Assembly has reshaped its senior structure in MENA as the global omnichannel agency prepares for its next phase of regional growth. The agency has appointed industry veteran Ravi Rao as Senior Advisor, while confirming that Faisal Dean will step down at the end of the year after a decade with the company. A new MENA CEO will be named in Q1 2026.
Rao brings more than 30 years of experience leading media organisations across MENA and South Asia, including roles as CEO of WPP Media MENA (then GroupM MENA), CEO of Mindshare MENA and leader for South Asia. In his new advisory capacity, he will work closely with Zubair Siddiqui, Chief Operating Officer, and Kinloch Magowan, Managing Partner, to support Assembly’s regional expansion.
Day-to-day operations will continue under Siddiqui and Magowan, who have been steering client, people, commercial and operational functions for several years. With Rao’s appointment, both will partner closely with Ravi Rao and report directly to Assembly Global CEO Rick Acampora.
Dean’s departure marks the end of a tenure that saw Assembly broaden its capabilities, grow its talent base across Dubai, Cairo and Riyadh, and secure a mix of global and regional clients.
Acampora acknowledged the contribution, saying: “The region is operating from a position of strength as we prepare for a new MENA CEO in 2026. I appreciate all that Faisal has contributed, and for me personally, the partnership we’ve had over the last four and a half years. I wish him the absolute best in his next chapter. The team has built real momentum here in the region, and we’re focused on carrying that forward.”
Assembly noted that MENA remains one of its most important global growth markets and said it will continue to invest in leadership, technology and talent to meet rising client demand.
