Cicero & Bernay at 20: A Rebrand That Signals More Than a New Look

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Rebrands in the public relations and advisory world rarely happen without intent. They often mark a recalibration of vision, particularly in a region where PR consultancies face the dual challenge of expanding scale while staying culturally fluent.

For C&B, the shift — articulated under the platform “Empowered by Facts” — underlines an ambition to lean harder into evidence-based strategy, digital intelligence, and advisory work that moves beyond traditional media relations.

Founded in Dubai in 2005, C&B has grown its footprint to more than 35 markets, with clients spanning government, real estate, finance, retail, and automotive.

Over the years, the firm has been recognized for efforts such as its annual ESG Report, which has contributed to regional dialogue on governance and responsible business.

“Facts have always been central to our work, but today they give us the foresight to act as true strategic advisors,” said founder and CEO Ahmad Itani. 

“Clients increasingly want more than visibility; they want influence anchored in intelligence and long-term perspective.”

That shift reflects broader pressures in the PR industry across the Middle East, where firms such as Memac Ogilvy, W7 Worldwide and APCO Worldwide are also repositioning to meet demands for measurable impact, digital integration, and board-level advisory services. 

With marketing budgets under scrutiny, agencies are moving to prove their value through insight-driven communications rather than traditional campaign metrics.

Managing Director Tariq Al Sharabi framed the move as momentum-building: “Our role today is about combining scale with cultural fluency, speed with substance. What sets us apart is not just what we deliver, but how closely we work beside our clients.”

C&B’s intent to stay relevant in a market where communication consultancies must constantly evolve is crystal clear. In a region where narratives shift quickly, the ability to transform data into foresight — and foresight into influence — will likely filter the firms that lead the conversation.