Sam Gerrans

Sam Gerrans is an English writer and independent thinker with backgrounds in languages, media, strategic communications, and technologies. He is driven by commitment to ultimate meaning and focused on authentic approaches to Realpolitik and revelation.

His work over eight years which demonstrates a pan-textual hermeneutical approach to the Qur’an is complete, and the product of that time may be purchased in hardback or accessed free in electronic formats here. He now neither focuses exclusively on this subject nor responds to unsolicited questions on it.

Sam Gerrans holds a degree in Russian Language and Literature from Birmingham University, and speaks Russian fluently (C2).

He has a professional background in high-level international public relations, and extensive writing experience in the Russian context.

He has lived in Russia for more than twenty years, and has held Russian citizenship since 2002. Beginning March 2023, he is focusing principally on Russia, the emerging “fair world order”, and the demise of the West and of Modernity as a whole.

Key projects:

  • Independent writer: The Qur’an: Complete Revelation, The God Protocol, The Mysterious Letters of the Qur’an: A Complete Solution (2014-2022)
  • Op-ed writerRussia Today (2014-2015)
  • PR consultancy owner, (2010-2014)
  • Radio presenterSputnik Radio (2010-2013)
  • Director of International ProjectsMikhailov & Partners (2008-2010)
  • Copywriter, (2000-2008)

Beginning March, 2023, I will publish or link to all new creative output on Substack. You can subscribe to my Substack mailing list by entering your email below. I also post news, thoughts and announcements to my Telegram channel.

Independent writing projects (2014-2022)

Op-ed Writer

August 2015 – November 2016

Contributed weekly columns on freelance basis to the Op-Edge department of Russia Today.

Briefed to write authentic, original copy to stimulate debate.

Succeeded in becoming one of RT’s most compelling writers, consistently generating traction among readers and on social media.

For all articles see here.

PR Consultancy Owner

January 2010 – July 2014

Opened and ran boutique PR consultancy helping companies in Moscow meet international communications requirements.

Services included: consultancy, translation, editing, and original copywriting.

Worked with the following either directly or via existing agencies: Borjomi, First Russian Recovery, InterRao, Microsoft, Mikhailov & Partners, Nomos Bank, Nordgold, Onetwotrip.com, Perimetrix, Rosinter, Russian Railways, Mikhail Prokhorov, Samsung, Seagate, Sollers, Telenor, TKK.

The nature of much of this work is confidential and covered by non-disclosure agreements; examples of non-confidential work are provided below:

Mikhail Prokhorov
Brief: to write (as part of a group) the political manifesto for Mikhail Prokhorov, a Russian billionaire who was running against Vladimir Putin in the 2012 Presidential elections. Approach: to strike a businesslike, matter-of-fact and decidedly Russian tone which echoes the client’s reputation as an effective business leader.
Perimetrix
Brief: to present a complex product online simply in English for this Russian technology company. Approach: advised the company to create informational pathways beginning on the homepage which would allow non-specialists, technical specialists and C-Suite decision-makers to access relevant information quickly and to drill down from there. Worked with designers to create the site, and wrote copy in English based on a Russian brief. The result was then translated into Russian.
First Russian Recovery
Brief: to present the company's profile online in English. Approach: advised the company to move away from its existing presentation and showcase itself simply and succinctly. Trimmed and rewrote copy in English based on the Russian original. The result was then translated back into Russian for domestic uses.
Telenor
Brief: to write product copy for Telenor in English. This scenario entailed delivering output for a Norwegian company using English as a business medium for a decision-maker whose native language is Russian. Approach: to work with all parties to achieve an outcome which communicates key facts simply and in a way which all stakeholders would understand.
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Radio Presenter

September 2010 – November 2013

Devised, produced, wrote and presented two successful, popular weekly radio shows for the Russian state international English-language radio station Radio Sputnik (formerly Voice of Russia).

Total output: 180 shows.

Home from Home: an interview with a different Moscow expat each week about their reasons for moving to Russia and their experiences in the country: sample show | all shows.

Inside Out: a weekly op-ed radio journal describing the underbelly of life in Russia from the point of view of someone deeply embedded in the life and culture: sample show | all shows

Director of International Projects

September 2008 – August 2010

Engaged by Russia’s premier strategic communications company Mikhailov & Partners as client interface and personal consultant to high-profile Russian clients needing to engage effectively with target audiences via Western media.

The Holmes Report lists Mikhailov & Partners as following:

Number 1 Communications Consultancy in Central and Eastern  Europe Mikhailov & Partners advises Russian and global business leaders, helping them to take and maintain the strategic initiative in building their reputations and managing communications.

The role focused on the creation and management of bespoke international campaigns for high-profile clients.

Responsible for annual budgets of one million USD with three direct reports and multiple out-of-house teams.

Key clients and projects below.

Vladimir Yakunin, President, Russian Railways
Accompanied Mr Yakunin personally internationally facilitating press interaction at multiple destinations including: Singapore, Libya, Germany, Spain, UK, Mongolia and Slovakia. Liaised with international press ensuring that client interviews were efficiently and professionally managed and oversaw the monitoring of media coverage and writing of reports thereafter.
Mikhail Prokhorov, CEO, Onexim Bank
Provided PR support in collaboration with other agencies – chiefly Burson & Marsteller – to facilitate client's purchase of Brooklyn Nets basketball team. Participated closely in process of providing press training to client prior to meeting international media. Managed the logistics of bringing 60 Minutes and Bloomberg to Russia to film client as part of media support for the client's international projects.
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Film Reviewer

2004 – 2008

Wrote cinema reviews off and on as a side gig. These focused on the English-language film scene in Moscow at the time, first for Expat.ru and then for The Moscow News.

sample review | all reviews

Copywriter

2000 – 2008

Wrote advertising, editorial, and product copy for both Western and Russian companies, primarily in the areas of software development, investment banking, and publishing.