Memac Ogilvy launches operation in Syria

This marked the first time advertisements are framed and displayed as artifacts alongside beautiful paintings and works of art which gave the communication company registered under Memac Ogilvy Droubi a major momentum on the Syrian market as it promised to deliver a new generation of advertising, public relations, CRM and additional disciplines such as brand activation that will be introduced in 2010 and the years to come.

Memac Ogilvy Chairman Edmond Moutran expressed his profound respect for partner Shafik Droubi and commended his company's professionalism and in-depth understanding of the Syrian market and the Syrian consumer.

"This is a milestone event for us as a group and is a result of years of searching for the right partner who would be entrusted with establishing and growing a reputable and well-respected business in Syria. Memac Ogilvy Droubi shares our business philosophy and ethics and I am confident that it will prosper and rise to the top of the industry in no time."

said Moutran.

The partnership formed earlier this year with local firm, previously named Droubi & Hillert, is part of a strategic expansion plan to provide support for Memac Ogilvy's portfolio of regional clients across the entire MENA region and through its expanding network of now 12 offices.

Moutran dubbed Syria 'The Emerging Giant' and highlighted its strategic role in the progression of the region, "We are entirely committed to our team in Damascus and will continue to be actively involved to mobilize the resources and the base needed to develop the business of our clients in this market."

The inaugural marks the completion of a comprehensive integration program that includes inductions into Memac Ogilvy tools, guidelines, processes and standard procedures in IT, human resources, and finance to ensure effective representation for group clients such as Samsung, Coca-Cola, Gulf Air, Yahoo, General Motors and British American Tobacco to name a few.

"At the moment Memac Ogilvy Droubi is composed of a team of 12 professionals and we are investing in attracting top talent from the region and the west," said Droubi, "All of whom will be provided with the required training be it conducted in the region or abroad and consider employee empowerment a founding philosophy in building a successful team of passionate entrepreneurs."

Having been a great admirer of the late David Ogilvy, Droubi affirmed his intention to live up to the legacy of the man proclaimed the 'Founder of Modern Advertising', "I would like to thank Memac Ogilvy and Edmond Moutran for trusting us with carrying their name forward in Syria," said Droubi, "Today, thanks to this union, Memac Ogilvy Droubi is the only agency in the country that utilizes 360 communication through specialized companies to resolve business challenges and are not afraid to venture out beyond what is visibly available to achieve tangible and measurable results that have the power to impact our clients' bottom line."

Moutran confirmed his company's plans to expand into other key markets in the region with a second office in the UAE scheduled to open for business in Abu Dhabi before end of the year.