Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG), one of the largest brand communications groups and a leading media agency in the region, has appointed John Antoniades as the new chief executive officer of its Mena office based in Dubai.

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, the president, Emerging Markets, as well as Alex Saber, chairman of VivaKi’s Mena region, and will be relocating to SMG’s regional headquarters.

On the appointment, Blackborn said, "John’s breadth of experience makes him an ideal candidate for this role. 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 the 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, said a SMG statement.

“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,” he added.

With operations in eight markets employing more than 300 multi-discipline specialists in the Arab world, Starcom MediaVest Group Mena is a major player in the brand communications industry in the region.-TradeArabia News Service