Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity has announced Dani Richa, chairman and CEO of BBDO Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, as this year’s Advertising Person of the Year.

One of the most important awards presented at the Festival, the Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year is selected by the organisers and honours an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the reputation and profile of the communications industry in the MENA region.

“Under Dani’s leadership, BBDO Middle East has thrived and the international recognition it has received over the years is very much deserved,” said Terry Savage, chairman of Dubai Lynx.

“He is a highly respected member of the international advertising community and this award pays tribute to the work he has done to shape the region’s creative industries and we are extremely proud to honour him.”

In his 30 years with the group, Richa also served as the president and regional chief creative officer of Impact BBDO, transforming the agency into a strong regional leader with an extensive footprint stretching from Algeria to Pakistan.

In 2015, he was also given the extended responsibility of the African continent.

In addition to being a member of the BBDO Worldwide board, Richa also serves as chairman of the board of Omnicom Media Group MENA, BBDO’s parent holding company.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Richa. “For me, this recognition is also a testament to the hundreds of talented people I am fortunate to work with at BBDO MEA and Pakistan.

“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity in return, as being instrumental in propelling the region’s work to well-deserved recognition on the global stage.”

The presentation of the Dubai Lynx Advertising Person 2018 award will take place during the Dubai Lynx awards ceremony at the Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai on Wednesday 14 March.