Thompson (pictured) was previously based in Human8’s Indonesia office but relocated to Dubai in early 2023.

Before joining Human8 in 2015, Thompson had built a network in Mena for Synovate, where he was chief executive officer for central and eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The expansion to Dubai means Human8 now has bases in 24 locations across the world with more than 900 staff.

Magali Geens, managing director Europe, Middle East and Africa at Human8, said: “We feel Mena is becoming an increasingly important region for our global clients, not in the least for our fast-growing client base in beauty and luxury.

“Having a local presence in this expanding region enables us to serve our global clients in more markets around the world. At the same time, it opens interesting new opportunities among important local players.”

Thompson added: “It’s a pleasure and privilege to be back in the MENA region after 10 years, as it’s such an exciting region for businesses to explore.

“With one of the youngest populations in the world, this melting pot of cultures and ethnicities creates a rapidly changing and evolving society.”