Jean-Karl Saliba appointed as VP Growth & Partnerships by IAM Entertainment
Jean-Karl Saliba has been appointed Vice President of Growth & Partnerships at IAM Entertainment, where he will focus on overseeing the agency's expansion into the MENA region. In his new C-Suite position, Saliba will be responsible for strengthening the organisation's presence and building connections with international clients, collaborators, and new opportunities.
Saliba brings two decades of experience in delivering high-impact content and event productions for leading brands and organisations to the role. His work spans industries including sports, technology, and entertainment, having executed large-scale campaigns and experiences for clients such as Nike, Emaar, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Under Armour, and Expo 2020. Additionally, he has also worked alongside cultural and government institutions like DCT, DET, RCU, PIF, as well as major entertainment seasons across the GCC.
Jean-Karl Saliba portfolio spans from international broadcast specials and commercial shows to cultural festivals and campaigns in which he played a key role in regional storytelling, partnerships, and growth by combining strategic planning, creative input, and collaboration across diverse networks. Saliba's approach is rooted in a combination of strategic planning, creative input, and collaboration, which has supported him in building regional partnerships and advancing growth in the entertainment industry.
IAM Entertainment is a celebrity talent agency, known for campaigns such as Chris Hemsworth's 'Could Use a Vacation Right Now' in Abu Dhabi,
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
17 hours ago
- Web Release
Recognizing the World's Most Exceptional Destinations: Nominations Now Open for the Inaugural TOURISE Awards
The TOURISE Awards officially launched today as a new global benchmark celebrating excellence in tourism destinations. Created to honor places that are shaping the future of travel, the Awards spotlight destinations delivering meaningful, memorable, and measurable value across the traveler journey. Nominations are now open to individual travelers, industry professionals, and organizations passionate about recognizing the world's most exceptional places. The TOURISE Awards are an extension of the TOURISE platform powered by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism and announced via a virtual press conference on May 22, 2025. In line with the TOURISE ethos, the Awards take a bold stance recognizing destinations with a strong sense of identity, measurable impact, and responsible management. Eligible destinations must have (i) a defined geographic scope (a city, region or site), (ii) a distinct identity and character that stems from culture, landscapes and attractions that shape how the destination is perceived by travelers, and finally (iii) must be backed by a tourism governing body responsible for ensuring a destination is effectively managed. The TOURISE Awards feature five distinct award categories: Best Arts and Culture Destination, Best Adventure Destination, Best Food and Culinary Destination, Best Shopping Destination, and Best Entertainment Destination. In addition, a flagship Best Overall Destination award will recognize the destination that excels across all aspects of the traveler experience — setting a new global benchmark as the most exceptional place to visit. Jean-Philippe Cossé, CEO of TOURISE, said: 'Tourism is not just a key economic engine — it's a powerful connector of cultures, a builder of communities, and a driver of sustainable change. As the industry undergoes a bold transformation, it's more crucial than ever to spotlight the destinations that are leading with vision, purpose, and resilience. The TOURISE Awards are our tribute to those extraordinary places that don't just welcome travelers — they inspire them, challenge the status quo, and push the boundaries of what tourism can achieve. These awards put destinations at the center of the global conversation, celebrating the pioneers who are shaping the future of travel.' The TOURISE Awards will be judged by an independent jury panel comprised of a powerhouse of cross-industry trailblazers from the worlds of travel and tourism, fashion, culinary, art, retail, culture, adventure and entertainment: Filip Boyen, Former CEO, Forbes Travel Guide; Michael Ellis, Former Global Director, Michelin Guides; Fiona Jeffery, Former Chair, World Travel Market; Former Chair Tourism for Tomorrow Awards; Renaud de Lesquen; Former CEO, Givenchy, Former President Dior AM; Lars Nittve, Former Founding Director, Tate Modern; Albert Read, Former Managing Director , Conde Nast; Caroline Rush, Former CEO, British Fashion Council; Omar Samra, UN Goodwill Ambassador, Mountaineer and Polar Explorer Bernold Schroeder, Former CEO, Kempinski; Pan Pacific. Eligible destinations will be evaluated across 10 assessment criteria, grouped into three key areas, which make up the destination experience: offering, value, convenience. Judges will assess how destinations perform across these areas — considering what they offer, how accessible and visitor-friendly they are, the overall value they provide, and most importantly, the quality and impact of the experience. This includes looking at factors such as authenticity, innovation, inclusion, sustainability, accessibility, accommodation variety, and safety, all of which contribute to a destination's ability to deliver a meaningful and memorable journey. The winners of the inaugural TOURISE Awards will be announced at the TOURISE Summit, taking place in Riyadh from November 11 to 13. The Summit will bring together leading voices from across tourism, travel, investment, and innovation — from heads of state and visionary CEOs to creators, disruptors, and global investors. It will serve as a platform to spark bold ideas, build transformative partnerships, and shape new standards for the future of travel. Have your say in who receives the first TOURISE Awards for the world's most exceptional tourism destinations by nominating the destination you think makes a difference on the awards portal Nominations are open from June 2nd to July 9th. To find out more about TOURISE
Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Broadcast Pro
Orange Egypt secures $80m loan for 5G license and network expansion
Orange Egypt will use the loan to finance its purchase of a 5G mobile license from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA). Orange Egypt has obtained a syndicated loan of approximately $80m to support its acquisition of a 5G mobile license and the rollout of next-generation telecommunications infrastructure. The financing package is backed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Banque Misr, with the EBRD contributing 39m and Banque Misrs Dubai branch providing $40m, or roughly 35.6m. The funding will enable Orange Egypt, a telecommunications provider, to implement 5G services that promise to significantly boost network speed, reliability, and data transmission capabilities. This technological upgrade is expected to enhance user experience by reducing latency and offering smoother connectivity. For businesses, it will open up opportunities to deliver more innovative digital services, thereby improving customer engagement and supporting Egypts transition to a more digitally driven economy. Beyond its performance benefits, 5G technology also brings environmental advantages. As part of its network modernisation efforts, Orange Egypt projects a reduction of more than 1.74m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, aligning with the countrys sustainability objectives. Jean-Marc Peterschmitt, Managing Director for the Corporate Sector at the EBRD, highlighted the projects potential to enhance Egypts digital infrastructure and contribute to better internet access for both consumers and businesses. Mohamed Khairat, Head of Corporate Banking at Banque Misr, underscored the telecom sectors strategic value and reaffirmed the banks role in driving sustainable national development. Khaled Nabil Khorshed, Head of Wholesale Banking at Banque Misr UAE, noted that the involvement of the banks Dubai branch reflects its aim to harness international networks to facilitate regional financing. Orange Egypts Chief Financial Officer, Mohamed Sayed, emphasised that 5G technology will help the company expand its services in vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and smart city developmentbridging the digital divide and accelerating Egypts digital transformation. A subsidiary of Frances Orange Group, Orange Egypt has been operating in the country since 1998. While best known for its mobile services, the company also provides fixed-line and IPTV services, playing a vital role in Egypts expanding digital infrastructure. Egypt, a founding member of the EBRD, has received more than 13.2bn in investments across 202 projects since the Bank began operations there in 2012. The EBRD has also supported over 750 small and medium-sized enterprises through technical assistance initiatives.
Campaign ME
2 days ago
- Campaign ME
Secrets of success for international brands in the Middle East
The Middle East has become a hot bed for businesses looking to expand into new markets and tap into a consumer set open to new brands and experiences. A young and vibrant population, riding a wave of positivity, alongside governments with money and intent to invest in building infrastructure and opportunities makes it an exciting market to move into. But as global brands turn their attention to this region they must do so with an awareness of cultural nuances. Their approach to marketing and brand building cannot be a carbon copy of other territories – brands must adapt their messaging, trajectory and ambition. Putting customers at the centre of activity is a golden rule for brands no matter where they operate. And so, applying that tenet to the Middle East means respecting local values and attitudes – and demonstrating that through the brand's storytelling. Beyond advertising There are lessons to be learned from some of the biggest global brands that have successfully moved into the region. Take Nike for example – the global sportswear brand has not only featured athletes from the region in its advertising but also considered them in its product line. Nike's marketing campaigns in the region often feature local athletes and stories, building aspirational narratives that people can easily connect with. But it went one step further with the launch of the Nike Pro Hijab in 2017, catering to Muslim female athletes. This was a major milestone as it anchored the brand with an inclusion message that resonated deeply across the region. It demonstrated a genuine understanding and respect for the local culture and empowered women within it. IKEA has similarly taken a thorough approach to adapting for the local market. The furniture brand can teach us all some things about how to craft a 'glocal' strategy. In particular, cultural sensitivity is a must. While its core product range is consistent across the globe, IKEA still makes subtle but significant adjustments to fulfill local needs. These include larger furniture pieces and tailored options to accommodate bigger living spaces and family gatherings. It also makes sure that the selection of materials can accommodate the region's hot and dry climate. And in a similar way to many luxury brands, IKEA creates specific collections and campaigns for Ramadan and Eid. Adapting products and services to the local customer base and using local talent in advertising are important but if this is as far as it goes the risk is that cultural sensibility is a veneer rather than a strategy. The best practice adopted by some brands it to establish significant bases in the region and become local employers. Pepsi has a long history of success in the Middle East, with high market penetration. This is due to strong local investments in facilities, employing thousands of locals and sourcing within the region. PepsiCo is perceived as a global brand that wants more than just to sell products; it wants to be an integral part of the local economy and therefore, the local community. It has also invested in local R&D centres to tailor its product portfolio to local consumer preferences. Mistakes – some brands have made a few Some brands have come unstuck because they have expanded into the region thinking like westerners. Campaigns must appeal to an audience which admires global brands but is also fiercely proud of its local heritage, culture and values. Public sentiment can quickly shift and with it, loyalty. So, any brand serious about making its mark must monitor public sentiment. Social media is a useful tool here. And interestingly, one of the most successful brands in the Middle East – TikTok – is tapping its largest audience, the youth. TikTok has made huge efforts to connect with local influencers. The platform understood the rise of local trends and the importance of fostering local communities. The introduction of TikTok Shops has been a game-changer, especially in the Gulf's booming e-commerce market. TikTok has shown that it cares and nurtures the creative community in the Gulf. It ran the Creator Hub programme to discover and support new creators. Course correction for brands Entering new regions is not easy and even the most successful of brands can make missteps. When that happens, change. Course correction is not an admission of failure; it's a sign of responsiveness and strategic depth. Coming into the region with an open mindset will go a long way. When brands reposition to better reflect local aspirations, values or lifestyles they are more likely to be welcomed. Whether introducing modest fashion lines, halal food certification or Arabic language packaging, modifying products will help make global brands feel part of the region. Global brands need to be on the ground, employing local people and working with local partners and influencers – and then they will find the right tone of voice and approach. In a region as nuanced as the Middle East, the most successful global brands are those that listen, learn and evolve. By Nancy Villanueva, CEO, Iberia and Middle East, Interbrand
