Bilal Hassam - CV — The Muslim Agency

Core Capabilities

Expertise in strategy & programme design, high-stakes facilitation, and philanthropy. Proven leader in narrative & creative direction. Specialist in AI adoption for social impact, operating from street to boardroom across the UK, USA, Europe, Southern Africa & MENA.

Snapshot of Outcomes

Helped drive Penny Appeal growth from ~£1.2m to ~£33m income (2014–20) with a digital‑first brand across 52+ countries.

Designed and delivered Young Concordia Leaders (Spain pilot → scale up in USA), embedding cross‑sector mentoring and accountability.

Programme Director, Global Donors Forum 2025: architected a three‑day agenda (c. 60 speakers, 200+ delegates).

Guiness World‑record civic mobilisation support for Who is Hussain? achieving the most blood donations in a single day.

AI for Muslim Leaders: half‑day adoption sprint for a UK MP’s office in Parliament; practical playbooks for research, policy drafts, safeguarding and automation.

Regular public voice: BBC Radio 2 – Pause for Thought, op‑eds in The Guardian, Teen Vogue, British GQ, The Independent, Newsweek & more.

Experience

Founder & Director, The Muslim Agency

2020 – present

Boutique advisory for leaders and organisations serving Muslim communities globally. Advise on strategy, programme design, fundraising and brand; steward HNW relationships. Built/transformed campaigns with NGOs, media and government. Deliver AI adoption training and transformation sprints for senior leadership teams.

Founder & Principal Artist, Muslimplicity

2022 – present

Faith‑infused art studio (mixed‑media, digital, AI‑augmented). Exhibitions in London; global online releases; commissions and collaborations.

Programme Director (contract), Global Donors Forum 2025

2025

Brought in late to design/deliver the agenda; curated speakers, moderated high‑stakes sessions, and reframed discussions for usable outcomes. Integrated philanthropic strategy with impact investing and community priorities.

Director (contract), The Concordia Forum

Jun 2024 – Dec 2024

Global network of senior Western Muslim leaders. Led strategic direction, trust‑building and convenings including the annual retreat and Young Concordia Leaders Fellowship; strengthened partnerships and stewarded next‑stage growth.

Head of CEO’s Office; Executive Board, Penny Appeal

Apr 2014 – Dec 2020

Executive leadership for a £33m+ international humanitarian charity. Portfolios included Director of Communications, International Secretariat and COVID‑19 Lead. Drove digital‑first marketing with early adoption of paid/organic social; stewarded HNW donors; shaped a disruptive, positive brand voice.

Emergency Medicine, SHO, NHS (Ealing & West Middlesex)

Aug 2013 – Apr 2016

Foundation Training (2011–13) across medicine, surgery, geriatrics, urology and GP. GMC 7155726.

Faiths Act Fellow, Tony Blair Faith Foundation / Interfaith America

Jul 2009 – May 2010

One of 30 global fellows mobilising faith communities towards the UN MDGs across UK, Africa and the US.

Education

BMBS (Medicine)University of Nottingham (2011)
BMedSci (Hons)University of Nottingham (2008)
PGDip Inter‑Religious RelationsDe Montfort University (2012)
A‑levels: Mathematics (A), Biology (A), Chemistry (A), Psychology (A).
GCSEs: 8 A*; 2 A.

Boards & Advisory

University of Cambridge – Senior Faith Leaders ProgrammeFounding Board Member (2012–18)
Faith in LeadershipBoard Member (2010–19)
Malaria No More UKDigital Advocate (2009–14)

Awards & Fellowships

Uthman Dan Fodio Award, 2015 Muslim News Awards — Excellence in Community Development.

World Islamic Economic Forum Fellow (2013).

Graduate, Young Muslim Leadership Programme (Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies & The Prince’s Trust, 2008).

Faith in Leadership Graduate (Lambeth Palace, 2009).

Samsung Mob!ler (2009–13): reviewed cutting‑edge hardware/software.