One of the Middle East’s best known creatives, Ramsey Naja, has stepped down as regional chief creative officer of Wunderman Thompson after 25 years with the company, 17 as CCO.
Naja had been leading creative for the Middle East and Africa at J. Walter Thompson since 2003 from his home base of Beirut. JWT merged with WPP sister agency Wunderman last year.
Under his creative leadership, JWT MEA rose to become one of the region’s most awarded networks and a formidable player on the global advertising scene, picking up awards at Dubai Lynx, Cannes Lions, One Show and New York Festivals among many others. In 2016 the MENA Network won Network of the Year at Dubai Lynx.
Asked about his tenure at JWT, Naja said: “I loved every minute of it. Every twist of that rollercoaster. It was an exhilarating, intoxicating ride: one day you’re walking with giants, and the next you find yourself in front of an idea that makes you feel tiny. Every day was an education. No two days were the same. But perhaps the greatest part of it were the brilliant people I had the privilege of working with – juniors, seniors, interns, clients, suppliers, competitors even – the people without whom I wouldn’t be who I am today, and to whom I will be forever grateful.”
He added: “So now, as I look forward to a new start, new projects, a new journey, I can only hope it will be as exciting and enlightening as the previous one.”
Naja has also been a regular columnist for Campaign, and promises to continue to contribute his blend of wry observation, insight and humour (flavoured with a dash of healthy cynicism) in future.
Campaign has reached out to Wunderman Thompson for comment and will update this article accordingly.