Investment holding conglomerate, CTF Services, has promoted Gladys Lam to Senior Manager, Group Corporate Communications. In her new role, she serves as a key partner to the Group’s executive leadership on strategic communications and oversees corporate affairs spanning corporate narrative development, issues and crisis management, media relations, event management, and stakeholder engagement.

Gladys brings two decades of communications experience. Based in Hong Kong, her career spans roles at Hang Lung Properties, Link REIT, and non-profit organisations in the city.

APCO has made strategic leadership appointments in its Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operations. Mamoon Sbeih, who served as Regional President since the firm’s expansion in the region two decades ago, transitioned to a global role as Chief International Business Development Officer and as Chairman, MENA. The firm also advanced Samer El Hachem to President of MENA, and Faten AlMasri was appointed Deputy President of MENA.

In his new role, Mamoon leverages the firm's integrated global team to develop solutions that help its clients navigate MENA’s expanding global corridors. His focus will be on cross-border advisory services, international partnerships and strategic initiatives that capitalise on the region’s position as a bridge between East and West.

“The transformation we are witnessing across MENA represents one of the most significant geopolitical and economic shifts of our time,” said Mamoon. “APCO has been privileged to support this evolution over nearly two decades, building deep relationships and expertise across the region. As our clients’ needs have evolved from regional market access to global corridor navigation, APCO must evolve as well to fully support clients’ needs.”

Samer focuses on operational excellence and the continued expansion of APCO’s position in advisory and advocacy services across the region. Under his leadership, the regional team will continue to deepen capabilities in key growth areas, including strategy consulting, digital transformation services and government / public sector advisory.

“The opportunity before us is unprecedented,” said Samer. “As MENA countries project power through cultural initiatives, infrastructure investments and diplomatic engagement, our clients need advisory partners who understand both the regional nuances and global implications. Our regional team of 200+ professionals from 26 countries is uniquely positioned to deliver this expertise.”

“The Middle East is undergoing a profound transformation - one that is redefining how organisations connect, invest and grow across borders,” said Faten. “As clients increasingly seek innovative approaches to navigate complex markets, they need partners who can anticipate change and deliver impact at scale. At APCO, our deep local roots, multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to innovation make us the perfect partners to help clients seize the extraordinary opportunities emerging across the region.”

“As global power dynamics shift and traditional leaders adopt more nationalist postures, MENA has emerged as a critical connector internationally,” said APCO Founder and Executive Chairman, Margery Kraus. “This leadership team ensures we will continue delivering the regional excellence our clients expect while expanding our ability to serve their growing global connectivity needs.”

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) has announced a new leadership team from throughout the region. Qatar’s Justin Kerr Stevens has been appointed Chair, succeeding Kate Midttun, alongside Neda Shelton and Monther Tayeb, who have been appointed as Vice Chairs.

In addition, two appointments have been made to the MEPRA Executive Board, with Rishi Talwalker, Head of Communications at Havas Red, and Ghaleb Zeidan, Regional Managing Director UAE, Culture, L&D, and Partnership at Weber Shandwick, joining the board.

With nearly three decades of experience spanning government, consultancy and agency leadership, Justin brings a cross-market perspective shaped by senior advisory roles across Australia, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Central Asia. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Northbourne Advisory, a Doha-based strategic advisory firm, and previously served as CEO of BLJ Worldwide, and Partner and Middle East General Manager at Portland Communications.

Commenting on his appointment, Justin said, “As MEPRA marks 25 years, it is worth recognising the role professional bodies play in shaping not just an industry, but the people within it. Throughout my own career, organisations like MEPRA have provided perspective, standards and a sense of belonging, from the earliest career stages through to senior leadership."

"I am honoured to take on the leadership of MEPRA, and looking ahead, my priority is that MEPRA continues to be a place where experience is respected, new voices are encouraged, and practitioners at every point in their career feel connected to the profession. Remaining relevant to senior leaders while being meaningful to those just starting out is our core responsibility, and central to MEPRA’s purpose as it enters its next chapter.”

Outgoing Chair, Kate Midttun, said, “It has been a privilege to serve MEPRA during a period of change for the industry. The incoming leadership team brings a strong mix of experience, energy and perspective. I am confident they will continue to strengthen MEPRA’s role as a trusted voice for the profession.”

Justin is the first Chair appointed from outside the UAE, and Monther Tayeb becomes the first Vice Chair appointed from Saudi Arabia.