Memac Ogilvy solidifies its presence in the North Africa region

Surrounded by senior executives and clients, Memac Ogilvy CEO, Edmond Moutran made the trip to Algiers to personally attend this milestone development for the group that has been operating in the Middle East for over 20 years.

This move follows the successful launch of Memac Ogilvy's first office in North Africa located in Tunisia and headed by Syrine Cherif Maaref.

Moutran confirmed that the Tunis office will act as the headquarters for the region, and that further expansion efforts that extend into Libya and Morocco, were expected by 2008 in the province that has become a major priority for a multitude of multinational companies.

Memac Ogilvy CEO expressed his enthusiasm and faith in the newly established operation which in the past was conducted through affiliate offices and said: 'We see great potential in this region and a crucial need to be present there, not only to respond to the progression of the advertising and communications industry that has doubled in the last four years, but also to be able to service our clients in emerging markets in the MENA.'

'Memac Ogilvy Algeria was created with the aim to achieve great results and we expect to double revenue within the next three years, as part of our group's business module and corporate strategy,' added Moutran.

The office in Algiers currently has 12 highly experienced professionals who will support Memac Ogilvy regional clients in addition to a list of high-profile local clients that are yet to be announced.

Syrine Cherif Maaref, who is currently fronting Memac Ogilvy's efforts in North Africa, explained that the company had established a solid base in Tunisia and Algeria from which it could offer clients the entire Memac Ogilvy portfolio of services that includes advertising, Customer Relationship Management, Interactive, PR, account planning and media buying through our sister companies MindShare and Media Insight.

She then added: 'Many regional clients, such as Unilever, IBM, Kimberly Clark, Kraft Food, Gillette and DHL, who have worked with Memac Ogilvy for decades, will benefit from this new platform and have already shown interest and support in North Africa.'

Memac Ogilvy earned its reputation through the multiple creative advertising campaigns it produced for large companies such as American Express, BAT, IBM, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly Clark, Kraft Food, Gilette and DHL, to name a few, and is considered one of the leading regional communications agencies. The group is also renowned for its 360° Brand Stewardship, a methodology that was created by Ogilvy and one that has helped position it in a leadership position on an international scale.

Memac Ogilvy also owns 50% of Mindshare and Media Insight; two of the largest media buying agencies in the region and have been operating in the Algerian market for over five years.