Hamza Madi’s career story is one of courage, persistence, and sharp vision. From leaving Lebanon at a young age to becoming a senior leader in the fast-moving world of media and marketing, his journey shows how dedication and problem-solving shape success.
Today, Hamza Madi is the general manager of emerging markets and solutions at Platformance, leading multiple critical business areas. But his rise was not easy. It started with a bold move, many challenges, and a clear belief in the power of media.
A Bold Beginning: Moving to Riyadh at 21
Hamza Madi’s career began in April 2011 when he started as a junior media executive in Riyadh. For a 21-year-old from Lebanon, moving to Saudi Arabia was a huge leap. The culture was different, the environment was closed, and the pressure was high.
The transition was mentally tough. Facing new customs, being away from family, and adjusting to work demands placed him under great psychological stress. But instead of backing down, Hamza Madi used these challenges to grow stronger.
He saw media as more than just ads and campaigns. It was part of everyday life, connecting people in meaningful ways. This understanding set the foundation for everything he would build later.
Media Is a Job That Touches People’s Lives
Hamza Madi studied marketing and advertising, but he always believed media plays a vital role in people’s daily lives.
He often says working in media is like working for the people, to the people.
This mindset guided him through his early career in Saudi Arabia, where he spent six years gaining experience and mastering the market. For Hamza Madi, media was not just about selling. It was about making an impact.
The Career-Defining Move from Saudi Arabia to Dubai
After six years in Saudi Arabia, Hamza Madi took a big step. He moved to Dubai to become an associate director managing the KFC account.
This change reshaped his career. Dubai’s fast-paced environment and regional complexity demanded sharper leadership and broader vision. Managing a major international brand like KFC meant owning the process from strategy to execution.
It was in Dubai that Hamza Madi shifted his focus from following plans to creating solutions. This move marked the turning point that led to his leadership roles today.
Build Then Sell Are the Keys to Success
Hamza Madi often sums up his career achievements with two simple words: build and sell.
These two actions represent the biggest milestones in his professional life.
Building a Scalable Retail Media Product
One of Hamza Madi’s proudest accomplishments was creating a retail media product that met a real market need. It was not just another tool; it was scalable, practical, and valuable for both brands and retailers.
This product helped solve a major challenge in the market and proved that thoughtful solutions could drive real growth.
Rebuilding and Scaling the CPS Vertical
Another major success was rebuilding the CPS, or cost per sale, vertical. This part of the business required deep focus on performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
Through strategic rebuilding and scaling, Hamza Madi made this vertical stronger and more profitable, helping Platformance grow in important ways.
He believes that if you can build a product to solve a real problem and then sell it well, you become unstoppable.
Leading Growth at Platformance
Today, Hamza Madi is the general manager of emerging markets and solutions at Platformance. The company is a growth operating system that helps clients accelerate their business success.
Hamza Madi leads six verticals: retail media, CPS, Egypt, Lower Gulf, key accounts, and new business.
His role is demanding. Decisions must be made quickly and carefully because they affect not only the company but also the lives and careers of many people.
Staying Calm Under Pressure: Leadership Lessons
One of the most important lessons Hamza Madi has learned is to keep emotions out of decision-making.
In a fast environment where pressure is constant, staying calm and clear-minded is critical.
He explains that removing emotions from key decisions helps him focus on facts and strategy rather than reacting impulsively.
This ability to stay calm and rational is a key reason behind his leadership success.
Passion for Solving Big Problems
At his core, Hamza Madi is a builder and problem-solver.
He enjoys creating solutions that address large-scale challenges. For him, retail media is only the beginning.
He says he wants to be remembered as the person who solves problems.
This passion drives him to lead teams that innovate and grow, always with the goal of making a lasting impact.
Work Hard, Rest Hard: The Secret to Sustainable Success
Hamza Madi’s approach to life and work has evolved over time.
Early in his career, his motto was work hard, play hard. Now, his advice is more focused on balance: work hard, rest hard.
He believes that success comes from long-term health and habits, not quick bursts of energy or short-term thrills.
He prioritizes good sleep, healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol.
These habits keep his mind sharp and his energy steady, which is key for making smart decisions every day.
Inspiring Others Through His Journey
Hamza Madi’s story is not just about his achievements. It is about the struggles, growth, and mindset that anyone can learn from.
He wants to inspire others to believe that with discipline and purpose, they can overcome challenges and build meaningful careers.
From a young man facing pressure in a new country to a regional leader making big decisions, Hamza Madi shows that success is a journey worth taking.
A Career Still Growing
Hamza Madi’s work at Platformance continues to grow and evolve. His mission remains the same: build solutions, solve problems, and create lasting value.
His journey is far from over. What is clear is that with his focus and mindset, the future looks bright, not just for him but for everyone who follows his example.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read Next – Christmas in Dubai Feels Different, and That’s the Magic
