Changes at the top in OMG
New roles have been announced for Elie Khouri, Nadim Samara and Elda Choucair at Omnicom’s agency holding group.
Omnicom Media Group EMEA has announced three promotions at the top of its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operations. Regional CEO Elie Khouri has been elevated to chairman, while OMD MENA’s CEO, Nadim Samara, takes the same position at the regional holding level and PHD CEO Elda Choucair moves to the newly created role of COO.
Elie Khouri has been with Omnicom Group for more than 30 years and has led its media division in the Middle East since 2001, when he left BBDO to become a founder of OMD in MENA. In 2006, he assumed the leadership of the newly formed Omnicom Media Group in MENA, following the opening of PHD in Dubai. In his new role as chairman, he will continue to lead the group’s strategic offering to clients and other stakeholders by fostering closer collaboration with other Omnicom entities. He will also ensure the smooth transition of the executive role to the new management team. Khouri will report to Mike Cooper, Omnicom Media Group CEO for EMEA and APAC.
Nadim Samara, currently OMD MENA’s CEO, will now lead Omnicom Media Group MENA as CEO. At OMD since 2002, Samara has rapidly progressed through the ranks, from planning to analytics and agency management, and across functions and geographies within the global network. He has led OMD’s regional transformation to a data and business performance-focused operation.
Leading PHD in MENA since 2008, and as its CEO for the last three years, Elda Choucair is one of the top executives in the GCC’s media industry. Under her leadership, the company has grown seven-fold and become a key player in the region. Choucair’s success in creating a future-ready positioning has made PHD a compelling proposition for both staff and clients, recognised by prestigious awards and accolades. She will expand her remit across the group as COO for the holding group.
“What makes working in the Middle East so exciting is that there is still plenty to achieve,” said Khouri. “And with Omnicom’s vision for talent, the growth prospects are endless. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to keep adding value and contribute to further progress.”