Khaled Ismail named Dubai chair

We are delighted to announce our new Dubai chair - current vice chair and vice president communications Europe, Central Asia, Middle East & Africa at Tetra Pak, Khaled Ismail.

Current chair, Asad Rehman director media and digital transformation, Unilever MENA, will step down after two highly successful years. During that time, Asad has played a huge part in growing the Society into the vibrant, flourishing hub it is today, with over 150 members, making it the Society’s number one market outside the UK.

Gemma Greaves, chief executive of The Marketing Society said, “I would like to say a big thank you to Asad for his outstanding contribution to the Society over the past two years. Through his leadership, energy, vision and determination we have surpassed all expectations for The Marketing Society in the Middle East. And I am delighted that we have a formidable successor in Khaled, who has been on our board since the beginning. I am confident that he will make a brilliant Chair for us as we move into the next exciting chapter of our global network.”

Khaled commented, “I am thrilled to take on the role of Chair. Asad will be a hard act to follow, but I’m looking forward to working with our talented team of marketing leaders who make up the board. I know together we can achieve great things - I can’t wait to get started.”

Watch Khaled talk about his new role with the society

We recently interviewed our new chair, have a read of what and who inspires Khaled:

What’s your golden rule?
Life is a journey on a speed train – look out the window, laugh a little and enjoy the scenery before the next stop.

Who has been your biggest influence?
My kids, for what I have learnt from them about myself

What is your most hated business expression?
“I am circling back”.

What’s the smartest business idea you’ve ever had?
I wanted to learn about the dynamics and the impact of the new Social Media world, so I decided (along with two partners) 2 years ago to launch our own video based Social Media App called 1TAM (1 Thing About Me), which lets users post and answerback opinions and experiences – all on video.

Which leader do you admire most and why?
Barak Obama – I have been watching him for the past 10 years…his leadership style is human and graceful and his communication style is eloquent and inspiring.

What’s your favourite word?

Absolutely marvelous 

If you have one wish?

If I wish I could take my brain today and transplant it in my 25 year old self – or any 25 year old…who cares to have it. Life’s experiences and learnings are tremendously invaluable.

Tell us a secret
Always ask for more. Don’t be reasonable. “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to him. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man” George B. Shaw.