United Arab Emirates, May 2026: Publicis Media Middle East has appointed Maya Bou Ajram as Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, she will define and drive the media strategy agenda across all Publicis Media brands and markets in the region, bringing cohesive end-to-end strategic solutions to clients across the board.

Tony Wazen, CEO, Publicis Media Middle East said, “We are thrilled to welcome Maya to Publicis Media. Her depth of experience, client-first mindset, and proven ability to lead high-performing teams make her the ideal person to drive our strategy agenda forward. We look forward to the impact she will bring to our clients and our people.”

Maya brings 20 years of experience across media and brand strategy. Most recently General Manager, UAE at UM MENAT, she built a strong track record in new business, leading pitches that secured high-profile client wins. She previously served as Business Unit Director at OMD UAE, where she led the LVMH luxury portfolio, managed senior client relationships at a global level, and played a central role in the agency’s new business efforts. Her experience spans luxury, FMCG, retail and real estate, working with brands including L’Oréal, PepsiCo, Henkel, Al Shaya and Shamal.

Commenting on her appointment Maya said, “The media industry has never had more to offer clients, but capability without the right interpretation is not enough to win. The real differentiator has shifted upstream to judgment and the ability to turn complexity into clarity and clarity into commercial outcomes. At Publicis Media we have the scale, the talent, and the ambition to lead that charge, and that’s what excites me most about this chapter.”

A respected voice in the regional industry, Maya has been recognized in Communicate’s 40 Under 40 and featured in its 2025 Women to Watch series. She is known for building teams that combine rigorous thinking with creative ambition, and for holding both to a high standard.