Latest news with #D&AD
Campaign ME
04-08-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Saudi's King Salman Park appoints Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Saudi Arabia's King Salman Park Foundation, one of Riyadh's four mega-projects, has appointed Simon Shaw, the former Chief Creative Officer at global communications agency Burson, as its Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. Shaw, who moved to Riyadh in April 2025 to take up the role, will oversee marketing and brand communications for King Salman Park. With prior roles as the Global Chief Creative Strategy Officer at public relations company Hill & Knowlton and Chief Creative Officer at Burson, Shaw brings a strong track record of working with international clients on their communications and marketing strategies, and activations. He previously led the strategy, creative and content teams, and headed strategic communications across major brands and corporate clients for both Burson and Hill & Knowlton, including clients in the Middle East region, China, the US and Europe. Simon Shaw – marketing, communications and architectural experience At Hill & Knowlton, Shaw was the first Chief Creative Officer. He led the creative transformation of the agency, building a network of 10 innovation and creative hubs around the world. These hubs house specialised expertise in content and publishing strategy, data and analytics, behavioural science, digital planning and optimisation, creative direction, and creative strategy. With degrees in architecture from the University of Edinburgh and the Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), Shaw began his career in architecture before transitioning into brand experience and strategy, and ultimately into marketing and communications. Commenting on the role in a LinkedIn post, Shaw said, 'I am proud and honoured to join the team at the King Salman Park Foundation as their Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. It is an opportunity to bring together my communications, marketing and architectural experience and play a small part in the delivery and operation of one of the most exciting and impactful projects in the capital city of Riyadh.' Before joining Burson, Shaw held significant creative leadership positions, including roles at Exposure, Good Relations and Imagination. His industry renown is underscored by his contributions as a speaker and judge at global events such as Cannes Lions and the D&AD, where he served as jury president. Saudi Arabia's King Salman Park Launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Salman Park is set in the heart of Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. King Salman Park is one of the world's most ambitious and transformative urban regeneration projects covering an area of 17.2 square kilometres, which includes 11 square kilometres of forest to explore, a 7.2 km highline loop featuring restaurants, cafés, retail outlets and cultural discoveries around every corner. King Salman Park is also a landmark project of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 — bringing to life the Kingdom's commitment to a vibrant, inclusive and healthy society. Open to all, the Park offers citizens, residents and visitors a space to connect, recharge and enjoy the beauty of everyday life — a place where nature, culture, and community come together. The park will provide a rich variety of cultural, arts and entertainment, sports and recreational, as well as commercial and residential districts. It aims to become the place to visit, explore, live, work and play; redefining urban living where a walk on the street becomes a walk in a park.
Campaign ME
07-07-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Alex Pineda joins Horizon FCB Dubai as Chief Creative Officer
Horizon FCB Dubai has named Alex Pineda as its new Chief Creative Officer. The appointment comes as Horizon FCB sharpens its focus on delivering work that combines creativity fueled by data and technology to build brands that endure. With more than 20 years of work experience in the Middle East, Europe and Latin America, Pineda has been helping brands in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region stand out, stay relevant and deliver results. His track record includes work in different industries like QSR, automotive, banking, FMCG, tourism, real estate, and public sector amongst many others. Furthermore, major global creative festivals, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio, LIA, Loeries, Effies, and WARC, as well as regional festivals like Dubai Lynx and Eurobest have recognised his work. Beyond the awards Horizon FCB Dubai claims it's his creative belief system that sets him apart. 'At Horizon FCB, our philosophy is that creativity is 'Never Finished'. We are always evolving, always pushing boundaries, and always looking for ideas that drive the economic multiplier to our Clients,' said Reham Mufleh, Managing Director at Horizon FCB Dubai. 'Alex embodies this mindset perfectly. His experience across markets, his passion for transformative ideas, and his commitment to nurturing talent make him the right creative leader for where we are headed,' she added. The agency claims Pineda sees creativity as a tool for economic and cultural progress. He leads with kindness, teaches with passion, and always brings humanity into the work. On his appointment he said: 'I found Horizon FCB's project extremely interesting. We share the same creative and business values, and after discovering Reham's long-term plan, coming back to Dubai was a no brainer.' 'If you check the status of today's global creativity, clearly FCB comes out as the hottest network, with impressive work from offices like Chicago, New York, India, New Zealand,' he said. 'Our goal is for Dubai to enter the party. We have the talent, the clients, and most importantly, the inner passion to make it happen'. Finally, besides his professional drive, Pineda writes and draws his own comic books series, loves football, cooking and shares his home with two pet rabbits.
Campaign ME
03-06-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
What D&AD's first creator content jury reveals
This year, D&AD introduced its first-ever Creator Content category – spotlighting work where creators weren't just amplifiers, but active cultural collaborators. It felt timely. It felt necessary. And it felt personal. I had the privilege of serving on this inaugural jury as the only representative from the region. As we judged more than 140 entries, one thing became clear: the word 'creator' has evolved. The best work didn't just feature creators – it was shaped by them. From meme accounts with cult followings to indigenous influencers preserving endangered cultures, this year's winners proved that influence today comes in many forms – and from many unexpected places. Rede fi ning content creator If there was one consistent thread in the jury room, it was this: the definition of 'creator' has outgrown its roots in follower count and amplification. In the strongest work, creators showed up as architects – of meaning, of culture, of experience. These were not just people with followers – they were communities, meme accounts, collectives, and even non-humans. In The Gravy Race – a clever, highly-awarded campaign this year, Sheba built an entire entertainment property around internet-famous cats. In Into the Aldiverse – a beautiful campaign by ALDI gaming, the creators weren't individuals, but a collective where partnering with an anime studio in Japan, the brand showed us how co-creation can extend into entire worlds. From individuals with unique POVs to cultural collectives and meme machines, creators are being redefined – not by format or following, but by the role they play in shaping attention and emotion. What makes work win Across all the work, three things stood out: 1. Simplicity wins: This year's graphite pencil winner and jury favourite, Handwash Legend by Savlon India, transformed a single hip hop gesture into a national hygiene movement. By remixing Emiway Bantai's iconic 'hand rub' into a handwashing anthem, the campaign blurred the lines between music, meme, and message. It was simple, sticky, and smart – and a reminder that when brands co-create with cultural figures, even a hygiene habit can go viral. 2. Speed matters: Another standout was the Blurred Unboxing by Colombian snack brand Ramo. It began with a TikTok creator cheekily blurring out a brand logo; within 24 hours, the brand responded with a custom, pixelated package that was sent to the creator, sparking a viral moment that was awarded D&AD's yellow pencil this year. In a world where culture moves at the speed of social – this campaign is a masterclass in listening, agility, and the impact of a simple, real-time gesture. 3. Take it further: Some of the most impactful work also moved beyond the feed and into the real world. Amazon's Money Can't Buy Experiences, a wood pencil winner, reframed creators as experience designers, co-creating events that felt personal, not promotional. In an age of digital fatigue, this campaign was a reminder that true influence isn't confined to screens and taking co-creation further gave the campaign weight-and longevity. Quick note to the region: How to 'win in creator content' On a personal note, I was thrilled to see Dubai represented in the Safe at 3AM campaign. It was sharp, relevant, and executed with insight – live streaming a runner through the city to tackle global perceptions around safety. While it didn't make the shortlist at D&AD, it deserves recognition. Perhaps it's a reflection of where the bar now sits: strong insight and elegant execution are a starting point. But to win in creator content, ideas need to go further – beyond narrative into participation, experience, and depth. There's no shortage of creative talent or storytelling in the region. According to We Are Social's latest Global Digital Report, influencer marketing continues to grow rapidly across MENA with influencer advertising spending up 12.5 per cent (YOY) and 13.7 per cent (YOY) in 2025, for the UAE and KSA respectively. The challenge – and the opportunity – is to take what's working and stretch it. Final takeaway: Stop chasing in fl uence. Start building culture The creator content category is growing up. Creators are no longer just channels. They're collectives, studios, and custodians of identity. The brands that win, will be ones that let a creator's perspective shape the work – not just promote it. With campaigns that are rooted in culture, built for longevity, and extend beyond the screen. And the next generation of pencils? They'll be awarded to brands that stop chasing followers and start building worlds. By Akanksha Goel, Founder & CEO, Socialize / We Are Social
Campaign ME
16-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
AKQA appoints Jon Holloway as Managing Director for the MENA region
Global brand experience design and marketing agency AKQA has appointed Jon Holloway as Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa. With a global career spanning across the EMEA, APAC, and MENA regions, Holloway brings more than two decades of experience as a creative and strategic leader. Known for building empowered teams and delivering impactful work, Holloway has consistently led businesses and clients through transformation. His leadership has contributed to award-winning work recognised by Cannes Lions, D&AD, Effies and leading creative festivals worldwide. Based between the UAE and KSA, Holloway will aim to accelerate the agency's momentum in the region, partnering with ambitious brands to shape new experiences at the intersection of creativity, culture and emerging technology. Geoff Northcott, CEO of AKQA EMEA, said, 'Holloway brings a compelling blend of entrepreneurial spirit, creative leadership and regional expertise. His vision for harnessing AI and innovation in culturally resonant ways aligns perfectly with our ambitions for the Middle East. We're delighted to welcome him as we continue to grow our offering and expand our impact in MENA and beyond.' Holloway will collaborate closely with AKQA's global and regional leadership teams to deepen client partnerships, grow local talent, and continue evolving the agency's AI-powered creative model for the region. AKQA's location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the agency's newest office spaces, providing a dedicated environment where clients and employees can collaborate closely. As the business continues to grow, Holloway plans to expand the studio's offerings and client base across the region. Reflecting on his appointment, Holloway said, 'It has been a career long dream to join AKQA. There is a rare energy here, a shared ambition to build something bold, culturally connected, and future-facing. Our KSA and UAE locations are already pushing creative boundaries with global and local clients.' Holloway is also an entrepreneur at heart, having founded and exited fintech ventures. A lifelong advocate for the power of innovation, Jon brings a unique perspective on emerging technologies, including AI and their ability to drive real-world, human-centered impact across clients and industries. 'I'm looking forward to shaping the next chapter in the region,' he added. Holloway's appointment signals AKQA's continued investment in the Middle East, solidifying its presence in the region and deepening partnerships with clients. His people-first leadership approach and passion for emerging and enduring technology will aim to accelerate the creative and commercial impact of AKQA's work.
Campaign ME
15-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
TBWA\RAAD and D&AD offer hands-on learning to re-ignite creative careers
TBWA\RAAD teamed up with D&AD to host the second edition of the New Blood Portfolio Review in the Middle East, bringing together emerging creative talent and seasoned industry professionals for an inspiring day of hands-on learning and career-shaping opportunities. New Blood Portfolio Review 2.0 turned the agency's Dubai headquarters into a live classroom where emerging voices sharpened their craft — and their career prospects. Recent graduates and early‑career creatives rotated through intensive 1‑on‑1 critiques with TBWA\RAAD's award‑winning art directors, copywriters, strategists and digital specialists. Each learning session delivered tailored, actionable feedback designed to elevate portfolios from 'promising' to 'pitch‑ready', giving attendees a rare face‑to‑face advantage in one of the world's most competitive creative markets. The reviews were followed by rapid‑fire talks led by TBWA\RAAD 'pirates', drilling into: Disruption® thinking – turning rule‑breaking into brand‑building. – turning rule‑breaking into brand‑building. Strategy as a creative superpower – why insight fuels impact. – why insight fuels impact. Crafting social that cuts through – lessons from scroll‑stopping work. – lessons from scroll‑stopping work. Interview and career best practices – landing the job before the job. Each session fused real‑world case studies with practical next‑steps, arming participants with the mindset and momentum to navigate — and reshape — the industry. 'Keeping creativity future‑fit means investing in the talent that will define it', said Derek Green, Chief Creative Officer, TBWA\RAAD. 'Watching these young creatives challenge conventions and stretch their ideas keeps our own thinking sharp—and it proves the region's next wave is ready to lead. The day of learning closed with certificates, networking and the announcement everyone waited for: the Best Portfolio Award, granting the winner an internship at TBWA\RAAD — an on‑ramp to real briefs, real clients and real impact. Paul Drake, Foundation Director at D&AD, concluded, 'The Middle East continues to command attention on global stages. Partnering with TBWA\RAAD lets us super‑charge that trajectory, giving new voices the skills and confidence to compete—and win—anywhere in the world.'
