The world of marketing is changing faster than ever. But no matter how fast marketing communications evolves, excellent strategy remains a cornerstone of meaningful consumer engagements. 

The global 4A’s Jay Chiat Awards, in the USA, recognizes the best strategic thinking in marketing, media and advertising around the world. Where awards for creativity and effectiveness reward the output, the Jay Chiat Awards recognizes the input. Over the year, winners have demonstrated how great strategies lead to ideas that engage us, move us to action, and even change the way we see the world.

A great Jay Chiat Awards entry should capture breakthrough thinking that led to breakthrough execution: the extraordinary strategy that led to an extraordinary idea.

The MENAT region has received a rare honour and recognition. FP7 McCann MENAT’s Strategy Head, Tahaab Rais, has been appointed as the first-ever juror from the region on the jury, judging the National Strategy category.

Tahaab Rais, Regional Head of Strategy & Truth Central (MENAT) at FP7 McCann MENA

“I’ve grown up learning a lot about strategy and creativity from the work done by Jay Chiat and his counterparts. So, being invited and judging work for such a prestigious strategy awards platform, representing our agency and our region, feels pretty awesome. The fact that the Jay Chiat Awards recognizes the thinking before the thinking makes it even more special. And of course, It’s an absolute joy to represent the region sharing how we approach strategy and judge it, and at the same time, learn from super smart jurors and work from all over the world.” says Tahaab.

FP7 McCann also have the region’s second-ever shortlist at the Jay Chiat Awards, for Babyshop. The third shortlist was by FP7 McCann too for Coca-Cola’s Remove Labels.

Speaking of the appointment and the shortlist, Mollie Rosen, 4A’s Executive Vice President, said, “The Jay Chiat Awards recognize the best of strategy worldwide, so we have been delighted to see representation from the Middle East, not only in submissions but to have their voice at the table as part of the Jay Chiat jury this year. There is great strategic thinking happening across our industry regardless of geography, as evidenced by FP7 McCann Dubai’s entry, that has been shortlisted and is in the running for an award. I hope we’ll see more from them and other agencies in the region in the years to come!” 

The winners will be announced during the month of October in New York.