Publicis Groupe CEO receives IAA Distinguished Services Award at 40th IAA World Congress in Dubai

The company, whose activities include creative advertising, media and campaign planning, public relations and marketing, operates in Europe, Asia and the Americas with offices in more than 100 countries and networks including Saatchi & Saatchi.

IAA Chairman and World President Joseph Ghossoub likened the biennial IAA Award for Distinguished Services in the Field of Marketing Services and Communications to the Oscars of the motion picture world - a benchmark of excellence and achievement throughout the ages.

'The IAA Award for Distinguished Services in the Field of Marketing Services and Communications is like the Oscars for our industry - as it is the result of nominations, debate and selection by an appointed award committee, and is subject to ratification by the Executive Committee of the IAA Board,' he said.

Previous Award recipients include such industry greats as Sir Martin Sorrell, Sir Michael Perry, Sir Richard Branson, David Ogilvy, Rupert Murdoch, Carlos Ghosn and Ted Turner.

Ghossoub described Levy as a man of many skills, many responsibilities and many facets. 'Maurice Levy is widely recognized as one of the world's leading figures in international advertising and marketing,' Ghossoub said. 'Thanks in large part to his efforts the Publicis Groupe is today present in at least 109 countries with a full range of services on offer.'

'Under his stewardship, the company has been transformed into a global powerhouse of top creative and marketing capabilities,' he added. 'He was the driving force behind a multi-year program of international expansion, and played a key role in building a comprehensive group of both specialized and general service agencies and subsidiaries in France, Europe and around the world.'

In addition to his professional achievements, Levy has also been awarded the distinction of Commander of the French Legion of Honor and Commander of the National Order of Merit. He is a past President of the Jury of the Cannes Advertising Film Festival, and served on the French Government Commission to combat drug addiction.

Platinum sponsors of the 40th IAA World Congress and Exhibition include Gulf News, CNN, Dubai Television and Motivate Publishing, while Gold Sponsors are Dentsu and EMAAR. Silver sponsors include the Chouieri Group, MBC, BBC World and Al Ittihad, while Khaleej Times, Dubai Duty Free, AME Info, FedEx and Arab Media Group (AMG) and Al Wataniya have Bronze sponsorship status. The 40th IAA World Congress is held in association with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Dubai Media City.

The 40th IAA World Congress and Exhibition ends today at the Dubai International Convention Centre.