The MEPRA KSA Leadership Majlis is an annual event in which PR and Communications leaders gather together and discuss the industry’s most pressing topics. This year, local and international industry leaders, experts, and professionals will delve into the theme “Saudi Arabia’s Reputation in an Age of Disruption.”
The KSA Leadership Majlis will provide attendees with networking opportunities and the chance to learn from leading experts in the field of communications. The Majlis promises to leave a lasting impact on the attendees’ professional journey.
Location
Holiday Inn The Business District, Riyadh, KSA
Agenda
Panelists, Moderators & Presenters
Abdullah Nasser Alotaibi, Head of Communications and Public Relations at Almarai
Abdullah is a professional, mature Communication specialist and well known Media Commentator with thirty years’ experience in the Middle East. An experienced manager with a tangible record of success in leading and developing multicultural teams in different locations.
Abdullah is currently working as Head of corporate communications and Public Relation at Almarai Company. Before that, he was head of External Communications and Media Affairs at BAE Systems, Saudi Arabia. The tasks of these positions helped him gain national and international experience in Communications field.
Abdullah has a long excellent track record in media work. He was managing editor and editor-in-chief of some Saudi and GCC publications, including Head of feature section in Alittihad newspaper (Abu Dhabi) and Editor-in-Chief of the 16-page Dunia Alittihad daily supplement.
Now, Abdullah is a major op-ed writer in the Saudi and Gulf press. He was writing in AlHayat International daily newspaper for 14 years, and since 2020 he writes a weekly article in the UAE Alittihad newspaper.
Abdullah has a degree in political communication.
Abdulrahman AlTrairi, Official Spokesperson and Chief of Communications and PR for the Royal Commission for AlUla
An accomplished marketing and communications leader with 15 years of serving as a trusted advisor on matters of strategy, growth, and operations to C-suite executives and captains of industries.
Has a solid background in developing and implementing winning communication strategies and sound expertise in digital marketing and social media plans, storytelling and identity definition, soft power media, and corporate reputation development, and distinguished skills in leadership enablement and growth. A leader and team player who creates a synergetic and efficient work environment that caters to success.
Donia Al Askar, Manager Enablement CoE
Donia Al Askar is a Change Manager at a government entity. She focuses on strategic communication, corporate narrative, culture, with a special interest in change management. Her career started in PR and from there, she found her footing in the communication space, discovering the power of words and engagements to influence any change.
Essam Aljifri, Associate Director – Crisis & Issues Lead at Edelman KSA
Essam the Crisis and Issues Management Lead at Edelman Saudi Arabia, with over ten years of experience in communications and marketing. He was part of the team that established Edelman’s presence in Saudi Arabia in 2017 and delivered award-winning integrated communications campaigns for high-profile clients. In his current role, he manages key accounts and leads the crisis and issues management practice in Saudi Arabia, working closely with the global crisis team.
Essam’s portfolio includes leading strategic communications for key government entities as well as global organizations. He spearheaded the launch of a number of PIF’s major projects such as THE LINE – NEOM, THE RIG, Boutique Group, Ceer, Riyadh Air as well as leading the communications activities for King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and the Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF), AlRushaid Group, Yazeed AlRajhi & Brothers Holding Company.
Essam’s key role includes media training for high-profile government officials (including H.Es and ambassadors) providing advisory and counsel for leadership on media engagement, and overseeing the landscape analysis and managing the communications strategy development for clients.
Essam has led communication campaigns for events such as the Global AI Summit, the Future Minerals Forum, Winter at Tantora seasons for the Royal Commission of AlUla, and AlSoudah Season. The communication efforts for the Winter at Tantora season resulted in 28.9 billion impressions in 195 countries, and his AlSoudah campaign won a Crisis Communications award from PRCA. Essam has also led communication campaigns for WWE’s partnership with the General Sports Authority, including Superstars engagement during the Great Royal Rumble and the Crown Jewel.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a major in public relations and advertising. He also completed a course of study offered by HarvardX “Energy Within Environmental Constraints”
Heba Fatani, MEPRA Strategy Board Member and Director General Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office
In her role as Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office (RAKGMO), Ms. Heba Fatani oversees the media and communications strategy for the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
RAKGMO’s comprehensive remit entails managing the media affairs of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, in addition to highlighting Ras Al Khaimah’s numerous achievements, objectively reporting its news and activities, promoting its advantages as a place to live and work, and formulating communication policies that support its development goals. The Office manages relationships and coordination between the Government of Ras Al Khaimah and local, regional and international media, and also directs any crisis communications in line with the Emirate’s reputation management strategy. Providing astute leadership, Ms. Fatani ensures that RAKGMO fulfills its mandate to improve Ras Al Khaimah’s positioning regionally and globally, and that its successes are accurately and clearly communicated to a wide audience, taking into consideration the Emirate’s strategic vision and goals to attract investment, livability, and tourism. Ms. Fatani brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in high-level government and corporate communications to RAKGMO. Prior to taking up her position, she was Senior Executive Manager of Corporate Communications for Kingdom Holding Company (Saudi Arabia) – one of the world’s largest and most diversified public investment companies. Here, she directed communications for both the company and its founder, His Royal Highness Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz; investor, philanthropist, member of the Saudi royal family, and previously reported by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Ms. Fatani moves easily between the business worlds of East and West, participating in numerous global events with a view to highlighting Ras Al Khaimah’s many achievements, and placing special emphasis on the inspirational role that His Highness Sheikh Saud plays in the United Arab Emirates and increasingly, around the world.
Justin McGuire, CEO & Founder at MCG Talent
A recognised figure in the regional talent sector since 2008, Justin McGuire’s professional journey has taken him across major world cities such as London, Dubai, Riyadh, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Before moving into the talent industry, Justin honed his skills in broadcast communications with Markettiers where he spent seven years and rose to a senior level in the firm. Responding to a clear market need in 2010, Justin launched MCG Talent in Dubai. His vision was to craft a bridge connecting discerning businesses with the brightest minds, especially in the bustling MENA and APAC regions. Today, with offices peppered across these regions, MCG Talent stands as a testament to Justin’s commitment, becoming a trusted authority in Communications, Marketing, Creative, and Digital recruitment. But Justin’s impact isn’t limited to MCG Talent. His strategic investments have seen significant success. Notably, Diversely.io, a platform pushing the boundaries of diversity in hiring, was acquired by The Access Group this year. Furthermore, his venture into the educational sphere with Ampersand culminated in a profitable exit, selling his shares back to its leadership team.Through his ventures and leadership, Justin continues to shape the landscape of talent and investment in the modern era.
Kate Midttun, MEPRA Chairman and Founder & CEO at Acorn Strategy
Kate Midttun Kate Midttun is Chief Executive Officer at Acorn Strategy. She has 20 years of experience in strategic marketing consulting with a specialisation in destination marketing and a deep sector knowledge across the real estate, leisure and hospitality industries in Australia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and other countries. She has demonstrated success in creating impactful strategies with quantifiable business results for large global brands, including Mubadala, Miral Asset Management (Yas Island), Duracell, Oman Arab Bank, Hilton Worldwide, Viceroy Hotel Group, World Future Energy Summit, and National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed), amongst others, giving her a deep cultural understanding and adaptability to local and international markets.
Kate is strategically minded with a pragmatic approach, and it is under her vision and guidance that Acorn Strategy has tripled in size in less than three years, becoming an award-winning and internationally recognised powerhouse of integrated marketing and communications on three continents. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business with focus on Marketing and Public Relations from Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and a Master’s Degree from Warwick Business School in Business Administration, with focus on Marketing and International Business Strategy. She is the Chair of the Middle East PR Association and holds a position on the Executive Board of The Marketing Society.
Loma Jaber, Managing Director at Hewar Group
An Ambitious and Visionary communication Consultant and strategist, working in the Saudi Market for the past 17 years and dealing with a diversified portfolio of clients including both Governmental and Private Sector Entities.
With the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030, Loma has had the privilege of working with different Governmental entities such as the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) in creating and implementing the Communication strategy for the 87th (1st NationalDay Celebrations) and 88th National Day, in addition to supporting the National Competitive Center announcing major milestones associated with the Kingdom’s Competitiveness, and Creating and Launching Saudi Customs Communication Strategy, and working with NEOM on building their local and regional corporate communication program and activating it, to along other major success from success Partners.
Loma earned profound experience supported by academic background, in integrated marketing communication spanning between Corporate communication & PR Services, brand development and creative services, digital marketing and social media management, events management and direct marketing.
Dr. Majed bin Jaafar Al-Ghamdi, Communications Consultant at Media Appearance Company
Developed media appearance strategies for many leaders in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
Majed Al-Ghamdi is one of the leading Saudi trainers specializing in training leaders on media appearance and public speaking. He has also contributed to the enrichment of knowledge in media appearance through his participation as an expert and speaker in many local and international conferences, in addition to authoring five books in the field of media and communication, the latest of which is
“The Charisma of Media Appearance.”
More than 40 ministers and more than 70 CEOs have benefited from the high-quality training programs offered by Dr. Majed bin Jaafar Al-Ghamdi, in addition to training more than 150 official spokespeople. In his 20-year professional career, Dr. Majed has worked as a media consultant for many government agencies and the private sector.
He holds a Master’s degree in Media and Communication from the University of the Incarnate Word in the United States, and then a Ph.D. from the Faculty of Media and Communication at Imam Mohammad bin Saud University in Riyadh.
He is currently working on developing media appearance strategies for a number of ministers and CEOs, in addition to his work as a consultant at the Media Appearance Company
Mazen Nahawi, MEPRA Executive Board Member and CEO of CARMA & SOCIALEYEZ
Mazen Nahawi is the Founder & CEO of CARMA, a global media intelligence company with over 500 staff in 16 offices worldwide. He is also the Founder & CEO of SOCIALEYEZ, the leading social marketing agency in the Middle East.
In addition, Mazen serves on the National Media Advisory Council at Zayed University and the board at MEPRA; he is also a former president of FIBEP and a frequent lecturer and guest speaker around the world.
Mazen is a life-long resident of the UAE, having lived in the country since 1974. He is of Palestinian origin and is a Maltese citizen. He lives with his wife and children in Dubai.
Mazen is passionate about entrepreneurship as a driving force for national development, and as a key bridge between cultures and economies world-wide.
Mohammed bin Rashid Abaalkheil, VP of Corporate Relations Sector at stc Group
Held the position of General Manager of the Corporate Communications at stc Group in “2018–2020”, and the Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at the Arabian Centers Co. in 2016-2017. He served as the Director General of the Awareness and Communications Department at the Capital Markets Authority “CMA” in 2016, and the Director of Marketing and the Communications Department at Bank Albilad between “2011-2016”. Abaalkheil was also a Founding Partner and Board Member of the Oqal Group in “2010-2012”, he also Founded MADECS Consultancy Studio in 2009, and a Member of the Youth Businessmen Committee at the Riyadh Chamber in “2008-2016”.
Served as associate Consultant at the Brand Union in “2009-2010”, and worked for AlOula Co. for Real Estate Development in “2006-2009”. He also held the positions of Marketing Director at Al-Rajhi Bank in “2005-2006”, and was Special Projects Architect at Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation in “2000-2005”.
Got his MBA from Cardiff Business School, and his Master’s in Architecture from the Welsh School of Architecture in 2003, UK, in 2004, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in 2000. He also Hold Advanced Certificate for Executives, in Management, Innovation, and Technology (ACE) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology “MIT” in 2013; he is also an Eisenhower Fellow since 2016.
Abaalkheil is known for his distinctive approach in building teams, and applies his own concept with regard to building such teams and enhancing their role towards better serving its organization. At the same time, Abaalkheil spares no effort to enhance his contributions towards others. He believes that diversity is a main pillar of unity and a great contributor to innovation; such cultures pave the way for continuous organizational evaluation.
Abaalkheil always faces all challenges with optimism out of his belief that opportunities stem from challenges; that is why he always encourages all people around him to continue working and developing. He also supports serious leadership and direction and has an absolute belief that the clear leadership and direction have an impact on motivating the work teams.
Monther Tayeb, MEPRA Executive Board Member and Communications Consultant
Monther Tayeb is an experienced Public Relations and Communications professional with significant local, regional and International experience. With more than 20 years of experience, Monther has extensive understanding and expertise in Corporate Communications, Public Relations and Marketing. His strength is in conceiving, developing, launching and managing holistic communication strategies for local and international companies.
Currently Monther plays the role of a strategic communications consultant for various Ministers, Ministries, semi government entities and a few PIF companies.
Earlier Monther served as the First Deputy Chief of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). He was instrumental in crafting the corporate communications strategy for the organization and overseeing various functions of the corporate communications department kingdom wide. Prior to his appointment in SEC, Tayeb served as the Director General of Media and Strategic Communications at the Ministry of Defense, and as General Manager, Riyadh, of Consulum (a specialist government strategic communications consultancy).Before that, he was the regional Director of Public Relations and Communications at the multinational defense company BAE Systems. During his tenure there, he implemented the Company’s communications policy, directing both Internal and External Communications Kingdom-wide, including advertising, media relations, promotional and marketing support programs and websites, creating closer ties with stakeholders and building goodwill to enhance and protect the Company’s reputation and ensure its vision was communicated effectively.
He also took charge of BAE Systems’ Public Affairs and Customer Relationships programs with the Ministry of Defense, the Royal Saudi Air Force, the National Guard, the Royal Saudi Naval Force and other official and semi-official government bodies. This involved managing a substantial budget and Tayeb developed a team of 16 employees, based in both KSA and the UK, for which he was the principal interface between Saudi Arabia and Group Corporate Communications.Monther Tayeb served as the Head of Public Relations at the multinational dairy company Almarai. He was also appointed as a strategic communications consultant to many projects at the Ministries of Media, Tourism, and Housing and to many other government commissions. Monther Tayeb is a certified coach who has helped train many Saudi media professionals. He is also the organizer of The PR Forum – the largest public relations event in the Kingdom.
Rayan AlTurki, Chief Communication Officer, Zain KSA
Rayan Alturki is a seasoned executive and a recognized 2030 Leader. With over two decades of experience in marketing and communication, Rayan currently serves as the Chief Communication Officer at Zain KSA, showcasing his leadership acumen. As a testament to his commitment to sustainability and innovation, Rayan co-founded “respire,” an eco-friendly sustainable coffee lounge, championing environmental consciousness in the hospitality sector. His role as an Angel Investor further underscores his dedication to the nation’s transformation. An alumnus of Harvard Business School and a holder of an MBA in Marketing from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rayan blends top-tier education with extensive hands-on experience. Embodying the values and ambitions of Vision 2030, Rayan stands as an exemplar of the uncommon leaders propelling Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey, emphasizing ambition, diversity, and collaboration.
Sean Trainor, Founding Partner at Salient KSA
Sean is Founding Partner of Salientksa.com, a strategic communications advisory firm that earns reputations, builds brands, and grows talent for organisation in the Kingdom.
With 25 years’ experience across multiple sectors, he has led in-house communications functions for organisations including BNFL, Network Rail and BBC Sport and has provided senior counsel to multi-national companies including Balfour Beatty, Vodafone, Nissan, Emirates Airline, BAT and Centrica.
He has spent the past 8 years in the Middle East supporting Saudi entities including Ministry of Energy, RCRC, KAUST, Misk Foundation, MEP, Aramco, STA, JADA, King Salman Park, GOSI, NDF, MHRSD, Saudi Downtown Company and KAPSARC.
An engineer by profession and former board member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations ( CIPR)
Wayne Clarke, Founding Partner at World Class Manager™ Platform
Wayne Clarke is the founder of the World Class Manager™ platform, which has trained over 35,000 managers across 30 countries. His insight is sought by leaders from Fortune/ FTSE 100 companies to Governments and NGOs, advising more than 800 CEOs globally.
He is passionate about the positive impact of management on employees, customers, shareholders and society and his team at The Global Growth Institute are based in the UK, Netherlands, Turkey, Bahrain and Mongolia.
Wayne is author of a new book sharing lessons and stories from his more than two decades improving company performance through great people engagement – How to be a World Class Manager: Skills and Insights for Unleashing Your Leadership Potential (March 2023).The book harnesses their exclusive data from over 15,000 managers across the world.
In 2011 Wayne was made an Ambassador for JCI at the United Nations. Previous recipients of this honour include the past UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki Moon. Wayne is a visiting lecturer at Bayes Business School and The University of Kent, and has been recognised as a Top 25 Most Influential Thinker for five years by HR Magazine.
He began his career at Arthur Andersen/ Deloitte and went on to lead employee engagement for BDO, the fifth largest accounting network. He subsequently ran the advisory arm of Best Companies, producer of The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list.
2023 MEPRA Leadership Majlis KSA Partners
