Dubai - The region's leading shopper marketing agency, Saatchi and Saatchi X, is strengthening its business in the Middle East and North Africa with two key appointments in the client servicing and creative departments. Ellen Samano, who joins from Publicis Manilla, has been appointed Client Services Director, whilst Keith Lawler, previously of TBWA in Ireland is joining as Senior Art Director.
Samano will take responsibility for the implementation of shopper marketing strategies across the agency's portfolio, which includes P&G, Nestle, Arla Foods and Kraft. She will also ensure that the agency continues to lead shopper marketing in the Middle East by promoting best practice and innovation across the network, working in conjunction with the global leadership.
As Senior Art Director, Lawler will be responsible for the creative execution of shopper marketing campaigns, working closely with the planning team to ensure the final design engages with shoppers on an emotional level, provokes action and ultimately, improves sales.
Speaking about his appointment, Lawler said: "Shoppers are becoming less loyal to retailers and more demanding of brands. So to win in the new age of the shopper, creative ideas must be personal and relevant to the shoppers' motivation. This is an incredible challenge; one that Saatchi and Saatchi X is conquering and one that I am incredibly excited to be part of."
Likewise, Samano adds: "In retailing, the conversation between a brand and its customer is more fragmented and complex than ever before. But shopper marketing can bring clarity to the industry and is now a major priority for marketers in the Middle East. So to be involved in a new way of thinking and with an agency like Saatchi and Saatchi X is a tremendous opportunity."
Managing Director for Saatchi and Saatchi X MENA, Richard Nicoll said: "By welcoming Keith and Ellen to Saatchi and Saatchi X, our clients will reap the benefits of a highly experienced consultant and an award winning creative respectively. I know they will help Saatchi X get to the heart of shoppers in the Middle East and I am sure they will add measurable value to our clients, their campaigns and the Saatchi X community."
The regional appointments follow on from global success in which Saatchi and Saatchi X has been announced as Shopper Media Agency of the Year 2011 by Media Magazine. This is only the second time a shopper marketing agency has been recognised and it marks the end of a successful year in which Saatchi and Saatchi X also won Gold at the Effies.
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About Saatchi & Saatchi X
Saatchi & Saatchi X is a global leader in shopper marketing, revered as the hothouse for world-changing brand experiences that create sustainable growth for our clients. Through a passion for ideas, strategic in-store communications and a deep understanding of shoppers' motivations, Saatchi & Saatchi X is successfully creating intuitive shopping experiences that improve shopper's lives.
Saatchi & Saatchi X offers shopper marketing leadership as well as expertise in environmental design, package design and in-store media. The agency is part of the Publicis Groupe network, the world's third-largest advertising agency holding company.
© Press Release 2012
