Omnicom : Media Group Opens Hearts & Science in MENA

Dubai second office outside North America for data-driven marketing network

Dubai, 25/10/2016: Omnicom Media Group, the media services division of Omnicom Group Inc., today announced the MENA launch of its third agency network, Hearts & Science. The office in Dubai is the second operation outside North America for the data-driven marketing agency, which launched six months ago in New York and already counts the two largest US advertisers as clients.

In order to respond to marketers seeking business advantage in a world of personalized digital marketing, Hearts & Science has been designed to inform brand strategies with real-time data-led insights. It combines expert media planning and buying capabilities with a full range of services that include shopper marketing, marketing innovation and content activation.

The new office will be led by Fadi Maktabi, who has been promoted to general manager of Hearts & Science MENA. He was previously the head of strategy at OMD UAE, where he successfully drove the agency's business and product development. Hearts & Science Global CEO Scott Hagedorn commented: 'It's terrific to see the tremendous momentum continuing unabated with the expansion in the Middle East. Fadi has an impressive track-record and expertise in insights, strategy and innovation, a strong platform on which he can build to leverage that momentum and experience the success Hearts & Science has witnessed in other markets.'

Staffing for Hearts & Science MENA is underway, with a team of 16 expected to be in place in the coming months. The new office will initially be located in the Omnicom Media Group MENA building in the Dubai Media City.

'All the signs indicate that the region is not only ready for but also aspiring to work with an agency providing the full spectrum of innovation in data-driven audience definition, media placement, content optimization and shopper activation to create more value for brands,' said Omnicom Media Group MENA CEO Elie Khouri. 'Hearts & Science will transform the market by redefining the standard for precision and performance.'

-ENDS-

Editor's notes

About Omnicom Media Group MENA:

Omnicom Media Group MENA is the holding of OMD, PHD and Resolution in the Middle East. Omnicom Media Group is the media services division of Omnicom Group, Inc. (NYSE: OMC). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. Omnicom Media Group also includes a number of specialty media communications companies, including Accuen and Annalect. Consistently named one of the UAE's best employers since 2012, ranking third in 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Group has also been recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute as Asia's second best multinational workplace in 2016. Omnicom Media Group MENA was ranked among the top 5 at the Arabia CSR Awards 2013 in the medium-sized businesses category, and the company reports its sustainability activities in accordance with the GRI G4 Guidelines. Its first report was awarded 'Best First Time Sustainability Report in Asia' at the 2015 Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards.

FOR MORE DETAILS, CONTACT:

Mr Eric Mirabel

Regional Executive Director-Marketing, Omnicom Media Group MENA

Tel: +971 4 450 0484 . E-mail: eric.mirabel@omnicommediagroup.com