Our Team

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.

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.

Wajeeha Al-Husseini is a branding and communication expert, bringing with her over 25 years of expertise across the fields of advertising, communication marketing, brand identity and development, media and public relations, CSR and production. Wajeeha's experience includes heading the marketing communications team at Umniah Mobile Company, the Head of Brand and Communication at Vodafone Qatar, Communications Director at Airport International Group (AIG) at Queen Alia International Airport.

Wajeeha was also heading the strategic corporate and commercial communications, brand identity development and management, events and sponsorship, commercial communications, media, advertising, trade marketing and corporate social responsibility in the tourism, hospitality and real-estate development at Saraya Development Group.

Wajeeha's experience also includes working as the Brokerage and Trade Marketing Manager at the trade exchange company Bartercard, and as Managing Director at Saatchi & Saatchi Jordan.

Wajeeha has been recognized for her creative thinking and expertise in crafting brand campaigns and product launches. Her impressive track record encompasses successful campaign launches, brand development, corporate reputation management, and the formulation of effective communication strategies.

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.

Mario is an award winning strategist with over 20 years experience advising some of the world’s biggest and best loved brands including Mastercard, McDonald’s, adidas, Arla, Nestle, GM and General Mills.
As Memac Ogilvy’s regional CSO, Mario is responsible for leading a diverse community of strategists across the Middle East, nurturing a high-energy culture built on effectiveness and creativity.

Prior to joining Ogilvy, Mario led the strategy function at FP7McCann, helping them rank #1 as the world’s most effective agency across WARC, MENA Effies and Effies .

His approach to effectiveness has won multiple awards from WARC MENA, WARC Effectiveness, MENA Effies, Loeries, Cannes Lion, Dubai Lynx, One Show, Webbies, The Marketing Society and Epica.

Outside of the day-to-day Mario has written for Campaign, Communicate and WARC, been interviewed by Sweathead, judged at MENA Effies and WARC Effectiveness, and mentored for The 30 Minute University. 
He talks a lot about effectiveness. And Aston Villa.

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. 

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.

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 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.

An experienced communications leader and strategic advisor, Ashraf Shakah has led impactful campaigns for government and corporate entities and landmark events for over two decades that contributed to the Middle East region’s economic, social and cultural transformation goals.

From his roots in journalism, Ashraf evolved into a seasoned communications strategist, delivering exceptional results across both corporate and agency landscapes.

Ashraf has a proven track-record in transforming communications agencies in the region by introducing best practices, enhancing team capabilities and optimising financial performance.

As a trusted communications advisor to government leaders and C-suite professionals, he provides strategic support in areas such as reputation management, brand resilience, energy transition, destination marketing, nation branding, and economic development and reform.

A champion of industry innovation, he focuses on the integration of emerging technologies in communications and also contributes to PR thought leadership through white papers and commentaries on industry trends and digital transformation.

Ashraf has led several high-profile campaigns that have made global impact. These include contributions to the success of Expo 2020 and supporting clients in their preparations for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He is recognised in the prestigious PRWeek Global PR Power List, underlining his position as one of the Middle East's most influential leaders in the industry.

Currently, he oversees PR teams across the Middle East, demonstrating inspiring leadership and strategic prowess. He guides and mentors emerging talent to prepare them for careers in the industry, while also training professionals across the network.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ashraf is an advocate for independent Arab cinema and an avid motorsport enthusiast.

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.