Hessa Al Sudairy, Executive Creative Director, Publicis Communications KSA, has been recognised on Campaign Middle East’s 40 Over 40, which honours leaders who have shaped the regional brand and marketing industry over the past 15 years and more.
This is not a ranking. It is the first edition of an annual platform created to spotlight senior industry figures aged 40 and older. They represent different disciplines and different leadership styles but are all builders of brands and businesses. These have been recommended as caretakers of client trust and custodians of culture. The 40 over 40 list celebrates the people who have moved the needle – not for a season or for a single campaign cycle, but for several years.
A passionate storyteller on different platforms. A graduate of Psychology and holding an MA in International Development Management. Al Sudairy started her copywriting journey in 2007 in Fullstop, followed by Leo Burnett then JWT Riyadh, Y&R Dubai and R/GA London, then back to Leo Burnett and Publicis Groupe. She has worked on several local and international brands which cater to MENA and KSA, such as Apple, stc, Almarai, Alrajhi Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, SABB, Weyay Bank, Redbull, Volkswagen, Arabian Oud, Nescafe and McDonald’s. She has served on juries at Dubai Lynx, The Clio Awards and The One Show. She has also been honoured with several awards and shortlists at Dubai Lynx, Loeries, Effies, WARC, D&AD and Cannes Lions.
TOP ACHIEVMENTS OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS
Al Sudairy has driven high-impact campaigns and earned significant industry recognition. Partnering with Arabian Oud, she launched a targeted Gen Z female campaign that successfully shifted the brand’s perception from legacy to ‘fresh and top-of-mind’ – resulting in a surge in online conversions and offline revenue. She spearheaded a successful, social-first sponsorship for Nescafe Ready-to-Drink with Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s top football club, vastly increasing market relevance. Beyond driving brand growth, she was also invited to serve as a jury member for The One Show.
CLIENT RECOMMENDATION
Omar Mallisho
Group CMO, Arabian Oud
Working with Hessa has been a masterclass in modern creativity. Hessa has the rare ability to craft and execute ideas that are deeply rooted in local culture while delivering the highest impact on a global stage across different backgrounds. Her strategic thinking, creative excellence, and relentless pursuit of breakthrough work consistently elevate both brands and teams.
