NASDAQ-listed global marketing and communications group Stagwell has appointed Sunil John as its Senior Advisor to head the group’s forthcoming MENA office, spearhead growth, and enhance collaboration among local agencies and partners.
John’s mandate at Stagwell will also encompass developing new client solutions and utilising his extensive regional network to support brands aiming for both regional expansion and global reach.
Stagwell’s footprint across MENA includes its global creative collective Forsman and Bodenfors, omnichannel media agency Assembly (which recently acquired global e-commerce agency Brand New Galaxy), strategic growth advisory firm Phronesis Group, as well as, Consulum, a leading government advisory firm specialising in strategic communications, public policy and leadership support in the MENA region, which Stagwell is in the final stages of acquiring.
With offices across Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh, Stagwell serves clients in a range of industries across the MENA region, including in the finance, tech, retail, automotive, real estate, and crypto sectors.
Commenting on the appointment and opportunities for marketers in the MENA market, Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO, Stagwell, said, “Marketers who miss out on the MENA region will miss out on one of the biggest consumer growth stories of our decade. As we focus on becoming more competitive internationally, Sunil John’s unparalleled experience in MENA and his leadership are what Stagwell needs to deepen our presence and help our clients succeed in this crucial market.”
John was named the Best PR Professional in the Middle East by PRWeek in 2023 and 2020, and brings more than three decades of regional experience to Stagwell.
Having founded ASDA’A BCW, a leading PR consultancy in the region, John has been instrumental in shaping the public relations landscape in the Arab world. During his time at ASDA’A he launched Proof Communications, a specialist digital and design firm, OnePoint5, an ESG advisory and led the annual Arab Youth Survey, a well-recognised thought leadership platform capturing the hopes and aspirations of the 200 million Arab youth.
Additionally, as an Advisory Board Member of the Dubai International Chamber since July 2021, John has been influential in reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global trade hub.
“I am excited to join Stagwell and contribute to its unique technology-driven offering in the marketing services landscape,” said Sunil John, Senior Advisor, Stagwell MENA.
“The opportunity to integrate my experience, my love of research and insights, and my focus on digital transformation and technology with Stagwell’s innovative approach will bring value to a region that is one of the fastest growing in the world. As a challenger network, I believe Stagwell will be the company that creates significant impact for our clients in the MENA region,” John added.
The MENA region remains a key growth market for Stagwell, the company shared in statement, adding that it will continue to pursue its goal of doubling revenue at the Company beyond North America by 2025.
In 2024 to date, Stagwell has acquired a number of firms, including Team Epiphany (U.S.), Sidekick (U.K.), What’s Next Partners (France), PROS (Brazil), Business Traveller (Global), and BERA (U.S.).
