Dubai, 18 November 2020: The Marketing Society is pleased to welcome two new important additions to its UAE board – Mohammed Ismaeel, Senior Vice President Marketing – VISA CEMEA and Kamal Dimachkie, Chief Operating Officer at Publicis Communications

 

Mohammed Ismaeel brings with him over 16 years of experience in the finance and banking industry, as well as over 10 years of experience in the FMCG sector. Originally from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Mohammed was educated in the UK, and graduated in economic and political geography from the University of London. He is an avid traveller who prefers to stay off the beaten track and a keen scuba diver.

Kamal Dimachkie is a seasoned senior communications and marcomms executive with more than 35 years of experience in the marketing and communications industry. He is responsible for multiple teams across three agencies (Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi and PME) and over 300 people. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Kamal graduated in 1985 from the American University of Beirut with an MBA. Beyond his industry activities, Kamal currently serves as a coach for Endeavor and sits on Local Selection Panels. He also is a mentor with Cartier Women and supports women entrepreneurs.

When asked why he wanted to join the society board, Mohammed Ismaeel said, “It’s truly an honour and privilege to join the Board of The Marketing Society and to contribute to a vision that resonates strongly with me – empowering the region’s marketing community to be braver every day. Our new world calls for brave marketers who will take bold action to push boundaries and make the industry, businesses and the world better. I look forward to nurturing the next generation of local marketing superstars with platforms and programs that will inspire and challenge them to shine not just in their fields but in their communities. In addition, I am a passionate believer that brands should play a strong supporting role for the communities and societies we serve and I hope to be able explore this area more.”

For his part, Kamal Dimachkie said, “The Marketing Society is not only a powerhouse of brilliant thinkers, engaging leaders and inspiring people, but also a high energy and driven environment. I am very excited to join them and put my experience at the disposal of the community at large, and at the same time give back to the marketing industry at a time when we are all called upon to contribute.” 

The Marketing Society UAE Chairman, Khaled Ismail added, “We’re very pleased to have two new brilliant board members join The Marketing Society. With their combined experience and incredible set of diverse skills and competencies, I’m confident that they’ll truly be an excellent addition to the team, and will without a doubt play a significant role in the society’s future success across in the UAE and beyond.”

The new board members will work alongside the existing team based in Dubai, and will help in driving the Society’s purpose to empower brave leaders and raise the quality and standards of marketing across the UAE and wider region.

Current board members of The Marketing Society UAE include:

    • Khaled Ismail, Chairman – VP Communications, Tetra Pak, Europe, Central Asia, Middle East and Africa Region  
    • Mike Fairburn, Vice Chair – General Manager, Sony Music Entertainment Middle East
    • Trixie LohMirmand – Executive Vice President, Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre
    • Fran Owens – Chief Commercial Officer, Insights Division, Kantar
    • Peter DeBenedictis – CMO – Middle East & Africa at Microsoft
    • Rachel Dunn – Deputy Managing Director, Dubai, Weber Shandwick 
    • Sally Edwards – Senior Advisor, Festivals and Events (Acting) at Dubai Tourism
    • Maria Gedeon – Marketing Director at Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment 
    • Mohammed Ismaeel, Senior Vice President Marketing – VISA CEMEA
    • Jason Leavy – SVP International Growth, Vice Media
    • Asmaa Quorrich – Senior Vice President Marketing, Global, Jumeirah Hotels
    • Kamal Dimachkie, Chief Operating Officer at Publicis Communications