The Economist Group appoints Philip McCrum as Associate Director for MENA

Renowned Middle East expert, Philip McCrum has joined The Economist Group today as its associate director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Mr McCrum will be responsible for editorial content, ideas, input and feedback for The Economist Group’s Corporate Network, Conferences and Business research units in the Middle East and North Africa. He will also monitor events in the region and be the Group’s commentator on how these will affect businesses operating in, or looking to invest in, the Middle East and North Africa.

“There has never been a more pressing need for companies to understand the impact of political upheaval on their business in the region, now and in the future. I am delighted to be taking up this role with The Economist Group,” commented Mr McCrum.

After studying Modern Arabic Studies at the University of Leeds, Mr McCrum spent five years in various Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Yemen and UAE, where he worked with a large multinational company in a sales and marketing role. He subsequently returned to London to take up the position of head of the Middle East and Africa department at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), where he worked closely with member companies to develop their business interests throughout the region.

Mr McCrum then joined the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) as Middle East analyst and editor. During his four years in this role, he covered numerous Middle East and North African countries, from Morocco to Yemen. More recently, Mr McCrum has been an independent Middle East commentator, with a primary focus on the Gulf states. 

Delia Meth-Cohn, editorial director, Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa at The Economist Group, added, “We are confident that Philip McCrum will provide an outstanding editorial contribution to the Group at this very exciting time in the region’s development. I very much look forward to working with him”.

Philip is fluent in both English and Arabic and will be located in Dubai.