From Omnicom to Publicis: Chris Solomi Takes the Digital Helm

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Publicis Groupe Middle East (ME) has named Chris Solomi its new Chief Digital Officer, a move that underscores the network’s determination to deepen its regional footprint in data, identity, and retail media.

The newly created role is designed to accelerate Publicis’ connected media ecosystem and marketing transformation capabilities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Solomi will lead efforts to scale the Groupe’s data-driven and person-first intelligence offering, expand its retail media operations, and extend the capabilities of Epsilon— Publicis’ global data and technology powerhouse acquired in 2019, which specializes in leveraging first-party identity to deliver precision marketing at scale.  All are key pieces in Publicis’ evolving AI and identity-led model.

A familiar name in the regional ad scene, Solomi brings more than 20 years of experience spanning agency, client, and tech supplier roles.

He spent the past decade at Omnicom Media Group as Chief Digital Officer, steering digital media, analytics, technology, and commerce operations, and also served as Acting Vice Chairman of IAB MENA, the industry body that sets standards with the aim to advance the regional digital advertising ecosystem.

Insiders describe his appointment as a logical next step for Publicis Groupe ME, as the appointment of Solomi comes on the heels of the acquisition of Chain Reaction, a Dubai-founded independent digital marketing agency with operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. 

Solomi says joining Publicis offered a “rare opportunity to bring together identity, AI, and creative intelligence” to give clients a sharper competitive edge. “Publicis Groupe Middle East’s growth over the last five years has been remarkable, with acquisitions such as Epsilon, Lotame, Mars Company, Influential, and most recently Chain Reaction uniquely positioning the Groupe to offer solutions no one else can”, he noted.

“Combined with the incredible leadership team under Bassel Kakish, joining was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. I’m most looking forward to growing the Connected Identity and AI business for our clients across the region and helping them bring together identity, AI, and creative services to gain a real advantage in their marketing.”

For Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey, Solomi’s cross-sector perspective — spanning client, agency, and platform experience — brings the kind of “connected thinking” required as the Groupe doubles down on its data and retail media ambitions.

In short, it’s surely a smart hire for the Publicis Groupe ME who seems to be rearchitecting what “digital” means for the region.