Martin Tomlinson

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Relationships are key in any business. In the Middle East, they are even more important.

Having the right people on the ground — people who understand the market, know the customers and can build the right partnerships — can be the difference between a brand that enters the region and a brand that succeeds in it.

For me, successful growth starts with a clear strategy.

But strategy alone is not enough.

You need the right partners, the right route to market and the ability to execute. And once the plan is underway, you need people close to the business who can monitor performance, identify what is changing and make the necessary adjustments.

That is what Templar is built to do.

I have more than 35 years of experience across the Middle East, working with both global multinational companies and leading regional businesses.

During my career I have held senior leadership positions including Managing Director of McCain Foods Middle East and Kellogg’s Middle East, as well as Commercial Director Gulf Food Industries (Americana) and Regional Manager positions for Rothmans of Pall Mall (BAT) In Qatar, Egypt, Yemen and in Saudi Arabia

That experience has given me a deep understanding of what it takes to build and grow brands in this region — from strategy and route to market through to distributors, customers, sales teams and execution.

It has also shown me how rapidly the way brands connect with consumers is changing.

Social media, creators and influencers are now an increasingly important part of the marketing mix. But the same principles still apply: 

Understand the market, understand the consumer and make sure the brand is relevant.

I founded Templar to bring that experience to brands that want to unlock the potential of the Middle East without having to build an entire regional infrastructure themselves.

Strategy is leadership. Execution is management.

At Templar, we bring both.