John Antoniades named CEO of SMG Mena

Global media agency network Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) announced the elevation of John Antoniades to Chief Executive Officer of SMG, Middle East and North Africa (Mena).

In his new role effective September 1, 2012, Antoniades will focus on growing SMG Mena organically and extending market leadership in the region through new business opportunities while driving the reputation and product leadership regionally and on a global stage.

Currently based in London, Antoniades will report to Matt Blackborn, President, Emerging Markets, as well as Alex Saber, Chairman of VivaKi’s Mena region, and will be relocating to SMG’s regional headquarters in Dubai.

"John’s breadth of experience makes him an ideal candidate for this role,” said Matt Blackborn, President, Emerging Markets. “He offers a unique blend of local and multi-national client experience that will only help propel our business forward and drive our focus.”

Antoniades most recently served as Director of Multi-National Client Operations EMEA. In this role he led the consolidation of Honda in EMEA and was asked to head its regional account operations. In addition, he earned a place on the London Board and SMG’s Global Management Group and is a key member of the network’s Global Product Committee.

“Mena is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and is critical to SMG and our clients’ success,” said Antoniades. “I am honored by this new opportunity and look forward to building upon the amazing work the existing leadership team has already achieved through leveraging our ‘center of excellence’ capabilities.”

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.