Panel Discussion

Mario possesses an impressive background spanning over a decade, during which he has successfully led diverse teams across Media, Creative, Design, Data, and Technology. His proven ability to deliver an omni-channel winning approach to clients highlights his invaluable expertise. Furthermore, he has demonstrated his leadership by launching and building creative, social media, UX/UI, and CRM teams, that also enrich the overall media proposition itself. Mario has enjoyed a rich work experience in the UAE, KSA, USA, and Lebanon across a diverse range of industries and brings a wealth of experience across all touchpoints. Mario is also multiple-time award winner across multiple Award Ceremonies, a 2016 Effie Awards Official Judge, and the recipient of the Publicis Star Reacher Award.

With over 15 years of experience in MENA, I’ve had the opportunity to lead digital transformation in various industries across the region. This experience has honed my skills in driving growth, strategic planning, performance marketing, data analytics, and consumer insights. I have successfully delivered significant business and people growth at Starcom KSA, winning flagship Global businesses. Beyond strategy, I am intrigued by the psychology of people, which led me to pursue life coaching certificates. This additional experience has deepened my ability to lead with empathy, resulting in transformative results within my team.

Lynn Al Khatib is Vice President of Communication at Chalhoub Group, the largest retailer and distributor of luxury brands in the Middle East and North Africa. She brings over 15 years of corporate and brand communication experience to her current role, which includes building the Group’s corporate brand and communication strategy, managing social media channels, keeping team members informed through internal communications, crisis management, as well as managing external communications and stakeholder relationships. She joined Chalhoub Group after 14 years at Nestlé.

As the former Head of Communications for Google Middle East and North Africa and Netflix. Maha successfully navigated the complexities of communicating brand stories to diverse audiences across different cultures, languages, and markets. Maha is an entrepreneur and strategic communications advisor with over 30 years of experience advising global corporate giants, high-growth tech startups, top governments, and high-net-worth individuals. She has advised high profile figures such as Gary Vaynerchuk, Deepak Chopra and more.

Specialist in digital and media partnerships with a consultative approach to problem solving. Dal’s educational background includes degrees in Economics (Bsc) and International Management (Msc) where he developed an interest in consumer behaviour and psychology and in particular in the digital world. With 12 years of digital marketing experience spanning media companies such as Yahoo, Mail Online, Spotify and Seedtag, Dal has extensive experience in the marketing space. Over the years he has helped global brands and developed relationships with household brands across 4 different continents. At Spotify, where he served as a member of the European leadership team, he was the first programmatic commercial hire launching the programmatic audio narrative and offering to European and Asian markets. At Seedtag, Dal is leading global partnerships and responsible for new market entries, working with global technology, brands and agencies to offer highly engaging solutions served in contextually relevant and brand safe environments.

Khalid Ali Alshohaib Dr. Khalid Ali Alshohaib is an Associate Professor in Advertising Communication, Jeddah College of Advertising, University of Business and Technology. Specialist and expert in public relations and communication. Former Director of the Public Relations Department in the Saudi National Guard. An academic and a researcher in media and communication affairs. Dr. Khalid works as a consultant and a faculty member in addition to being the Director of the Master’s Program at the University of Business and Technology in Jeddah since 2018. He participated in many scientific conferences since 2005.