Dr. Walid Jamil Qattan, the former director of Okaz newspaper, passed away on Friday in Jeddah at the age of 71 after a prolonged struggle with illness. Qattan is considered one of the prominent figures who contributed to shaping and modernizing institutional work within the Okaz organization, playing a significant role in management, marketing, revenue development, and financial sustainability during a period of major transformations in Saudi media institutions.
Born in Jeddah in 1955, Qattan completed his primary education in the city before obtaining a bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Cairo University in 1978. This background enriched his understanding of the relationship between media and economics, aiding him in his professional journey.
Details of the Event
Qattan began his career at Okaz in 1980, where he spent over four decades in various leadership positions, including management, distribution, public relations, and marketing revenues. He established the marketing department at Okaz, significantly contributing to diversifying revenue sources and enhancing its advertising presence amid the rapid changes in the media industry.
Over the years, Qattan rose through the ranks to become the assistant general manager, then the deputy general manager for financial resource development, and finally the general manager of the organization in 2002. His tenure was marked by significant institutional developments in operations, marketing, and resource management, helping to strengthen Okaz's position in a highly competitive media landscape.
Background & Context
Throughout his career, Qattan worked alongside several prominent editors-in-chief and media leaders, such as Dr. Iyad Madani, Dr. Hashim Abdu Hashim, and the current editor-in-chief, Jamil Al-Thiyabi. He was also regarded as one of the first Saudi executives to support the idea of developing sustainable economic models for press institutions while maintaining professional and editorial standards.
In addition to his work at Okaz, Qattan represented the organization at numerous regional and international conferences related to advertising, media development, and newspaper distribution. He was a member of several organizations, including the International Advertising Association, the National Advertising Committee, and the Advertising and Promotion Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the Advertising Association Council for Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Impact & Consequences
Qattan obtained a master's degree in quality management in 2007 and a Ph.D. in quality management for press institutions in 2009 from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport. With his passing, Saudi journalism loses one of its most prominent administrative leaders, a figure closely associated with the institutional transformation of Okaz over the past decades.
Okaz mourned Dr. Walid Qattan and extended its condolences to his family and loved ones, praying for mercy and forgiveness for him. The loss of Qattan represents a significant blow to Saudi journalism, as he played a notable role in developing media work and enhancing the position of newspapers in the market.
Regional Significance
The departure of Dr. Walid Qattan marks a milestone in the history of Saudi media, as he had a substantial impact on how media institutions are managed in the region. His experience and expertise will remain a reference for many media leaders in the Arab world, especially in light of the challenges facing traditional journalism in the digital age.
In conclusion, Dr. Walid Qattan is considered a symbol of Saudi media, leaving behind a rich legacy of achievements that will remain etched in the memory of media institutions in the Kingdom.