Shukri approaches speed bump after 25 years

Malaysia – After 25 years in the advertising industry, Publicis Malaysia CEO Shukri Rifaie has decided to slow down and take a long break before seeking new opportunities.

The already relaxed-looking Shukri, who turns 50 next year, said, “For half my life I was working non-stop and I choose now to be the point to stop.”

Shukri started his advertising career at PTM Thompson (now JWT), where he secured a job even before he graduated. “Two days after I graduated – July 10, 1983 – I joined them and I have never had a break in my career, even between changing firms,” Shukri says, with a laugh.

His passion for advertising, he says, may just lead him back to the industry.

“I honestly don’t know what I’ll do yet. I just want a break first but who knows? Maybe I’ll set up an agency or something,” he said.

He said the decision, which comes as a shock to colleagues and clients alike was one that he made some time ago but had only made official recently.

Shukri’s two-year stint at Publicis comes to an end in late January. Publicis is now on the lookout for a new CEO.

He previously worked for BatesAsia for four years, and was also a part of McCann Erickson.