The Romans MENA has continued its rapid growth trajectory since launching in the region, growing from a single hire to a 24-strong team in under two years. Over this time, the agency has also secured a number of multi-year partnerships and delivered high-profile campaigns, including work around the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Off the back of this expansion, the agency has prioritised building out a senior leadership team to support its next phase, with a particular emphasis on representation. Its leadership structure is now 75% women-led, reflecting a deliberate focus on shaping a more modern agency model in the region.
As part of this mandate, The Romans MENA has appointed Lauren Sanders as Head of Client Services, following the recent hire of its first Managing Director, Sophia Boudjemaa, with whom Sanders will work closely, alongside Head of Strategy Kassandra Panagiotopoulos.
Sanders joins from Edelman and brings close to 20 years of experience across agencies in the UK, France and the UAE. In her new role, she will be responsible for client leadership, talent development and operational delivery, with a focus on ensuring consistency as the agency continues to scale.
Challenging perceptions
Joe Lipscombe, Partner at The Romans MENA, said Sanders was "exactly what [they] need for this next phase". He continued: "She understands that great work doesn’t just come from ideas, but from how you build teams, run clients, and create the conditions for creativity and excellence to thrive. With our rapid growth comes an increased responsibility to develop an impeccable operational environment, where clients experience frictionless service day-in, day-out.”
The newly appointed Head of Client Services said she had been watching the agency's rise for some time. "There is a clear opportunity to challenge perceptions of what PR can deliver and build work that goes beyond traditional outputs. The Romans’ unapologetically bold and disruptive approach is rewriting the rulebook of what great work can and should look like. Unsurprising given their mindset is well matched to the ambition, pace, and entrepreneurialism of this region.”
Globally, The Romans employs nearly 250 people across offices in London, New York, Amsterdam, Dubai and Berlin, working across consumer, corporate and reputation, sports and social. Its UK office has also recently secured the Nespresso mandate, further strengthening its international client portfolio.