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James Gannaban

Director of Marketing & Communications at Pirata Group

James Gannaban is a senior marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in international hospitality, media, and tech industries. He currently serves as the Director of Marketing & Communications at Pirata Group, one of Hong Kong's fastest-growing restaurant groups.12

Professional Experience

At Pirata Group, James:

  • Drives the company's high-performing Marketing team
  • Oversees communications for 16 brands, 27 restaurants, and three delivery kitchens
  • Manages a full-stack Sales & Marketing department, including Branding, Digital, Social Media, PR & Communications, Guest Relations, Events Sales, and Central Reservations2

During his tenure, Pirata Group has:

  • Launched 14 restaurants during the pandemic, including two in Shanghai
  • Doubled the group's size despite challenging market conditions2

Previous Roles

Before joining Pirata Group, James held several notable positions:

  • Senior Marketing Manager - Asia at The ENTERTAINER (January 2020 - July 2020)
  • Marketing Manager at South China Morning Post
  • Marketing & PR Manager at FINDS Restaurant & Bar2

Skills and Achievements

James is known for:

  • Developing multi-channel marketing campaigns
  • Mentoring marketing teams across Asian offices
  • Launching award-winning apps in previous roles
  • Co-authoring the award-winning Multisensory Mixology cocktail recipe book12

His expertise lies in understanding various components of marketing and communications and making them work seamlessly together. James has demonstrated his ability to navigate businesses through various stages, including inception, market entry and exit, decline, merger & acquisition, CEO transition, and aggressive growth.2

Highlights

Aug 30 · linkedin

Nothing like a busy Friday night service to get the blood flowing!

I’ll be working the reception at Chaiwala, our lively Indian enclave on Wyndham Street.

Come by for happy hour, Bombay Fried Chicken, crispy pani-puri, cheesy truffle naan, anything - hit me up, I have so many suggestions!!

Namaste🙏🏽

Pirata Group #YouAreBeloved #RestaurantLife

Aug 22 · linkedin

Putting a few things together at our sky high Italian flagship, Pirata. When there’s good creative flow, the magic is palpable.

Marketing is increasingly fragmented with so many channels, guest segments, content requirements.

But make no mistake, Marketing is a team sport.

Strategy.

Timing.

Messaging discipline.

Guest journey.

There is no room for silos, everyone needs to work together. You take the ball, bounce it around, pass it. Then, the shot needs to land.

So proud of this team.

Orla Deignan Karen Leung Yanni Li Jonny Moreland Jake Thomas Leandra Celeste Sylte

Related Questions

What are some of the most challenging campaigns James Gannaban has led at Pirata Group?
How did James transition from the entertainment industry to marketing?
What strategies did James use to double Pirata Group's size during the pandemic?
Can you share examples of the award-winning apps James launched?
What makes James' approach to crisis communication unique?
James Gannaban
James Gannaban, photo 1
James Gannaban, photo 2
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Experience

Director of Marketing & Communications at Pirata Group (July 2020 - Present)

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre from Ateneo de Manila University (1998 - 2002), 4.0 GPA

Location

Hong Kong SAR