Raja Trad Honoured with 'Life Achievement Award’ at the MENA Digital Awards

From left to right- Najla Mazboudi, Raja Trad, and H.E.Fouad Chehab Nabih Dandan

Raja Trad, an industry veteran and former executive chairman of Publicis Groupe Middle East, was honoured with a Life Achievement Award at the MENA Digital Awards last night. Affectionately called ‘The Gentleman’ by those who knew him, Raja is recognised as one of the pioneering figures who has greatly contributed to the development and growth of the communications industry in the region. Presented in front of a distinguished audience of peers, industry leaders and brands, the Life Achievement Award marks another crowning moment in Raja’s celebrated career. 

Najla Mazboudi, founder of MENA Digital Awards said, "Raja Trad stands out as a pioneering figure in the advertising sector of our region, earning the well-deserved moniker, the industry’s ‘Gentleman’. His distinction not only stems from his professional accomplishments but is rooted in his outstanding humility, a resolute commitment to reliability, and a consistent readiness to offer assistance to those in need. His values and contributions epitomise the spirit of the MENA Digital Awards, making us exceptionally proud to bestow this honour upon him this year.”

Raja started with Leo Burnett in 1981 and assumed various leadership roles over the next four decades, where he last served as executive chairman for Publicis Groupe ME & Turkey. He is credited for transforming the Groupe from a primarily advertising and media-led company to one that is platform-led, data-driven and technology-focused. 

On accepting this award, Raja commented, “I am truly grateful and honoured to be amongst my peers and dear friends, accepting this Life Achievement Award. This recognition is a tribute to the collective efforts of extraordinary talents, visionary leaders, and trusting clients and partners who have been instrumental in shaping this remarkable journey and the transformation of the communications industry as a whole. I remain optimistic about the future of our industry and am excited to witness the continued evolution and growth yet to come.” 

Amongst his many accolades, Raja was named Lynx Advertising Person of the Year at Dubai Lynx and was appointed to the board of the Dubai International Chamber Advisory Board and the Dubai Design and Fashion Council by the Dubai Government. He has also been knighted by the National Order of the Cedar in Lebanon. 

First established in 2014, the MENA Digital Awards is a bespoke awards show whose purpose is to promote digital innovation and media in the MENA region. It is the first awards show to honour the digital efforts of global agencies and global clients in the region. The MENA Digital Awards offers the ideal platform to recognise excellence in the use of digital technologies and media and honour the people and brands behind this progress that takes the communication industry to the future.