Arabian Business’ annual 100 list revealed for 2018
Elie Khouri has been the CEO of Omnicom Media Group MENA since 2010. In this role, he heads the operations of OMD, PHD and Hearts & Science, as well as several marketing specialist consultancies. Today, the group employs over 700 people and has a wide footprint across the GCC, the Levant and North Africa.
Known for his experience and expertise in both marketing and leadership, Elie is a highly sought-after commentator on the latest trends and innovations, providing fresh insight on a broad range of industry and business issues. He has published several thought-leadership pieces on gender intelligence, work-life balance and what it’s like to be a CEO, as well as tackling thornier issues such as why good employees quit and women in leadership roles.
Khouri’s passion for nurturing talent within the group is obvious, actively encouraging employees to aim higher, work smarter and achieve more. In 2017, he received the inaugural “Leader of the Year” award from the Great Place To Work Institute for Omnicom Media Group’s MENA performance in its UAE ranking over the past six years.
The culture he’s managed to develop across the group’s companies has proven compelling within Omnicom Media Group MENA and also beyond. Its award-winning sustainability programme now sees some of the group’s clients partner with them on specific CSR campaigns. Others have embraced the company’s approach in talent management.
A strong advocate of diversity and inclusion, Khouri has long promoted gender equality, implementing policies such as flexible working hours to support new parents, and celebrates the group’s cultural diversity with a rich calendar of events.
As well as a renowned art collector, Khouri is also an Art Dubai patron and a member of the Tate MENA Acquisitions Committee and the MoMA Director’s Council. He has transformed the company’s regional HQ into a vibrant gallery, displaying contemporary art to stimulate conversation and creativity within the teams.
In the process, he has instilled a love for art among the staff and several employees have started their own collection.
He’s taken his talent for coaching and mentoring beyond the office as a board member of a UAE affiliate of Endeavor, the local chapter of the global non-profit organisation that supports high-impact entrepreneurs with a worldwide network of mentors and business leaders. There, he facilitates the scaling of emerging companies across the region with his extensive professional experience and passionate commitment.
This article first appeared on Arabian Business.
