These appointments reflect the agency’s sharp trajectory over the last six years – marked by sustained growth, a strengthened regional footprint, and a growing portfolio of global and local brands.

In her new role as CEO, Dana Tahir will continue to lead the agency’s regional vision while deepening its commitment to creative innovation, client impact and talent development. Dana has been with the agency for over 17 years, most recently as Managing Director, where she played a central role in scaling the business and cultivating an award-winning team culture.

Rishi Talwalker has been promoted to Head of Communications, overseeing the agency’s corporate-consumer portfolio while leading strategy and growth. Razan Karim also steps into the role of Head of Communications, taking the lead on fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and wellness clients across the region.

HAVAS Red Middle East today partners with some of the world’s most influential companies, including Estée Lauder, COTY, adidas, Nakheel, Disney+ MENA, Spotify MENA, Gold Apple, Marriott International, Versace, Tom Ford, Pampers Arabia, and Dubai Holding, delivering bold, meaningful work across industries and sectors.

Based at the hub in Dubai, Talwalker drives strategic communications through the implementation of the Havas strategic framework and a creative approach combining tools across traditional and digital platforms to deliver impactful campaigns for the agency’s PR portfolio. Talwalker also collaborates with the Red Havas worldwide network on global studies and research, as well as the different Havas Village departments to drive local and regional growth for the agency’s PR arm, from lead generation and pitching to brand building and managing key client relationships. Along with Red Havas’s GM Dana Tahir and her leadership team, he plays a central role in navigating the agency through our fast-paced industry.

A well-seasoned marketing and communications executive with over 16 years of experience on both the agency and client sides, Talwalker has worked in various sectors including corporate, retail, real estate, F&B, and hospitality, in disciplines such as corporate communications, corporate responsibility, crisis management, and marketing activations. He joins Havas from APCO Worldwide where he was the practice lead on major holding companies.