AHMAD ITANI ANNOUNCED AS NEW PRCA MENA CHAIRMAN AND ICCO MIDDLE EAST PRESIDENT

Ahmad Itani, Founder and CEO of Cicero & Bernay Public Relations (C&B) has become Chairman of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) MENA. He succeeds Omar Qirem, Chief Executive Officer of Edelman Middle East, who served a two-year term as Chairman and now becomes Vice-Chairman.

Since its launch in 2016, PRCA MENA has emerged as the leading PR association for the region, with 20 MENA countries represented on its Board of Directors. In the last 12 months under Omar’s leadership as Chairman, PRCA MENA provided free practical resources, training sessions and memberships for members directly impacted by COVID-19. PRCA MENA also collaborated with international partners more than ever, creating new opportunities for members to network and learn from their global peers, highlighted by initiatives led by the Global COVID-19 Communications Taskforce.

Ahmad Itani, Founder and CEO of Cicero & Bernay Public Relations said:

“I am honoured to take on the role of PRCA MENA Chairman. I would like to thank Omar for his strong leadership especially during a period of such adversity. The power of communications has come to the fore in these past 12 months proving its value to society and business across the Middle East and North Africa. Although the covid-era is still upon us, there’s real confidence in our industry in the region. I look forward to continue to support our members and further strengthen PRCA MENA’s position as truly representative of the entire MENA region.”

Omar Qirem said:

“I’m really proud of what PRCA MENA has been able to achieve for its members and the wider industry across the Middle East and North Africa. No doubt it’s been an extraordinarily tough time recently, but I’ve seen our industry show immense resilience, innovation and creativity. The importance of community and collaboration has never been more important, and Hayley and the team at PRCA MENA have led brilliantly in this respect. I look forward to supporting Ahmad as Vice-Chair in what shapes to be an important period.”

PRCA MENA Director General Francis Ingham MPRCA commented:

“Omar has been simply exceptional as PRCA MENA’s Chairman. The Association has grown to be truly representative of the whole region under Omar’s leadership. I look forward to working with Ahmad in this critical year ahead of recovery and expansion.”

About the PRCA

The PRCA was founded in London in 1969 and launched PRCA MENA in 2016 with the aim of raising standards in PR and communications.

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is the world’s largest professional PR body.

We represent more than 35,000 PR professionals in 70 countries worldwide. With offices in London, Singapore, Dubai, and Buenos Aires, we are a global advocate for excellence in public relations.

Our mission is to create a more professional, ethical, and prosperous PR industry. We champion – and enforce – professional standards in the UK and overseas through our Professional Charter and Code of Conduct. The Code compels members to adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice.

We deliver exceptional training, authoritative industry data, and global networking and development opportunities. We also manage the International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO), the umbrella body for 41 PR associations and 3,000 agencies across the world, and LG Comms – the UK’s national body for authorities raising standards of local government communication.