Charlie Wright, Owner and Managing Director, JWI.Independent creative agency, JWI, has been acquired by its long-standing managing director, Charli Wright.
This aims to mark a significant milestone in the agency’s journey as it celebrates ten years operating in the Middle East market.
Founded in 2000 by John Wilford, JWI (formerly Rave Communications) first established its Dubai presence in 2015 under Wright’s leadership. Since then, the agency has worked towards building a reputation for bold, strategic creative work, winning clients across the Middle East, and claims it has carved out a niche as an independent regional agency with global standards.
Wright’s claims her acquisition of JWI signals a natural evolution of the business. Wilford formally announced his retirement last year, but Wright has long been at the helm of the agency’s growth.
“JWI has always felt like mine in spirit, and I’m thrilled to say it’s now mine on paper,” she said.
Now as sole owner, she said is focused on scaling the agency to become the region’s most progressive independent agency, whilst staying true to the core values that have shaped its success to date.
“This moment isn’t just symbolic, but it’s the start of a new era for JWI. We’ve spent the last 12 months laying the foundations for long-term success, including a full operational overhaul,” Wright said.
With a new internal structure in place, and a refined brand and business strategy for achieving its long-term goals, JWI aims to bring in the next decade with a sharpened focus. The agency also is redefining the meaning of an integrated approach, with every team member skilled to think strategically and lead with a digital-first mindset.
“My vision is to build the best agency to work for – and the best agency to work with. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to every day. Our mantra ‘Go Beyond’ isn’t just a line – it defines how we show up for our clients and each other” Wright added.
John Wilford, Founder of JWI, also commented on the acquisition. “It has been an incredible journey building JWI in Dubai, and I am immensely proud of what the team has achieved,” he said. “Watching Charli grow and lead JWI has been a privilege, and her ambition and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in JWI’s success. Selling JWI to the management team, led by the exceptionally talented Charli Wright, feels like a natural and positive step and I am delighted to be passing the torch, knowing that JWI is in such capable hands.”
Despite its boutique size, JWI aims to continue to punch above its weight, winning new business over global network agencies by combining its strategic-led creativity with deep regional insight and a fiercely independent approach. The agency claims to be the only independent agency to be retained by P&G globally across its grooming portfolio in the region.
As it embarks on a new decade of operations with Wright at the forefront, JWI aims to remain agile, values-led and proudly independent.
