Tribute to Richa

Raja Trad CEO – Publicis Communications MEA

I first met Dani in 1986 when he joined Leo Burnett at the beginning of his illustrious career. In the all-too-short time he spent with us, his flair and passion shone through, and it was obvious he would grow to become a leader in the business. Indeed, in his 25 years’ career in communications – in various leadership positions - he has contributed significantly to raising the bar, to the height where our industry can today claim parity with the highest standards set by communications hubs around the world. As his friend and colleague, I’m delighted that this well-deserved honour has been bestowed upon him. But I am not surprised. May his character, talent and diligence continue to be an inspiration.

Jean Paul Burge Chairman & CEO BBDO Asia

In a business that believes their most important asset to be their people and their most important objective is great creative work, Danny walks the talk better than most. Consistently delivering to our global reputation, he is a fantastic peer and friend as well as a leader who attracts and retains the best people in the industry. Allowing Danny to both mentor and learn from the best. And he is the greatest advocate for great work that works. That is why BBDO in the Middle East consistently delivers amazing creative work that surprises, delights, engages, serves, and sells – in every corner of the region.

My warmest congratulations on this wonderful achievement.

Chris Thomas CEO, BBDO the Americas Chairman, I&S BBDO Japan

Dani is a very small man. But his size belies his stature. I first realized this when having a meal with Dani in Beirut. It was a series of constant interruptions. Clients broke off their meals to great him effusively - and then, upon my being introduced, to tell me that, “Dani shaped their careers.“The first time it happened, I thought it was being staged. But it was not. Dani started life at BBDO as a creative and a great creative leader – one who created famous, talked-about campaigns that build his client’s brands – and their careers.

But Beirut could not contain him. And like many of our great BBDO creatives, his leadership qualities went beyond that department alone.

When BBDO acquired a majority position in Impact BBDO, Dani was selected as the man who could take the network to the next level. And he has done just that: last year, BBDO was named Network of the Year in the region – a testament to Dani’s leadership.

He has built a strong team with a deep bench across the region. He has led the charge in developing iconic work for Pepsi, Emirates, J&J and Mars, to name a few. He opened an outstanding agency in Pakistan and has led the development of our Africa network. He has won business and created a strong BBDO culture across the region.

He remains small. But he is a giant in the world of advertising in the Middle East and Africa.

Chris Thomas ( height 5 ft, 5 inches ).

Min Chang, President, Asia Pacific/mea DAS Group of Companies Omnicom Group