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Head of Agency of the Year 2024: Bassel Kakish, Publicis Groupe ME&T

The Gold winner of Head of Agency of the Year 2024 for Campaign's Global Agency of the Year Awards is Bassel Kakish, chief executive officer, Publicis Groupe ME&T. The metrics speak volumes of Kakish's three-year leadership of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey (ME&T): 84 per cent of employees find work meaningful, staff turnover has been slashed to 12 per cent (down 9 per cent over two years), and diversified capabilities now represent 66 per cent of revenue. His 'Growth Club' initiative – a workplace community spanning 80+ participants across 11 agencies and seven markets – achieved an 85 Net Promoter Score with 68 per cent monthly attendance. Meanwhile, 'The Strategy Garage' boasts 97 per cent retention and 33 per cent talent acquisition growth, with an 11:3 female-to-male ratio demonstrating conscious inclusion and support for female strategy talent. When regional conflict escalated, Kakish's business continuity plan seamlessly relocated Lebanese staff to Jordan, maintaining operations without missing a beat. This human-centric crisis management epitomises his leadership philosophy. Commercial vindication is undeniable: 76 per cent new business win rate, €62m in new revenue across Middle East and North Africa, and market share leadership surpassing Omnicom, making ME&T the only region besides North America where Publicis significantly outpaces competition. Strategic partnerships tech platforms position the agency at AI's forefront, while the socially conscious creative work made under Kakish's leadership, from NBA's basketball equality campaign to Anghami's child protection initiative, proves purpose can be a strong multiplier for profit. His colleagues' testimonials reveal a leader who reliably answers calls no matter the time of day or night, solves problems collaboratively, and genuinely prioritises people over processes. In Kakish's hands, 'talent-first' is competitive advantage. Judges applauded Kakish for turning Publicis Groupe ME&T into 'a real powerhouse.' Shortlisted: Tom Otton, Create. Group Tyler Turnbull, FCB Natalie Bell, MG OMD Sam Stuchbury, Motion Sickness This content was first published on Campaign UK.