NDA’s Marketing the Marketers series talks to the marketing and comms leaders behind the success of some of our industry’s leading companies Next up is Jessica Ozdemir, Head of Marketing at Omnicom Media MENA.
What exactly does your job entail?
My role is centred around storytelling, shaping the narrative for our agencies and how we show up as a network.
I oversee marketing across Omnicom Media MENA, with a focus on brand positioning and strategic storytelling to help us stand out, support growth, and show real impact. A big part of that is ensuring we tell a clear, consistent story across every touchpoint, from PR and content to events and social.
It’s also a leadership role, building strong teams, creating the right environment, and giving people the space to do their best work. No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting!
What campaign or piece of marketing/communications are you most proud of in your career and why?
It’s hard to pick just one, as it’s really been a collection of moments. In every role I’ve had, there’s been at least one standout moment.
One that stays with me is working with the team at PHD Worldwide on their annual thought leadership platform, Shift, which was later turned into a book. I was involved from early concept right through to delivery. I still remember going to the printers and watching the first copies come off the press. We went on to print over 10,000 copies.
Bringing it to the main stage at Cannes Lions was a real highlight, especially securing Mark Ritson to lead the session. Seeing something my team and I had built from the ground up play out in front of such a high-calibre, global audience was incredibly special.
It’s one of those moments that really stays with you.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career to date and why?
There are a few women who’ve had a real impact on me.
Avril Canavan, Founder of Canavan Consultancy, is a big one. She taught me so much early on, backed me when it mattered, and played a huge role in shaping who I am professionally today.
Elda Choucair has also been incredibly inspiring. She challenges me when I need it, and gives me the space to step up and run with things when it matters most. What she’s achieved so far is remarkable, and it’s a privilege to be part of her team and learn from her.
What is the biggest challenge in your sector and how is your company helping to address it?
The reality is that parts of the Middle East operate in a constant state of change and uncertainty, and that affects both people and businesses.
What makes the difference is our brilliant people – their resilience, their ability to keep showing up, stay focused, and keep moving forward.
As a company, we invest a lot in creating the right environment for our teams, making sure they feel supported, empowered, and able to do their best work. Because ultimately, everything starts and ends with them.
What is the biggest opportunity in your sector region and how is your company helping to make the most of it?
The biggest opportunity is the pace of growth and transformation happening across the MENA region. There’s a real openness to new ideas, and brands are far more willing to challenge the status quo.
At Omnicom Media MENA, we’re focused on building strong capabilities locally, so we’re not just applying global thinking, we’re shaping it in a way that actually works for this region.
How important, and why, are the following in helping your promote your own company:
- The press
Incredibly important. It’s a genuine two-way relationship – we rely on the press to help tell our story, and they rely on us for perspective, access and insight. When that balance is right, it can be really powerful.
- Events
Also hugely important, especially in this region. The Middle East is built on relationships, and nothing replaces face-to-face contact. Events create those moments of connection that you just can’t replicate elsewhere.
- Your company’s owned media
Vital. It’s where we, as marketers, have full control over our voice, how we show up, what we say, and how we tell our story. It allows us to be consistent, showcase our work, and bring the brand to life in more authentic ways.
