As the CEO of HAVAS Red Middle East, Tahir has not only transformed the landscape of public relations in the region but has recently etched her name in the history books of global creativity.
In February 2026, the industry stood still as Dana Tahir was announced as the Jury President for PR at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. This appointment is more than just a career accolade; it marks a monumental shift in the industry as Tahir becomes the first Arab woman from the MENA region to hold this prestigious global role.
Her selection reflects a growing recognition of Middle Eastern leadership on the world stage. Tahir herself noted that the role comes with a responsibility she carries with "intention and care," aiming to recognize work that shapes reputations and sets new global standards for meaningful change.
Dana Tahir’s ascent to the top has been a masterclass in long-term dedication and adaptability. With over 17 years at HAVAS, she has been a foundational pillar of the agency’s growth in the Middle East.
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From MD to CEO: After serving as Managing Director, Tahir was promoted to CEO of HAVAS Red Middle East in May 2025.
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Post-Digital Transformation: She is credited with leading the agency's successful transition into a "merged media" model, which seamlessly integrates earned media, social, experiential, and content creation.
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Diverse Portfolio: Under her leadership, the agency has managed a high-profile roster including adidas, Disney+ MENA, Spotify, and Estée Lauder.
Prior to her long tenure at HAVAS, Tahir sharpened her expertise at Leo Burnett, where she handled the complex Procter & Gamble portfolio. This background in consumer goods, combined with her strategic board membership at the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA), has made her a go-to consultant for crisis management and brand building.
Today, Tahir is focused on leveraging Converged.AI strategies to ensure the Middle East delivers its full creative potential. She remains a vocal advocate for understanding the "human" element in an AI-driven world, emphasizing that in 2026, depth and authentic narrative will always outperform simple digital "slop."
As she prepares to lead the Cannes Lions PR jury this June, Dana Tahir continues to prove that the Middle East is no longer just a consumer of global culture—it is a primary architect of it.