
AKQA appoints Jon Holloway as Managing Director for the MENA region
With a global career spanning across the EMEA, APAC, and MENA regions, Holloway brings more than two decades of experience as a creative and strategic leader.
Known for building empowered teams and delivering impactful work, Holloway has consistently led businesses and clients through transformation. His leadership has contributed to award-winning work recognised by Cannes Lions, D&AD, Effies and leading creative festivals worldwide.
Based between the UAE and KSA, Holloway will aim to accelerate the agency's momentum in the region, partnering with ambitious brands to shape new experiences at the intersection of creativity, culture and emerging technology.
Geoff Northcott, CEO of AKQA EMEA, said, 'Holloway brings a compelling blend of entrepreneurial spirit, creative leadership and regional expertise. His vision for harnessing AI and innovation in culturally resonant ways aligns perfectly with our ambitions for the Middle East. We're delighted to welcome him as we continue to grow our offering and expand our impact in MENA and beyond.'
Holloway will collaborate closely with AKQA's global and regional leadership teams to deepen client partnerships, grow local talent, and continue evolving the agency's AI-powered creative model for the region.
AKQA's location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the agency's newest office spaces, providing a dedicated environment where clients and employees can collaborate closely.
As the business continues to grow, Holloway plans to expand the studio's offerings and client base across the region.
Reflecting on his appointment, Holloway said, 'It has been a career long dream to join AKQA. There is a rare energy here, a shared ambition to build something bold, culturally connected, and future-facing. Our KSA and UAE locations are already pushing creative boundaries with global and local clients.'
Holloway is also an entrepreneur at heart, having founded and exited fintech ventures. A lifelong advocate for the power of innovation, Jon brings a unique perspective on emerging technologies, including AI and their ability to drive real-world, human-centered impact across clients and industries.
'I'm looking forward to shaping the next chapter in the region,' he added.
Holloway's appointment signals AKQA's continued investment in the Middle East, solidifying its presence in the region and deepening partnerships with clients.
His people-first leadership approach and passion for emerging and enduring technology will aim to accelerate the creative and commercial impact of AKQA's work.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Emirates 24/7
an hour ago
- Emirates 24/7
AstraZeneca plans to invest $50 billion in US by 2030
AstraZeneca has announced a US$50 billion investment in the United States by 2030, building on America's global leadership in medicines manufacturing and R&D. This investment is expected to create tens of thousands of new, highly skilled direct and indirect jobs across the country, powering growth and delivering next-generation medicines for patients in America and worldwide. The cornerstone of this landmark investment is a new multi-billion-dollar US manufacturing facility that will produce drug substances for the company's innovative weight management and metabolic portfolio, including oral GLP-1, baxdrostat, oral PCSK9 and combination small molecule products. The new state-of-the-art centre will produce small molecules, peptides and oligonucleotides. This multi-billion dollar capital investment is in addition to the $3.5 billion announced in November 2024. The drug substance facility, planned to be in the Commonwealth of Virginia, would be AstraZeneca's largest single manufacturing investment in the world. The facility will leverage AI, automation, and data analytics to optimise production. The $50 billion investment across the company's R&D and manufacturing footprint in the US over the next five years also includes expanding the R&D facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland; building a state-of-the-art R&D centre in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts; establishing manufacturing facilities for cell therapy in Rockville, Maryland and Tarzana, California; continue manufacturing expansion in Mount Vernon, Indiana; and expanding the specialty manufacturing in Coppell, Texas. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.


Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Genetec supports global growth with new office expansions
DUBAI — Genetec Inc. ('Genetec'), the global leader in enterprise physical security software, announced the expansion of its Montreal headquarters and UK office to meet rising customer demand, support continued innovation, and accommodate rapid workforce growth. This global expansion reflects a long-term strategy to align operations with customer expectations for constant innovation and to build a work environment that attracts and retains top talent. Since 2020, Genetec has grown its global headcount by 65%, now employing more than 2,150 people across 20 offices on four continents. The team continues to grow, with over 100 roles currently open across multiple departments, including R&D. The expanded Montréal campus, now totaling 395,000 square feet, includes five buildings, housing research and development, commercial and operational teams, as well as an Experience Center and two private bistros for employees and guests. Internationally, Genetec has also added another floor to its City of London UK office as part of a broader growth strategy that includes recently opened locations in Sydney, Dubai, Mexico City, and Washington, D.C. Expanding its UK footprint strengthens the company's position in the United Kingdom and underscores its commitment to innovation and support for its customers in this fast-growing market. 'We believe in the power of collaboration and have designed our offices as centers of innovation and connection,' said Andrew Elvish, Vice President of Marketing at Genetec Inc. 'Well-designed and well-appointed offices help us attract and retain the creative, driven individuals who deliver exceptional work. The Wrecking Crew is, after all, about people and innovation—and when our people thrive, our business does too.' To learn more about Genetec, explore career opportunities, or discover its latest innovations, visit About Genetec Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. The company's portfolio of solutions enables enterprises, governments, and communities around the world to secure people and assets while improving operational efficiency and respecting individual privacy. Genetec delivers the world's leading products for video management, access control, and ALPR, all built on an open architecture and designed with cybersecurity at their core. The company's portfolio also includes intrusion detection, intercom, and digital evidence management solutions. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its 42,500+ customers via an extensive network of accredited channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries. For more information about Genetec, visit: © Genetec Inc., 2025. Genetec™, and the Genetec logo are trademarks of Genetec Inc. and may be registered or pending registration in several jurisdictions. Other trademarks used in this document may be trademarks of the manufacturers or vendors of the respective product.


Web Release
14-07-2025
- Web Release
Dongfeng Motors Secures Global Safety Milestone with ISO ASIL-D & AUTOSAR Certification
Dongfeng Motors, the anchored automotive brand in the UAE market through its exclusive distributor MAHY Khoory Automotive, proudly announces a major advancement in automotive safety. The brand has successfully secured the AUTOSAR Basic Software Platform certification and the ISO 26262 ASIL-D certification, recognized as the highest standard in automotive functional safety. These achievements were officially certified by TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent testing and certification. This certification reinforces Dongfeng's dedication to delivering smarter, safer, and more reliable vehicles that meet the highest international safety benchmarks. It reflects the company's commitment to innovation in both engineering and customer confidence across global markets, including the rapidly growing UAE automotive sector. Saj Jabbar, General Manager of MAHY Khoory Automotive, stated, 'This certification reflects Dongfeng's advanced engineering capabilities and dedication to safety innovation. As the official distributor of Dongfeng in the UAE, we're proud to bring these world-class vehicles to local roads, reinforcing our promise of excellence to every customer.' The ISO 26262 ASIL-D certification represents the most stringent level of automotive safety, designed for systems where a malfunction could pose serious risks. This means that every Dongfeng vehicle is engineered with robust fail-safe protocols and intelligent safety responses, essential for both personal and commercial use. Furthermore, by incorporating the AUTOSAR software platform, Dongfeng vehicles are now built with enhanced modularity, flexibility, and readiness for future advancements in smart mobility and autonomous driving technologies. As the demand for intelligent, dependable vehicles continues to grow in the UAE, this milestone enhances Dongfeng's position as a trusted and forward-thinking brand. It also aligns with MAHY Khoory Automotive's strategic mission to introduce high-performance vehicles that meet the evolving expectations of today's drivers. Whether for daily commuting or commercial fleets, customers in the UAE can now choose Dongfeng with even greater confidence, knowing their vehicles are backed by globally recognized safety standards, cutting-edge software architecture, and reliable local support. MAHY Khoory Automotive continues to expand its presence across the UAE, providing exceptional service, modern showrooms, and expert after-sales care. This latest certification adds yet another layer of trust to its growing portfolio of Dongfeng vehicles available to customers in the UAE