Campaign ME names Leo Burnett Middle East Agency of the Year

The Humankind Agency earns the accolade for its achievements in 2011

Dubai, UAE, 22 January 2012: Leo Burnett Middle East was recently named the Agency of the Year by Campaign ME, in the publication’s first ever roll-out of the title. The Humankind Agency was chosen based upon a number of measurable factors that set it apart, in a year that was far from the best for the industry.

According to Campaign ME, Leo Burnett’s win comes from its “strength in depth”, with a combination of regional and international awards and the hard-earned win of three of what the magazine considers to have been the top five pitches of 2011. Additionally, the agency’s retention of several key clients and the collaborative success of Leo Burnett’s regional offices were all considerable factors in clinching the title.

“We are an agency that prides itself in being able to confidently rely on the various offices in our network; together, we deliver brand communication guided by a human purpose, through our passionate and skilled talents. This allows us to effectively service our clients all over the region and deliver culturally insightful creative work through all engagement channels, with the objective of transforming human behavior,” said Raja Trad, MENA CEO.

“Last year wasn’t an easy one for our industry, but we held our heads high and pulled through with some remarkable results. It is our pleasure to accept this recognition from Campaign ME, and we look forward to 2012 being a year bearing similar fruit for our agency.”

“In the current climate, it is important that we remain on top of our creative game,” commented Bechara Mouzannar, Chief Creative Officer, Leo Burnett MENA. “The work we have produced in the last year has all been down to the talented individuals that make up our regional teams. Their passion and dedication to excellence has earned us this honor, and I know that in the year to come we will continue to deliver above and beyond what our clients expect.”

Throughout the course of 2011, Leo Burnett’s work received recognition at several leading industry awards ceremonies. These included the Cannes Lions, the Dubai Lynx, the GEMAS Effie Awards, the MENA Cristal Festival, the John Caples Direct Awards, the New York Festivals, the Golden Drum and the Epica Awards.

Since coming to the region in 1981, Leo Burnett has left a significant impression on the Middle East’s creative world. The people that it attracts, the HumanKind philosophy that they abide by and the high standards of professionalism that they adhere to defines the agency, and is reflected in the creative work that Leo Burnett delivers.

Words from the man who started it all seem especially apt in this situation: “When you reach for the stars you may not quite get one, but you won’t come up with a handful of mud either.” Words to live by, and surely Leo Burnett himself couldn’t be more proud.

Campaign ME is the regional edition of the UK’s leading magazine for the advertising and media industry.

About Leo Burnett MENA
Since its inception in 1981 as the first multinational agency in the region, the Leo Burnett Middle East and North Africa group of companies has always been progressive in its thinking and approach.

From a single brand agency, Leo Burnett as a group has grown to encompass a comprehensive range of communications solutions, including advertising, media, public relations, digital and CRM. The group offers both specialization and holistic integration to answer the ever-changing needs of both clients and the market place.

Today, the group has offices in Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Cairo, Beirut, Casablanca and Amman. A network team of more than 370 talented employees is committed to enhancing their clients’ competitive advantage through an integrated, multidisciplinary communications approach that converts brand buyers into brand believers.