Karim Yusuf, or Kaz as he’s known, is a pioneer in digital creativity in the MENA region. His career in advertising spans 16 years, includes a roster of the world’s leading brands, and senior roles in Cairo and Dubai.

Kaz helped start independent agency Digital Republic turning it into the top digital creative shop in the Middle East, eventually leading to an acquisition by Isobar. His work on Axe, the male deodorant, helped Unilever become number 1 in its market category across the region, as well as win his agency a chest of creative awards.

During his tenure as Digital Creative Director at Leo Burnett Dubai, it won Agency of the Year and Integrated Campaign of the Year at the Dubai Lynx. His work for Samsung and Du won at the Effies, Cristals & Festival of Media.

As Creative Director at Hug, he lead the creative work for Toyota and Hardee’s and won several big pitches including Homecentre, Duracell, Souq & VIDXB. During his time the agency grew exponentially becoming part of WPP and later AKQA.

At AKQA, Kaz lead a team of 18 people in Dubai including art directors, copywriters, designers, animators, photographers & editors. During the pandemic he made the switch to Hill + Knowlton as Creative Director of Sports, Entertainment & Culture. He was part of the team that launched Formula 1 in Jeddah and the mega project Riyadh Art.

Kaz is accomplished in art, copy and strategy, with a number of top honors to his name including judging at the New York Advertising Awards, Ad Stars in Korea & MENA Cristals in Lebanon.