Founded in 1984 as Memac by Eddie Moutran, and today part of the Ogilvy Worldwide network founded by David Ogilvy, Memac Ogilvy is proud to be the most local of international agencies with 11 offices across the MENA region. We offer Advertising, Consulting, Experience, Health, and PR.
Our Capabilities
Memac Ogilvy inspires brands and people to impact the world. We exist to create iconic, culture-changing, value-driven ideas for our clients.
Borderless Creativity is our lifeblood. We operate, innovate, and create at the intersection of our talented people, across advertising disciplines such as strategic thinking and distinctive idea creation, through a social-first approach — alongside our wider Memac Ogilvy family of Consulting, Experience, Health, and PR.
Never have there been more opportunities available to communicate incredible ideas, impact culture, and influence consumer behavior. Paid advertising is a consistent, regular and controllable way of getting a business and brand’s core message in front of consumers in a way that no other medium can. Creativity is our greatest differentiator as we transcend the status quo and shift culture.
Today, Ogilvy is recognized as the world’s leading creative agency. We are also one of the most effective networks globally.
Ogilvy Consulting is the global strategy and innovation arm of Ogilvy, the world’s premier creative network. At Ogilvy Consulting, we believe in the power of brands, customer experience, and data and technology to transform businesses and drive growth.
We are the premier growth and innovation Consultancy for clients within the agency. In an era of great fragmentation, brands are the connective tissue for complex organizations and global economies. We believe that strong, customer-centric brands have the power to increase shareholder value and drive market share revenue and profits. As such, we tackle the tough client challenges that lie at the intersection of brand and business ambition.
Ogilvy Consulting offers three global practices: Growth & Innovation, Business Design, and Digital Transformation — all of which operate at the intersection of brand, growth, innovation & digital. These practices are supported by a host of specialty services ranging from future casting to behavioral science as well as Corporate Practice.
Experiences fuel business growth and drive impact. Emotional connections bring them to life. At Memac Ogilvy Experience, we infuse a brand’s unique emotional connection into every experience. By working at the intersection of customers, data, technology, and brand, we create experiences that transform businesses. We do this through borderless creativity.
- We focus on digging deep to understand your customers and/or employees’ unmet wants and needs.
- We harness the power of data and technology — either what you have today or what you need to build to ensure that you make the most of the platforms that are right for your business and your growth objectives.
- We marry this with a rich understanding of your brand along with its role and purpose in the lives of your stakeholders to drive deeper relationships with your customers.
- We wrap all this in a maniacal focus on the business, only developing experience-driven solutions that work exponentially to drive growth.
We offer Experience Strategy, Experience Interactions, Experience Communication, and Technology and Operations.
We are Memac Ogilvy Health & Wellness. A creative network focused on driving superior outcomes in the ever-changing healthcare environment — by providing bespoke solutions for ‘whole brand building’ in an increasingly complex and evolving marketplace.
We inspire brands and people to impact the world by keeping our audiences’ health and wellness needs at the center of every touchpoint. Our legacy of creativity, our global network, and our deep expertise allow us to apply diverse thinking to create solutions to nuanced client challenges.
Memac Ogilvy Health & Wellness delivers insight, creativity, innovation, and engagement solutions for all healthcare stakeholders, patients, and consumers across the healthcare continuum — through Consulting, Medical Education, HCP Promotion, Patient/Consumer Engagement, and Market Access — while integrating the full range of Ogilvy’s talent and capabilities from across PR, Experience, and Digital Transformation.
Memac Ogilvy Public Relations continues to be a trusted leader in the region’s social, cultural, and economic transformation. By bringing together the very latest thinking in behavioral change, influence, and high-impact, conceptual creativity, we deliver communications that affect positive, lasting change for the most ambitious public and private sector organizations.
We offer a complete spectrum of integrated communications services and consultancy, with an eye on large-scale projects that continue to alter the face of an evolving region. Within this, we offer expertise in building and maintaining reputation, grassroots citizen engagement, high-level international and regional media relations, B2B and B2C influencer marketing, and much more, all underpinned by an intelligence unit that gives our clients a clear view of the people, sectors, stakeholders, and environments they need to connect with and influence.
Our Team
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Jon Marchant
Group President MENA
Jon has over 25 years experience in marketing and advertising across Europe and the Middle East. He has spent almost two thirds of that within the McCann Worldgroup network. Whilst in the UK, he grew McCann Central to become the largest integrated agency in Europe and was responsible for evolving the agency offering, heading up their Consumer Retail arm as well as launching Shopper and Activation, and their in-house production and content studio, Craft.
Over the past 6 years in MENA region, Jon has led Momentum, Craft MENA and FP7McCann Dubai @ MCN. At FP7, Jon led the agency through an unprecedented period of growth and success, including being named most effective agency in the world on 2 occasions, number one in MENA 5 times during his tenure, and most awarded MENA agency at Cannes in 2023.
In his role as Group President MENA, Jon is ultimately responsible for the group’s capability - product and delivery excellence, assuring our creative and service output is best-in-class, award-winning, and future-fit.
Hadi Ballout
Managing Director, Advertising - UAE
Hadi's 20-year career in the regional advertising industry is a testament to his deep expertise and leadership in brand planning, strategy, and management. With an extensive work experience spanning multiple sectors including telecom, banking, automotive, retail, and FMCG, he has dedicated his career to growing many of the region’s top brands
As the Managing Director of Advertising at Memac Ogilvy Dubai, Hadi consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability in leading teams and guiding brands to achieve significant results, combining professional rigor with a keen understanding of regional market dynamics.
He strongly believes that life’s too short not to do what you love. And that doing what you love starts with loving the people you do it with. To that end, he is committed to creating a positive, supportive and above all fun workplace for the many Ogilvy Team members in his charge.
His likes include Air Jordans, elaborate office pranks and long walks on the beach. His dislikes include mimes, overripe avocados and contemporary jazz.
Saad AbuTouq
Managing Director, PR - UAE
Saad is a seasoned communications professional with over 15 years of experience in MENA's PR industry. His expertise centers on building and safeguarding brand reputations, crafting effective communication strategies, and resonating with target audiences through various platforms to enhance public perception and awareness.
With over 13 years of dedication at Ogilvy in the UAE, KSA, and Jordan, Saad possesses a deep understanding of regional dynamics and communication nuances. He's a trusted advisor to clients across sectors such as corporate, technology, mobility, finance, tourism, and FMCG, providing valuable counsel for impactful communication strategies.
Currently serving as the Managing Director for PR in the UAE, Saad leads PR operations, shapes communication strategies, optimizes business growth, and fosters a thriving PR community in the MENA region. In his role, he also oversees Memac Ogilvy's overall operations in the UAE, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and departments.
Ghassan Maraqa
CEO MENA
Ghassan Maraqa joined Memac in 2002 as a Financial Analyst. In January 2009, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer. Ghassan is currently responsible for the Group’s finance function, including external and internal reporting, taxation and major client contracts.Prior to this, Ghassan spent seven years in Saudi Arabia at Arthur Andersen. He worked in audit and due diligence assignments across Saudi Arabia and the United Arab of Emirates.Ghassan graduated from Texas Christian University in 1995.
Catherine Bannister
Chief Strategy Officer, MENA
As CSO for Ogilvy in MENA, Catherine believes in game-changing strategic thinking and leadership on behalf of our clients’ brands that connect on an emotional level and change perception and behaviour. She has the pleasure and privilege to lead a talented and diverse range of strategists across the region who leverage the twin superpowers of creativity and data in the modern marketing era.
She joined Ogilvy in 2019 bringing with her a wealth of strategic planning experience having worked for the Publicis, Grey and BBDO agency networks, as well as a small boutique design agency and an award-winning B2B technology communication agency.
Catherine has had high-profile agency strategy leadership roles across Expo 2020, P&G, Unilever, SAS, Mondelez and BAT, winning awards on a number of these clients. She also has significant experience and interest in the opportunities for brands in white space expansion whether in new geographies or incremental innovation in products and services.
She has lived and worked across four continents having spent time in Africa (Kenya and Nigeria), the Americas (Trinidad), Europe (UK) and Asia (Malaysia and the UAE). She firmly believes in opportunity, diversity and equality for all.
Samer Abboud
Chief Growth Officer, MENA
Samer is responsible for leading the operations and growth of Memac Ogilvy’s offices in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Iraq in his capacity as regional managing director since January 2019. Samer has more than 20 years of experience in the communication industry, both client- and agency-side. He started his career working with big corporate names such as Austrian Airlines, Alcatel and Siemens. Samer joined Memac Ogilvy in 2011, tasked with kickstarting operations in Doha. Under his leadership, Doha became Memac Ogilvy’s fastest growing and healthiest office, with strong advertising, PR and digital offerings and a formidable team of talented and passionate professionals. He has a passion for leading and managing teams. Samer’s strength as a coach, inspirer and troubleshooter results in consistently excellent work from employees – and praise from clients.
Recent Press
"Let's not promise our children a better tomorrow but a brighter today"
Hazem El Zayat
Chief Experience Officer, MENA
Hazem graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The American University in Cairo in 2002. Since then, he has developed a passion for and built a career in connecting the business world with technology. He has led projects across all areas of the digital mix including web platforms, mobile solutions, social media, content, performance marketing, search engine optimization and marketing, paid digital advertising and programmatic, data and analytics, CRM, and ecommerce… making him not only an advocate but also a hands-on practitioner of omni-channel marketing. He has been a consultant to many brands, defining and implementing their digital transformation strategies, and implementing complex MarTech solutions to influence data-driven customer engagement comms throughout their lifecycle. He’s been fortunate to work across multiple industries and many iconic brands including a.o. HSBC, Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, UAE Central Bank, Gucci, Sephora, Emaar Group, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Dubai Health Authority, The British Council, Egypt Tourist Authority, Wasl Asset Management, InterContinental Hotels Group, Amazon, Unilever, Gulf News, Qtel (now Ooreedoo), Zain Telecom, McDonalds, Philip Morris International, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Sony Mobile, Yas Waterworld, Emirates, and Majid Al Futtaim Group. Hazem is passionate about the undeniable power of data that digital channels provide and excels at building sound strategic solutions that have data at heart. He is based in Dubai and as a native Arabic speaker brings to the table insights and expertise from an Arabic speaking user point of view ensuring experiential solutions are implemented relative to their needs.
Ghassan Boujacli
Managing Director, Bahrain
Ghassan is currently the Managing Director of Memac Ogilvy & Mather Operating Company in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Enjoys 28 years' experience in the Marketing & Communication Business in the Middle East & Africa Region. Until the end of 2007, Ghassan was heading up TeamNokia Middle East & Africa at GREY Worldwide in Dubai. Before joining GREY, Ghassan spent 6 years as Client Services Director based in Dubai for HORIZONFCB looking after the marketing communication and Brand building of a portfolio of international businesses such as New Zealand Milk, Kraft Foods, Tetra Pak, American Standard/Trane, Samsung Electronics, The Swatch Group, Mercedes-Benz, Power Horse, Applebee’s and many more. Before joining FCB in Dubai, Ghassan spent 8 years at Memac Ogilvy Bahrain where his principal responsibilities involved heading up the American Express, Kimberly Clark, British American Tobacco, Arab Insurance Group businesses and develop new business and manage the P&L of the operation. Ghassan born in Lebanon in 1967, lived and worked in the USA, UAE, Bahrain, and Lebanon. Earned 1989 a BA in Marketing from Beirut University College, then moved to California and earned an MBA from La Verne University in Pomona/Los Angeles in 1993. Ghassan is able to communicate in Arabic, English, and French. Ghassan is married to Joelle with 2 children, Nour & Bob.
Habib Rihana
Managing Director, Jordan
Habib is the Managing Director of Jordan and has been with Ogilvy for over 11 years. In 1998 he moved to KSA and started his advertising career with BBDO. Since then, he worked across many industries with some of the world’s most iconic consumer brands such as PepciCo, Emirates, and Wrigley’s amongst others. He also moved through different cities across the MENA, making him a hardcore ad man with a track record in building solid relationships and delivering true value to his clients. Habib was born in Beirut and spent more than half of his life abroad, living in Georgia-USA, Brussels, Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman. He holds a master’s degree in industrial and commercial management from Beirut’s Saint Joseph University. Habib currently lives in Amman with his wife and two boys. He is a GS rider and an avid skier.
Mohamed ElEzaby
Managing Director, Egypt
Mohamed is a creative strategist and business leader with over 20 years of experience across management, advertising, branding, and digital. He has led & managed global brands across a wide geographical area including: G.C.C, Levant, North Africa, South East Asia & LATAM. He is team player and effective leader with strong communication, decision making, problem solving and interpersonal skills, as well as a results-driven mindset. Mohamed is a dedicated father of three who springs out of bed in the morning to change the world and annoys others who are not morning people. He is passionate about football & helping startups ‘getting started’.
Ashraf Shakah
Regional Director, Public Relations & Influence, MENA
Ashraf is a seasoned communication practitioner with over two decades of regional and international market experience. His early career years were in journalism, prior to assuming consultancy and corporate communications roles both in-house and agency side. Ashraf leads the Public Relations & Influence MENA network at Memac Ogilvy. A passionate leader that helped consultancy firms in the GCC and Levant region in introducing best practices, building teams’ capacity, restructuring and improving financial performance. Over the course of his career, Ashraf has provided consultancy to regional and international firms across a wide spectrum of industries, including McKinsey, Accenture, Philip Morris, Airbus, Visa, CNN, IKEA, Orange and government programs concerning democracy, energy, tourism and economic development and reform. Ashraf was featured in the 2016 and 2017 Global PR Power List, as one of the most influential individuals in the communications industry in the Middle East.
Antoine Geadah
Managing Director, Qatar
Antoine Geadah is a top-performing and versatile advertising executive with domestic and global experience, particularly in the Middle East and North America.
He has twenty plus years of experience and expertise in brand management, direct marketing, omnichannel development, digital and traditional advertising, business development, key accounts and product management. He has a real talent and aptitude for leading marketing initiatives fueled by customer experience, insights, revenue targets, and product strategy across fast-paced and deadline-driven environments. Forward thinking, he is a brand builder with a demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional teams, foster partnerships and complete projects that strategically promote and develop brands.
Adil Zghaoui
Regional Director
As Regional Director at Memac Ogilvy Health and Wellness, Adil heads a specialized team of medical managers, account managers, and creatives. He leads the pitches process, senior clients’ relationship, day-to-day business, and the development of agency’s portfolio.
Adil has over 17 years of experience on both brand and agency side across the Middle East and Europe. He has extensive experience in FMCG and Health having worked for P&G, Nestle, and Reckitt Benckiser. He then moved to the agency side and lead diverse accounts such as Emirates, HSBC, Beiersdorf, and PMI.
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Maysoon Dababneh
Acting Chief People Officer
Maysoon Dababneh joined Ogilvy in 2022 as the People Director of the MENA People team, bringing her over 17 years of solid experience in HR and Talent management.
Her primary focus is driving key regional People projects in the MENA region and managing the HR operations and Talent Acquisition projects. Maysoon has already established herself as an expert in her field, having worked previously at VMLY&R MENA and J. Wunderman Thompson (currently VML), and gained valuable experience in both local and multinational companies in the region across various industries, including advertising, telecommunications, aviation, and FMCG. Her passion for creativity led her to pursue a career in Human Resources within advertising and marketing communications.
As a member of WPP STELLA MENA, Maysoon is committed to promoting and empowering women in business to flourish and grow. She values her role in enhancing female leadership in the region and is proud to be part of such a significant initiative.
Maysoon's professional achievements are complemented by her personal interests. Originally from Jordan, she was born and raised in Chicago, USA. She is a curious individual who loves to travel, explore new cultures, and meet new people, adding a personal touch to her professional profile.
With her vast experience and passion for her work, Maysoon is confident in her ability to drive key regional People projects and significantly impact Ogilvy's People and Culture.
Ideas
careers
Who We Are
Ogilvy was founded in 1948 as one office. Today, we operate as a creative network in 132 locations across 83 countries. In the course of this growth, the world has become effectively unrecognizable from what it once was.
Ogilvy has been there every step of the way, shepherding the world’s most successful brands through the uncertainty and helping them adapt and stay relevant for the long-term.
We have never lost sight of our purpose in the world: we exist to make brands matter.
We have succeeded because, despite the massive shifts that have occurred over the years, we have always operated in the way David Ogilvy envisioned. He created a corporate culture that deeply respected and cared about its people and its clients. We honor his legacy by operating with that same commitment.
Get Involved
We have many affinity-based communities that represent a global group of individuals from a plethora of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences collectively committed to shaping and evolving Ogilvy's culture so that it is more equitable and inclusive for everyone.
These communities are composed of employees at every level of the organization and enable all of their members to actively participate in supporting Ogilvy’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy and provide a safe environment for professional development, networking, and relationship building, especially with senior leader community members who are committed to serving as mentors and advocates for the broader group.
Some of our communities include RedLotus, Black Diaspora, and Pride. We are always open to creating more communities and doing more so that everyone feels seen, heard, appreciated, and valued
Talent, I believe,
is most likely
to be found among nonconformists,
rebels, and dissenters.
Grow With Us
Ogilvy’s mission is to inspire people and brands to make an impact. We believe the best way to do that is by fostering a community of inclusion made up of people from diverse backgrounds, where all contributions are valued, and where every employee has the chance to become their best creative and professional self.
Because our greatest asset is, has always been, and always will be our people, Ogilvy strives to be a people-first company. We are laser focused on providing best-in-class learning and development as well as career growth opportunities for all staff. We are deeply invested in and committed to developing our talent and fostering an environment of continuous growth.
Careers Work With Us
As our founder David Ogilvy put it, we seek people who are bigger and smarter than ourselves. That’s how we create a company of giants. We’re always looking for modern marketing and brand experts with big hearts and enormous talent.
Explore opportunities to work with us.