The 100 NRIs – 2026: Sunil John, Senior Advisor (MENA), Stagwell
Sunil John
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This article forms part of The 100 NRIs, a special edition by Entrepreneur Middle East spotlighting the most influential non-resident Indians shaping business, innovation, and investment across the region.
Sunil John is a highly esteemed figure in the Middle East’s public relations industry, with nearly three decades of pioneering experience. He is currently serving as Senior Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Stagwell, a dynamic challenger network recognised for its innovative, digital-first, and transformation-focused marketing services. In this capacity, John leads Stagwell’s regional operations, concentrating on driving sustainable growth, executing strategic acquisitions, and fostering strong collaboration among local agencies and partners.
A trailblazer in the industry, he founded ASDA’A in 2000, establishing it as the benchmark PR consultancy across the Arab world. His visionary leadership propelled the company’s rapid growth and industry influence. In 2008, WPP Group acquired a controlling stake in ASDA’A, with John maintaining a significant shareholding. The full acquisition was completed in May 2023, after which John transitioned from the company in December of the same year.
Since joining Stagwell, John has demonstrated his characteristic strategic insight and energy. He was responsible for introducing Forsman & Bodenfors, a globally renowned creative advertising agency, into the MENA markets, securing key clients across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Additionally, he has overseen remarkable growth at Assembly Global, Stagwell’s omni-channel media agency, which achieved nearly 50 percent revenue increases in both 2023 and 2024.
Throughout his illustrious career, John has received numerous accolades recognising his industry contributions. These include the SABRE Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement (2014), the PRWeek Global Award for Best PR Professional in the Middle East (2020, 2023), the MEPRA Fellowship Award (2018), and the Chairman’s Award at the Middle East PR Awards (2016). A committed thought leader, he launched the Arab Youth Survey in 2008, which remains one of the most cited sources of regional public opinion.
John’s innovative leadership and profound industry expertise continue to significantly influence the marketing and communications landscape in the MENA region.
Related: Entrepreneur Middle East Reveals “The 100 NRIs” List
This article forms part of The 100 NRIs, a special edition by Entrepreneur Middle East spotlighting the most influential non-resident Indians shaping business, innovation, and investment across the region.
Sunil John is a highly esteemed figure in the Middle East’s public relations industry, with nearly three decades of pioneering experience. He is currently serving as Senior Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at Stagwell, a dynamic challenger network recognised for its innovative, digital-first, and transformation-focused marketing services. In this capacity, John leads Stagwell’s regional operations, concentrating on driving sustainable growth, executing strategic acquisitions, and fostering strong collaboration among local agencies and partners.
A trailblazer in the industry, he founded ASDA’A in 2000, establishing it as the benchmark PR consultancy across the Arab world. His visionary leadership propelled the company’s rapid growth and industry influence. In 2008, WPP Group acquired a controlling stake in ASDA’A, with John maintaining a significant shareholding. The full acquisition was completed in May 2023, after which John transitioned from the company in December of the same year.
