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We Are Social acquires Socialize

Global creative agency network, We Are Social has acquired a majority stake in UAE-based digital agency Socialize as part of its expansion into the MENA region. The move sees We Are Social’s global workforce top 700 staff members, based across 11 offices in nine countries. Socialize will continue operating as an independent brand while taking advantage of We Are Social’s global infrastructure and agency ecosystem.

“We Are Social’s entrepreneurial spirit and future-focussed offering makes it the perfect strategic fit for Socialize,” says Akanksha Goel, Founder and Managing Director, Socialize. “We’re looking forward to joining forces with a network that is so like us from both a cultural and working practice perspective, a forward-thinking partner who shares our vision of the future and a global ecosystem that allows us to deliver greater value to our clients.”

Robin Grant, Chairman and Co-Founder, We Are Social continues, “We’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Akanksha and the rest of the Socialize team to the We Are Social family. They’re kindred spirits who share our creative culture and passion for social. As one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic regions in the world, the Middle East is absolutely crucial for our global clients and having Socialize as part of our network has fulfilled a long-held ambition.”

Mariam Al Rousan joins Socialize 

Socialize has appointed Mariam Al Rousan to the role of Account Director. With more than eight years of experience in marketing in North America, Mariam most recently worked with Alsayegh Media. In her new role, Mariam will be focused on driving the charge for new business opportunities and handling accounts for the agency.

“I’m so happy to have joined Socialize, a pioneer in its field,” says Mariam. “I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the amazing list of clients that make up the Socialize portfolio. I’m looking forward to lots of agency wins and creating some brilliant campaigns.”

FOREO welcomes new Digital PR Manager

Multinational beauty brand, FOREO has appointed Anahita Guha to the role of Digital PR Manager. Having graduated with a Master’s degree in Media and PR from Newcastle University, Anahita previously worked with Socialize as Account Executive and most recently with Golin MENA as Senior Account Executive, where she managed global technology brands such as Oracle and Kaspersky. In her new role, she will handle the content advertising, media and influencer partnerships for multiple emerging markets globally.

“I’m extremely excited to commence my journey with FOREO,” says Anahita. “Given that the brand is relatively new and growing very rapidly, the potential for learning is enormous. The fact that I get to work with a fun, young team of talented people in a dynamic environment is just an added bonus!”

Socialize welcomes Sireesha Ventaka

Socialize has appointed Sireesha Ventaka to the role of Finance Director. With over 13 years of experience, Sireesha most recently worked with Flip Media as the Chief Financial Officer. In her new role, she will be responsible for enhancing corporate governance and overseeing Socialize’s financial operations.

“Sireesha’s experience of supporting another regional digital agency through its growth and life cycle makes her perfect for the job as we transform our business operations and prepare for an exciting 2017,” says Akanksha Goel, Managing Director, Socialize.

Simon Bower joins Socialize

Socialize has appointed Simon Bower to the role of Media Strategy Director. Previously Digital Director at OMD London, Simon has over seven years of experience in media and will now head Socialize’s media businesses as well as oversee strategies for key regional clients. He will also be working alongside Managing Director Akanksha Goel to evolve the agency’s performance-media offering across the region.

“I’m looking forward to exploring the media dynamics in this exciting, evolving region and bringing my experience to bear at an agency where I can make real-impact to the business.” Says Simon.

Akanksha Goel, Managing Director, Socialize, adds “We are extremely excited to have Simon on the team. His combination of experience with network agencies and mature European markets will help bring a different point of view that drives further growth for our clients. We will be able to leverage his skills across programmatic, data and analytics to provide a comprehensive media offering that further bridges the gap between creative and technology.”

Socialize welcomes new Digital Media Planner

Digital communications agency Socialize has welcomed Rabih Fouladgar to the role of Digital Media Planner. Rabih joins the agency from Initiative, MCN Group, where he gained over two years in media planning experience. In his new role, Rabih will be managing the digital media campaigns for brands such as Honor, Clark’s, The Peppermint Experience and Mediclinic.

“I really wanted to broaden my horizons and Socialize has given me the opportunity to do so,” says Rabih. “It is an ambitious place and I’m glad to work with proficient people who focus on the future, I’m looking forward to contributing to the agency’s success,”

Socialize welcomes new Senior Account Manager

Digital communications agency Socialize has welcomed Leah Duquemin to the role of Senior Account Manager. Leah joins the agency from London, where she has over seven years of digital marketing experience. As Senior Account Manager, she will be leading the social media strategy for brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Reed Exhibitions.

“I’m so excited to have made the move to Dubai and joined the team at Socialize,” says Leah. “I’m looking forward to working alongside like-minded people who have a passion for digital and are experts in their fields. I can’t wait to deliver some really great work for some fantastic clients.”