Omnicom Media Group EMEA has announced three promotions at the top of its Middle East/North Africa (MENA) operations. The regional CEO, Elie Khouri, has been elevated to chairman, while OMD MENA’s CEO, Nadim Samara, takes the same position at the regional holding and PHD’s CEO Elda Choucair moves to the newly created role of COO.
At Omnicom Group for over 30 years, Elie Khouri has been leading its media division in the Middle East since 2001, when he left BBDO to become a founder of OMD in MENA. In 2006, he assumed the leadership of the newly formed Omnicom Media Group in MENA, following the opening of PHD in Dubai. Over the years, Khouri has stimulated the group’s growth and steered it to a leadership position on a broad range of metrics. In his new role as chairman, he will continue to lead the group’s strategic offering to clients and other stakeholders by fostering closer collaboration with other Omnicom entities. He will also ensure the smooth transition of the executive role to the new management team. Khouri will report to Mike Cooper, Omnicom Media Group CEO for EMEA and APAC.
Nadim Samara, currently OMD MENA’s CEO, will now lead Omnicom Media Group MENA as CEO. At OMD since 2002, Samara has rapidly progressed through the ranks, from planning to analytics and agency management, and across functions and geographies within the global network. He has led OMD’s regional transformation to a data and business performance-focused operation. Samara has also been the architect of its success in new business, innovation and recognition, with OMD being named Media Agency/Network of the Year at multiple award festivals in MENA. He will continue to report to Elie Khouri.
Leading PHD in MENA since 2008 and as its CEO for the last three years, Elda Choucair is one of the top executives in the GCC’s media industry. Under her leadership, the company has grown seven-fold and become a key player in the region. Choucair’s success in creating a future-ready positioning has made PHD a compelling proposition for both staff and clients, recognized by prestigious awards and accolades. She will expand her remit across the group as COO for the holding.
“Our operations in the Middle East are a great source of pride as we lead there on many fronts across our networks and units. In these transformative times, speed, agility and innovation are huge assets and our leadership in this region has amply demonstrated the results of this approach,” said Mike Cooper, Omnicom Media Group CEO for EMEA and APAC. “With this new management structure, we will combine and capitalize on all this energy in order to grow further. We are uniquely placed to realize new opportunities to enhance operational efficiencies and service quality for the benefit of our clients.”
“What makes working in the Middle East so exciting is that there is still plenty to achieve. And with Omnicom’s vision for talent, the growth prospects are endless. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to keep adding value and contribute to further progress in our group and our industry,” Khouri commented. “Together with Nadim and Elda, I look forward to widening our group’s offering, strengthening our values and principles, and shaping our collective future.”
The promotions are effective immediately.