Abou-Ezzeddine to head up Y&R as CEO

Ramzy Abou-Ezzeddine has taken over as CEO of Y&R in the Middle East and North Africa.

Ramzy Abou-Ezzeddine has taken over as chief executive officer of Y&R in the Middle East and North Africa.

His appointment follows the departure of Menacom chairman and CEO Joseph Ghossoub in April and a period of uncertainty surrounding the agency’s leadership. Ghossoub had been interim chairman and CEO of Y&R MENA since March last year following the resignation of Nagib Badreddine. Ghossoub’s daugther, Nadine Ghossoub, having initially taken over as acting CEO of Y&R MENA in January 2014, remained in her previous role as managing director of Y&R Dubai. All have since left the agency, as well as chief creative officer Shahir Zag.

Abou-Ezzeddine will oversee all of Y&R’s operations in the region, which includes the Intermarkets, Classic Partnership and Labstore agencies.

“The Middle East is an important part of our global network and corporate strategy,” said Y&R Global CEO David Sable. “We have enor- mous strengths there already including a deep bench of talent that consistently produces great work for our clients. Ramzy’s appointment signals our continued commitment and focus on the region. He has deep insight into the region’s markets, a proven track record and a strong passion for our business, and our brands. We see tremendous opportunity with him in place there going forward.”

Abou-Ezzeddine has spent the last 23 years in marketing and communications positions across the Middle East and North Africa. He was most recently the group head of marketing and communication for Bank Audi in Lebanon.

“I am delighted to join the global Y&R network, which is such an iconic agency,” said Abou- Ezzeddine. “I have spent the past eight years on the client side and nearly twice that on the agency side. I am looking forward to putting together all my experience on behalf of our clients – helping our clients and the agency live up to their potential in the region.”