Memac Ogilvy strengthens leadership

Howes takes over from Roger Hawa, who previously combined the functions of Managing Director of the Dubai office and COO of the Memac Ogilvy Group. Hawa will continue to function as Chief Operating Officer to the network and will focus on his regional responsibilities.

According to Edmond Moutran, CEO and Chairman of Memac Ogilvy the move comes as a result of the expansion of both the Dubai office and the network as a whole, which is looking at increasing its presence in the North African Region.

The Memac Ogilvy Group has enjoyed uninterrupted growth ever since its launch in 1984 in Bahrain. Recognising its talent and potential, the Ogilvy group became a significant stakeholder in Memac in 2000 and Memac Ogilvy is now the top ten largest agencies in the Middle East. It has 10 offices covering 15 markets in North Africa, the Levant and the GCC.

Coming with an impressive record of senior management roles, Ronald Howes, joins Memac from McCann Russia, which became the second strongest agency in Russia under his leadership.

Previously he was Director of Strategic Planning and Client Servicing of McCann in Prague. Howes is not new to the Middle East, as he spent 9 years in Bahrain with FP7 McCann, 5 of which were as worldwide Account Director of the Gulf Air account, in addition to heading the client servicing department.

Ronald Howes said: "It is good being back in the Gulf after a five year absence, heading a great Agency in Dubai with a highly reputable network such as Memac Ogilvy. With an outstanding blue chip client portfolio an experienced and best in class team and a dynamic market, I am looking at a revitalised Agency that will achieve even greater results in future."

Roger Hawa said: "With Ronald coming on board, I am confident that the Dubai office will be in good hands and that he will take this office to new heights. As for me, I am looking forward to concentrating on the new and challenging regional role that I was assigned to, and to working closely with Edmond Moutran and Ossama El-Kaoukji on further developing the network in a region that is witnessing significant growth."

After a successful pitch season, Memac Ogilvy recently added three new clients to its portfolio: Sharjah Mega Mall, US Rice Federation and Bin Hendi Enterprises (PR). The Agency's creative team won three Bronze Awards at the New York Festivals International Design, Print & Outdoor Advertising Awards.