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Kamal Dimachkie leaves Publicis Communications, to be succeeded in COO role by Samer Shoueiry

Publicis Groupe MEA has announced the departure of Kamal Dimachkie, chief operating officer of Publicis Communications UAE and Lower Gulf. The Groupe has appointed Samer Shoueiry to assume the COO role in conjunction with his current responsibilities as chief digital officer, Publicis Communications Middle East, from December 1, 2020. Dimachkie’s departure comes after 33 years with the Groupe. He will leave his current position on December 31, 2020, and continue to act in a consultative capacity until June 2021.

Dimachkie is stepping down to explore other options outside the Groupe, said Publicis in a statement.

Raja Trad, executive chairman at Publicis Groupe MEA, said: “I respect Kamal’s decision. He has been a friend and a colleague for over three decades, and not just I but the entire Publicis Groupe family will miss him. His tenure at the Groupe has been characterised by a clear commitment to values that are central to our philosophy. Kamal’s adept leadership propelled the agency to new heights – we won more than 250 accolades and added numerous international and local clients to our roster. I want to thank him for his immeasurable contribution to the Groupe and wish him all the best for his professional future.”

Dimachkie said: “Leo Burnett and Publicis Groupe have been my life for the past 33 years, and I am proud to have been a part of a glorious journey, during which I have had the opportunity to serve the company in different roles in six countries, to have contributed to numerous clients and raise the bar internally and within the industry. Part of this has been the joy of working with a wonderful team and leadership, whom I have partnered with, learnt from and shall forever call my friends and brothers in arms. I am grateful to have lived the glory days of advertising with one of the best agencies in the world, and to have worked with some of the most inspiring and creative people. I look forward to working with Samer on the upcoming transition and wish him success in his new role.”

Samer Shoueiry has more than 21 years of experience across business, design and innovation. He founded Publicis’s Social Content Lab.

Kamal Dimachkie has been with Publicis Groupe for 33 years

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Tarek Amin to head YouTube

YouTube has named Tarek Amin as its new director for MENA. Amin joins from Sky News Arabia, where he spent the last year and a half as chief digital products officer, leading digital strategy across owned and operated assets.

Prior to that, he was CEO of digital at Adline Media Network, a large independent media marketing network with strong local operations in all major Arab markets, where he established the digital business for the group. He was also managing partner and executive producer at Alkarma Edutainment, launching pan-Arab drama series and coproducing the Arabic version of Sesame Street.

“We are really excited to have Tarek join our team to lead our MENA business,” said Alex Okosi, director of emerging markets, YouTube EMEA. “He brings great experience that will enable us to build on our success.”