Osama Bhutta
Strategist and communicator
Osama helps organisations make sense of a complex world, define where they stand within it, and change public opinion and policy as a result.
Over nearly 25 years he has held senior leadership and comms positions at the University of Manchester, Amnesty International, Shelter UK, and Al Jazeera. He has consulted for the likes of the UN Development Program, Wellcome Trust, Chanel, the Gates Foundation, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and various government leaders, departments, and entities.
Career and achievements
As Executive Director for Marketing and Communications at the University of Manchester, Osama led institutional positioning, reputation, and student recruitment revenue at one of the world’s top forty universities.
He also 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.
Get in touch if you are wishing to strengthen your strategic positioning, tell your stories, and deliver campaigns that create change.
Osama Bhutta 