Rafic Saadeh, Founder and Executive Chairman of Horizon HoldingsRafic Saadeh, Founder and Executive Chairman of Horizon Holdings (Horizon FCB Group), was recently inducted into the prestigious Advertising Hall of Fame by the IAA Lebanon Chapter.
Saadeh, who now has more than 55 years of experience in the advertising industry, was already a trailblazer at a time when the industry was still establishing its identity in the region.
From humble beginnings, he started the journey with his best friend Saad Hijjawi. Beginning with just a single office and one client, Saadeh built Horizon Holdings into a major player, growing it into a thriving enterprise with multiple offices and a team of talented professionals across the MENA region.
In 1980, Saadeh formed a strategic partnership with Foote, Cone and Belding (FCB), based on mutual trust and shared vision. This collaboration culminated in FCB acquiring a 51 per cent stake in Horizon Holdings in 1999, the parent company of Horizon FCB MENA, BPN MENA, GolinMENA, Blue Barracuda, and FuelContent.
Following the acquisition, Saadeh was nominated to the FCB global board, solidifying his prominence on the global advertising stage.
Commenting on Saadeh’s IAA recognition, Naji Boulos, President of IAA Lebanon, said, “Your extraordinary contributions to advertising have not only distinguished you as a leader but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. Your commitment and influence have profoundly impacted the advertising landscape, and we are proud to recognize your achievements at this distinguished event.”
During the ceremony, he was introduced as “The Gentleman” of the advertising industry, a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication and impact.
Mazen Jawad, CEO of Horizon Holdings, said, “To me, Rafic has always been the ‘Godfather’ of our advertising family. His leadership & compassion have guided the company, and his influence has shaped the path for all of us who have worked alongside him over the decades. He is the true north of our journey, steering us toward continued success.”
Never Finished, the Horizon Holdings group of companies is poised to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, marking another milestone in a journey that has been anything but ordinary.
