OMD celebrates 10 years in MENA

Formed through the consolidation of Omnicom agencies' media arms, OMD has grown to now operate eight offices in six countries, with partners in a further seven markets. After starting with just 17 people, its talent pool increased to now more than 450.

It certainly has been a momentous decade for the industry and the network. From the economic boom to the economic downturn, the growing prominence of digital platforms, the trend towards content and the rise of Big Data, there has been plenty to keep marketing and media specialists very engaged.

At OMD, this decade has transformed the way it operates, its service offering and its scale. Over the period, it has created and integrated several specialist services, in which OMD had a first-mover advantage. Today, the effectiveness of its holistic communications planning approach has been demonstrated through accelerated business growth for its clients and many accolades. One thing has remained constant though: the agency's determination to raise the bar. Its pioneering work in data and analytics started with the creation of the GCC's first continuous TV audience measurement system in its first year of operations, which remains the industry reference today. None of this would have been possible without its focus on attracting, nurturing and retaining the best industry talent, which led it to being named one of the 10 best employers in the UAE in 2012.

The 10th anniversary celebrations, based on the theme of "One Team. 10 Years. Infinite Opportunities", will take place over several weeks. A dedicated identity, based on OMD's new logo, has been created for the occasion. Several internal and external activities have been planned, including a party on November 29 in Dubai. Offices around the MENA region will also stage their own gatherings.

"We are looking at this landmark in a 360° manner, embracing not only our past and our present but also the future that we will share with our teams, our clients, our business partners and the industry in which we operate," explained Elie Khouri, CEO of Omnicom Media Group MENA, who founded and led OMD in 2002. "A lot has been achieved in the past decade, with many proud and happy moments, but like any 10 year old will tell you, there is plenty more ahead of us and we're very excited."

"The fantastic growth, the successes with our partners and the innovations we've engineered over the last 10 years haven't lessened the passion and ambition among our teams, as they remain as strong and raw as they were back then," added Shadi Kandil, CEO of OMD MENA. "With our experience, analytics and thought leadership, this has provided us with a solid foundation on which we will keep on building across the region in order to continue to contribute actively to our clients' business growth."

Over the past 10 years, the MENA region has grown in significance at both EMEA and worldwide level, also participating fully in the development of the global OMD product and value offering.

"Our global position is and can only be the result of local performance and in MENA that performance has been truly awesome. We are very proud of what our team there has achieved thanks to its inspiration, ambition and dedication," commented Colin Gottlieb, CEO of Omnicom Media Group EMEA. "In every aspect of the operation, they push themselves to always deliver more for their clients and even their industry. This restlessness is inspiring and infectious. I, for one, can't wait to see what the next decade will bring."

It certainly promises yet more challenges and achievements, as consumer and media trends transform the way brands will communicate and interact with their audiences. OMD sees its future pivoting on its talent and thought-leadership, two essential assets to continue fuelling profitable business growth for its clients.