VaynerX, a modern-day media and communications holding company, was the first to appoint a Chief Value Officer, focusing on the culture and heartbeat of an organisation, its people. And the company cherry-picked none other than Egyptian-American Maha Abouelenein for the job. Abouelenein, one of the most experienced and connected communications specialists in the Middle East, specialising in strategic communications, public diplomacy and campaign management, has also been made EVP of Business Development for GaryVee. The consultant will be responsible for PR and communications for the brand, as well as strategic high-level relationships and business development for Chairman Gary Vaynerchuk and VaynerX.
“My mission is to add value across the organisation. For me, integrated value creation is the north star and I am here to bring value to customers, clients and colleagues,” Abouelenein, who has media trained several Fortune 500 CEOs and high profile executives from Google, Microsoft, YouTube and Mastercard among others, said. “In a world where businesses prioritise the bottom line above all else, VaynerX proves how special it is by focusing on culture, creating value and impact.”
Gary Vaynerchuk, who is also active CEO of VaynerMedia, a full-service advertising agency, has spoken highly about Abouelenein, who is known for delivering results and her ability to manage projects creatively, strategically and methodically. “After working with Maha for a year as a consultant, I saw the value she brought to us and she’s a great fit for the organisation. With her illustrious career in business development and global communications - we are excited to have her on board,” Vaynerchuk, who underscored how important it is to bring value first, be of service to others and to be authentic in business via his decision, said.
About Maha Abouelenein
An executive and entrepreneur with over 28 years’ experience, Abouelenein grew up in Minnesota, where she studied for her master’s degree in Communications. The Minnesota State University graduate also has an undergraduate degree in International Business & Marketing with a minor in French. After beginning her career at General Mills, she moved to Egypt, where she worked for Sawiris. By 2001, she was appointed Managing Director of Promoseven Weber Shandwick, where she established 19 offices across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Abouelenein, who has also worked as Head of Communications for Google in the same region, has been running her own business for the past 15 years. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Organizational Consultants, a strategic communications consulting firm. Abouelenein is also behind Digital & Savvy, a blog about communications in the Middle East. She has focused on helping big tech companies like Netflix and Deezer take off in the Middle East market. Impressive tech startups, top governments and wealthy individuals have also chosen to rely on Abouelenein’s expertise.
