Abukhadra appointed IAA Global Vice President for Communications and Public Relations

The announcement came during an Executive Committee meeting, immediately ahead of the 40th IAA World Congress, which was held last week in Dubai.

'We are very pleased to welcome Sharif Abukhadra as our new Global Vice President for Communications and Public Relations. He is indeed a man with extensive experience in the field and brings clear, strategic thinking and vision. This is surely another step in building a high-class team that will enable us to grow our activities further,' said Joseph Ghossoub, Chairman and World President of the IAA.

For his part, Abukhadra said,

'I am very proud to be given this opportunity, and I look forward to maintaining the success that have been achieved while adding and contributing to the future of the Association.'

Abukhadra's tasks will include working closely with the IAA Global, Vice President of Strategy, Raymond So, who is the Chairman of BBDO, Asia Pacific and President of IAA, Taiwan Chapter, to produce a two-year communication plan for the Association. It is expected that the plan will draw on the Association's past and project its future.

'It is clear that our industry must recognize, welcome and manage change. We need to embrace and drive change to guarantee even higher levels of quality and standards across our membership so that our professionals advance in their field and careers. Through these exceptional communication professionals the IAA will ensure they are upholding the freedom of commercial speech as well as being recognized as true providers of insights, innovation and leadership,' continued Abukhadra. 'The vision of the IAA is to make certain that our members remain a vital and dynamic force in driving economic development through pure competition and freedom of choice. Additionally Raymond and myself have been tasked to consider how best to maintain this momentum, at the same time, implement change across the Association with particular reference to the branding and positioning of the organization. The Association has to be highly relevant to all members of the IAA, including agencies, clients and media organizations.'

In developing a strategic plan dealing with the Associations issues and continuation of its dynamic development, the duo will need to consider the full range of communication and networking channels available. Given their backgrounds, both are eminently suitable and up to the task.

Chairman of The Holding Group (THG) in Jordan, Abukhadra heads up the Group of seven distinct marketing communications companies incorporating Team Young & Rubicam (branding agency), Intermarkets Advertising, Objects Advertising, ASDA'A Public Relations, Polaris Public Relations, Wunderman (Direct marketing agency) and MediaEdge:cia (MBU).

IAA - Jordan is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of the local marketing and communications industry and the promotion of the critical role of advertising as a vital force in Jordan's economic development as well as training and educating local professionals on marketing principles.