Michael John Abong, Brand and Marketing Manager, PizzaExpress UAE.PizzaExpress UAE has appointed Michael John Abong as Head of Brand and Marketing.
With more than 15 years of experience across hospitality, travel and digital marketing in the UAE, Abong will lead brand strategy, integrated marketing campaigns, partnerships and team operations across 10 PizzaExpress restaurants nationwide.
He will also support regional franchise marketing initiatives and works closely with the PizzaExpress UK team to ensure brand alignment and consistency.
Commenting on the appointment, Abong said, “Hospitality today is about innovation that feels local and customer-first. My focus is on evolving the PizzaExpress brand in the UAE through meaningful storytelling, strong partnerships, and experiences that reflect how people dine and connect here.”
Abong brings a strong background in premium hospitality and experience-led marketing, having held roles with globally recognised brands including Palazzo Versace Dubai, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, and Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, where he was part of the pre-opening marketing team.
Prashanth Menon, PizzaExpress UAE Regional Director, said, “Michael is set to spearhead a bold new chapter for PizzaExpress UAE, driving brand evolution, deepening localisation for the UAE and MENA region, and delivering innovation‑led campaigns that will fuel the brand’s accelerated growth.”
Abong’s career also spans the travel and digital sectors through marketing roles at Seera Group and ME Digital Group.
Known for combining brand storytelling with performance-led execution, Abong has delivered measurable results across his previous roles, including contributing to digital optimisation strategies that improved customer journeys and conversion performance in the travel and hospitality sector.
He has also led and mentored marketing teams across multiple hospitality portfolios, delivering agile, insight-driven campaigns aligned with commercial objectives.
