Australian agency BWM makes inroads into Middle East

by Richard Abbott, Brand Republic 19-Apr-07, 15:10

DUBAI - Australia's largest independent communications group Belgiovane Williams Mackay is expanding into the Middle East, following a tie-up with Dubai-based BSB Marketing.

The new network, called BSB:BWM, aims to bring BWM's creative expertise to BSB's portfolio of clients across the Gulf region, which includes Dubai World, Emirates Post, Sharjah Tourism and Rotana Hotels.

BSB was formerly known as Madco, but changed its name to BSB in 2003 - the initials of its chairman and CEO Burhan Said Beidas, who has more than 30 years agency experience in the Gulf and Levant.

BSB:BWM's head office in Dubai will be run by BWM managing director Anthony Dalton, who will work closely with Beidas.

Dalton said: "We offer better results through change. This region must embrace change. Our people are brave enough to challenge the norms."

Sydney-based BWM provides a full service offering including advertising, brand planning, media buying, PR and events. Its domestic client roster in Australia includes LG, TDK, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, and national telco Telstra BigPond.

Rob Belgiovane, executive creative director; Paul Williams, group chief executive; and Jamie Mackay, executive planning director, founded the agency in 1996.