Dubai Lynx, MENA’s premier platform for creative excellence and effectiveness, has named Chafic Haddad, Chief Creative Officer of VML MENA, as its 2025 Advertising Person of the Year. The award, one of the most prestigious at Dubai Lynx, recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact on the region’s advertising industry over the past year.

Haddad will receive the honor at the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony on April 9 at the Emirates Golf Club.

Chafic’s impact on the advertising industry in MENA has been nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to drive creative innovation and effectiveness has not only elevated brands but also set new benchmarks for the industry.

Philip Thomas

Chairman of Dubai Lynx

With more than two decades in the industry, Haddad is among the most awarded creatives in MENA. Since stepping into the role of Chief Creative Officer at VML MENA in January 2024, he has been responsible for shaping the agency’s creative direction. Before that, he led Wunderman Thompson MENA’s creative output, collaborating with global brands.

Haddad’s tenure at JWT Dubai (beginning in 2004) transformed the office into one of the region’s most awarded agencies for six consecutive years, accumulating over 300 trophies from Cannes Lions, Clio, D&AD, Dubai Lynx, Effies, LIA, NYF, and One Show. In 2010, he spearheaded JWT Riyadh’s transformation, ultimately positioning JWT and VML KSA as Saudi Arabia’s top-awarded agency. His leadership was instrumental in Saudi Arabia’s first-ever Cannes Lions Grand Prix win in 2023.

It’s truly an honour to be named Advertising Person of the Year. It’s a reflection of the brilliant people I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years; the clients, colleagues, partners who have all contributed to this journey, and all those who’ve supported me along the way. Finally, thank you to the industry for this recognition. There’s still so much left to do, so many new stories to tell.

Chafic Haddad

Chief Creative Officer, VML MENA

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