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Anup Oommen
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Rafic Saadeh inducted into IAA’s Advertising Hall of Fame

Anup Oommen
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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.

Rafic Saadeh, Founder and Executive Chairman of Horizon HoldingsRafic Saadeh, Founder and Executive Chairman of Horizon Holdings

Rafic 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.

Tags:Advertising Hall of FameBlue BarracudaBPN MENAFuelcontentGolinmenaHorizon FCB GroupHorizon FCB MENAHorizon Holdings.IAAIAA Lebanon ChapterInternational Advertising AssociationMazen JawadNaji BoulosRafic SaadehSaad Hijjawi
the authorAnup Oommen
Anup Oommen is the Editor of Campaign Middle East at Motivate Media Group, a well-reputed moderator, and a multiple award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience at some of the most reputable and credible global news organisations, including Reuters, CNN, and Motivate Media Group. As the Editor of Campaign Middle East, Anup heads market-leading coverage of advertising, media, marketing, PR, events and experiential, digital, the wider creative industries, and more, through the brand’s digital, print, events, directories, podcast and video verticals. As such he’s a key stakeholder in the Campaign Global brand, the world’s leading authority for the advertising, marketing and media industries, which was first published in the UK in 1968.
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