Starcom MediaVest Group has appointed a new CEO of its Malaysian operation.
Joining the Kuala Lumpur office from Starcom’s South African operation is Ahmad El Hamawi, who has been named CEO of SMG and VivaKi Malaysia.
The news emerges soon after reports that Starcom Malaysia MD Nick Drew would be leaving the company after seven years of service.
El Hamawi was previously regional client MD at Starcom MediaVest Group South Africa, where he oversaw the Samsung account across 45 markets across the continent.
Jeffrey Seah, boss of SMG Southeast Asia, said in a press release: “At SMG, we strive to use talent mobility as a mechanism for engagement, retention, development and career management. Liquid Talent is a priority as we invest in keeping our workforce engaged and committed, providing our talent with meaningful human experiences. We look forward to Ahmad’s leadership in the Malaysia market.”
El Hamawi added: “SMG in Malaysia is an emerging market brand that has moved from the backstage to the center stage. The velocity in which it happened was the way it mirrored its objective, strategy and achievement around SMG’s Global vision – the human experience company where experiences matter as they touch hearts, enhances lives, build brands – consuming the hearts, minds and souls of consumers. I am thrilled to be part of the Malaysia network.”
