Ghassan Harfouche is to become the new CEO of the MCN group at the end of March.
Harfouche, who is managing director of the Choueiri Group’s Middle East Media Services (MEMS), will replace longstanding CEO Fadi Salameh, who is stepping down.
Akram Miknas, MCN’s chairman, said of the appointment: “I am convinced that Ghassan – known as a great, fair and transparent leader and communicator, with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the industry and region, his strong strategic focus, energy and passion, will lead the operating companies to drive the success of our group in transforming brands and growing our clients’ businesses.”
Harfouche’s role will be to leverage the full power of the communications group, while leading the process of developing and driving the vision for the future of MCN. He will be responsible for identifying new growth opportunities in the region, maximizing the integration between the group’s operating companies and between MCN and IPG/McCann Worldgroup.
Commenting on Salameh’s departure at the end of March, Miknas said: “MCN would not be where it is today without Fadi Salameh. We all know that Fadi has taken a personal decision three years ago to leave his position by March 31st, 2011. We have been truly saddened by his decision. His succession was carefully planned by MCN Board and Fadi.”
The appointment is the latest in a string of changes to have taken place at the group since October last year, when MCN restructured its senior management following a strategic review of the holding group’s entire business. Changes have included the appointment of Tarek Miknas, formerly growth officer at Lowe MENA, to the position of CEO of the FP7 Group, and Mohamad Haidar as chief operating officer of MCN.
MCN owns and manages several key agency brands, including Fortune Promoseven (FP7), Lowe MENA, UM, Initiative, Magna Global, Promoseven 360, MRM Worldwide, McCann Healthcare, Weber Shandwick Mena, and InnovationsDigital.