Available to hire
I’m Courtney Brandt, an American expat with 15+ years of experience in the Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi). Based in Dubai, I focus on writing and creating content around fine dining and luxury hospitality, collaborating with restaurants, hotels, and brands. Represented by Touch Talent Management Agency. I’ve contributed to outlets including the Financial Times, 50 Best Bars, Atlas, Vogue Arabia, Forbes Middle East, Fast Company, and more, building a broad portfolio across food, travel, and luxury lifestyle.
My largest platform is Google Maps with over 133 million views, and I run a weekly A to Z newsletter that serves 7,100+ subscribers in PR, marketing, and culinary circles, with a solid open rate. I regularly partner with global brands and have appeared on TV and radio to share expertise in gastronomy and media storytelling.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Senior Marketing Manager at Tresind Studio
February 1, 2025 - PresentSenior Marketing Manager overseeing brand storytelling, media relations, and strategic social campaigns. Responsibilities include crafting press materials, handling media inquiries, coordinating awards submissions, managing the chef’s calendar and international event logistics, updating the press kit, and driving content creation across channels to elevate the fine dining brand.
Senior Marketing Consultant at Tresind Studio
January 31, 2025 - October 11, 2025Consulted on press strategy and social media, produced high-quality content, coordinated with international media, and supported event logistics and website updates. Led speech writing and ensured brand presentation met global standards.
Food & Beverages Advisory Board member at Luxury Lifestyle Awards
March 1, 2024 - PresentAdvised on luxury F&B projects and helped spotlight outstanding food and beverage experiences within the awards program.
Founder at A to Za'atar
October 1, 2015 - PresentFounder and lead contributor to the weekly A to Z newsletter; manages social media and brand partnerships, builds culinary content, and contributes freelance writing across multiple outlets.
Culinary Specialist at Unilever
December 31, 2024 - October 11, 2025Culinary specialist supporting PR and in-house teams for the 2024 Trends Report (MENA). Roles included copywriting, editing, interviews, and idea generation for activations and launches.
News Writer at Tasting Table
June 30, 2024 - October 11, 2025Wrote timely news and evergreen articles, researched topics, and contributed to editorial standards for food and drink coverage in the region.
Culinary Consultant at byFood
April 30, 2024 - October 11, 2025Provided expert culinary guidance for media projects, ensuring authentic and engaging culinary visuals and narratives.
Contributing Writer at Capital D Studio
March 31, 2024 - October 11, 2025Wrote culinary, travel, and lifestyle content for digital and print platforms, contributing to a variety of editorial features and guides.
Lead Host and Moderator at Gulfood
February 29, 2024 - October 11, 2025Lead host and moderator for Chefs Talks at the Top Table, coordinating on-site emcee duties, panel topics, and interview preparation.
Host at Hopscotch Sopexa Middle East-India
February 29, 2024 - October 11, 2025Hosted activations including Unilever Future Trends and Wonderful Pistachio, coordinating event content and guest experiences.
Culinary Consultant at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
March 31, 2023 - October 11, 2025Assisted in confirming innovative dining concepts and experiences across Dubai for city-wide culinary initiatives, including Master Classes and Chef collaborations.
Content Marketing Specialist at Sapaad Pte Ltd
December 31, 2022 - October 11, 2025Wrote, edited, and optimized content for blogs and webpages; developed resources and scripts for video and podcast content; supported social media campaigns.
Freelance Writer at Spinneys Dubai LLC
December 31, 2022 - October 11, 2025Back-end copywriting and data entry for Spinney's website; conducted research and editing for product and lifestyle content.
Culinary Advisor at Carnistore
September 30, 2022 - October 11, 2025Short-term consultancy focusing on culinary strategy and brand fit for campaigns and product development.
Culinary Advisor at Perlu Middle East
March 31, 2021 - October 11, 2025Community engagement and influencer collaboration strategist; curated influencer pools and brand campaigns.
Freelance Producer at Dubai Eye 103.8
February 28, 2021 - October 11, 2025Produced content for radio shows, coordinated guests, and managed daily social media content.
Podcast Host at CSR of One
September 30, 2020 - October 11, 2025Hosted monthly podcast focusing on CSR topics and charitable initiatives; led discussions and community engagement.
Communications Manager at Place Dynamix
January 31, 2017 - October 11, 2025Led communications strategy, SEO initiatives, and visibility campaigns; coordinated awards and events.
Academic HR Partner at New York University Abu Dhabi
January 31, 2016 - October 11, 2025Led faculty contracts, renewals, and recruitment; managed HRIS data and reporting for scientific and social science divisions.
Human Resources Officer at Georgetown University
December 31, 2013 - October 11, 2025Administrative HR support, benefits coordination, recruitment, onboarding, and policy implementation.
Human Resources Coordinator at Georgetown University
July 31, 2013 - October 11, 2025Data management, recruitment support, onboarding, and HR process administration for Doha campus.
Assistant (HR, HSSE, Housing and Immigration) at Georgetown University SFS-Q
February 29, 2012 - October 11, 2025Administrative support across HR, housing, and immigration; maintained contact lists and processed onboarding paperwork.
Recruitment Consultant at GRM International
September 30, 2011 - October 11, 2025End-to-end recruitment for development projects across multiple regions; collaborated with donor-funded programs.
Executive Assistant at Ithmar Capital
October 31, 2010 - October 11, 2025Calendar management, travel coordination, and broad executive support for multiple leaders.
Executive Assistant to Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company
January 31, 2010 - October 11, 2025Comprehensive executive support, travel logistics, client liaison, data management, and invoicing coordination.
Tour Director at GrandLuxe Rail Journeys
August 31, 2007 - October 11, 2025Onboard tour staff, guiding guests through national parks and multi-day itineraries; guest experience and operations support.
Executive Assistant at Warner Bros.
August 31, 2007 - October 11, 2025Administrative support across multiple Warner Bros. departments; calendar management and cross-functional coordination.
Education
ABJ, Telecommunications/Film Studies at University of Georgia
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2001Qualifications
HARP Communication
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025Recruitment, Retention and Talent Management Programme
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025Managing Up
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025Qatar Labour Law
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025Fundamentals of Excel 2010
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Education, Other
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
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