Lizzie returns to the Groupe with more than two decades of marketing and communications leadership across Europe, the US and MENAT

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 13th, 2026: Publicis Groupe Middle East today announced the appointment of Lizzie Dewhurst as Chief Marketing Officer, a newly created role in which she will lead marketing and corporate communications for the Groupe across the region.

assel Kakish, Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey, said: “Lizzie spent close to a decade within the Publicis Groupe ecosystem in global roles, and we’re excited to bring that experience to this region. She understands our business, our clients and the industry, and that combination will matter as we continue to transform how we work across the Middle East. We’re excited to welcome her back to the Groupe to further accelerate our marketing and communications ambitions for the next phase of growth.”

The appointment marks her return to Publicis Groupe, where she spent close to a decade in senior global roles, most recently as Head of International Communications and PR across EMEA and APAC for Publicis Groupe global, where she was responsible for overseeing International corporate communications, media relations, executive profiles for agency and clients, crisis and reputation management.

Lizzie joins from MCN, where she served as Chief Communications Officer since 2024, launching and leading the marketing and communications function, driving impactful partnerships and value added opportunities for clients.

Lizzie Dewhurst, Chief Marketing Officer, Publicis Groupe Middle East, said: “It’s an exciting time at Publicis Groupe Middle East with its clear vision to drive transformational growth for both clients and talent. I’m delighted to return and contribute to this journey, in a region that I’ve long admired and come to call home. Bassel has an inspiring ambition, and I look forward to working alongside him and the team to accelerate growth and build on the company’s continued success.”

Lizzie is closely involved in the wider industry as a mentor with The Marketing Society, a member of the Advertising Business Group, and a regular awards juror and guest lecturer. In the new role, Lizzie will report directly to Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe ME.