Memac Ogilvy appointed Lebanese international star and acclaimed musician Yuri Mrakadi as their new Group Director Creative Services. 

“Memac ogilvy is in continuous pursuit of fresh talent and we expect Yuri Mrakadi to bring new initiatives and stimulating ideas to our dynamic world of 360 degrees brand stewardship,” said Edmond Moutran, CEO, Memac Ogilvy.

“Yuri will be working with our regional network and will oversee all TV production projects from start to end - I am confident that he will jazz things up!”

Commenting on the appointment was Ossama El Kaoukji, chief creative officer who expressed his appreciation for Yuri’s experience in the audio-visual industry.

“Such an extensive background combined with Yuri’s creative talents will surely bring further freshness to our agency and we can already see this effect take place, merely weeks into the process.'

Indeed Mrakadi feels that his purpose here is to bring about constructive change which in his opinion “will justify the fact that they – Memac Ogilvy – hired an artist.”

Mrakadi who has already worked extensively in the fields of advertising and production, boasts: “Advertising is something I love, so why shouldn’t I do it since I have some free time on my hands” – Free time being a paradox, given that Yuri, apart from being a family man, did not give up his musical career and will be releasing his 5th album before the end of this year.

Mrakadi finds that, having toured the world, met with people on the ground and been the target of constant criticism, he has a closer relationship with the market and is familiar with its expectations and said:

“I feel that I am closer to the people than any other creative director, I know what makes them cringe and what makes them happy.”  

Mrakadi, who already feels part of the Memac Ogilvy family, will be based at Memac Ogilvy Lebanon and intends to stay as long as he and the company is happy with his work.

Memac Ogilvy started its operation in Bahrain in 1984.

The company is a joint venture between Middle East Marketing and Advertising Company (Memac) and Ogilvy Worldwide.

Memac Ogilvy offers advertising, public relations, direct marketing, planning and creative services to its large portfolio of clients through 11 offices across the Middle East and North Africa region.

This wide geographical coverage along with its group of over 350 professionals gives the company a unique insight into different segments of the Arab markets.

Yuri is a Lebanese singer, songwriter, and actor. His albums include Arabion Ana, one of the most aired song in the region over the past 25 years. Yuri also received the award of best actor 2006 for his leading role in Montaha El Lazza and best song for the film.

There is no doubt that this extraordinary talent has changed the landscape of Arabic music. Yuri who is also a songwriter and actor has also been the star of advertising campaigns for internationally recognised brands such as Coca Cola, Mini Cooper BMW, and M & M. TradeArabia News Service