Memac Ogilvy has named Yasser Hamdy as Managing Partner of its PR business, promoting a company veteran to spearhead client operations and integrated communications across key regional accounts.Based in Dubai, Hamdy will oversee the agency's public relations portfolio while providing strategic counsel to senior leaders across global, regional, and government clients.Hamdy brings more than seven years of experience at Memac Ogilvy to the position, having previously held senior roles across Dubai and the broader Middle East. His career spans key markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. Before joining Ogilvy, he held senior positions at PR firm BLJ Worldwide and communications agency Grey Group in Qatar."I’m excited to take on this role and continue building on the work we’ve done across the region," Hamdy said regarding his appointment. "We have an incredible portfolio of clients and a hugely talented team, and I’m looking forward to working with both to deliver work that has a real impact, at a time when the region’s influence and relevance on the global stage continues to grow."

Ogilvy announced two key leadership appointments to strengthen its global communications and marketing capabilities. Kappie Kopp has been promoted to Global Head of Communications for The Ogilvy Group and Nicole Parkinson has joined as Global Head of Marketing for The Ogilvy Group. Both will report to Laurent Ezekiel, Global CEO of The Ogilvy Group. Laurent Ezekiel, Global CEO of The Ogilvy Group, said: “Communications and marketing are twin engines of modern brand growth. Together, Kappie and Nicole bring the strategic rigor, creative vision and commercial focus needed to shape our identity for another legacy-defining generation in this industry, and help drive commercial success for our brand partners around the world. I am immensely confident in their ability to build on our momentum and accelerate our impact for our clients and talent across our network.” In her new role, Kopp will be responsible for safeguarding and elevating the global reputation of Ogilvy, steering the strategic narrative that defines the agency’s position and resonance for internal and external audiences across all brand channels. She will lead all aspects of the agency’s worldwide communications strategy, enabling connectivity across the network and championing its creative product, capabilities, and talent on a global scale. Kopp brings more than 15 years of strategic communications and corporate reputation experience across both agency and in-house roles. She most recently served as Senior Vice President, Creative Communications at Ogilvy, where she built a first-of-its-kind storytelling infrastructure to elevate the agency’s creative reputation in the marketplace, partnering directly with clients and their teams to co-create compelling narratives while leading day-to-day communications for North America as one of the agency’s largest, most important markets. Prior to Ogilvy, she held practice leadership roles at MSL and LEWIS, with client experience spanning healthcare, B2B and consumer sectors, and led PR and communications for multiple Publicis agencies, including Leo Burnett and Arc Worldwide. She also spent nearly a decade as a communications leader at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), helping guide the institution through a period of major expansion, growth and brand-building.  Parkinson will be responsible for designing and leading the execution of high-impact, innovative marketing and client experiences to propel organic expansion and net-new business for The Ogilvy Group. She will be instrumental in spearheading global client engagement and orchestrating brand-driven experiences across the agency, industry, and cultural spaces. She will help clients grow through the power of Ogilvy’s modern creativity and innovation – ensuring Ogilvy’s work not only earns attention but drives meaningful commercial impact. Parkinson joins Ogilvy from WPP, having most recently served as a critical leader of communications and marketing team for WPP Open X - WPP’s bespoke networked agency dedicated to The Coca-Cola Company. In this role, she partnered with global agency leaders and worldwide marketing and communications teams to bring WPP’s offering to life across Coca-Cola’s iconic brand portfolio. Since joining WPP in 2019, Parkinson has been instrumental in securing major industry pitches including Walgreens Boots Alliance and The Coca-Cola Company and previously served as Head of Marketing for EMEA in WPP’s first central marketing practice, working closely to reimagine the positioning and go-to-market strategy for the company. Prior to WPP, she spent six years at Publicis as Head of Marketing for Digitas UK and EMEA where she helped lead the agency’s global rebrand and rollout of its unified new proposition within Publicis Media. Earlier in her career, she held leadership positions in new business and account management at GOOD, the UK’s largest independent purpose-driven creative agency.  These appointments build on the earlier announcement of Kelsey Murray as Global Head of Growth, completing a trio of senior leaders positioned to drive seamless collaboration across Ogilvy's Growth, Marketing, and Communications functions worldwide.  Kappie Kopp said: “Communications is never just about telling a story - it's about building the infrastructure of trust and credibility that allows a global network like Ogilvy to move with clarity, conviction, and cultural relevance. Stepping into this global role as a steward for a brand as storied as Ogilvy is an absolute privilege, and I’m thrilled to take up the mantle alongside Nicole, and in close partnership with Global Chief Creative Officer Liz Taylor, Laurent and our exceptional teams around the world to ensure our narrative authentically matches the ambition of our creative product and passion for our clients’ own brand stories.” Nicole Parkinson said: “Ogilvy is an agency I’ve long admired - not just for its award-winning work, but for its unwavering commitment to ideas that help brands evolve and endure. I’m inspired to join at a moment when creativity is intersecting with innovation, strategic partnerships and modern marketing across social, influencer, sports and entertainment. I can’t wait to work in lockstep with Kappie to tell - and champion - Ogilvy’s powerful stories. Joining under the visionary leadership of Laurent and Liz makes this an incredible opportunity to drive the agency’s next chapter of growth.”

Ogilvy has named Kirsty Muddle as the new CEO of Ogilvy Network ANZ, taking the reins of the agency’s operations across Australia and New Zealand. Muddle, a seasoned creative industry leader, will oversee all aspects of the network, including advertising, PR, social and influencer, customer engagement, consulting, and health services.Muddle joins Ogilvy from Dentsu, where she has been serving as CEO of Practices & Products for Australia and New Zealand. In that role, she led Dentsu’s practices in creative, PR, government, customer experience, Salesforce, insight, data and technology, commerce, and B2B marketing and media.With over 25 years of experience across a range of roles—from founding new businesses to leading large established organisations—Muddle brings a strong mix of media expertise, data and tech knowledge, and creative leadership. Her record includes building innovative strategies that help clients grow their brands while fostering connected, high-performing creative teams.Laurent Ezekiel, Global CEO of the Ogilvy Group, commented: “Kirsty has an undeniable track record of delivering real value and impact for clients. She deeply understands the complex challenges businesses face today and champions creativity not just for its own sake, but as a powerful force that can solve those challenges. Her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients, always putting their needs first, and her knack for bringing together diverse capabilities – from social and influencer to cutting-edge technology and data – to create truly impactful solutions, makes her an exceptional leader for Ogilvy in this key market. I look forward to working with her as we enter this next exciting chapter for Ogilvy.”Rose Herceg, WPP President for Australia and New Zealand, added: “When we searched for Ogilvy’s new leader, we felt we were asking for a unicorn – a modern marketer built for the emerging world, with strong business experience across the communications spectrum. In Kirsty, we found that rare blend; a genuine love for creativity that moves mountains, coupled with experience harnessing the disciplines that creativity needs to thrive in a dynamic, fast-moving media landscape. She was truly a standout choice, and we can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have at Ogilvy, bringing the kind of fresh, entrepreneurial perspective every business needs to stay ahead.”Speaking about joining Ogilvy, Muddle said: “Ogilvy is a place where every leader I’ve encountered has a strong point of view, saw change as an opportunity, and spoke with clarity about AI, data and integration but wasn’t lost in it. Importantly, they also never forgot why this business was born – the power of creativity to drive growth. That enduring belief made Ogilvy feel like home. I’m humbled to partner with an incredible set of clients and the exceptional talent within both Ogilvy and WPP to harness the network’s full power and collectively move us all forward into what’s next.”Before her time at Dentsu, Muddle was a founding partner at cummins&partners, where she spent 11 years establishing the agency’s creative reputation. She also worked for nine years at Mindshare in both the UK and Australia, honing her media expertise and exploring the intersection of human behaviour and data. In addition, Muddle has received multiple awards, including Woman of the Year and Executive of the Year twice, and serves on the boards of the Australian Council of Advertising (ACA), the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), and Ridgeway, an Indigenous social change agency.Muddle will officially join Ogilvy in early 2026. Her appointment comes at a time of momentum for the agency, which has recently won accounts including Tourism New Zealand and Specsavers. Ogilvy was also recognised at the 2025 APAC Effie Awards as Network of the Year, with wins including Gold in the Youth Marketing category for Ogilvy Sydney’s “A Masterclass in Government Sex Talks,” Silver for “Flying High in a Frugal World” for KFC, and two bronze awards.Kirsty Muddle succeeds Sally Kissane, who stepped down from the ANZ CEO position in July after 30 years with Ogilvy.

Lorraine Martin, a long-standing and esteemed member of the Ogilvy family, has retired after an incredible journey spanning over 27 years. Having joined the organization on March 3rd, 1997, Lorraine has been a key pillar in leading PR and corporate activities. Known for her class, professionalism, and unwavering dedication, she consistently embodied the Ogilvy spirit and served as a true ambassador for the brand.Throughout her tenure, Lorraine made a significant impact ?Çö from running a successful PR business to achieving major milestones in corporate communications. She was not only a respected colleague but also a cherished friend and a source of inspiration to many.Ogilvy has expressed immense gratitude in an internal mail for her contributions and the positive influence she had on the team and culture. As she embarks on her next chapter, Lorraine leaves behind a lasting legacy and will always be remembered as a valued member of the Ogilvy family.

Public Relations has entered a bold new era. No longer just a back-office function, it has transformed into a strategic powerhouse shaping brand reputation and influence. Companies and leaders now see PR not as an afterthought, but as an essential force driving credibility, trust, and long-term success. The industry has undergone a radical shift with the rise of social media, fundamentally transforming PR strategies. Influencers now play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and engagement. PR is no longer confined to securing media visibility; it has expanded into a dynamic, results-driven discipline focused on meaningful interactions and measurable outcomes. With a younger, more digitally savvy audience emerging, PR professionals face new challenges. Brands and practitioners must be more agile, data-driven, and proactive in crafting business solutions that resonate with their audience. The future of PR lies in adaptability, authenticity, and strategic storytelling that build lasting trust and impact. In our exclusive weekly column, PR Conversation, Adgully interacts with leading business leaders to gain their exclusive views and insights on various trends in the PR and communications industry.In conversation with Adgully, Anjali Digari, PR Group Head at Cha-Chi Communications, shares insights from her dynamic journey in the communications industry ?Çö from starting out as an intern to now leading strategy for 100+ brands across sectors. Known for her sharp storytelling instincts and deep understanding of media, Anjali reflects on building long-term journalist relationships, navigating crises with creativity, and balancing traditional PR with digital-first innovation, all while championing authenticity and team agility at the heart of her approach. From your first day in PR to now leading brand strategy across 100+ brands ?Çö what?ÇÖs been the most defining moment of your journey so far? I started as an intern at Ogilvy, but my true journey began with Cha-Chi in 2018. I had the opportunity to work with early-stage startups and underdog brands, many of whom we continue to work with even today. BEING part of their growth stories and watching them evolve into strong, recognizable names in their sectors has been the most fulfilling part of my career. There?ÇÖs nothing more rewarding than growing together and celebrating those milestones side by side. With so many verticals under your belt ?Çö F&B, D2C, Fashion, Tech, and more ?Çö how do you tailor communication strategies across such diverse industries without losing authenticity? It all begins with clarity on the PR objective, are we building awareness, attracting investors, enhancing founder visibility, or driving partnerships? Once that?ÇÖs locked in, everything else is layered on. Understanding the brand?ÇÖs tone, audience, and market nuances is critical. Authenticity comes from that foundation, from not forcing a template approach but crafting stories rooted in the brand?ÇÖs truth. Media relations remain at the heart of PR. How do you sustain strong relationships with journalists and editors in this fast-paced, content-saturated age? It takes time, consistency, and respect. Over the last 7 years, face-to-face media rounds, coffee catch ups, and just being genuinely curious about what they write have helped build trust. The real game-changer is relevance ?Çö when you pitch stories that align with a journalist?ÇÖs beat and interest, it signals that you?ÇÖve done your homework. That mutual respect goes a long way. Crisis communication can make or break a brand. Can you share a challenging moment where your team turned a potential crisis into a PR win? Earlier this year, Burger Singh?ÇÖs website was hacked by a Pakistani group, an unexpected situation that could have posed a reputational risk or triggered negative coverage. But instead of reacting defensively, we stayed true to the brand?ÇÖs irreverent, desi humour and responded with a witty, tongue-in-cheek message. The response struck a chord, gaining rapid traction across digital platforms. Interestingly, the brand?ÇÖs website received nearly double the usual traffic in the days that followed. What started as a crisis turned into a visibility boost, proving how tone-aligned, timely communication can turn disruption into a brand-strengthening moment. You?ÇÖve led both traditional and new-age communication efforts. What?ÇÖs your take on how influencer outreach and digital-first PR have reshaped brand reputation today? Traditional PR and digital outreach are no longer separate silos, they complement each other. While traditional PR helps build credibility through earned media and trusted publications, influencer campaigns can amplify messaging and take it straight to target communities. Together, they create a 360?? brand presence. One builds trust; the other fuels reach. What are some tools, routines, or mindsets you use to lead teams efficiently while balancing strategic planning, execution, and client management? Leading a team with diverse backgrounds, from ex-journalists to digital-first specialists, brings depth and agility to our work. To keep everyone aligned, I rely on clarity in briefs, consistent check-ins, and a culture of ownership. We regroup every morning to plan and prioritise, and review progress weekly. We?ÇÖve also integrated Cha-Chi Tech, an in-house tool that streamline processes, track tasks, and give real-time visibility into project status. Weekly or fortnightly check-ins with clients are built into our calendar ?Çö ensuring transparency, alignment, and momentum across every mandate. Automation has helped cut down repetitive work like reporting and coverage logs, allowing the team to focus on what really matters: strategy, storytelling, media relations and client impact. It?ÇÖs all about balancing structure with space to think. ??What advice would you give to young professionals entering the world of communications today? What should they unlearn and what should they double down on? Unlearn the idea that PR is all about glamorous events or instant visibility. Real PR is strategic, research-driven, and consistent. Double down on curiosity, read more, question more, learn how the media works. And don?ÇÖt underestimate the power of relationships with both clients and journalists. If not PR, what alternate career path could you see yourself thriving in ?Çö and why? Something creative for sure! If not PR, probably as a fashion designer or a content creator. Both let you build something original, stay culturally connected, and keep the work as dynamic as the world around you. 

Meet Ritika Garg, the visionary entrepreneur behind Avance PR, a cutting-edge public relations firm revolutionizing the industry with its innovative approach. With a background in science and an MBA, Ritika's unique blend of analytical thinking and business acumen has propelled Avance PR to success.What motivated you to start Avance PR, and how do your previous experiences shape your leadership style today? What challenges have you faced in building Avance PR from the ground up?Starting Avance PR was a natural step for me, driven by my entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep in my family. Even during my college years, I knew I wanted to create something of my own. My academic background in science gave me a strong foundation in analytical thinking, but it was my MBA that shifted my focus toward business. Joining Ogilvy was a pivotal moment that introduced me to the world of PR, and from there, I found my passion.My journey has been hands-on?ÇöI?ÇÖve freelanced extensively, which gave me the freedom to work with different clients and gain diverse experience. I also spent time with boutique agencies to sharpen my skills and learn the industry from the ground up. The combination of my freelancing background and my previous roles really shaped my leadership approach today. I?ÇÖve developed a deep understanding of both the strategic and operational sides of PR, and I prioritize nurturing talent while staying closely involved in client relations.One of the toughest challenges in building Avance PR has been securing clients in the beginning. Establishing trust, both with clients and within my own team, wasn?ÇÖt easy. Managing cash flow and working around the clock in the early days was also demanding. But those experiences have strengthened the business. Every challenge?Çöwhether it was managing 24/7 work or convincing clients of our value?Çöhelped lay the foundation for the growth we?ÇÖve achieved today.Can you share a successful PR campaign that Avance PR executed and what made it stand out?One of our most successful PR campaigns was for Uplifters, a new edtech startup that was struggling to establish credibility with its target audience. To address this, we designed a strategic PR campaign that focused on highlighting their unique courses and exclusive internship program, which set them apart from competitors.We targeted key media outlets that aligned with their audience, and the campaign gained significant traction, with coverage in major publications such as Financial Express, News18, and The Hindu. This media exposure not only built credibility for Uplofters in a competitive market but also resulted in a surge of new leads. What made this campaign stand out was the clear focus on their differentiators and our ability to position those effectively in top-tier media, creating both brand awareness and tangible business results.How does Avance PR differentiate itself from other PR firms in a competitive market?At Avance PR, we differentiate ourselves by creating fully customized PR strategies for each client. We don?ÇÖt believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every brand has its own unique story, and we tailor our campaigns to align with their specific needs, goals, and market positioning. This personalized approach ensures that our clients receive strategies that are designed specifically for them, rather than relying on cookie-cutter methods.Another key factor that sets us apart is our diverse portfolio. We've had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients, from launching new startups to managing communications for established, publicly listed companies. This experience across various industries, budget levels, and stages of business growth gives us the versatility and expertise to adapt to any client?ÇÖs requirements. Whether we?ÇÖre working with a lean startup or a large corporation, our team can craft effective PR strategies that deliver results. This ability to navigate different sectors and budget sizes strengthens our offering and sets us apart in the competitive PR market.What challenges do you face in managing client expectations, especially in sectors like technology and education?One of the biggest challenges in managing client expectations, particularly in sectors like technology and education, is helping clients understand the difference between editorial content and advertorials. Many clients expect PR coverage to read like a paid ad, and it can be a challenge to explain the subtleties of editorial content and why it's crucial for credibility. We spend a lot of time setting expectations and educating clients about how authentic storytelling works in media relations.In the technology sector, clients often focus too much on their business model rather than the real-world impact of their technology. It?ÇÖs important for them to dive deeper into how their innovations are solving problems or helping people. Similarly, in the highly competitive education space, finding and defining a unique selling proposition (USP) can be tough. With so many players in the market, positioning a client in a way that highlights their uniqueness requires careful strategy and creativity. Balancing these aspects while aligning client expectations with realistic PR outcomes is key to delivering effective campaigns.In your opinion, what are the key trends shaping the future of public relations, particularly in influencer marketing?In my view, one of the key trends shaping the future of public relations is the rise of digital PR, particularly through formats like podcasts and video content. As people continue shifting away from traditional print media, they?ÇÖre increasingly engaging with more dynamic forms of electronic media. This shift presents new opportunities for brands to connect with their audiences in ways that are more engaging and interactive, such as through live streams, webinars, and interviews on podcasts.In influencer marketing, there?ÇÖs been a notable shift toward authenticity and quality over quantity. Rather than focusing on follower counts, brands are now prioritizing engagement and the relevance of the content. Consumers have become savvier, and they expect real, relatable content from influencers. Niche influencers, who cater to specific communities or interests, are gaining traction because they deliver targeted, high-quality content that resonates deeply with their audiences. This trend is pushing both influencers and brands to focus on creating genuine, value-driven interactions, rather than just relying on broad exposure.How do you foster a culture of innovation within your team at Avance PR?At Avance PR, fostering a culture of innovation is all about open communication and creating an environment that encourages creativity and growth. We maintain regular communication within the team, ensuring that everyone feels heard and supported. Flexibility is also key?Çöwe allow our team members to work in ways that best suit them, which helps spark new ideas and solutions.Brainstorming sessions are a regular part of our workflow, where we openly discuss new techniques, trends, and approaches to keep our strategies fresh and effective. We also hold regular PR classes to stay updated on industry shifts, which help our team continuously learn and adapt.On a more personal level, I make it a point to engage with every member of my team. Whether it's helping them overcome challenges, providing guidance on the latest trends, or addressing any blockers they face, I ensure that everyone has the support they need to thrive. By encouraging collaboration, learning, and hands-on support, we cultivate a space where innovation flourishes.What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to establish their own PR agencies?For aspiring entrepreneurs starting a PR agency, focus on mastering PR fundamentals?Çömedia relations, storytelling, and strategy. Begin with a niche to stand out and gradually expand. Building a strong network is essential, as relationships with media and clients are the backbone of PR. Stay adaptable to industry changes, especially with the rise of digital and influencer marketing. Educate clients and manage their expectations by explaining what PR can realistically achieve. Lastly, invest in your team and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. A strong, passionate team will help you build a thriving and successful agency.

HAVAS Australia has appointed Richard Clarke as its new Chief Growth and Client Officer, bringing him over from HAVAS UK.Clarke previously served as Managing Director of HAVAS Red London, and before that, was a senior partner at Ogilvy UK. His notable achievements include managing the acclaimed NHS ?ÇÿMissing Type?ÇÖ blood donation campaign, which earned the title of ?ÇÿCampaign of the Decade?ÇÖ from PRWeek, and seeing HAVAS Red named EMEA Regional Midsize Agency of the Year earlier this year.In his new role, Clarke will focus on cross-Village growth, new business development, and incubating new service-based propositions.?Ç£I am delighted and privileged to have been given the opportunity to move within HAVAS to Australia,?Ç¥ Clarke said. ?Ç£We have a world-class roster of agencies, talent, clients, and opportunity and I am already blown away by the incredible energy and ambition within the HAVAS Village Australia. I am looking forward to working with outstanding leaders like James and the senior management teams and forge the next chapter of growth for the Group.?Ç¥Local CEO James Wright added: ?Ç£Richard did an unprecedented job growing the HAVAS Red UK business during his time there, as well as building phenomenal relationships with creative, media, digital, and health teams across the HAVAS Village in London. He is an excellent operator, brilliant with clients, and naturally brings agencies and teams together. Having him in this newly created position in Australia will ensure we are even better set up to service cross-agency clients and grow.?Ç¥

The Sway Effect, a New York-based PR and branding agency, is launching a new division called Sway Forward, dedicated to developing long-term brand strategies that drive sustainable growth and success. Led by industry veteran Mitch Markson as Chief Creative Officer, Sway Forward aims to help clients break free from short-term thinking and focus on building resilient brands with a clear vision for the future.Markson, who brings nearly three decades of experience from top agencies like Ogilvy and Edelman, will leverage his expertise to encourage clients to think forward and prioritize long-range strategizing. Through proprietary tools and workshops, Sway Forward will empower brands to adopt a more futuristic approach, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in an ever-changing market.The launch of Sway Forward coincides with The Sway Effect's five-year anniversary and marks a significant expansion of the agency's capabilities. By addressing the common pitfall of short-term thinking, Sway Forward is poised to make a meaningful impact on the industry and help clients achieve lasting success.Jennifer Risi, Founder-CEO of The Sway Effect, notes: "Most brands are rooted in the next few months, but true longevity depends on thinking 18, 24, 36 months ahead."

Storytelling agency Enthral has bolstered its creative prowess with the appointment of Mark Tompkins as Creative Director.Tompkins brings a wealth of experience to the table, boasting 20 years in the industry across agencies like TBWA, DDB, Clemenger, and Ogilvy in both Australia and London.This hire signifies a strategic shift for Enthral, traditionally known for its journalistic storytelling approach. Managing Director Cameron Smith explains the decision:Tompkins said: ?Ç£I started freelancing with Enthral and quickly realised I wanted to make the agency my next permanent move in my career. Beyond Enthral?ÇÖs impressive client list, they produce quality work that I know I will be proud to be a part of.?Ç¥This move positions Enthral to expand its creative offerings while staying true to its storytelling roots.

Today, we're talking with Joe Lipscombe, Partner at The Romans, who delves into his journey, insights, and aspirations as he navigates the dynamic landscape of strategic communications in the Middle East and beyond. Lipscombe started in journalism, writing for big names like Forbes and Bloomberg. He then moved into strategic communications, joining Ogilvy in 2015 and rising to Executive Strategy and Creative Director for PR in the MENA region. He recently joined The Romans as a partner in Dubai, helping expand their presence in the Middle East. The Romans, headquartered in London with over 120 employees worldwide, opened their Dubai office in 2022 after successful ventures in New York and Amsterdam. In this interview with Adgully Middle East, Lipscombe discusses his journey and goals in navigating strategic communications in the Middle East and beyond.Please share your professional journey. What have been the highs and lows professionally?I landed in the region as a journalist, where I was able to cover most markets, learning the culture, people, ways, and means. That fascination hasn?ÇÖt left me. I love the region, warts and all. After almost a decade with Ogilvy, where I was able to grow as a creative and strategic leader in a major global firm, I?ÇÖve taken on this new challenge at one of the most exciting agencies in the world today. Throughout that time there have been highs and lows. I keep the lows closer than the highs. And I anticipate many more of both.You have recently joined ?ÇÿThe Romans?ÇÖ as a Partner and Head of UAE. What are your roles and responsibilities?Bring one of today?ÇÖs most exciting, independent PR stories to life in the MENA region. The Romans are a unique agency. In a sea of acquisitions, mergers, and agency ecosystems, The Romans believe in investing in great people and great culture so we can deliver great work for great clients. There is none of the fluff and none of the drama. It?ÇÖs been refreshing to see that story be so well received. Now it?ÇÖs mine and my team?ÇÖs responsibility to translate that for this unique and diverse market.What has been your primary focus within the industry for the past decade? How do you approach problem-solving within the industry?Before joining The Romans, I was the Executive Strategy & Creative Director for Ogilvy PR across MENA. I spent the best part of a decade at that agency, learning my trade, working with top talents, and contributing to some really exciting, transformative projects in the region. All of those?ÇöExpo 2020 Dubai, Qatar World Cup 2022, New Suez Canal 2015, et al.?Çöhave their own unique challenges in such a fast-paced and ambitious region. While I don?ÇÖt subscribe to a standard way of solving problems, I do believe that, as an industry, we can often take briefs at face value when in fact we should be exploring the root cause of challenges more closely. As we commoditise our industry more and more, we often skip important strategic and exploratory phases and head directly to solutions and execution. I strongly believe much of the value we provide as an industry is in the diagnosis, thought, and planning phases of any major project.Can you provide examples of some of the projects you have been involved in with large brands and institutions?As I mentioned before, I?ÇÖve been very fortunate to work on some of the biggest projects and entities in the region over the past ten years. Expo 2020 Dubai at a global level, the FIFA Qatar World Cup through Qatar Foundation, the New Suez Canal launch in Egypt, several Public Investment Fund launches, and many others. I find each brings its own unique challenges and opportunities and would argue each has contributed massively to the social, economic, and cultural structure of the region.As a marketer, if you?ÇÖre contributing to projects with that level of influence, you can?ÇÖt ask for much more.What kind of transformations have you witnessed in terms of digital and AI, within the region?Marketers are so keen to jump on trends they often forget to check if they?ÇÖre landmines. But, we?ÇÖre experimental, and that should be applauded. I can?ÇÖt confidently say I?ÇÖve witnessed seismic changes in the industry at the hands of AI. But ask me again in five years.How do you approach developing an integrated public relations and advertising campaign tailored to meet the cultural sensitivities and preferences of the UAE market?We cannot reveal all our secrets. What we do is ensure our teams are diverse, skilled, deeply ingrained in local culture, and we trust them explicitly with major briefs and clients.Can you provide an example of a successful PR and advertising campaign you led in the UAE, highlighting how you navigated any regulatory or cultural challenges specific to the region?I led the campaign that won UAE PR Campaign of the Year in 2023 at MEPRA- ?ÇÿThe Alternative Alphabet with GEMS Education?ÇÖ. It altered how educators teach mental health and wellbeing to our youth. It?ÇÖs still somewhat a taboo topic, particularly when children are involved. But the education provider was an open and excellent partner and we were able to do something meaningful in a really beautiful way.

Ogilvy PR has appointed James Baldwin to lead its influencer marketing efforts across the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Singapore, Baldwin will oversee the agency's influencer offerings, including developing go-to-market strategies, strengthening their capabilities, driving business growth and innovation, and delivering top-notch influencer campaigns.Baldwin brings a wealth of experience to the role, having joined Ogilvy in 2019 and playing a key role in building the agency's influencer proposition. Most recently, he served as Business Director and B2B Influence Lead for Ogilvy UK, where he spearheaded the launch and global expansion of their B2B influencer services.Under Baldwin's leadership, Ogilvy's influencer team garnered recognition across multiple markets, crafting award-winning campaigns for industry giants like Coca-Cola, Unilever, British Airways, Samsung, and the Olympic Games. He also significantly contributed to Ogilvy's annual Influencer Trends report, a valuable resource within the industry.With over a decade of experience in B2B and influencer marketing, Baldwin previously held the position of Client Director at Euromoney Institutional Investor. In his new role, he will report to both Rahul Titus, Ogilvy's Global Head of Influence, and Emily Poon, President of Ogilvy PR in Asia-Pacific."James' strategic leadership in influencer marketing reinforces our commitment to the creator economy and its growing importance," said Titus.Excited about the opportunities in Asia-Pacific, Baldwin acknowledges the region's thriving social media landscape, diverse cultures, and strong sense of community as a breeding ground for innovative influencer marketing strategies. "The chance to build world-class influencer marketing in this region is unmatched," he remarked.This announcement follows Ogilvy PR's Asia-Pacific operations being named Global Digital Agency of the Year and APAC Regional Consultancy of the Year at the prestigious 2023 SABRE Awards.