Yazan Kakish

Director of Marketing and Communications – College of Business

A native of Jordan, Yazan Kakish arrived in Commerce by way of New York City, bringing more than a decade of marketing experience and expertise in the corporate world to the College of Business at A&M-Commerce. Since 2007, Kakish had honed his skills with several companies including KBR, Inc. and the Ogilvy advertising agency before coming to A&M-Commerce. A recent alum of the university, Kakish was named the college’s director of marketing and communications in June 2022.

A Conversation with Yazan

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

A&M-Commerce is truly a special place that combines the very best of large university cities and small-town charm. Returning to the world of academia after thirteen years had passed since completing my undergrad degree was daunting at first. However, at A&M-Commerce I was able to bond with many of my professors as they were not only academic scholars but also industry leaders. Along with the staff, everyone ensured that I was receiving personalized feedback by providing me with research council, course registration guidance and even moral support to ensure that I felt at ‘home' when I was far from it.

What do you like most about your career?

As a marketing and communication specialist for over 14 years, I have enjoyed the ability to infuse my passion and creativity into all aspects of marketing, be it advertising, PR, event planning, networking, communication or social media. I delight in narrating a brand's story to ensure that a genuine connection is made and bringing life to a brand's personality by giving it an identity and an authentic voice. Throughout my career I have enjoyed the opportunities to extensively grow my network, learn from industry experts, and work alongside the very best in almost every field across every sector around the globe. This has enabled me to curate a treasure trove of experiences that I cherish and value.

How do you help students at A&M-Commerce?

Each of us at A&M-Commerce plays a role in ensuring that we live up to our mission to ‘Transform Lives.' In my capacity, I strive to share my expertise in marketing, particularly in how to utilize social media tools and leverage marketing analytics to empower people. Whether I am working with my Graduate Research Assistants or with students in the Marketing and Business Analytics team, the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), or the Finance Society, I am always sharing knowledge, best practices and practical training to ensure that students have real-world experience and capabilities to set them apart.

Tell us a little about yourself

In 2007, I graduated from the New York Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on marketing. Since then, I have worked in the marketing and communication field across numerous sectors including government and NGOs, finance, hospitality and tourism, aviation, automotive, education and technology. Throughout my career, I have worked and served on the executive committees of some of the largest institutions on a local, regional and international level, earning honors such as the youngest Director of Marketing and Communications for one of the largest hotel chains globally.

In today's innovation-fueled marketplace, it is imperative that we connect more and engage with customers to break paradigms and shift mindsets. As such, I embrace taking part in any research that enables me to apply a communications component.

As for my personal hobbies and interests, I love traveling and exploring; taking any opportunity to travel to another destination, immerse myself in a new culture, discover new food, and explore hidden adventures while telling people about my beautiful home, Jordan. I also enjoy music, having played trumpet throughout my life and singing. In fact, my choir won a gold medal at the World Choir Games in Sochi, Russia in 2016 and won the Choir of the Year award at Choir Fest Middle East held in Dubai, UAE.

Educational Background

• M.B.A., Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2022
• B.S., Business Administration, New York Institute of Technology, 2007