A compelling new study released by PRCA MENA has laid bare a profound mental health challenge gripping the public relations and communications sector across the Middle East and North Africa.Launched at the annual PRCA MENA Conference in Dubai, the MENA Mental Health Report reveals that 55% of industry professionals experience stress, anxiety, or feelings of being overwhelmed either often or all the time, while 41% frequently suffer from burnout.The Awareness-Support DisconnectWhile the industry has made notable strides in destigmatizing mental health discourse, practical workplace backing appears to be lagging. According to the research, 76% of respondents now consider themselves well-informed about mental health—up from 66% in 2024.However, over that same period, the proportion of professionals who feel moderately or completely supported by their organizations has experienced a sharp decline, dropping from 71% down to 58%.The relentless nature of modern communications is a primary driver of the strain. An overwhelming 93% of professionals admitted to finding it difficult to disconnect from news and current events due to their job requirements, with 63% pointing to recent global and regional developments as a catalyst for heightened industry stress.A Call for Structural TransformationConrad Egbert, Head of PRCA MENA, emphasized that the regional sector has moved past simple awareness deficits into an era demanding structural accountability."We’ve become much better at talking about mental health, but we haven’t been as good at changing the conditions affecting it. The industry doesn’t have an awareness problem anymore; it has an action problem," Egbert stated. "If people understand burnout but still feel unable to switch off, manage their workload or take time to recover, then another wellbeing campaign isn’t the answer. This now comes down to how we lead, how we manage people and, fundamentally, how we design work."In terms of actionable solutions, survey respondents voiced clear demands for institutional reform:• 46% prioritize improvements to the physical and psychological working environment.• 41% call for rigorous workload management to curb burnout.• 37% advocate for direct access to professional mental health resources.John Rynehart, Chair of the PRCA MENA Mental Health Committee and Managing Director for the Middle East at Kekst CNC, echoed these sentiments, stressing that leadership must prioritize systemic overhaul over coping mechanisms."We know what drives stress, burnout and poor wellbeing," Rynehart noted. "The challenge now is whether organisations are willing to make the changes required to address them. Our collective goal should not simply be to help people cope with unhealthy ways of working. It should be to create healthier ways of working in the first place."Highlights from the Dubai SummitThe report debuted during the PRCA MENA Conference + Next Gen Summit, which convened roughly 150 communications leaders, journalists, and rising practitioners under the guiding theme “Reset the Mindset.”Opening the conference, Taif Al Amiri—Director of the Government Communication Department at the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and a PRCA MENA advisory board member—argued that modern communications must evolve beyond traditional metric tracking like reach and volume."Rewriting the narrative must begin with understanding the audience," Al Amiri remarked. "A narrative does not change simply because we communicate more. It changes when we communicate differently, when we understand what people care about, what they do not yet understand, and what will make the story meaningful to them."Throughout the day-long event, panels tackled complex industry transformations, exploring shifting centers of influence, corporate reputation, agency profitability, creative risk, and the profound implications of artificial intelligence on trust and leadership.

Carolin Wiken has joined Kekst CNC, part of Publicis Groupe, as Director in its Stockholm office.Wiken brings experience in corporate and financial communications, with a focus on healthcare, life sciences and consumer sectors. She has held in-house leadership roles at Bayer and Pfizer, and most recently served as Partner at Geelmuyden Kiese, where she was also CEO of the firm’s Swedish operations.Her expertise spans strategic positioning, crisis management and stakeholder engagement, particularly in regulated environments. Based in Stockholm, she will work with teams across Kekst CNC’s global network on healthcare and life sciences mandates.Veronica Råberg-Schrello, Partner and Managing Director at Kekst CNC Stockholm, said Wiken’s experience across in-house and advisory roles will support the firm’s healthcare and life sciences offering.Commenting on her appointment, Wiken said she looks forward to contributing to the firm’s work in healthcare and life sciences, as well as supporting clients across complex communications situations.As of April 1, 2026, the Stockholm leadership team includes Veronica Råberg-Schrello, Malin Lundin, Henrik Nilsson, Stefan Nerpin, Carolin Wiken, Eva Widner and Veronica Ekstrand.

Kekst CNC has appointed Lyndsey Estin as Co-Chief Executive Officer.Estin will lead the firm’s US operations and work alongside Richard Campbell, who oversees non-US global operations.She succeeds Jeremy Fielding, who is moving to an in-house role at a public company.Estin has been with Kekst CNC for over two decades, during which she has held multiple senior leadership roles. Her experience includes work across mergers and acquisitions, shareholder activism and financial communications. She also founded and leads the firm’s US cybersecurity practice and contributes to its AI advisory work, including initiatives linked to parent company Publicis Groupe.Commenting on the appointment, Arthur Sadoun highlighted Estin’s experience across financial communications, crisis counsel, AI and cybersecurity, noting her role in advising organisations navigating evolving risks and technological change.Estin said the firm remains focused on supporting clients amid ongoing global shifts driven by technology and emerging risks.

Strategic communications consultancy Kekst CNC has appointed John Rynehart as Director and Head of the UAE. With a robust background in the industry, Rynehart brings over 20 years of experience in journalism, strategic communications, public relations, and marketing.Before joining Kekst CNC, he served as Managing Director at Seven Media, where he led various initiatives and projects, showcasing his leadership and expertise across multiple sectors. Prior to his stint at Seven Media, he was Managing Director at Four Communications Dubai. Rynehart?ÇÖs extensive experience enables him to navigate complex communications challenges and deliver impactful strategies for clients.In his new role, he is expected to leverage his diverse skill set to enhance Kekst CNC's presence in the UAE, driving innovative communications solutions and fostering strong client relationships. His appointment reflects the firm's commitment to delivering exceptional service in an increasingly dynamic market.

Kekst CNC, a global strategic communications boutique, has announced the appointment of John Rynehart as Director and Head of the UAE, further strengthening its presence in the Middle East.John will oversee operations in the UAE, spearheading growth in one of Kekst CNC?ÇÖs fastest-growing markets globally.?Ç£We are thrilled to welcome John to our business and eagerly anticipate the contributions he will bring to our leadership team,?Ç¥ said Ben Curson, Partner and Head of the Middle East.?Ç£John joins us at a pivotal moment as we continue to expand our unique positioning and presence in the region. His exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking and deep understanding of the evolving and ever-changing Middle East market will be invaluable. We are confident he will play a key role in propelling our business to new heights.?Ç¥Kekst CNC recently announced the opening of its office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, led by experienced Saudi communications consultant Robert Hanvik.With 20 years of experience in journalism, strategic communications, public relations, marketing and leadership, John brings a proven track record of delivering creative solutions for a diverse range of clients. His expertise spans multiple sectors including health, education, energy, defense and aviation.?Ç£Kekst CNC?ÇÖs excellence in delivering strategic foresight, quality assurance and innovation, along with its use of emerging technologies, aligns perfectly with my dedication for helping clients navigate multifaceted challenges and business-critical issues,?Ç¥ said John Rynehart, Director and Head of the UAE. ?Ç£I look forward to working with this impressive team and contributing to the firm?ÇÖs continued success.?Ç¥Prior to joining Kekst CNC, John held senior leadership positions at independent agencies Seven Media and Four Agency Worldwide, where he led teams and major initiatives in corporate communications, crisis management, and integrated communications strategy.As Head of the UAE, John will be responsible for overseeing business development, providing senior-level client counsel, and team leadership, ensuring Kekst CNC continues to deliver best-in-class consultancy services that drives measurable impact for its diverse international client portfolio.Kekst CNC is a global communications agency with 14 offices around the world, focused on corporate actions, special situations and strategic decision making, with strong expertise in advising businesses in the Middle East during times of growth, transformation and reputation protection.