Dubai Lynx announces its 2026 Jury Presidents

Dubai Lynx, MENA’s leading platform for creative excellence and effectiveness, has revealed the Jury Presidents who will oversee the 2026 Awards. Coming together in Dubai next March, these industry leaders will guide their Juries to benchmark excellence across the region’s very best creative and effective work.

From global CCOs and CEOs to award-winning creatives, these leaders represent the highest level of creative and strategic expertise. Their appointments underscore the growing momentum in the region’s creative economy and its ongoing transformation. The line-up includes notable industry experts such as: Judy John, Global Chief Creative Officer, Edelman presiding over Audio & Radio, Film and Print & Publishing, Marco Venturelli, Global Chief Creative Officer and CEO, Leo, serving as Jury President for Brand Experience & Activation and Creative Commerce, Yasuharu Sasaki, Global Chief Creative Officer, dentsu leading Digital Craft and Social & Creator and Chrissie Hanson, CEO, OMD, USA chairing the Media Lynx Award.

Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, commented: “Each year, the Jury Presidents play a crucial role in upholding the standard of work recognised at Dubai Lynx. This year’s line-up brings global authority and regional insight, reinforcing MENA’s role as a destination for world-class creativity. We thank them for all that they will bring to the important task ahead of them next March.”

Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards, LIONS, added: “The Jury Presidents represent outstanding creative and strategic leadership from across the global industry. Their influence and perspective will help us continue to set the benchmark for excellence in the region.”

The Dubai Lynx 2026 Jury Presidents have been named as:

Audio & Radio, Film, Print & Publishing Judy John | Global Chief Creative Officer, Edelman, Global

Brand Experience & Activation, Creative Commerce
Marco Venturelli | President and Chief Creative Officer, Leo, Chief Creative Officer, Publicis Groupe France, and CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Publicis Conseil, Global

Design, Industry Craft
Josefina Casellas | VP Executive Creative Director & General Manager SS LATAM, R/GA, SS LATAM

Digital Craft, Social & Creator
Yasuharu Sasaki | Global Chief Creative Officer, dentsu, Global

Direct, Outdoor
Joji Jacob | Regional Chief Creative Officer, Havas, South East Asia and North Asia

Entertainment
Laurence ('Lolly') Thomson | Joint Global Chief Creative Officer, M+C Saatchi Group, Global

Film Craft
Zia Mandviwalla | Director, Finch, Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia

Healthcare
Tash Beecher | Creative Director, Syneos Health, Global & EMEA

Media Chrissie Hanson | CEO, OMD, USA

PR Lerato Songelwa | Managing Director: South Africa, Burson, South Africa

Entries into Dubai Lynx are being accepted until 22 January 2026. Further information on the Awards can be found at www.dubailynx.com/awards.