Recently launched network Blue 449 is to open its first office in the Middle East with an operation in the United Arab Emirates. The ZenithOptimedia group-owned network will open its eighth global office in Dubai Media City.
Blue 449 UAE will be led by CV Suvi, who will take on the role of managing director of Blue 449 MENA. He will report to Firas El Zein, chief executive of Zenith MENA.
The opening follows the global launch of the Blue 449 network in March last year. Headquartered in London, the new network has already opened offices in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia, Germany, Belgium and Spain.
Network bosses hope to have 17 city hubs by the end of its first year of trading. These agencies operate collaboratively with the other ZenithOptimedia brands including Zenith, Optimedia, Performics, Newcast, Moxie and Ninah.
The Blue 449 network will also be part of the Publicis Groupe and VivaKi’s ‘Open Source’ framework for clients. ZenithOptimedia’s clients include Aviva, Clarins, L’Oréal, Nestlé, Oracle, Toyota and 21st Century Fox.
Suvi said: “We are extremely excited about the launch ofBlue 449 in MENA. It is a dynamic network that will benefit from all the resources of ZenithOptimedia and Publicis Groupe. The network’s integrated planning approach and Open Source partnership framework will enable us to work more effectively across media, content, data and technology bringing in flexibility and agility to meet client challenges.”
Andras Vigh, global chief executive of Blue 449, added: “We are very proud to open Blue 449 here in Dubai. This launch is a significant step in the creation of the Blue 449 network. This first outlet in the Middle East continues our expansion and the development of the agency’s very different methodology to communications and our open source approach.
“CV Suvi and his team are excited about our unique way of working and can’t wait to see what this will deliver for both local and global clients.”