Lara Arbid, Initiative Media MENAT & Magna Global

Having taken the CEO reins for Initiative MENAT and Magna Global last year, Lara has already led significant transformation for the agency and its teams, with Initiative MENAT becoming the fastest-growing media agency in MENA , advancing from 10th to 2nd place in RECMA rankings and earning the title of Media Network of the Year at Dubai Lynx in just the last year. Magna Global, the agency which Lara was responsible for setting up in KSA 8 years ago, broke even in the first 3 months of inception and has quickly grown to become the 4th Most Effective Media Agency Network (Global Effie Index) in MENA. Under Lara’s leadership, both agencies have experienced double digit revenue growth of 31% and 15% respectively for Initiative MENAT and Magna Global.

Lara’s career saw her as the first female to launch and lead a media agency in Saudi Arabia. As a CEO of both agencies, she has implemented talent initiatives focused on driving employee engagement and dialogue including Diverse Culture Committee and personalized development plans, contributing to Initiative & Magna being recognized as a Great Place to Work for 2024.