GroupM MENA

"Everyone is an alien somewhere" - this message on a Coldplay concert t-shirt was one of two things that caught my attention. (I'll leave the second one for my next Monday post 😉). This message perfectly captures how we all feel when stepping into new environments, whether it's a new country, company, or team. This truth is especially relevant in today's global workplace. The success of any organization lies not just in its onboarding programs, but in creating a truly welcoming culture where every "alien" can thrive. At GroupM MENA, I've witnessed this firsthand - seeing new talents flourish across our markets, drawing inspiration and energy from the warmth of their colleagues. When we create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued, remarkable things happen. Success isn't just about individual talent; it's about the supportive ecosystem we build together.

With the MENA business landscape transforming at an unprecedented rate and consumer behaviours becoming increasingly complex, GroupM MENA, hosted an exclusive briefing towards the end of Q4 in KSA on navigating rapid growth in 2025. Through thought-provoking panels, interviews, and dynamic keynotes, the group and its agencies explored five key areas set to reshape media and marketing outcomes in the coming years to enable local-to-global growth. 🎯 Game-Changing Growth 📺 Reimagining TV ⚽Unmissable Moments 🛒Connecting with Commerce 🎧 Amplifying with Audio Sessions featured global thought leaders, local industry titans, and influential public figures, including: Andy Jackson, Clare Fearon, Eric Abi Younes, Faisal AlGhamdi, Harry Harcus, Lefteris Coroyannakis, Malek Maktabi, Nabil Moutran, Nitrake, Youssef Raad https://lnkd.in/dwXt3pFM Ready to take your 2025 strategy to the next level? Get in touch to find out more: menamarcoms@groupm.com #NextM #GroupMMENA #GroupM #MindshareMENA #WavemakerMENA #EssenceMediacomMENA #KeyadeME #NextM #NextEra #KSA #SaudiArabia #Gaming #Ecommerce #Audio #sportsmarketing #reimagineTV #advancedTV #connectedTV #AI #mediaeffectiveness

Check out this job at GroupM: Finance Analyst ! An interesting opportunity within our growing team!

Today marks my 1-year anniversary at GroupM MENA, and what a year it’s been! From navigating challenges to achieving major milestones, it’s been a journey filled with growth and learning. One of the highlights has been setting up the GroupM Gaming function and launching multiple impactful gaming campaigns, which I am incredibly proud of. None of this would have been possible without the visionary leadership of Amer El Hajj and Mario Soufia the unwavering support from Pete Basgen. Together, we’ve had much to celebrate, and I’m excited for what lies ahead! Top Highlights of the 2024 1️⃣ Tapping into in-game moment marketing with Chupa Chups Marshmello Perfetti Van Melle on mStream, using LIVAD Technologies' AI solution to set up in-game triggers and deliver dynamic, interactive ads tailored to key moments when streaming audiences are most engaged. 2️⃣ Partnering with Mentos Middle East for the inaugural Esports World Cup Foundation – sponsoring the event and celebrating Team Falcon’s journey to becoming World Cup Champions, showcasing the pride of Saudi Arabia! 3️⃣ Highlighting the innovative spirit of Chupa Chups with the launch of their Roblox “Candyland Paradise game” and the world-first Marshmello Roblox in-game activation, both smashing their KPIs with Evolution. (Read more: https://shorturl.at/7D6Ud) 4️⃣ Launching du's first gaming wireless router in collaboration with local UAE streamers, changing the game in telecom and empowering the local gaming community with DIVISION. 5️⃣ Speaking at Athar Festival on the biggest gaming opportunities in the region (Read more: https://shorturl.at/3veUQ). Also, being one of the hosts at GroupM MENA, 'NextM: Path to Prosperity' where I had the pleasure of sharing gaming insights with our exclusive clients in KSA.  As I reflect on the past year, I’m filled with gratitude for the team, clients, and partners who have made this all possible. The journey ahead looks even more exciting, and I’m ready for what’s next in the ever-evolving world of gaming and innovation! 🎮🚀 #OneYearAnniversary #GroupM #Gaming #Innovation #Esports #DigitalTransformation #GroupMMENA

It’s lucky number 7 for Wavemaker 🎉 Happy birthday to us! We’re incredibly proud to celebrate another year of growth, together with our incredible teams across the world and our unbeatable clients. At Wavemaker, we believe there’s always a better way to grow, and fuelled by our powerful innovations and the dedication of 7,560 people across 88 markets, we’re committed to helping brands win and grow - together. Here’s to many more years of celebrations to come as part of the GroupM and WPP family 🧡 Animation by Sadia Aktar 🙌 #positiveprovocation #growfearless #Wavemaker

The commerce media landscape is set to become even more complicated in 2025.   In this piece for Campaign Middle East, Haneen Aburrubb, Ecommerce Lead at GroupM shares her 'essential ingredients' for businesses looking to harness the opportunities of commerce in the year to come and beyond. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eCepqcea

Ready for a ‘new year, new you’? As part of our series Next Era: Growth Sessions, we welcomed Dany El Zein at LinkedIn News Middle East to share insights, tips and tricks on how to level up on LinkedIn, identify your strengths and expertise, and share your valuable knowledge with the industry. Check out the highlights below for some key takeaways from Dany's interview with Nihal Diab, Investment Manager at GroupM MENA below 👇

"AI and machine learning will intensify, and automation will increase numerous aspects of our operations, enabling marketers to shift their focus toward more business growth-related initiatives. In turn, agencies will be able to foster stronger client relationships." Our CEO of GroupM MENA, Amer El Hajj shared his reflections for 2024 and outlook for this year with Campaign Middle East. Read the full article here: https://shorturl.at/2XyFK

In Campaign Middle East's ‘Industry view community question’, our General Manager, Laura Gleadhill, was asked, “How has the industry found the balance between brand and performance marketing?”   Gleadhill responded, “Over the past decade, particularly in the MENA region, the rapid growth of digital advertising has rendered this argument increasingly irrelevant. Today, the focus should not be on choosing between branding or performance but on understanding how to define KPIs for both, ensuring each contributes to business objectives.”   Read more here: Brand vs performance marketing: Have we found the balance? - Campaign Middle East (campaignme.com) https://lnkd.in/e3dPiSRF   #keyademiddleeast #GroupMMENA #performancemarketing

With TV’s immensely positive evolution over the past decade, there’s never been a better time to harness its power in MENA.   Clare Fearon, Head of Media Solutions at GroupM MENA, shares how advertisers could be tapping into the medium more.   Read how your business can leverage TV in 2025 in this piece authored by Clare as part of Campaign Middle East's Digital Essay series 👇 https://lnkd.in/dTXYcUzJ   #GroupMMENA #TV #Media