Publicis Groupe Media wins Emirates Group global media assignment

The Emirates business which spans 80 countries with estimated billings of $350m will be headquartered in Dubai and lead by Philip Jabbour, client managing director for the Emirates business at Publicis Group Media. Jabbour reports into Matt Blackborn, SMG's global client services director.

"Emirates Group is the fastest growing airline in the world and a powerful force in Dubai and throughout our region, not to mention the world," said Jabbour, who prior to his new client role lead business development across both agency networks in MENA. "Our team is ready to apply our considerable global resources toward accelerating their expansion while being true to the brand's values of supreme quality, customer service and innovation."

Blackborn highlighted the networks' similarities with the client, "Within PGM, you'll find truly talented people who act more like business partners then simply media practitioners. During the review process, it was clear that Emirates was very much in line with our approach and was looking for a strong partner who could leverage both traditional and emerging media channels and contact points. We're thrilled to be their partner."

Emirates Group SVP Advertising, Steve Wheeler said,

"Emirates has found a strong partner to help us become a truly global airline brand. Publicis Groupe Media's hunger to be part of our growing business, their powerful network and talented team set them apart during the pitch."

Chairman of Publicis Groupe Media Jack Klues added, "Our job is to create the very best operations in service to our clients no matter how new or how long we've been entrusted with their business. Over the years, we've created many custom approaches, but the best ones always start and end with world-class talent aligned with the right client, and that is exactly what we have delivered to Emirates. I look forward to building upon a powerful partnership."