Maroun El Najjar is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and business leader with over 20 years of experience shaping the experiential marketing landscape across the Middle East. As Founder and CEO of ROI Arabia, he has grown the company from a niche event agency into a regional powerhouse with eight offices across four countries and a team of 150+ professionals delivering innovative brand experiences. His passion for innovation and entrepreneurship drives his multifaceted career, blending corporate leadership with academic mentorship and community service.
Strategic Growth of ROI Arabia
Since founding ROI Arabia in 2007, Maroun has scaled the firm into a leader in events and experiential marketing, specializing in cross-market campaigns, sports marketing, and audience engagement. The agency’s regional footprint enables culturally nuanced activations that connect brands with sophisticated consumers cost-effectively. Under his leadership, ROI Arabia expanded into sports events organization in 2017, positioning it among elite industry experts.
Academic Excellence and Thought Leadership
Maroun holds an Executive Master of Science and Executive Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from HEC Paris, alongside ongoing doctoral studies in Business Administration at École des Ponts ParisTech. As Adjunct Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Middle East University, he inspires MBA, MA, and MSc students. He serves on the Board of Trustees at INNOVEST ME, a buy-in firm supporting high-potential entrepreneurs and SMEs during startup and growth phases.
Investment and Mentorship Impact
As Co-Founder and Board Member of Innovest Middle East, Maroun actively invests in and mentors emerging ventures. His roles as MIT Venture Mentoring Service Mentor, IEP Ambassador, Certified Advisory Chair at Advisory Board Centre, and member of the Lebanese Executives Council underscore his commitment to fostering economic empowerment and sustainable growth in the region.
Community Leadership and Philanthropy
Maroun’s service with Rotary International highlights his dedication to societal impact. He chartered the Rotary Club of Lebanon International in January 2023 and serves as Assistant Governor for 2025–26, recognized as a Major Donor, Benefactor, and Paul Harris Fellow. He also contributes to the American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia.
Professional Foundation
Maroun’s career began with key roles at Nestlé as CDM managing culinary business development and trade marketing across Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. He advanced as Director of Sales Marketing at Gabriel Bocti s.a.l and Head of Sales at SARL NEXTY, building expertise in F&B representation and wholesale channels.
Additional credentials include IESE Business School’s Strategy & Sustainability Master Track, HEC Paris programs in leadership and investment management, and Yale’s parenting course, reflecting his holistic approach to personal and professional growth.
Leadership Philosophy
Maroun believes empowering young talent forms the cornerstone of sustainable economic progress. His mission integrates innovative brand experiences with entrepreneurial mentorship to cultivate the next generation of Middle East leaders.
Leadership Quote
Sustainable transformation thrives when visionary events connect brands with purpose, innovation fuels entrepreneurship, and mentorship builds enduring economic foundations.
Inspired Magazine proudly features Maroun El Najjar in the Founders & CEOs category, celebrating his leadership at ROI Arabia and profound impact on experiential marketing and regional entrepreneurship.
