Edelman’s Marie Claire Maalouf to Lead The One Show 2026 Fusion Pencil Jury

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A familiar name in regional and global award circuits, Marie Claire Maalouf has long pushed the creative boundaries of the MENA region onto the world stage.

Ranked the #1 Executive Creative Director in MENA and #3 globally by The Drum’s official rankings, Maalouf has built a reputation for crafting ideas that earn both trust and applause.

Her creative track record includes leading campaigns that secured MENA’s only D&AD Yellow Pencil in 2022 and multiple Cannes Lions Grand Prix wins.

As Jury President, Maalouf will oversee the judging of the Fusion Pencil—an award honoring work that breaks conventions and fuses disciplines to drive cultural and creative impact.

Currently helming Edelman’s creative network across 13 markets in EMEA, Maalouf has been instrumental in reshaping the consultancy’s creative practice. Since joining Edelman in 2023, she has led teams of strategists, creatives, and producers to deliver work that bridges brand purpose with cultural relevance.

“The One Show’s reputation is built on the integrity of its juries and judging process,” said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club. “This year’s Jury Presidents will help further this legacy of the fairest and most positive judging process.

The announcement was made as part of The One Club for Creativity’s reveal of the 2026 Jury Presidents lineup, which brings together 22 creative leaders across disciplines—from film and design to tech and sustainability.

Other Jury Presidents include Nils Leonard (Uncommon), Nadja Lossgott (AMV BBDO), Debbie Millman (SVA), André Toledo (DAVID New York), Jessica Apellaniz (Wieden+Kennedy Mexico City)  to name but a few.

Judging for The One Show 2026 begins in January, with finalists announced in May during New York’s Creative Week. The Fusion Pencil—introduced to celebrate work that challenges silos—has become one of the most forward-looking categories of the awards.

The appointment underscores Maalouf's stature as a transformative leader while it also signals a growing recognition of creative excellence emerging from the Middle East.