Ghossoub takes IAA World Presidency office

The announcement comes just prior to the start of the 40th IAA World Congress, which is taking place in Dubai from March 20-23.

Ghossoub has served on the World Board and World Council of the IAA for the last 10 years. In 2000, Ghossoub was elected as the International Vice President and Area Director of the IAA Middle East and Africa, and played a major role in winning the bid for Dubai to host the 40th IAA World Congress.

Tanvir Kanji, IAA President for the UAE Chapter, the world's largest IAA chapter, said: "Joseph Ghossoub has made tremendous headway for the industry in the region, and helped direct the spotlight to our important part of the world."

As the Chief Executive Officer of The Holding Group (THG); the parent company for Team/Young & Rubicam, Intermarkets, ASDA'A Public Relations, mediaedge:cia and Wunderman, Ghossoub is one of the region's most prominent industry spokespeople, with more than 20 years of managing regional and global agencies. He also serves on the board of Dubai Media Incorporated.

A gala dinner is being hosted today evening at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel to felicitate Ghossoub, wherein H.E. Mr. Mohammed Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs will present a memento to Ghoossoub in recognition of his taking office.

Speaking of his new role, Joseph Ghossoub, said:

"My vision for the IAA is to make it more relevant, to restore it to the days when publishers, agencies and clients sat together as colleagues with the same interests. Together, we are an industry. Separately, we can do little."

Ghossoub also serves in a number of business and educational institutions, namely the Lebanese Business Council and the advisory council for the American University in Dubai. He also works to strengthen cultural ties between the country of his birth and the one where he is now resident, through the establishment of the UAE-Lebanon Friendship Association.

Decorated with Lebanon's highest civilian honour, Ghossoub became a Knight of the Order of the Cedar in 2004, in recognition for his achievements and services towards promoting regional and international understanding and cooperation.