MCN MediaBrands, the media arm of Middle East Communications Network, has made two appointments.
MCN says the changes will bolster its regional leadership structure in the areas of digital and investment management.
Mohamad Itani will be appointed to the role of regional executive director of digital, while Ziad Chalhoub will be appointed to the role of regional executive director of investments .
Itani will “lead the acceleration of our digital capabilities to and drive us forward as thought-leaders,” said MCN.” As part of this plan, Mohamad will work closely with the agency leads to champion the integration of the Programmatic and Performance practice into the core of the agency operating model. He will also collaborate with the agency digital leads to craft a cutting-edge digital product that complements each agency’s DNA and strategic objectives, while providing guidance on the agency’s commercial strategy. In parallel, Mohamad will be setting-up Reprise as a full-service digital agency in line with its global mission and lead its efforts to acquire performance driven clients.”
Itani joined MCN in 2009 as regional digital director of Initiative MENA, establishing the agency’s digital practice across the region. He was later tasked with setting-up Platform5 as MCN’s performance-driven, integrated services and technology agency supporting MCN Mediabrands, UM, Initiative and Magna. As the managing director of Platform5, he successfully built performance, data products and launched Cadreon as a specialised adtech unit. Under his remit Platform5 grew its revenues two fold and offered leading edge solutions across multiple markets with presence in UAE, KSA, Egypt and Lebanon.
Ziad Chalhoub will champion the group’s investment strategy in collaboration with key media vendors to craft solutions that brings unique and amplified value for clients. MCN said: “Together with his team, Ziad will lead the charge to generate value for our clients, ensure we deliver against commitments and set up vendor relations that puts the group in a strong competitive position. He will also collaborate with the team at Capella and Reprise to produce industry research reports, benchmark analyses and future industry trends, while identifying innovative solutions that bring uniqueness to our offering beyond the traditional space of media.”
Chalhoub has 17 years of experience operating across a multitude of industries and brands. He started his career as a media planner and moved through the ranks to becoming a regional business director managing some of the largest client groups in the region. In 2010 he moved into media investments and progressed to the role of head of investments for MCN MediaBrands in 2018.