CEO at Wunderman Thompson MENA
Nassib Boueri has been CEO of Wunderman Thompson MENA since March 2020, following the integration of Wunderman and JWT in the region. Overseeing a team of multi-disciplined experts across ten markets, from creatives, data scientists, and technologists to team leads, Boueri works to inspire growth across all clients and partners in MENA.
Work for clients has been regularly recognized at top-tier award shows for their strategic innovation and groundbreaking best practices that deliver measurable growth for clients and their brands.
Boueri was formerly CEO of Wunderman MENA where, since 2003, he achieved success in developing and growing relationships with international, regional, and local clients in the market.
Skilled in all aspects of cross-functional marketing and communications for fully integrated solutions, he also believes in the importance of giving back to the industry. He has served on the board of the UAE Chapter of the IAA since 2006, part of the initial group that launched the Young Arab Leaders (YAL) as well as the GBF Africa mentorship program by the Dubai Chamber.
How would you define leadership today?
Like it has always been – by example. Do not ask of others what you wouldn’t ask of yourself.
What’s the most important decision you have taken as a leader?
People first and all the rest will follow.
What’s the one decision you wish you hadn’t made as a leader?
Some of those decisions can’t be divulged, some I regret and some I learned from.
In your opinion, who’s the most powerful leader globally today?
Anyone who can affect people across the globe. I think it’s not about powerful leaders as much as it is about who has more access to data, innovation, technology, and information that makes them powerful.
Who’s your role model?
My father, for the values he has instilled in me.
What’s the most important quality that every leader should possess?
Empathy, genuineness, and the ability to listen and learn.
What’s the one mistake that leaders most commonly make?
The perpetuity of the position or role.
What’s the most critical threat that every leader in our industry should pay attention to today?
The rapid evolution of the industry and its impact on talent.
What’s the most important risk you took?
Many over the years – [it’s] the only way to grow.
What resources would you recommend to someone looking to become a better leader?
Always have a role model, a mentor, and someone who can inspire you to be a better person. More importantly, someone who can inspire you on what not to become.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow as a leader?
I keep learning every day and share as much of my experience as I can.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with good and smart people.
What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever given?
Stay true and be resilient.
You can see the full ranking and methodology here.
