Osama Bhutta
Geopolitical strategist and communicator
Osama is a strategic advisor who helps organisations navigate complex challenges through communications, brand positioning, and organisational transformation.
Over more than two decades, he has held executive leadership roles across media, human rights, housing policy, finance, higher education, and climate—driving measurable impact for organisations.
Most recently, as Executive Director for Marketing and Communications at the University of Manchester, he led institutional positioning, reputation, and student recruitment revenue at one of the world’s top forty universities.
Previously, he served as Global Director of Marketing & Communications at Amnesty International, overseeing news and media operations, brand strategy, creative development, and digital engagement across 70+ countries. He repositioned the organisation’s approach to be more emotionally resonant while maintaining its authority on human rights issues. Under his leadership, the organisation exceeded ambitious growth targets and delivered award-winning campaigns that shifted policy and public opinion worldwide.
At Al Jazeera Media Network, he designed and executed the strategy that transformed the network’s global reputation. His approach created a breakthrough in the US and brought Al Jazeera’s audience reach in line with CNN and BBC across APAC and EMEA regions. As Head of Communications and International Relations, he managed government and diplomatic engagement during the Arab Spring and coordinated a multi-award winning campaign that secured the release of four imprisoned journalists in Egypt.
As an Executive Director at Shelter, he led campaigns that changed housing legislation and returned social housing to UK political discourse, resulting in billions in new government investment.
The teams he has built and led have been recognised with international honors including Titanium and Grand Prix for Good at Cannes Lions, Best of Show at The One Show, and SABRE Awards across EMEA, APAC, and Global categories—including recognition for one of the 40 best campaigns in the world.
He advises organisations seeking to strengthen their strategic positioning, build high-performing communications functions, and deliver campaigns that create lasting change.
Osama Bhutta 