Earth Summit, which attracted an international participation of over 2,000 people and featured former US president Bill Clinton.

Education and Interests

Keith’s career has spanned 3 continents, with work in Alaska, Hawaii, California, Greece, Italy, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. He was awarded a BSBA from the University of Southern California, with and focus on Global Business, and a Minor in International Relations. He has held active PMP certification since March 2011. 

Keith enjoys travel, hiking, skydiving, scuba diving, and other outdoor adventures. He lives in Cedar Park, TX, with his wife and two daughters.