AME Welcomes Six Visionary Leaders from Around the Globe to the Advisory Board
New York Festivals AME Awards, celebrating the world’s most effective advertising and marketing for over three decades, proudly welcomes Ali Cheikhali, Creative Strategy Lead at Google MENA to the AME Awards Advisory Board.
A driving force in creative strategy, Ali blends data, creativity, and AI to transform how MENA’s top brands and agencies innovate. Named MENA Planner of the Year by B&W Report and among the Top 20 Planners Worldwide by The Drum, Ali’s impact on the industry is undeniable. His work has featured in Forbes, and he has served as a jury member for all the top tier global competitions.
Passionate about redefining creativity’s role in effectiveness, Ali ensures MENA’s voice resonates on the global stage.
“AME sets the benchmark for results-driven creativity, and MENA is redefining innovation with AI at its core. I’m proud to bring our region’s perspective to the global conversation on what effectiveness looks like next.” –Ali Cheikhali, Creative Strategy Lead, Google MENA
“Ali’s innovative approach to strategy and deep expertise in data, creativity, and AI make him an invaluable addition to the AME Advisory Board. His impact on MENA’s creative landscape is undeniable, and we’re thrilled to have his vision and leadership helping shape the future of AME.” – Gayle Seminara Mandel, VP, Executive Director, New York Festivals AME Awards
Ali joins five other recently appointed visionary executives who will serve on the AME Advisory Board, a distinguished group of industry leaders whose regional expertise and strategic insights help shape AME’s future. Together, they ensure AME remains the global benchmark for impactful, result-driven creativity.
2025 AME Advisory Board Members
* Abigail Baehr, Chief Strategy Officer, VML New York, USA
* Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, SE Asia, North Asia (Japan & South Korea)
* Ali Cheikhali, Creative Strategy Lead – Creative Works MENA, Google, United Arab Emirates
* Carolina Pinheiro, Chief Executive Officer, Inbrax, Chile
* Damon Stapleton, Chief Creative Officer, Droga5 Aotearoa, New Zealand
* Huiwen Tow, Head of Strategy, Virtue Asia, Singapore
“All of us at AME are beyond grateful that these pioneering creative and strategic leaders are joining the Advisory Board to provide ongoing support and insight,” said Gayle. “Their contributions will help ensure that AME continues to honor the most effective, culturally resonant, and results-driven work from around the world.”
As brand leaders, all the AME Advisory Board members are essential in ensuring AME remains a leader in recognizing and celebrating innovation and effectiveness on a global scale.
The results of AME’s Jury sessions are parsed in the annual AME Report, that honors and provides rankings for agencies and brands from over 30 countries.
The deadline for entering the 2025 AME Awards competition is June 15, 2025. For competition details and to please visit: HERE.
