Isobar MENA is geared to face 2019 with a change in leadership. Karim Khalifa is stepping down as CEO, firstly of Digital Republic, and then for the last three years at Isobar MENA. Ziad Ghorayeb, appointed as the Managing Director of Isobar MENA, will take charge of the Egypt and GCC operations based in Dubai. The development is effective March 2019.
“I want to thank Karim for his dedication and invaluable contribution to the company’s establishment and success over the years. His bold vision, drive and leadership has ensured that Dentsu Aegis’ acquisition of Digital Republic has been an outstanding success,” commented Tarek Daouk, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network MENA.
“I am delighted to appoint Ziad as Karim’s successor. His experience working at the intersection of platforms, digital, data and creativity will empower our vision to drive digital transformation. I have every faith that he will continue the business’s success and lead Isobar into its next phase of development,” he added.
Mr Ghorayeb has over 17 years’ experience in the industry across leadership roles, most recently as Head of Product at Initiative MENA. His expertise lies in digital integration, strategy and content and he will be responsible for developing Isobar’s capabilities and product offering, with a focus on regional expansion to grow the agency.
“I am excited to be joining Dentsu Aegis Network and look forward to leading Isobar as they drive experience-led transformation programs in MENA. With businesses trying to survive and thrive in the age of disruption, Isobar comes in with a distinctive industry leading proposition to solving business challenges. I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant teams across the region and partnering with our clients to remodel their brands through innovative experiences,” Mr Ghorayeb added.
Mr Khalifa, who was part of the Isobar family after the acquisition of Digital Republic by Dentsu Aegis Network in May 2016, will formally step down as CEO in April 2019. He will remain on the board in an advisory capacity during the transition period.
“Few words can express what a pleasure it has been establishing and building Digital Republic linked by Isobar into the strong regional agency that it is today. As we approach our tenth birthday, I feel extremely proud of what we have achieved with a group of very talented people, a supportive parent company and a dynamic culture. As an entrepreneur at heart, the time has come for me to move on to a new adventure. The company has all the right ingredients and I have no doubt that the future will be bright as the business evolves under Ziad’s strong leadership,” Mr Khalifa said.
