Burson, the global communications agency focused on building and protecting reputation, has announced two senior leadership appointments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With immediate effect, Sana Ali Khan has been named Chief Client Officer – MENA, while Claire Lawson has been appointed Head of Burson Dubai.
The appointments form part of Burson’s continued investment in leadership talent to support growing client needs across the region.
“Sana and Claire are outstanding additions to our team,” said Fouad Bou Mansour, CEO – MENAT, Burson. “Sana is a strategic communications leader with a proven track record in driving brand reputation for Fortune 100 companies. Claire combines deep regional knowledge with a strong history of driving innovation, developing talent and unlocking growth. I am excited for the impact both Sana and Claire will make on our clients and our people in the region.”
Khan joins Burson from Amazon, where she served as Policy and Crisis Communications Lead for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, overseeing corporate reputation management across six countries. Prior to that, she was with Impact Porter Novelli in the Middle East, advising clients across sectors including technology, consumer goods and retail.
“I’m eager to step into this role at a time of profound change for our industry and our clients,” said Khan. “In a region defined by rapid transformation, organisations are seeking partners who deliver sharp counsel, measurable impact, and AI-enabled speed. Burson has the vision and capabilities to meet this moment. I look forward to working with our talented teams to deepen client partnerships and ensure that an exceptional client experience remains at the centre of our work.”
Lawson brings over 15 years of agency experience across the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Her career includes stints at Impact Porter Novelli, Edelman Middle East, APCO Worldwide in Dubai, and Text100 in London. She has advised clients across sectors such as mobility, transport, retail and professional services.
“It’s a privilege to take on this role as we continue shaping Burson’s next chapter in the region,” said Lawson. “The reputation landscape is evolving at rapid pace and Dubai sits at the heart of that change. We have an incredible team and outstanding clients, and I look forward to driving the next phase of growth and impact in the market by raising the bar on our creative and strategic work and empowering our people to excel.”
The announcement further highlights WPP’s continued momentum in advisory services and follows a series of major global client wins and expanded mandates, including Mastercard, Reckitt and Heineken. WPP’s proprietary AI-enabled marketing platform, WPP Open, played a key role in securing several of these engagements.
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