Saatchi & Saatchi's Emea network has reduced by eight companies to a total of 66 offices in 50 countries of the region.
Until the beginning of this year, the international advertising agency had a larger presence in the region with 74 offices in 56 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The agency's Regional Human Interests Director, Mena, Ben Roberts conveyed to Emirates Business that earlier this year the agency has withdrawn its affiliations in Emea and hence do not count those as part of its network.
Meanwhile, with the intention of boosting its operations in the region, Saatchi & Saatchi has appointed Adil Khan as its Regional CEO for Mena. The post has been vacant since the beginning of the year when Elias Ashkar was relieved of his duties of Mena CEO.
The official communiqué said that "an experienced operator with nearly 24 years in the advertising and business world, Khan will join Saatchi & Saatchi on June 15 and will be responsible for driving regional growth for the agency and overseeing the next phase of expansion plans for the Saatchi & Saatchi network across Mena." Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Europe, Middle East and Africa, Simon Francis said: "Adil has the spirit, energy, expertise and determination that fit perfectly with Saatchi & Saatchi's belief that 'nothing is impossible'. We are delighted that Adil has come on board to lead the Mena through what will be an exciting time of growth allayed to our continuing culture of creative excellence in this most dynamic of regions."
On his appointment, Khan said: "Saatchi & Saatchi has always been a big draw for me; it has stayed relevant in an ever-changing environment and is an incredibly restless company, never taking its success for granted. ."
Khan joins Saatchi & Saatchi following more than 11 years with Y&R as CEO Strategy, International Business & Development, Middle East/North Africa. Prior to this, Khan held account management positions in Bates Madco, Contract JWT India, Lintas India (now Lowe) and Frank Simoes Advertising.
By Vigyan Arya
© Emirates Business 24/7 2010
