Bahrain businessman Akram Miknas has been ranked third on a new list of the most powerful people around the region in the industry of media, marketing and advertising.

The 50 Most Powerful People in the Media, Marketing and Advertising 2011 was compiled by UAE-based Communicate magazine.

It is based on public facts and market intelligence about the top players in the industry and the companies they work with.

Miknas, who is chairman of the Middle East Communication Network (MCN), was named third on the list, behind only Middle East Broadcasting Corporation chairman Shaikh Waleed Al Ibrahim and Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Middle East and North Africa chief executive officer Elie Khouri.

Miknas has been MCN chairman since 1968, the same year he founded the advertising agency Fortune Promoseven in Lebanon. Since then, it has established itself as one of the top advertising, media and marketing operators in the region and currently employs more than 1,650 people at 68 offices in 18 countries across the region.

"Being named to Communicate's Power List 2011 is not only a tremendous honour for me but also a validation of more than 40 years of hard work and passion," he said.

"When Fortune Promoseven first started 43 years ago, it was difficult to envisage the spectacular growth we have seen since."

He added that his inclusion on the list is certainly something to be proud of.

Miknas has previously received awards for his contribution to the growth of the advertising industry in Bahrain as well as a Certificate of Merit and a medallion from the Information Ministry. – TradeArabia News Service