Imad Lahad, head of APCO’s AI Comms Lab and one of the leaders of the global Digital practice, has been given the role of managing director of APCO’s Dubai office and Faten AlMasri, a government services expert with over 20 years’ experience in strategic communications and business development, has been named as deputy managing director of APCO’s Riyadh office.
“Imad and Faten are leaders who embody the best of APCO’s values and enterprising spirit,” said Staples. “Their knowledge and expertise have been invaluable to our global team in recent years and we’re delighted to expand their roles to the regional leadership level.”
“2020 has been a challenging year for companies around the world and across the MENA region,” Mamoon Sbeih, president of APCO in the MENA region, said. “Imad and Faten’s deep expertise, especially in the areas of digital transformation and public affairs, will continue to benefit our clients. We are thrilled to welcome them to these new roles.”
Lahad, a seven-year APCO veteran, is also a member of the firm’s Global Leadership Team. In his roles as head of APCO’s AI Comms Lab and one of the leaders of the global Digital practice, he works with clients to develop innovative approaches to protect and promote their brands by harnessing AI technologies and digital tools. For more than 20 years, Lahad has been empowering clients with digital transformation and change management strategies to identify new opportunities to grow their products and services.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with APCO’s bold and dynamic team in Dubai over the years, and it’s an honour to take on the role of managing director,” said Lahad. “This is an exciting time to be at APCO. Our clients are demanding more than ever and we’re rising to that challenge in new ways every day. I look forward to seeing our talented team continue to innovate and experiment to deliver value and impact to our clients at the highest levels.”
AlMasri, who joined APCO in 2015, will be supporting Liam D. Clarke, managing director of APCO’s Riyadh office, to continue growing the company’s presence and capabilities in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while continuing to lead APCO’s Institutional Design practice.
“It’s a real honour to join the leadership team of the Riyadh office and work with Liam to continue growing our portfolio and presence in this critical and exciting region,” said AlMasri. “We have an impressive team here that has a track record of delivering for our clients and I look forward to taking this momentum forward.”
APCO’s team in the MENA region—consisting of more than 200 people from 26 countries working in teams across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Manama and Kuwait—has consistently been recognized for its outstanding work. This recognition includes being named the 2019 Best Agency in the Middle East by PRWeek, as well as the 2019 Corporate Consultancy of the Year and the 2019 Best Agency to Work For by PRovoke Media. APCO’s MENA region is supported by an experienced group of senior leaders in the region, including Sbeih, Clarke, Elizabeth Sen, Muhannad Al Badri, Jolyon Kimble, Samer El Hachem and Nicholas Labuschagne.