Regional Comparison: Digital Business Transformation Leadership in Australia vs. the Middle East
Local Leadership, Global Vision
Publicis Sapient’s approach to digital business transformation is rooted in a powerful regional leadership model, ensuring that global expertise is always tailored to the unique ambitions, challenges, and opportunities of each market. Nowhere is this more evident than in Australia and the Middle East, where visionary leaders Angela Robinson and Ashwaq Al Shathri are driving transformation at scale, leveraging the company’s SPEED capabilities—Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI—to deliver measurable impact across sectors.
Australia: Accelerating a Digital Nation
Australia is on a bold journey to become a world-leading digital economy by 2030. Under the leadership of Angela Robinson, Country Managing Director for Australia, Publicis Sapient is at the forefront of this transformation. Robinson brings over two decades of consultancy and digital transformation experience, guiding multidisciplinary teams from the company’s Melbourne office. Her leadership is pivotal in scaling SPEED capabilities across retail, financial services, and government, with a strong focus on AI-driven innovation.
Publicis Sapient’s impact in Australia is visible through its partnerships with leading retailers such as Endeavour Group and Wesfarmers, major banks, and federal and state government agencies. The company’s work spans digital transformation initiatives in justice, education, customer service, and human services, reimagining business models and delivering experiences that matter to both customers and citizens. By infusing AI into every aspect of its SPEED model, Publicis Sapient empowers Australian organizations to accelerate transformation, create innovative services, and deliver exceptional outcomes.
Middle East: Powering Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia
In the Middle East, Publicis Sapient’s growth is anchored by its commitment to supporting national transformation agendas, most notably Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Ashwaq Al Shathri, Country Managing Director for Saudi Arabia, leads teams from Riyadh to deliver digital business transformation across government, health, and private sectors. Her extensive experience in driving transformational work and growth is instrumental in scaling SPEED capabilities and advanced AI solutions throughout the region.
Publicis Sapient’s regional expertise is already making a difference for clients such as Omantel, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and Miral, as well as through consulting on smart city initiatives. The company’s approach aligns with Saudi Arabia’s drive to become a global leader in digital innovation, supporting the realization of Vision 2030 and the creation of new, citizen-centric experiences. Al Shathri’s leadership is central to building local talent, scaling operations, and delivering measurable value to clients and society at large.
SPEED Capabilities: A Comparative Lens
At the heart of Publicis Sapient’s regional success is its SPEED framework—a holistic approach that integrates Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI. In both Australia and the Middle East, SPEED is not just a methodology but a catalyst for innovation, growth, and resilience.
- Strategy: Local leaders work closely with clients to develop actionable, value-driven digital strategies that address region-specific challenges and opportunities. In Australia, this means supporting the nation’s digital economy ambitions; in Saudi Arabia, it’s about aligning with Vision 2030 and national transformation priorities.
- Product: Publicis Sapient helps organizations design and launch digital products that meet evolving customer needs and drive competitive advantage. Australian retailers and banks benefit from rapid product innovation, while Middle Eastern clients leverage new digital platforms for government and citizen services.
- Experience: The company’s focus on customer and citizen experience ensures that every transformation delivers meaningful, human-centered outcomes. In Australia, this translates to reimagined citizen services and personalized retail experiences; in Saudi Arabia, it means creating new digital touchpoints for government and health services.
- Engineering: With a global network of engineering talent, Publicis Sapient brings world-class technical expertise to modernize platforms, accelerate cloud adoption, and enable agile delivery. Both regions benefit from robust, scalable solutions tailored to local needs.
- Data & AI: Advanced data analytics and AI solutions are embedded across all engagements, empowering clients to harness insights, personalize experiences, and unlock new sources of value. Australia’s financial sector, for example, is leveraging AI to modernize operations and enhance customer centricity, while Middle Eastern governments are using data to drive smart city initiatives and digital health programs.
Sector-Specific Impact and Success Stories
- Australia: Publicis Sapient has enabled leading retailers and banks to modernize their digital platforms, improve customer engagement, and drive operational efficiency. Its work with government agencies has reimagined citizen services, making them more accessible, responsive, and data-driven. For example, partnerships with Endeavour Group and Wesfarmers have driven commerce platform innovation, while collaborations with government agencies have transformed service delivery in justice, education, and human services.
- Middle East: In Saudi Arabia, Publicis Sapient has supported smart city initiatives and digital transformation projects that align with national priorities. The company’s work with clients like Omantel and Diriyah Gate Development Authority demonstrates its ability to deliver future-ready solutions that support Vision 2030, from digital health to citizen engagement platforms.
Leadership Perspectives: The Power of Local Context
The success of Publicis Sapient’s regional operations is rooted in the strength of its local leadership. Angela Robinson and Ashwaq Al Shathri exemplify the company’s belief that transformation is most effective when led by those who understand the local context, culture, and market dynamics. Their leadership ensures that global best practices are adapted to regional realities, fostering innovation, talent development, and long-term client partnerships.
Looking Ahead: Commitment to Regional Growth
As Australia and the Middle East continue to pursue ambitious digital transformation agendas, Publicis Sapient stands as a committed partner—investing in local talent, scaling its SPEED capabilities, and delivering measurable impact. The company’s regional leaders are not only advancing client success but also contributing to the broader economic and societal goals of their markets.
By combining global excellence with deep local expertise, Publicis Sapient is uniquely positioned to help organizations in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and beyond navigate the complexities of digital transformation and achieve sustainable growth in the digital age.