Appointments

Mawdoo3 Group, the region’s Arabic content publisher and AI developer, appointed LUCA ALLAM as its new Deputy CEO. Allam brings with him extensive experience and expertise in the world of business, marketing and digital media. With over 20 years’ of international and regional experience, of which 13 have been in the region, he has been building and leading effective businesses, most recently as CEO for PHD MENA.

FP7 McCann promoted AMR EL KALAAWY to Regional Managing Director for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. El Kalaawy was part of FP7 McCann Cairo for 17 years, where he climbed the ranks to the role of Managing Director. His role at the agency began as a Business Unit Leader. Over the years, El Kalaawy also led FP7 McCann Cairo’s largest account. FP7 McCann Cairo has also appointed SONDOS EFFAT as Managing Director. With a 14-year tenure at FP7McCann Cairo, Effat has consistently demonstrated leadership and strategic capabilities.

OMD MENA appointed ZIAD SOUKKARIE as Managing Director for Saudi Arabia. He aims to develop talent, foster team success, enhance client capabilities, and improve market growth. Soukkarie has over 18 years of regional industry experience, mostly in KSA. Most recently, he was the General Manager of UM KSA. Over the years, he navigated the evolution of the local media market and led the team handling the country’s largest advertiser.

Publicis Groupe Middle East appointed AHMED YOUNIS as its new Chief Creative Officer for Publicis Communications KSA, overseeing Leo Burnett and Saatchi & Saatchi. Recognised as one of the top 10 creative leaders in MENA, he will drive the group’s creative agenda in the Kingdom and foster collaborative teams that deliver work for clients. Younis has a 25-year journey in creative leadership, digital strategy, and social media marketing. His campaigns have left a significant impact on the advertising landscape in the region.

Create Group appointed SIMON ASHWIN as Managing Director. Ashwin brings a wealth of international integrated marketing expertise to his role as Managing Director of the agency. He honed his career skills across Oceania, APAC, Greater China, the Middle East, and Africa. His expertise spans creative, media, and digital consulting agencies, where he partnered with global brands and government entities, such as Nike, New Balance, Samsung, VW and PepsiCo.

AUNINDO (AUNI) SEN joined Publicis Middle East, part of Publicis Groupe ME, as Executive

Creative Director. He will co-lead the creative department together with Tuki Ghiassi, Executive Creative Director. Sen, an industry veteran with 16 years of experience, rejoined Publicis Groupe ME after two years, having previously worked with Leo Burnett ME as Senior Creative Director.

TBWA\RAAD appointed TONY KAYOUKA as its new Head of Social and Content.

In this strategic role, Kayouka will play a key part in advancing the agency’s growth strategy and reinforcing its commitment to delivering creative content. He will lead TBWA\RAAD’s social media initiatives, focusing on crafting narratives and spearheading impactful campaigns. His focus is on adopting authentic approaches and integrating strategies that resonate with the audiences of client brands to build connections.

Cheil MEA appointed CRESSIDA PICKAVANCE as Director of Direct-toConsumer Strategy. Joining from Cheil UK’s leadership team, Pickavance brings a wealth of experience as an e-commerce and digital expert. In her role, she will spearhead strategic initiatives and lead large cross-functional teams across various digital disciplines. With her extensive expertise and track record she will continue to drive innovative and effective digital solutions for its clients.