The Network Communication Group appoints Claude Abboud as GM for KSA
The Network Communication Group has named Claude Abboud as General Manager for its Saudi Arabia operations, marking a strategic move as the agency group strengthens its presence in the Kingdom's advertising and communications landscape.
Abboud brings more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications and media, with a significant portion of his career spent leading FP7 Riyadh, where he served as General Manager. His leadership background spans multiple sectors and geographies, with a track record of driving business transformation, building high-performing teams, and delivering creative work aligned with client growth.
His appointment signals a renewed focus for the Network Communication Group in Saudi Arabia, where the market continues to evolve in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions and increasing demand for integrated marketing services.
The Network Communication Group's Chairman Roger Sahyoun and Abboud share a belief in advertising as a people-first business—where talent, trust, and creativity are central to success. The agency sees Abboud's appointment not just as a leadership transition, but as a step towards building deeper and long-term roots in the Kingdom through sustainable partnerships and impactful work.
Abboud's remit will include scaling the Group's Saudi operations across its agencies including AGA-ADK and Equation Media, strengthening client relationships, and contributing to the group's regional growth trajectory.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Zawya
KoçDigital advances regional industry at AMPC launch in Riyadh
KoçDigital has collaborated with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 through strategic partnership and AI-infused manufacturing technologies, supporting the AMPC and 'Lighthouse' Factory Initiative to advance industrial digital transformation in the region. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – KoçDigital joined government and industry leaders at the official launch of the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center (AMPC), a flagship project supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced manufacturing. Hosted by H.E. Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Khalil Bin Salamah and led by Deputy Minister Dr. Ahmad Zawawi, the AMPC launch event convened high-level participants from government, industry and technology, creating a powerful exchange for knowledge and collaboration across the region. KoçDigital Managing Director, Evren Dereci spoke at a panel titled 'Global Learnings of Developing Lighthouses and How Capability Centers Can Support', focused on how advanced manufacturing ecosystems and capability centers can act as catalysts for sustainable growth, global competitiveness, and digital excellence. 'We're delivering AI-infused manufacturing projects across the Middle East to improve productivity and resilience,' said Dereci during the session. 'By building strategic partnerships in Saudi Arabia and the broader region to co-create customized digital solutions, our mission is to enable manufacturers to operate in a more sustainable, competitive, and data-powered way.' AI leads the way in operational excellence, digital twins and smart supply chains A subsidiary of KoçSistem, KoçDigital drives 'Factories of the Future' initiatives by deploying AI-infused manufacturing analytics, operational excellence, digital-twin, and supply-chain planning at production sites across Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East. By forging strategic partnerships with leading industrial enterprises and public institutions, KoçDigital co-develops solutions for competitive operations, benchmarked against global standards—cementing its reputation as the region's trusted digital-transformation partner. 'Capability centers are key to accelerating digital adoption and upskilling industrial workforces. We believe in the power of cross-border collaboration — especially between regional powerhouses like Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, as well as other Middle Eastern manufacturers — to build a more connected and innovative industrial ecosystem,' Dereci explained. The AMPC's inauguration—together with the target of the first 20 'Lighthouse' candidate factories—ushers in a pivotal chapter for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, underscoring the commitment to next-generation manufacturing. About KoçDigital: KoçDigital is the region's premier Industry 4.0 transformation partner, specializing in AI-infused digital manufacturing, supply-chain planning and AI. A subsidiary of KoçSistem, KoçDigital accelerates digital journeys for organizations worldwide through IIoT-driven digital-twin platforms, AI-infused manufacturing-execution systems, and data-led decision-making tools. With more than 250 customers, the company couples sustainability and operational excellence with continuous innovation, empowering businesses to secure a decisive competitive edge in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Its track record includes multiple factories recognized in the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network, underscoring KoçDigital's ability to deliver at the highest international benchmark for industrial innovation.
Tourism Breaking News
17 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish strategic cooperation and expand global connectivity
Post Views: 36 Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM signed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step forward in global connectivity for guests traveling between Riyadh, Paris, Amsterdam, and destinations far beyond. The MoU, signed at the 2025 IATA Annual General Meeting by Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air and Benjamin Smith CEO of Air France-KLM Group, sets the foundation for a dynamic partnership. Subject to regulatory approvals, the collaboration aims to gradually introduce a wide range of benefits for guests and to unlock new opportunities across Western Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic partnership will focus on strengthening network connectivity, with both partners working together to maximize future opportunities through Riyadh Air's hub in the capital of Saudi Arabia and Air France-KLM's Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol airport hubs. The recent launch of Air France's Paris Charles de Gaulle–Riyadh service, alongside KLM's established Amsterdam–Riyadh operations, reflects the shared commitment to expanding travel options for guests. Beyond route connectivity, Riyadh Air and Air France-KLM will collaborate to enhance the guest experience, exploring opportunities in reciprocal loyalty program rewards, operational support, and lounge access. The partnership also extends to areas such as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), digital transformation, sustainability, and cargo services—ensuring a comprehensive approach to delivering value. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, commented, 'We are dedicated to connecting Riyadh to the world, and partnering with Air France-KLM – a leader in global aviation, will accelerate bringing to life our vision to deliver exceptional experiences and the realization of our long-term vision: to redefine air travel through innovation, operational excellence, and guest-centric services. This partnership not only strengthens our international network but also reinforces confidence in our growth trajectory and our role in supporting Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.' Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM Group, added 'Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a key market for aviation. With our three brands, Air France, KLM and Transavia now serving the country, and with this new agreement with Riyadh Air, we aim to continue increasing our footprint in the region. We look forward to combining our networks and expertise with Riyadh Air, and to offer our mutual customers more choice and convenience. This cooperation is complementary to our SkyTeam partner in the region. As Riyadh Air embarks on its journey to become a leading global carrier, this partnership with Air France-KLM underlines a bold commitment to excellence, innovation, and exceptional guest experience.'
Fintech News ME
20 hours ago
- Fintech News ME
Stake Launches First Real Estate Development Fund in Saudi Arabia
Stake, a real estate investment platform based in Dubai and Riyadh, has launched its first private real estate development fund in Saudi Arabia. The fund is located in Riyadh's Al Malqa district, near major commercial and government zones including the King Abdullah Financial District and the Diplomatic Quarter. It is fully Shariah-compliant and open to both local and international investors, with a minimum investment of SAR 500. This development is part of Stake's broader regional expansion following its entry into the Saudi market in early 2024. The platform became the first regulated by Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority (CMA) to offer non-Saudi investors access to the Kingdom's real estate sector. Within five months of launching in the country, Stake introduced three private real estate funds, attracting over SAR 135 million in foreign direct investment from investors in more than 70 countries. Backed by entities including Tharwat for Wealth Management, Rasaf Investment, and Mawan Real Estate, the new Riyadh-based fund positions Stake as a key player in supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda to diversify its economy and expand foreign participation in real estate. The fund launch comes as Stake also surpasses AED 1 billion in real estate transactions since its launch in 2021. The platform has facilitated over 250,000 individual investments across more than 420 properties, primarily in Dubai, with a user base of over one million individuals across 170 countries.
