Dubai, UAE - 6 May 2009: In a move to put their office on par with the best creative agencies in the world, JWT Dubai has appointed Rabi' Sweidan as their new Managing Director.

Relocating to Dubai after many years experience in agency leadership and global brand building across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia, Sweidan points out that JWT Dubai is in a healthy position and that his key objective is to consistently produce integrated creative solutions.

'The fact that the agency has maintained its strong position despite the economic challenges is a testament to the strength of the existing management and team. My goal is to further nurture our creativity and increase efficiency - to come out of these troubled times in an even stronger commanding position,' explains Sweidan.

Prior to joining JWT, Sweidan spent the last 17 years with Saatchi & Saatchi across the globe. In the last 10 years he took leadership roles in Frankfurt, Sydney and Paris. Having worked with blue-chip companies such as Procter & Gamble and General Mills, Sweidan has the reputation of a top brand builder and has collected numerous business, brand-building and creative awards along the way.

'To be a world-class agency you should not only embrace the best talent in the world, but also make sure they fit well in the environment they operate in. JWT Dubai's ambition is to be as competitive and creative as any agency in the world. That's an ambition one can only achieve by having the right people driving it. Rabi' embodies that ambition, both culturally and professionally. He has gained his experience working in every continent with the best of them,' explains Vatche Kaverian, CEO Gulf, JWT.

'I've known Rabi' since 1992, we go back a long way. I have no doubt that with Rabi's wealth of international experience we are now moving ever closer to our vision of building the agency of the future,' adds Chafic Haddad, Executive Creative Director, JWT Gulf.

Meanwhile, Roy Haddad, Chairman of JWT MENA, expresses his delight with the new appointment. 'For sure, Rabi' brings experience and expertise to JWT but, perhaps more importantly, he has this exceptional attitude that is imperative to the future success of our business particularly within the current climate. We're confident that he will continue to build on the acclaimed reputation of JWT MENA.'

'Our business is fuelled by creativity; the type that stands out by building brands and businesses. Our ability to understand our clients' needs and maintain a first-class ongoing relationship is the basis for such creativity. Through the trust that our clients have given us we have come a long way. This is a continuous journey, and we will never stop trying to improve,' concludes Sweidan.

-Ends-

About JWT:
JWT is the most awarded agency network in the Middle East. With a heritage of brand-building excellence, JWT, which celebrates its 143rd anniversary this year, ranks as the fourth-largest full-service network in the world. It was the first agency to be associated with anthropology and the study of consumer behaviour. Its parent company is WPP. 

For more information, please contact:
Mary Khamasmieh
Buchanan Middle East
Mobile: 97150 2731753
Email: mary.khamasmieh@buchananme.com

© Press Release 2009