France-based digital consultancy iRevolution has announced the opening of its Middle East office in Dubai. It will be headed up by Yves-Michel Gabay, the former regional general manager of media agency MEC MENA. Five years after its launch in Lyon, iRevolution – which offers “unique solutions to accelerate the digital transformation of companies” – has decided to open an office in the UAE to support its international expansion in the Middle East.

The two founders, Yahya El Mir and Grégory Pallière, hired Gabay to open and run the new office, which is based in Dubai South, Dubai World Central Free Zone. Operations started in September 2017, and iRevolution Middle East aims to help regionally based companies run diagnostics on their current digital capabilities and then to develop their strategy to reach their objectives, said the company.

“On top of this iRevolution, by seeding a start-up spirit in the traditional companies, will support them in discovering and putting in place new business models to succeed in this digitally driven world,” said a statement from the firm. It will also have a focus on e commerce.

Gabay ran the MENA operations of MEC for 11 years, and has more than 30 years’ experience in media, marketing and management, working on many high-profile clients in diverse agencies in Europe and in the MENA region.
He said: “Thanks to our innovative technology solutions, disruptive methodology and cutting-edge expertise, the huge experience acquired in so many markets and our knowledge of the region, we will be able to make digital transformation a reality for all the companies settled in the Middle East”

iRevolution already works across 20 countries with clients including Mars, Danone, Bonduelle, Royal Canin, Michelin, PSA, Sanofi, Merial, Boehringer Ingelheim, Richemont, Chanel, Dior and Lacoste, and has done business in more than 70 markets.

Yahya El Mir, chairman and cofounder, said: “The Dubai office’s opening is part of our international expansion acceleration plan. Soon we will open other offices in Shanghai and Singapore. Yves-Michel Gabay will … design the future of iRevolution in the Middle East.”