Tarek Ali Ahmad, Managing Director, FP7 McCANN UAE, 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.
Ali Ahmad is an accomplished integrated marketing and communications leader with 26 years of experience in the Gulf advertising industry. A strategic, commercially driven leader, he has built his career with three agency networks, beginning at JWT Dubai, followed by BBDO Dubai, and is currently at FP7 McCANN UAE, where he spent 15 years and serves as Managing Director, leading the UAE office operations.
TOP ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS
Over the past 12 months, Ali Ahmad has led FP7 McCANN UAE through a period of exceptional business and creative momentum, driving growth across key client portfolios while elevating the agency’s strategic and creative output. Under his leadership, FP7 McCANN UAE was recognised as Effies MENA UAE Agency of the Year and was named the most awarded agency in the UAE at Cannes Lions. He also played a key role in securing significant new business wins, strengthening client partnerships and enhancing operational excellence.
CLIENT RECOMMENDATION
Mahitab Hamed
MENA Marketing VP, ARLA FOODS
Tarek has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and client partnership throughout our 12-year collaboration. The remarkable journey of building the Puck brand together stands as a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding results. Over the years, Puck, Arla Foods’ flagship brand in the MENA region, has more than doubled its revenue and has been recognised as a star brand for three consecutive years. The brand’s success has also been reflected in its creative achievement. Winning four Cannes Lions awards in recent years is a powerful testament to the strategic vision, creative excellence and effectiveness that Tarek and his team have consistently delivered. Beyond the results, Tarek has been a trusted partner who combines strong business acumen with a deep understanding of brands and consumers. It has been a true pleasure working with him, and I look forward to achieving even greater successes together in the years ahead.
