Assembly has announced changes to its leadership structure in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as the agency prepares for continued expansion in the region.
Ravi Rao has joined Assembly as Senior Advisor, bringing more than 30 years of experience in media organisations across MENA and South Asia. Rao previously served as CEO of GroupM MENA and CEO of Mindshare MENA and Leader for South Asia.
Rao will work alongside Zubair Siddiqui, Chief Operating Officer, and Kinloch Magowan, Managing Partner, to guide the region.
Ravi Rao joins Assembly MENA as Faisal Dean prepares to step down after decade-long tenure
Siddiqui and Magowan will maintain responsibility for operations across the region and will report directly to Assembly Global CEO Rick Acampora.
The duo has overseen client, people, operations and commercial functions for several years. Under their leadership, the region has experienced double-digit growth and expanded its capabilities across the marketing funnel.
Faisal Dean will step down from his position at the end of the year after 10 years with the agency. A replacement CEO for MENA will join in the first quarter of 2026.
During his tenure, Dean oversaw the addition of clients and the expansion of the agency’s presence across Dubai, Cairo and Riyadh.
“The region is operating from a position of strength as we prepare for a new MENA CEO in 2026. I appreciate all that Faisal has contributed, and for me personally, the partnership we’ve had over the last four and a half years. I wish him the absolute best in his next chapter. The team has built real momentum here in the region, and we’re focused on carrying that forward,” Rick Acampora, Assembly Global CEO said.
MENA represents one of Assembly’s growth markets. The agency said it will continue investing in talent, technology and leadership in the region to meet client demand.
The agency has positioned itself as an alternative to holding-company agencies, building capabilities across Dubai, Cairo and Riyadh.
