Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat- Prince Faisal Bin Salman, chairman of Saudi Research & Marketing Group (SRMG), held a meeting with top executives of advertising companies and agencies in the region here recently and said such meetings would help advertising firms to set out a clear strategy for the future.
Organized by Al-Khaleejiah Advertising & Public Relations Company, one of the investment wings of SRMG, the meeting discussed ways of developing the region’s advertising market and overcome future challenges to be faced by the industry as a result of expansions taking place in the region.
“The meeting also explored new horizons of advertising in the region, future trends and prospects of enhancing cooperation among adverting companies,” an official statement said.
Prince Faisal described the meeting, which was first of its kind, as fruitful. “We have discussed all matters related to the market with full transparency,” he said and emphasized SRMG’s desire to strengthen its relations with advertising agencies in the region by holding similar meetings with decision-makers.
“Our discussions focused on how to improve advertising, new developments in the market and how to overcome obstacles we could face as a result of new developments in order to create a better future for advertising,” he said.
Pierre Soued, chief operation officer of MPG Middle East, said the meeting with Prince Faisal would have positive results. He said the International Adverting Association, which met recently, had emphasized the significance of meetings between advertising agencies and media organizations.
Soued urged all media companies in the region to follow the example of SRMG by holding regular meetings with advertising agencies to discuss challenges and difficulties.
“Prince Faisal’s move to inform advertising agencies about SRMG’s plans, considering advertising agencies as its partner, is a step in the right direction,” he said. In a similar statement, Matt Blackborn, CEO of Starcom, expressed his happiness over the meeting.
“This is the first time a leading media group in the region holds a meeting with advertising agencies,” Blackborn said. “Prince Faisal gave us an opportunity to know closely about his ideas to develop SRMG in the coming years. He has a clear vision of the company’s future.”
Being a joint stock company, which has gone public recently, SRMG would be able to pump greater investments into the industry.
Hassan Al-Saadawi, director general of Al-Khaleejiah, emphasized the strong strategic relations between his company and advertising agencies in the region. “The Dubai meeting provided a good opportunity to exchange views and ideas and work together to develop the industry and remove obstacles,” he added.
He spoke about Al-Khaleejiah’s efforts to develop its manpower, especially sales staff, in line with SRMG’s expectations and capture growing advertising opportunities in the region.