PR Veteran Sunil John to Drive Regional Growth as Stagwell Expands Its Footprint in the Middle East and North Africa
Stagwell, the global challenger network aimed at transforming marketing, has appointed Sunil John as Senior Advisor for its MENA operations. John will head Stagwell’s new MENA office, focusing on accelerating growth, fostering collaboration among local agencies, and expanding regional client solutions. Leveraging his vast network and deep expertise, he aims to support brands seeking both regional expansion and global reach.
Sunil John, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Middle East PR industry, brings over 30 years of experience to his new role. He is the founder of ASDA’A BCW, the region’s leading PR consultancy, and has played a pivotal role in shaping the public relations landscape in the Arab world. His legacy includes launching Proof Communications, a specialist digital and design firm, as well as OnePoint5, an ESG advisory. John also led the Arab Youth Survey, a key thought leadership platform that captures insights from the 200 million youth across the region.
In recognition of his contributions to the PR industry, John was named the Best PR Professional in the Middle East by PRWeek in both 2023 and 2020. Additionally, since July 2021, he has served as an Advisory Board Member of the Dubai International Chamber, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global trade hub.
Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, praised John’s appointment, stating: “Marketers who miss out on MENA will miss out on one of the biggest consumer growth stories of our decade. As we focus on becoming more competitive internationally, Sunil’s unparalleled experience in MENA and his leadership are exactly what Stagwell needs to deepen our presence and help our clients succeed in this crucial market.”
John himself expressed excitement about the opportunity: “The chance to integrate my experience, passion for research and insights, and focus on digital transformation with Stagwell’s innovative approach will bring immense value to the region. The MENA market is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and I believe Stagwell’s challenger network will create a significant impact for our clients here.”
John’s appointment comes as Stagwell is entering a new chapter in the region, following its announcement to acquire Consulum, a leading government advisory firm specializing in strategic communications, public policy, and leadership support in MENA and beyond.
Stagwell’s presence in the region is already strong, with omnichannel media agency Assembly, creative collective Forsman and Bodenfors, and affiliate partners such as FLC and Phronesis Group operating across key cities like Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh. The company serves clients across diverse industries, including retail, automotive, crypto, real estate, technology, and finance.
MENA is a critical growth market for Stagwell, as it aims to double its revenue outside North America by 2025. In 2024 alone, Stagwell has expanded its global reach through acquisitions, including Team Epiphany (US), Sidekick (UK), What’s Next Partners (France), PROS (Brazil), Business Traveller (Global), and BERA (US).
With Sunil John at the helm of its MENA expansion, Stagwell is poised to further strengthen its leadership in the region, continuing its mission of transforming marketing with technology-driven solutions and innovative strategies.
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