Creative leaders from the Saudi ad industry, Mohammed Sehly, Rayyan Aoun and Anis Zantout have taken the helm at new creative agency, BigTime Creative Shop, Riyadh.
Mohammed Sehly took on the role of the CEO at the agency. Rayyan Aoun is the Chief Creative Officer while Anis Zantout is the Chief Innovations Officer at the new agency. The three together form the leadership team of the creative shop.
Sehly, Aoun and Zantout boast agency careers spanning decades in multinational networks with the likes of Leo Burnett, Wunderman Thompson and FP7 McCann.
The transition marked the leaders’ “big leap” out of network life and into the independent boutique scene.
“Proudly from Saudi Arabia, we’re a local advertising agency, which is creatively led, driven by ideas and innovation, and globally audacious. We are fast, young, and excited to deliver to the world what the advertising industry has been missing for some time,” said Sehly.
The agency’s main focus is, but not limited to, developing all creative communications for the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi (GEA) and Riyadh Season.
This includes integrated global campaigns, moment marketing and design work that ranges from traditional branding to boxing paraphernalia.
According to Aoun, “It’s a great opportunity to work on such a fun and entertaining brand that’s championing all these exciting events in Saudi. But that also meant building a team of multi-disciplinary, talented individuals. People who are passionate about design and creativity. And are yearning to produce world-class work.”
Zantout said, “Our lab is infused with human empathy for what matters to joy makers and entertainment visitors in Saudi. Primed with native tech-minded creatives who have the potential to surpass the competition. Setting new standards in experience and architecture.”
The creative trio’s combined accolades include wins at Cannes Lions, D&AD, The One Show, Clios, Dubai Lynx, MENA EFFIES, London International, Adfest, New York Festivals, Loeries, The Andy Awards, Caples, and many others.
During their careers, Sehly, Aoun and Zantout worked with organisations across diverse business sectors including banking, aviation, telecommunications, food & beverage, luxury and FMCG.