2025 MEPRA UAE Leadership Majlis: Communication Through Change

NorthStar Insights has appointed Stephen McCallion as a Senior Advisor. He joins Mohammed Al Maskati and Alex Malouf, strengthening the firm’s practice and advisory depth in Saudi Arabia.

Stephen has held some senior communications and corporate leadership roles in the energy sector. He served as Global Head of Communications at TAQA, and earlier held a senior global role as Global Head of Brand Identity at Shell. He was also Chief Operating Officer at General Electric, where he managed the Saudi Arabia market, combining operational leadership with an understanding of how international organisations build and sustain their standing in the market.

"I'm delighted to be joining the NorthStar Insights team where their client-focused, hands-on approach strongly aligns with my own ways of working," said Stephen. "Throughout my career, I've believed that sustainable business success and genuine win-win outcomes are achieved only by creating alignment between stakeholder interests, commercial ambition, and government priorities. I look forward to working with clients to help them navigate complexity, capture opportunities, and succeed in some of the world's most dynamic markets."

Arth Malani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NorthStar Insights, said, "Stephen has operated at the most senior levels of global business, and he understands the Saudi market from the inside. His experience across communications, brand, and operational leadership is rare, and it maps precisely onto what clients in the Kingdom now need. His judgement will be an asset to the organisations we advise, and we are proud to welcome him to the firm."

Stephen’s arrival is part of NorthStar’s continued investment in senior expertise across the Gulf, where the firm advises clients across banking, financial services, and investment on strategic communications, integrated risk, and stakeholder engagement. Stephen brings a combination of corporate leadership, brand strategy, and market-level operational experience to the firm's advisory work for organisations navigating complex, high-stakes environments.

The Estée Lauder Companies has appointed Madeleine Boyd as Senior Vice President, Global Brand Communications.

In her role, Madeleine will establish and lead a newly integrated global brand communications team. She will oversee the company’s enterprise communications strategy, spanning consumer-first storytelling, earned media, and creator engagement.

Most recently Global Senior Vice President, Beauty & Wellness at Together Group, Madeleine brings experience across brand strategy, communications, and consumer engagement in the beauty, luxury, and lifestyle sectors.

Prior to Together Group, she spent close to seven years at Karla Otto, where she held a series of senior leadership roles, and ultimately serving as Senior Vice President, Global Beauty & Wellness. Earlier in her career, Madeleine held roles across brand marketing, digital content, and editorial at MECCA and Vogue Australia.

Commenting on the appointment, Meridith Webster, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer at The Estée Lauder Companies, said, “Madeleine brings a powerful combination of strategic communications expertise, cultural fluency, and a deep understanding of today’s beauty consumer. As we continue to evolve how our brands engage consumers and shape conversations globally, Madeleine will lead a best-in-class Global Brand Communications organization that elevates our storytelling, strengthens collaboration across our portfolio, and helps our brands earn relevance, resonance, and long-term desirability.” 

IABC Asia Pacific is holding its 2026 Fusion conference in Brisbane from 19^th to 20^th October.

Under the theme "Lead What’s Next," the conference will explore how communications experts are positioned to lead businesses and communities through rapid change.

Early bird tickets are now available until the 31 July.

Learn more about the event and register here.