Rawan Yaqub is the Head of Zenith (Publicis Media) in Saudi Arabia. With more than two decades of experience, she has built her career around helping brands navigate change through integrated media, strategic communications & business transformation. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a bachelor's degree in Communication & Media, Rawan has always been fascinated by the role communication plays in shaping people, culture, and society. What drew her to the field is the very reason she continues to love it today: it is constantly evolving, demanding equal measures of curiosity, creativity, and adaptability.
Her professional journey began as an intern at Publicis Groupe in Riyadh. Over the years, she embraced opportunities that often came without a roadmap, learning that the most rewarding growth comes from saying "yes" to challenges that stretch you beyond your comfort zone. That mindset has shaped her leadership philosophy and since then, she has worked across a diverse range of sectors including telecommunications, FMCG, healthcare, banking, fintech, aviation, government & non-profit. She has had the privilege of contributing to some of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious initiatives including Masar, the Red Sea International Film Festival, MDLBEAST, New Murabba, ROSHN, Red Sea Global and MiskFoundation.
A firm believer that learning never stops, she continues to invest in her own development and learning from the best work in our region; she served as a jury member for the MENA Effie Awards (2024 and 2025) and the MMA SMARTIES supporting the recognition of work that moves the industry forward. Known for her curiosity, resilience, and people-first leadership style. Developing future leaders—particularly young talent and women entering the industry—is a responsibility she values deeply. Outside of work, Rawan is a devoted practitioner of yoga and Pilates. She believes that advancement & resilience is built as much through balance and movement as it is through experience.
