Khaled Al Shehhi has been named the Chair of judges at Campaign Middle East’s Agency of the Year Awards 2023.
The Executive Director Marketing and Communication of UAE Government Media Office will be leading the jury of leading client marketers for this year’s Agency of the Year Awards.
“Last year, I was part of the jury for these rather unique awards, This year, I’ve been asked to lead it. This in itself illustrates the transformative power of these awards,” Al Shehhi says.
“The awards focus primarily on business results, reward the best agencies by region and specialism and celebrate the best people and teams in advertising, marketing and media.
“Touching upon what makes the awards unique, “Instead of naming the agencies on the basis of the awards their work got in a festival, they’re looking at what makes the agency or network different, unique and successful.”
What makes a winning entry
Al Shehhi highlights what is he looking from the entrants and what makes a winning entry:
“So what I want to see are powerful cases of corporate self-awareness, a clear vision to drive them forward, their principles applied on the ground, not just marketing speak.
If an agency doesn’t have a strong brand and a differentiated approach to its way of working and producing business outcomes, why should an advertiser entrust them with theirs?
“I want to see how they help people and talent blossom and come into their own. These awards provide the jury with the evidence they need to make an informed call about what defines success and performance, and identifies those doing well and those who don’t.
“Based on the facets that matter to marketers, they evaluate people against their peers locally, agencies and networks against each other, countries and regions compete for the perception that their advertising is the most desirable. Using both the creative and business yardsticks, they really dig deep into the analysis and that makes them hugely meaningful.”
The stage is the focus
The Middle East chapter of the awards was held for the first time last year. Moving into the second year, Al Shehhi adds: “As a reasonably new competition, the Campaign Middle East Agency of the Year Awards are in a great place to innovate, surprise and be remembered.
“Last year’s ceremony was great, I loved its energy and its vibe. It’s an award ceremony designed to alert strong and emerging individual and team talent.
“What makes it so exciting is that you really can’t tell where the wind is coming from, so the stage is the focus of everyone.”
Early this year, he was also named Advertising Person of the Year at the Dubai Lynx, sister festival to Cannes Lions.
Al Shehhi has made significant contributions to the field of advertising and marketing in the MENA region. He has also transformed the way the UAE government communicates by introducing original, creative and humanising content.
Under his leadership, the UAE Government Media Office has received more than 200 awards from some of the most prestigious creative and marketing shows around the world, including Cannes Lions, LIA, CLIO, ONE Show and Dubai Lynx.
