Business Club

Paul O’Donnell, Chief Executive of Ogilvy EMEA, has been voted as the new president of the European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA) for a two-year term. He succeeds Dominic Grainger, Chief Executive Officer, WPP Specialist Communications, who has been EACA’s head since 2016.

O'Donnell's two-year tenure will be focussed on increasing co-operation and collaboration across Europe as the world's largest advertising market responds to the twin challenges of coronavirus and Brexit. 

Tamara Daltroff, EACA Director General, said: “I could not be more delighted that Paul accepted to take on the presidency role. In this difficult period, Paul is the perfect senior agency leader to guide EACA and the industry with his experience and knowledge. The agency world has been through fundamental changes over the last decade and continues to evolve in these very dynamic times. On behalf of all EACA members, I also want to thank Dominic for his leadership and outstanding involvement during his tenure. He has played a key role for EACA over the last four years.”

O’Donnell said: “It is with great pleasure to take on my new responsibilities as president of the EACA and to continue the great work done by Dominic. Although we are in extremely challenging times, I am confident that with the support and strength of the committee we will be able to achieve many things.”

O’Donnell has been with Ogilvy for over 30 years.  He has worked in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, running geographic operations and working with major international and local clients. In May 2014, O’Donnell was appointed Chief Executive, Ogilvy EMEA.  He is a member of the agency’s International Executive Management Group and an Executive Partner of the Ogilvy Group Worldwide.

In addition to representing European agencies to the EU Institutions in Brussels, EACA runs the Effie Awards Europe to reward the most effective campaigns in Europe; and the IMC European Awards to recognise the best brand activation efforts in the region. In the last few years, EACA has also created Inspire! by eaca, a hub for education and training opportunities in the commercial communications industry.

Singapore-based technology company Bigo established its office in Jordan in November last year, making it the second regional office after Egypt. Despite the pandemic, BIGO remains committed to strengthening its workforce in Jordan and has hired more than 20 employees and tripled the office space since the lockdown in the country.

According to Jackson Liu, Head of Middle East, North Africa and Europe, BIGO Technology, this number will be increased to 100 within the next two months. BIGO is also exploring supporting the development of the digital start-up ecosystem in Jordan.

BIGO is also converting its online platforms and capabilities into a trusted source of information. A range of measures to raise people’s awareness of COVID-19 and government policies are available on BIGO for users in the Middle East and across the globe.

“At present, we are living in a world that is faced with an unprecedented level of uncertainty,” said Jackson Liu. “We will stand with the people and government of Jordan, and fight to contain this situation together. We are here to do our small part to support the community in this time of need, hoping to help people stay connected and well-informed about what is happening around them and how to prevent the further spread of the virus,” he added.

Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Muthana Gharaibeh said that Jordan is committed to global companies that believe in talent and digital infrastructure in Jordan. The country will assist to provide tax and legislative incentives and support the expansion of these organisations as they continue to benefit from what Jordan has to offer international technology companies.

“Jordan is a welcoming and fast-growing country. We believe that we have the knowledge, skills and capabilities to serve Jordan, and are seeing significant interest from the youth in exploring the digital future,” said Jackson Liu.

BIGO is a Singaporean technology company that has developed many popular mobile applications such as Bigo Live and imo.

LG Electronics Inc. (LG) on Tuesday announced first-quarter 2020 consolidated revenue of KRW 14.73 trillion ($12.45 billion) and operating profit of KRW 1.09 trillion ($921.47 million).

Although revenue declined modestly compared with the same period last year, operating income improved 21.1 per cent from the 2019 quarter, making this only the second time in history when quarterly operating profit exceeded KRW 1 trillion. The 7.4 per cent operating margin was the highest in LG’s history for a first quarter.

The LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company reported first-quarter revenues of KRW 5.42 trillion ($4.58 billion) and operating profit of KRW 753.5 billion ($636.8 million).

The LG Home Entertainment Company posted first-quarter revenues of KRW 2.97 trillion ($2.51 billion), a decrease of 4.8 per cent from the same period last year as a result of component supply constraints and slowing global demand due to lower consumer confidence.

The LG Mobile Communications Company reported first-quarter sales of KRW 998.6 billion ($843.9 million), narrowing its operating loss to KRW 237.8 billion ($200.96 million) from the previous quarter.

The LG Vehicle Component Solutions Company recorded first-quarter revenues of KRW 1.32 trillion ($1.11 billion), a 2.1 per cent decline from the same period last year, with an operating loss of KRW 96.8 billion ($81.8 million) as a result of the business disruption of North American and European automakers.

To minimise ongoing pandemic risk, the company will accelerate its supply chain optimisation efforts, taking into consideration a reduction in demand from automakers, and continue to improve its business structure with further cost savings in the second quarter.

The LG Business Solutions Company generated first-quarter sales of KRW 1.71 trillion ($1.44 billion), an increase of 3.5 per cent year-on-year and 18.8 per cent higher than the previous quarter thanks to increased sales of solar modules and IT products such as LG gram notebooks.

Isuzu Jordan, represented by Qudra Automotive Trading Co., has received three awards by Isuzu Motors International during the annual conference for Isuzu Middle East and North Africa, which was held in Dubai and attended by all Isuzu dealers and representatives in the region. This award came as recognition for Isuzu Jordan’s outstanding performance in the past five years of operations in Jordan.

Isuzu Jordan received the first place for its sales attainment, second place for the best dealer category and third place for the after-sales category across the MENA region.

Mohamed Alayyan, Vice Chairman of the Board, commented: “We are very proud of this recognition for our five-year journey of success. We believe this is an indication of the customer loyalty to Isuzu Jordan and representative of our continuous quest for customer satisfaction.”

Wasim Al Aqra, General Manager of Qudra Automotive, said:” We thank Isuzu International for this recognition of our efforts and for their true partnership, which was a vital force in making Isuzu Jordan the company it is today within such a short period of representing Isuzu in Jordan.  This success would not have been possible without the efforts of all members of the team.”

Qudra Automotive Trading Co. was established in 2015 as the sole dealer for Isuzu vehicles in Jordan.  The company’s main showroom is located on Mecca Street and supported by four service centres in Bayader, Marka, Irbid and Aqaba.

Stemming from its national responsibility and keenness to support the government’s efforts to combat COVID-19, Beecell, a leading digital media company in Jordan, announced an agreement with Orange Jordan to power a new “text-to-donate” service that enables Orange Mobile customers to easily send donations to the ministries of Health and Social Development.

The launch of this new service comes to assert the importance of technology in digital payments, as Beecell believes, especially amid calls for social distancing. It also reflects the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility initiatives that support the local community.

Through this partnership, Orange Jordan subscribers can support the Himmat Watan fund easily and conveniently from their mobile devices.

Customers can donate JD1 to the Ministry of Health by sending (1) via SMS to 99077 or the Ministry of Social Development by sending (1) to 99370.

Beecell is offering this service free of charge to support Jordan's government in curbing the spread of this virus, by enabling Orange customers to send financial contributions to cover health and medical costs without any additional fees to any of the stakeholders. 

“Times like these call us all; companies and individuals, to stand hand in hand to support the Kingdom’s efforts to combat coronavirus, as thousands are working around the clock to minimise the pandemic’s impact on our beloved country,” commented Bashar Hantouli, Beecell CEO.

Since 2004, Beecell has been committed to providing innovative, reliable and professional digital media services to over 40 mobile network operators in over 22 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and around the world.

Beecell also acts as a mobile billing aggregator, enabling companies to take advantage of their connectivity with mobile operators, which results in quick time-to-market product launches.

Ayla has raised the level of challenge and spirit of competition among the members of its Ayla Golf Club, by inviting them to continue to practise at home, and providing them with tips and advice on how to harness their game using the means of remote communication. This move by Ayla reiterates its efforts to address the ramifications of the coronavirus crisis on the performance of athletes, and stay close to its members during these exceptional times.

Ayla has directed its members and regulars of Ayla Golf Club to continue to satisfy their passion for golf at home using accessible tools, stressing that the health and safety of the players and their families are the highest priority at the moment.

Ayla Golf Club instructors sent messages to members and regulars of Ayla Golf Course, including advice on how to harness their skills and practise golf at home, while encouraging them to send their videos on WhatsApp, or via Ayla Golf Club page on Instagram @AylaGolfClub.

Chris Dodd, Head Professional at Ayla Golf Academy in Aqaba, and his assistant, Jordanian trainer Walid Abu Elsamid, received contributions from members and regulars of Ayla Golf Club, including videos of their exercises, and then provided them with answers to their questions, as well as tips and advice on their performance.

Chris Dodd, Head Professional at Ayla Golf Academy in Aqaba, said: “Our message from Ayla Golf Club to our members and regulars is that we are always with you. Through this home-based distance learning programme and home exercises, we hope that golf players and enthusiasts can dedicate some of their time at home to perfect their skills and work on their performance. Through this programme, we strive to keep our Ayla family engaged and connected during these difficult times.”

The coronavirus pandemic has had overwhelming economic repercussions on all industrial and commercial sectors in the world in general and in the region in particular, causing many companies to lay off thousands of employees.  In spite of these unprecedented difficulties, Joramco, the Amman-based MRO and the engineering arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), has announced its commitment for maintaining job security for all its employees.

The company’s commitment has included the entire workforce of 1,100 employees as well as a contract extension for all the temporary contract workers whose contracts have expired, or will expire soon, for an additional three months.

This step reflects the obligations that Joramco places on its responsibility towards the growth and development of the civil aviation sector in the Kingdom as well as to its corporate social responsibility.

Jeff Wilkinson, CEO of Joramco, said: “The entire world, including Jordan, is witnessing difficult times that have not been seen for centuries and are affecting all sectors and industries, especially aviation. We at Joramco believe that the private sector has a key role to play in helping the country to resolve this crisis and if we work hand in hand with the government and the aviation public sector, we will be able to succeed in overcoming all obstacles, and return stronger than ever for a brighter future.”

Wilkinson continued: “The health and safety of our workforce has always been paramount at Joramco, and as we face these difficult circumstances, letting any of our staff go is simply not an option. We are determined to take care of each and every employee so that they can focus on what matters — the well-being of themselves and their loved ones.”

Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries PSC (Julphar), one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Middle East and Africa, has announced the appointment of Essam Farouk as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as the company drives its pioneering transformation programme across the region and beyond.

With over 27 years’ experience, Farouk will be leading Julphar’s evolution through its ongoing commitment to elevate and enhance its facilities, processes, practices and infrastructure, ensuring the company is in strong stead for a successful 2020 and beyond.

Sheikh Saqer Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board at Julphar,said: “With his wealth of experience in the pharmaceutical industry across established and emerging markets, Dr Essam brings a proven track record of leading business transformation, strategic planning and successful hands-on strategy execution. His ability to manage a diverse organisation through challenging environments and achieving business and reputational success will ensure Julphar excels further and delivers a greater impact in the 50 markets we operate in around the world.” 

Prior to his appointment at Julphar, Farouk was the CEO at Algerian pharmaceutical company, ELKENDI, managing the corporation since its inception in 2006. Under his leadership, the company experienced exceptional growth to become the second largest pharmaceutical company in Algeria and North Africa. He was then appointed CEO for MS PHARMA Group, a position he held for seven years, guiding the company to be known as one of the top five leading pharmaceutical companies in the Middle East and North Africa. In addition, Farouk has also held senior roles at GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, T3A Pharma Group and Julphar Germany, accumulating a wealth of experience across both multinational and generic business environments.

Luminus University Technical College has announced that it will be providing all its students with free high-speed Internet bundles to ensure maintaining the quality of the remote virtual educational process during the lockdown.

Luminus made it very clear how it puts welfare of its students as a priority by providing the necessary tools for those who do not own them, so that they can continue attending their lectures without an interruption.

In the words of heed that he expressed, Mr. Ibrahim Al Safadi, The CEO of Luminus Technical University College, said that Luminus is considered one of the first educational institutions to believe in the vital role of technology in the educational process.

Driven by this belief, we began to invest advanced learning technologies to develop a robust infrastructure three years back, in attempt to activate the “Virtual College project”, and this has helped us to cope swiflty with the unprecedent circumstances, and be able to switch to virtual education overnight. It is also worth mentioning, that  our entire academic staff have been professionally trained on how to deliver education  virtually according the highest global standards. He added.

This was forward-looking and believing of the importance of keeping up with the fast-evolving technologies and integrating them within our teaching approaches, which enabled Luminus to start the remote virtual learning process, originally scheduled to start in 2021, overnight, and in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, which helped to mitigate any adverse effects the current crisis might reflect on the course of the students’ educational process.

Orange Jordan obtained the certificate of the Customer Operations Performance Centre’s (COPC), the world’s first institution that is specialised in licensing, operating and monitoring performance of customer service centres.

The company received the certificate after changing customer service culture, becoming the first company that applies the standards of this international certificate in the Kingdom.

Orange Jordan’s CEO, Thierry Marigny, said this international recognition is the fruit of three years of work on developing and enhancing employees’ skills to serve customers and meet their needs, noting that the certificate was attained by the achievements and innovations of customer service specialists. This certificate represents a significant criterion in evaluating advanced programmes and technologies that contribute to achieving significant progress in the field of customer experience management and efficiency, he added. He noted that this prestigious certificate, sought not only by the telecommunication sector, but also companies in general, encourages Orange Jordan to remain dedicated to excellence and committed to applying best practices in this field in the local market, especially as an Orange Group subsidiary.

Orange is one of the largest telecom companies in the world that provides the latest services to customers everywhere. Since the company considers technological developments and customers’ changing needs, it has adopted a new approach to serve its customers, Marigny said, noting that Orange Jordan constantly enhances its tools to go along with the sector’s progress and the increasing use of technology. Chief consumer market officer, Naila Al Dawoud said that the company’s strategy focuses on providing outstanding services to its users to cater to their interests in light of Orange’s global strategy.

The company received this recognition after the employees passed the international institution’s exam and training, she said, ensuring that the company’s dedicated teams provide excellent services in accordance with the highest international performance standards through all outlets.