About

About me.

International communications, corporate announcements, major asset portfolios and commercially accountable marketing leadership.

Experience across major developments, global sport and commercial portfolios.

I am a Dubai-based communications and marketing leader with more than a decade of experience advising executives, leading complex programmes and delivering high-profile announcements for global organisations and major asset owners.

At Burson, I lead major client programmes spanning international sports organisations, public-sector projects, corporate and construction communications, and consumer brands. The work involves senior stakeholder advice, integrated teams, budgets and delivery across different markets.

Earlier at Dubai Golf, part of Wasl Asset Management Group, I progressed to Interim Head of Marketing & Communications and served on the executive committee. I helped deliver Topgolf Dubai, contributed to the development of Viya and led marketing through the 2022 transition of Aldar’s three Abu Dhabi golf properties into the managed portfolio.

William Tickell portrait

Career.

July 2024–Present

Account Director — Burson (WPP)

Senior counsel and account leadership across international communications, technology, sport, entertainment and consumer brands.

March 2023–July 2024

Senior Account Manager — Hill & Knowlton (WPP)

International sports and destination communications including the Saudi Pro League, LIV Golf, Surf Abu Dhabi, and Saudi major events.

November 2022–March 2023

Interim Head of Marketing & Communications — Dubai Golf

Executive committee member, overseeing integrated marketing and communications across golf, hospitality and lifestyle assets.

2016–2022

Marketing leadership — Dubai Golf

Progressed through the business from its graduate programme, leading integrated marketing, Topgolf Dubai’s launch and the creation of Viya.

Education.

MSc

Sheffield Hallam University

BA

University of Birmingham