I’m an editorial and content leader with more than 15 years of experience delivering publishing and brand projects across magazines, books and digital platforms. From editorial strategy and commissioning to copywriting and branded content, I take ideas from concept to delivery with creativity, clarity and commercial impact.
I trained at BBC Worldwide in London, and contributed to print and digital for BBC Good Food UK as well as managing the digital operations for BBC Good Food Middle East for four years. During my tenure, I managed digital strategy for the region across web, social and video, increasing organic unique page views by 139% and Instagram followers by 733%, while delivering branded content, on-camera campaigns, platform improvements and international BBC syndication collaborations.
As a National Geographic Contributing Editor for the book Celebrating 50 Years of the UAE, I interviewed 12 leading photographers discussing their wildlife, landscape, and portrait photography. As part of the project, I also subedited all English text for the book and supported with flatplanning and contributed to image selection to maintain a clear, unified editorial vision. The areas covered in the work included The Natural World, People & Places and Cityscapes & Spaces. My work was then translated into Arabic, to create a cohesive, dual langauge book.
I managed the GQ digital team for the MENA region for a set remote contract while the publication underwent internal restructuring. Led daily digital operations, managing editorial and social teams, shaping social strategy, producing SEO-led content, repurposing print for digital audiences, covering major events including the GQ Awards, and contributing long-form print journalism. During my time with the magazine, I also contributed several long-form print features and subedited the print magazine.
Helped to shape visual direction for L’Oréal’s major seasonal regional advertising campaign across television, digital and print, working closely with the head stylist, managing six stylists, sourcing and styling over five days, and helping deliver creative seen by more than 200 million people.
Within the agency ASDA’A BCW, I supported the Luxury and Travel PR team, delivering fast-paced, client-first content across integrated campaigns for Jumeirah Group, RAK Tourism and Dubai Tourism, amongst many other clients. I shaped brand narratives, produced high-impact editorial assets including press releases, and ghostwrote thought leadership for C-suite executives across top-tier regional publications.
I worked with Ferrari to create a 360 native content campaign across print, web and social media for L’Officiel magazine. This included a 14-page magazine shoot, where I worked as a producer, leading a team of people. The photoshoot and accompanying videos were also rolled out across the website and social media channels, with a gross total reach of 500,000 impressions.
I led the Middle Eastern arm of the UK’s best-selling weekly news magazine. I started at the publication as a Features Writer, before being promoted to Deputy Editor and Editor, contributing in total to 112 editions of the magazine. As Editor, I managed editorial strategy, budgets, freelancers and a small team, helping launch and establish the title as a current-affairs market leader that outsold leading competitors.
I worked as a Contributing Editor for the Vacheron Constantin multi-generational work 50 Years of the UAE: Celebrating the Women and the Country. The book explored the relationship between Emirati women and shared heirlooms. For the book, I interviewed 17 Arab creatives, including 16 women, and shared the stories of Emirati womanhood over three areas covering Culture, Modernity and Habitat. My work was then translated into Arabic, to create a cohesive, dual langauge book.
Managed and produced fast-paced digital editorial coverage for the World Governments’ Summit 2019 and 2022 three-day events, delivering minute-by-minute live updates, shaping timely content under pressure, and ensuring accurate, engaging communications for a major global government platform.
“An extremely talented journalist with the dynamism and ambition that is vital to succeed in such a tough industry. At The Week magazine, Emma produced a top-quality publication for me time after time. Her attention to detail and conscientious approach meant the magazine always went to press on deadline and was always a fantastic read. I am 100 per cent sure she will fulfil her potential and do even greater things in the future. Any organisation is lucky to have her on board.”
– Dean Carroll, Business Group Editor
“I had the pleasure of working with Emma in my capacity as a PR Executive. She is a down-to-Earth media professional, is equipped with great communication skills and has an exemplary work ethic. She is an excellent mentor to up-and-coming professionals in the communications field.”
– Amaka Zulu, PR Executive
EMMA CLAIRE HODGSON 