Publicis launches Digitas in the Middle East

Publicis Groupe says it has officially launched Digitas in the Middle East, with a 50-member team in Dubai led by CEO Tony Wazen. The Dubai office will service clients including GlaxoSmithKline, Renault Middle East, Emaar Hospitality Group, Lactalis Group and Bolton Group Middle East.

The data-driven marketing agency already had a presence in the region as DigitasLBI MENA, and Dubai is already listed among Digitas' global offices on its website along with Tel Aviv. But this official launch underscores Digitas' intention to significantly grow its footprint across the continent from Asia-Pacific to the Middle East.

Wazen will report to Raja Trad, chairman of Publicis Groupe MEA and Jane Lin-Baden, managing partner of Publicis Groupe Asia-Pacific, who is heading up an ambitious plan to double Digitas' presence in Asia-Pacific to 13 markets by the end of this year.  Earlier this year Digitas opened up shop in Bangkok, following its Kuala Lumpur launch in late 2018 and a relaunch in Shanghai.