Ali Rez

Based in Dubai

Ali Rez is the Chief Creative Officer at IMPACT BBDO Group for MENAP (Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan), widely regarded as one of the most awarded creative leaders in the region. Under his leadership, IMPACT BBDO has achieved exceptional global recognition—winning 39 Agency or Network of the Year titles in just three years, ranking among the world’s top agencies, and delivering significant business growth alongside creative excellence. His work has earned over 1,000 international accolades across major global platforms, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, and Dubai Lynx.

He began his career as an advertising instructor at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco before transitioning into the industry as an art director. From there, he steadily rose through the ranks, taking on senior creative roles across globally renowned agencies including Grey Group, Saatchi & Saatchi, FP7 McCann, and JWT, working across both freelance and full-time capacities. Over a career spanning more than two decades and four continents, he has built a body of work that blends commercial impact with culturally resonant storytelling.

Beyond his leadership roles, Rez is deeply embedded in the global creative community. He serves as an Impact Council Member at D&AD and an International Board Member at The One Club for Creativity, and has been a Jury President and juror across major global platforms including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Clios, LIA, One Show, and Spikes Asia. A multiple-time Creative Leader of the Year (Campaign Magazine) and consistently ranked among the world’s top creative leaders, he has also been invited to speak at leading institutions and forums such as Oxford University, Central Saint Martins, TEDx, and Cannes Lions, reflecting both his industry influence and thought leadership.

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