Waleed Arif Malik, also professionally known as Waleed Arif, is a Pakistan-based digital media leader, AdTech strategist, entrepreneur, and podcast host. He is widely recognized as the lead host of Local Talks, a growing Pakistani podcast platform focused on business, technology, leadership, and real-world conversations.
Based in Islamabad, he has built a strong presence within Pakistan’s digital and technology ecosystem through his work in advertising technology, entrepreneurship, and long-form content.
Career and Professional Background
Waleed Arif Malik currently serves as Stream Head AdTech at Jazz, where he leads the company’s data-driven advertising and digital transformation initiatives.
With more than a decade of experience in performance marketing and AdTech, his work has involved managing large-scale digital marketing investments, implementing programmatic advertising systems, and building frameworks powered by first-party data and analytics.
His expertise includes:
- digital advertising strategy
- performance marketing
- data-led audience growth
- programmatic solutions
- monetization and platform scale
Over the years, he has contributed to scaling major digital platforms in Pakistan, including OTT services and lifestyle-focused applications.
Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Alongside his corporate leadership role, Waleed Arif Malik is the co-founder and CEO of Hexa Technology.
Hexa Technology is a digital solutions company that has delivered projects for more than 100 clients across different industries. Through this venture, he has continued to work on digital innovation, technology-driven growth, and scalable product solutions.
This entrepreneurial role has further strengthened his reputation as an Islamabad-based tech entrepreneur.
Lead Host of Local Talks
Waleed Arif Malik is best known publicly as the lead host of Local Talks, a Pakistani YouTube podcast that focuses on meaningful and insight-driven discussions.
The platform covers topics such as:
- entrepreneurship
- business strategy
- technology and AI
- leadership
- personal growth
- social and local issues
As the primary host, he is known for bringing structure, clarity, and thoughtful direction to conversations.
Mudassir Ali serves as the co-host and adds a reflective and analytical perspective to the discussions.
Professional Reach and Industry Presence
Through his work at Jazz, Hexa Technology, and Local Talks, Waleed Arif Malik has built a strong professional network across Pakistan’s digital, media, and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The podcast regularly features conversations with founders, professionals, creators, and experts from multiple industries, helping position Local Talks as a growing platform for business, technology, and thought leadership discussions.
This broader engagement reflects his continued role in Pakistan’s evolving digital landscape.
Previous Experience
Before his current leadership positions, Waleed Arif Malik worked across several organizations in advertising, media, and corporate sectors, including:
- Blitz Advertising
- OHI Leo Burnett (Oman Based Company)
- Centaurus Group (Pakistan Real Estate Towers)
- Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV)
- Daily Ausaf
- Daily Khabrain
This experience has contributed to his cross-functional understanding of both traditional media and modern digital ecosystems.
Education and Certifications
Waleed holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila.
He also holds certifications in:
- Google Ads
- Facebook Blueprint
Personal Interests and Travel Perspective
Outside of his professional work, Waleed Arif Malik has a strong interest in travel and exploration. He often shares the idea of saving with purpose and experiencing different cultures through travel.
He has explored several northern areas of Pakistan, including regions such as Skardu and Hunza Valley, while also traveling internationally to destinations including London, Istanbul, Bali, and Saudi Arabia.
His travel experiences often shape the perspectives he shares in conversations, where he is frequently seen drawing comparisons between Pakistan and other countries, offering insights based on his personal observations and experiences abroad.
This perspective adds a broader real-world dimension to his views on growth, culture, digital progress, and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Waleed Arif Malik continues to play an active role in shaping Pakistan’s digital ecosystem through his work in AdTech, entrepreneurship, and content-driven media.
As Stream Head AdTech at Jazz, CEO of Hexa Technology, and the main host of Local Talks, he brings together technology expertise, strategic leadership, and meaningful public conversation.
FAQs
Who is Waleed Arif Malik?
Waleed Arif Malik is a Pakistani AdTech strategist, entrepreneur, and main host of Local Talks podcast.
Is Waleed Arif Malik also known as Waleed Arif?
Yes, he is commonly referred to as Waleed Arif.
What does he do at Jazz?
He serves as Stream Head AdTech and leads digital advertising and growth initiatives.
Is he the CEO of Hexa Technology?
Yes, he is the co-founder and CEO of Hexa Technology.
What is his role in Local Talks?
He is the main host of the podcast.