Burson has announced the appointment of Fouad Bou Mansour as its Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) CEO.
Fouad joined Burson from the Saudi Tourism Authority, where he spent two years as Vice President Creative Studio. In that role, he partnered with the marketing and brand teams on the development and implementation of the ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ brand across all touchpoints.
Fouad's portfolio also includes a seven-year tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Impact BBDO Group UAE, where he led operations for Impact BBDO, FleishmanHillard, and Impact Porter Novelli, managing a team of 115 professionals. Before becoming COO, he was Managing Director at Impact & Echo BBDO in Kuwait.
"Fouad brings a blend of deep regional knowledge, an integrated mindset, agency experience, and client-side experience and perspective,” said Jon Hughes, CEO, EMEA, Burson. “He has a proven track record in delivering great work, developing talent, driving innovation and unlocking growth. I am thrilled to see him take up this critical role in the region and confident that under his leadership, Burson will build on its legacy and reputation for being great client partners and delivering outstanding work.”
“It’s a privilege to join this talented team and an agency with such a rich heritage and strong reputation for driving results,” said Fouad. “My previous experience as a client provides a unique perspective on the opportunities ahead. We will build upon Burson’s incredible foundation by delivering the bold, integrated, and creative solutions that position our clients to lead on the local, regional, and global stage.”

Burson welcomes MENAT CEO
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“Camilla’s arrival is a statement of intent,” said Euan. “She brings an entrepreneurial edge, global perspective, and a proven ability to lead agencies through growth and transformation.”
Camilla commented, “Action has heritage, talent and momentum. My vision is to build on that foundation and ensure the agency continues to set the benchmark for integrated communications in the Middle East.”
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Additionally, the team also launched LV Partners Strategic Partners Programme. This initiative is designed to honour the contributions of its partner consultants, the talent who work closely with its Founder, Jennifer Love (pictured), to drive LOVE, as well as LV Partners’ broader divisions, CAPITAL, and LINK.
The inaugural partner joining the growing programme is Imogen Long, a consultant who has partnered with the company since 2023. The programme provides handpicked freelance consultants with financial and professional security through guaranteed billable hours, enhanced benefits that foster camaraderie while maintaining flexibility, and mutual growth opportunities aligned with LV Partners’ values and ambitions.
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Essam joined Basilinna in 2024, following more than seven years at Edelman, where he last held the role of Vice President, Issues and Crisis Management, Middle East for Edelman Global Advisory. He also brings comms experience from Burson.
Ambassador Yassir Elnaggar, Chairman of Middle East at the firm, said, “Essam exemplifies Basilinna’s insight-backed approach at the intersection of policy and communications. His leadership strengthens how we help clients navigate complexity and deliver outcomes that matter.”
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