The MCN group (Middle East Communications Network) is announcing several key management changes to its Weber Shandwick Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operation -a communications consultancy specialized in creating and implementing Arab-based multi-market regional and international campaigns- that are designed to strengthen the agency's positioning as an industry leader in the UAE and grow its network in the region.

Ziad Hasbani has been promoted to CEO, Weber Shandwick MENA from his previous role as the Managing Director of the UAE. In his role, Hasbani will be responsible for enhancing and strengthening Weber Shandwick's network consisting of 12 markets and over 100 employees.

Since he joined Weber Shandwick in 2007, Hasbani's restructuring of the agency's business resulted in a strong performance of the agency, in major client wins and in a number of prestigious international and regional awards such as the 2009 Sabre Award for best practice in the Trade Shows category for providing communications support to The Boeing Company at the 2009 Dubai Air Show, the 2009 MEPRA Award for best "Corporate Image & Reputation" campaign for the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange, the 2009 MEPRA Award for "Young Communicator of the Year", and the 2008 Sabre Award for best campaign in Turkey and the Middle East for work done with the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC).

Hasbani's appointment comes following the recent senior management restructuring at MCN, a holding company with majority equity owned by The Interpublic Group.

Taking over as Managing Director of Weber Shandwick Dubai is Andreas Keller. In his new role, Keller will manage the agency's main business hub and will oversee the agency's international and regional client relationships. Keller was previously the Regional PR Director for WS MENA where he played a key role in setting up the agency's regional network and introducing global best practice.

Keller has been with Weber Shandwick since 2001 and has held roles as Director of International Client Services and Head of Sports for Weber Shandwick in Europe. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick in 2001, Andreas was the Manager of Public Relations for the National Basketball Association (NBA) in Europe. He is also a member of the judging committee for the Middle East Public Relations Awards.

Weber Shandwick is part of the Middle East Communications Network (MCN), a holding company with majority equity owned by The Interpublic Group. It has been operating in the MENA region since 1983 and employs currently more than 120 PR practitioners.