Judges

Gosia Wajchert

Gosia is a senior digital marketing and ad-tech professional with over 17 years of experience across ad-tech, digital marketing transformation, investments & partnerships. Throughout her career, Gosia held roles at top media agencies like Group M in London, Omnicom, Publicis and Mediabrands in Dubai, where she spearheaded digital investments and partnerships, and focused on performance and addressable media solutions inclusive of e-commerce.

Recognized for her ability to craft effective media strategies and drive digital transformation, Gosia has a track record of success across diverse verticals, including Travel, Telecommunications, Consumer Packaged Goods, and Retail.

Currently, as Managing Director of Criteo in the Middle East and Africa, Gosia focuses on growing commerce and retail media solutions in the region. Leveraging Criteo's status as the leading commerce media platform in the open internet, she champions retail media and commerce, working to drive growth and innovation. Gosia holds an Executive MBA from the London Business School and is an active member of the IAB MENA, underscoring her commitment to advancing the digital marketing landscape in the region.

Bashar Al Mouse

Experienced Global E-commerce Director with a demonstrated history at industry titans like Nestlé Nespresso and Oracle, currently shaping the digital commerce landscape at Fine Company. My journey since 2007 has spanned digital and advertising agencies to senior e-commerce roles, where I have honed my expertise and passion. I am dedicated to developing regional and local e-commerce talent, establishing partnerships with global accounts, and embedding robust e-commerce principles. Collaborating closely with marketing teams, I drive joint shopper marketing programs on consumer platforms.

A leader in data-driven performance marketing, I optimize content, media mix, and search strategies to drive demand both on and off-platform. My approach guarantees ROI and leverages full-funnel data insights to make informed, impactful decisions.

Tony Bourached

Tony is a hands-on leader and chief executive officer, with expertise in leading organisations that specializes in delivering marketing solutions to unlock growth.

As a digital native, Tony has spent much of his career supporting brands through their overall digital transformation, especially across media and communications & increasingly through data solutions.

Tony’s background has a creative skew, however and since 2008 his career focus is to deliver success stories for clients across MENA, currently he is part of ArabyAds management team where he is focusing on achieving new milestones to transform consumer experiences across the region.

Lina Gallagher

With over two decades of experience building and scaling digital businesses for global brands, I am the Founder and Managing Director of Emerce Consulting, a boutique eCommerce consultancy helping brands launch, optimise, and grow successful omnichannel businesses across the Middle East and beyond.

I also lead several complementary ventures that reflect my commitment to innovation in digital commerce:

• Enkindle Digital – Co-founder of a paid media agency specialising in performance marketing and full-funnel digital strategy.
• Ecomm Wave – an eCommerce training academy equipping founders and marketers with hands-on skills in paid media, strategy, and growth.
• Drink Dry – Executive Director and early-stage investor in the MENA region’s first premium non-alcoholic drinks marketplace.
• Commerce Talks GCC – Host of a regional podcast spotlighting the people, platforms, and trends transforming the future of retail in the Gulf.
• Winning in the Platform Economy – Co-author of a book that explores how brands can thrive in today’s marketplace-dominated landscape.

Sachinn Laala

Sachinn is an entrepreneurial accomplished leader and multi channel problem solver with over 10 years specialised experience and cross functional commerce leadership. He has extensive experience partnering with major multinational clients across several sectors, product categories and channels. Originally a banker from India but based in the MENA region for the past 20 years, Sachinn has worked with world renowned agencies and led the FMCG clients at Fortune Promoseven & Saatchi & Saatchi, partnering with clients such as Proctor & Gamble, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, EMMAR and Arla Foods. Sachinn is a results orientated marketer and has driven countless strategic holistic marketing programs to build brands, penetrate new markets and increase profitability in both off & online retail channels. In 2016 Sachinn founded Liquid along with Colman Sheil and in the past 9 years has overseen explosive growth and was acquired by Havas in 2024 .

Dr. Helen Wright

Dr Helen Wright is a highly respected international education advisor and leadership coach whose career spans over three decades and encompasses headship roles in the UK and Australia, global consultancy, and strategic influence across multiple continents. With a distinguished background in school leadership - including 13 years as Head of three top independent schools in the UK and Australia - she has served in senior governance positions such as Vice-Chair of the UK Independent Schools Council and President of the Girls' Schools Association. University of Oxford-educated, with a doctorate from the University of Exeter in educational leadership, Dr Wright brings to her work deep intellectual insight, clarity of vision, and a passion for impactful educational transformation. Since 2014, she has cultivated a wide-reaching portfolio career, supporting schools, boards, and leaders internationally to think boldly and act with purpose. Through her consultancy, Global Thought Leadership Ltd, and her associate role with LSC Education, she collaborates with educational institutions from the UK to China, India to the Netherlands, and significantly across the Gulf region.

Dr Wright's involvement in education in the UAE and the wider Middle East is substantial. A regular chair and speaker at the GESS Education Awards and GESS Saudi Arabia, she champions values-led leadership, inclusive education, and global competence. Her advisory work with innovative organisations, such as Light Up Learning, in Scotland, reflects her commitment to widening educational access and mentoring young people to achieve their full potential. She coaches senior executives, serves on several international education boards, and contributes regularly to publications and events that shape the future of global education. As a published author and frequent keynote speaker, she is known for her authentic, strategic, and future-focused voice - one that consistently uplifts others while demanding high standards of integrity, courage, and vision. As a judge, she brings deep professional insight, cultural sensitivity, and a keen eye for excellence and innovation.

Leisa Grace Wilson

With her extensive experience spanning over two decades, Leisa Grace is a trailblazer and thought leader in the educational landscape of the Middle East. She has held various roles, from being an inspiring teacher to a Head of Department, a trusted Education Advisor, and a transformative School Leader. Her journey has seen her contribute to the education sectors in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East. 

Her passion for education transcends the boundaries of the classroom and the school. As an accomplished speaker and writer, Leisa disseminates her innovative ideas and educational philosophies to a wide audience, inspiring educators and policymakers alike. Her insights have shaped discussions around teaching and learning and school leadership, reflecting her deep understanding of the unique dynamics and cultural nuances of education in the Middle East. 

Leisa is the visionary behind the 'Teach Middle East Podcast,' a platform that encapsulates her commitment to fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and spotlighting success stories in the region. She is also the founder of the 'Education Roundup Middle East,' a weekly newsletter that serves as an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and stakeholders. The newsletter curates the latest news, trends, and insights pertinent to the Middle Eastern education scenario.

With her relentless dedication and drive to elevate education in the Middle East, Leisa Grace continues to shape the future of learning, affirming her position as a leading light in the field.

Louise Dawson

Louise Dawson is a business owner based in the UAE, making waves in education and school development. With a wealth of experience across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Louise leads a consultancy that empowers schools with leadership strategies, as well as a child skills training center that sets young minds back on track. Passionate about neuro-affirming, social models of education, she transforms schools across the Middle East. As an educator, trainer, and advocate for inclusion, Louise works with top organizations like Government, TES, IOE UCL and nasen to champion diversity, while inspiring schools, families, and communities to build a more inclusive future for all children.

Nalini Cook

Passionate about the power of education and the impact it has on the world, Nalini is UAE Lead for WomenEd and has worked with international schools and educators around the world for almost 15 years notably with ISC Research and now at BSME, British Schools in the  Middle East.

Dedicated to levelling the playing field for women in education, Nalini hosts regular Middle East networking events for women in education to meet, share expertise and support their pursuit of education leadership. With a strong commitment to helping others succeed, Nalini is a valuable resource for anyone looking to advance their network, career or operations in the region.

Russell Cailey

Russell Cailey is an award-winning education strategist best known for his work with the world's first nomadic high school, and helping steer its place-based curriculum to the 2023 PIEoneer Award for "Best Progressive Global Curriculum Delivery." Named a Top 100 Global Visionary in Education, he couples deep field experience with sharp futures thinking to design learning models that marry real-world immersion with academic rigor. His thought leadership has featured on TEDx ("Beyond Classrooms"), CNN Brazil, UNESCO briefs, and stages such as the World Education Summit, GESS, EdCrunch, and the Dubai Future Forum.

As CEO and founder of Dubai-based Elham Studio, Russell now advises governments, school groups, and NGOs on curriculum innovation, AI-powered assessment, and educator upskilling. His portfolio ranges from reef-conservation projects with Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to the Dalton School in Hong Kong and multiple education groups across Dubai. Co-founder of Japan's invitation-only Hakuba Forum and a recipient of recognition from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, he is sought after for his ability to blend visionary thinking with pragmatic execution, helping systems worldwide reimagine K-12 learning for a rapidly changing future.

Sahreen Siddiqui

With decades of leadership in education, including her tenure as Director of WEMBLEY MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST and Executive Headteacher of East Lane Primary School in London, Sahreen brings a tireless commitment to improving children's lives through education.

A Lead Ofsted Inspector with a track record of rapid school transformation, Sahreen is known for her work championing curriculum enrichment and forging partnerships that drive inclusive progress for all students. She holds an MBA, is a qualified Executive Coach, and is especially passionate about supporting women in leadership and embedding diversity into every layer of school life. Experience that makes her a valuable addition to our awards judging panel.

Maher Ghazal

An award-winning business leader with over 20 years of experience in management, integrated marketing, media, content, and digital transformation in the MENA region. Maher was the General Manager of OMD UAE, where he was tasked with setting up the Content and Activation integrated services unit in 2018. In 2019, he played a pivotal role in establishing PiWheel in the Middle East and India, driving its expansion across markets and shaping it into a leading e-commerce intelligence platform. His expertise in growth strategy and innovation continues to propel PiWheel’s success in the region.

Charlotte Davis

Charlotte Davis is VP of Retail Media, leading the retail media network of Majid Al Futtaim - Precision Media. Having spent +10 years in the retail media industry supporting advertisers to navigate the retail media landscape and leading retail media networks such as Co-op and Asda in the UK, Charlotte moved to Dubai to join the Majid Al Futtaim team. Precision Media now delivers a full omni-channel retail media network, creating a 360 offering across the Middle East to support advertisers reach their customers with the scale of MAF and the precision of leading retail media solutions.

Salma Sedki

Salma is a seasoned senior manager with a wealth of experience in MNC and regional company environments. She has gained her expertise building brands through the line, landing best in class brand activations, and spearheading strategic customer excellence. Throughout her experience, she has worked on over 10 brands, totalling over $500 million in sales, in a geographic scope of over 11 markets. Salma’s experience covers strategic planning, customer excellence, e-commerce first mover leadership, key customer negotiations, trade & shopper marketing, digital marketing, media planning (upper & lower funnel), brand equity & development, and brand building. In addition, she has managed talent across different levels of seniority and scope of responsibilities. As Head of eCommerce, New Channels and Insights – Middle East at Bayer, she heads up the expansion of the Consumer Health business in eCommerce and all new channels beyond the pharmacy across the Middle East and drives growth through heading the Consumer & Shopper Insights for their brands.

Tarek Karzon

MarTech Manager Versuni

Tarek Karzon brings over 20 years of expertise in digital marketing, eCommerce, and converged media, with a proven ability to develop innovative strategies that accelerate digital transformation. Currently serving as MarTech Manager at Versuni Middle East, he has implemented AI integration and advanced omnichannel initiatives across the GCC and broader Middle East markets, enhancing brand engagement and customer experience. His extensive experience spans managing multi-million dollar campaigns for leading brands across diverse sectors including retail, automotives, hospitality, telecoms, f&b and real estate. Tarek combines his programming – technical foundation with strategic insight, specializing in digital media, attribution modeling, search strategy, and data-driven marketing. Tarek’s passion lies in leveraging emerging technologies—particularly AI and Martech solutions—to shape the future of eCommerce, providing forward-thinking insights and actionable strategies to inspire industry innovation.

Oliver White

Oliver is a seasoned eCommerce leader with 20 years’ experience architecting, transforming, and scaling enterprise eCommerce ventures across diverse sectors, including e-grocery, fashion, beauty, and home. Oliver co-founded and successfully exited a profitable eCommerce business, led digital transformations for prominent UK high-street retailers, and pioneered eCommerce initiatives in the Middle East. Notably, launching ecommerce for one of the region’s largest grocery retailers; heading the online growth of global brands such as Pottery Barn and Mothercare with Alshaya; and leading Sephora's regional eCommerce expansion. His expertise lies in blending a fluency in technology and data with an anthropological appreciation of consumer behavior and a deep understanding of marketing, merchandising, fulfillment, and logistics - offering a comprehensive command of modern retail

Roman Klein

Roman is an MBA Graduate with ten years of experience in CPG. In his professional career at NIQ, he started as a Business Development manager and held several leading roles from Client Business Partner to Marketing Mix Modeling lead. Roman moved to the UAE in 2022 and is currently responsible for E-Commerce for and Global Projects in the GCC region for NIQ. In his current role as an eCommerce Lead, he has a proven track record of driving business growth for the NIQ e-com product portfolio. Roman is a big believer in a client-centric model and is passionate about brands, marketing, and E-commerce.

Kareem Alsaady

Kareem leads the E-commerce and Retail segment for TikTok’s Growth Team, helping businesses across the region scale. Prior to joining TikTok, he joined Talabat in early 2020 during the initial expansion of their grocery business, eventually serving as Senior Director of Retail Media & Campaigns for MENA. Previously, Kareem built a diverse foundation across the digital landscape, working within the agency space and as an entrepreneur, experiencing challenges first-hand.
Throughout his career, Kareem has specialized in helping brands navigate the year's most pivotal seasonal moments to reach the right audience. By balancing technical strategy—spanning merchandising, UX, and media—with a practical commercial lens, he focuses on making product discovery seamless for customers while driving measurable growth for brands.

Ahmed Rady

Ahmed is part of the partnerships team at Amazon Ads across MENA and Turkey - working closely with agencies to help brands unlock the full potential of Amazon’s advertising ecosystem and deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes across the customer journey.
Prior to joining Amazon, Ahmed held senior roles at Merkle MENA where he gained deep experience in performance marketing, commerce media and agency enablement. Ahmed will bring a sharp understanding of how data, media and retail platforms come together to drive growth at scale from the perspective of a global eCommerce heavyweight.

Sulagna Kapoor

Sulagna Kapoor is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in building and scaling brand, ecommerce, and digital growth strategies at the intersection of technology, data, and consumer behavior. Her career spans leadership roles across the Media, Technology, and Fashion sectors, including Bennett & Coleman, 6D Technologies, and the Otto Group of Companies, giving her a strong foundation in platforms, products, and digital ecosystems.
A forward-thinking strategist, Sulagna is deeply passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to unlock online revenue growth. She specializes in ecommerce acceleration, retail media, and performance-led marketing, using advanced analytics, automation, and emerging tools to drive smarter investment decisions and measurable business outcomes. She thrives on collaborating across media, tech, content, and commercial teams to turn strategy into scalable execution.
What sets Sulagna apart is her constant curiosity and commitment to staying ahead of evolving ecommerce technologies, retail media innovation, and data-driven transformation. She continuously adapts strategies to changing consumer journeys and fast-moving digital marketplaces.
Since joining Omnicom Media Group as a Senior Director, Sulagna has led ecommerce and retail media innovation for a diverse portfolio of regional and global CPG brands, consistently driving online growth, marketplace performance, and technology-enabled retail media effectiveness aligned with core business objectives.

Elie Milan

With global experience across performance, commerce and product development, Elie brings a deep understanding of how data, technology and media combine to drive measurable eCommerce growth — even in the most challenging market conditions.
Since 2023, Elie has led the transformation of the performance media ecosystem across the Middle East for Publicis Media, helping brands scale smarter, faster and with greater accountability.
Across his long career at Publicis Media and Publicis Commerce, Elie has consistently delivered standout results for clients and with his blend of strategic leadership, technical innovation and hands-on performance expertise, Elie adds a powerful perspective to our judging panel, as we recognise excellence across the Middle East’s eCommerce ecosystem.