التكنولوجيا وأخبارها بوابة مصر لأخبار تكنولوجيا المعلومات والإتصالات وفي أفريقيا كما تعتبر مصدر رئيسي للمعلومات حول تكنولوجيا المعلومات والاتصالات والفرص الاستثمارية المرتبطة بالاقتصاد الرقمي في المنطقة بالكامل
APO Group, the award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has announced the appointment of Rania El Rafai, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, as Chair of the Public Sector and Thought Leadership Jury at the Stevie® Awards for the Middle East and North Africa.
The appointment highlights APO Group’s continued role in shaping standards of excellence in communications across Africa and the MENA region.
Stevie® Awards: Recognizing Innovation and Impact
The Stevie® Awards for the Middle East and North Africa are among the world’s leading business awards programs, honoring innovation, leadership, and measurable impact across industries throughout the region.
The awards provide a globally recognized platform for organizations seeking to benchmark their achievements against rigorous international evaluation standards focused on performance, accountability, and sustainable results.
A Jury Panel Combining Regional Insight and Global Perspective
As Jury Chair, El Rafai selected a distinguished panel of senior leaders with extensive expertise in corporate communications, government relations, commercial strategy, and multinational operations.
The jury brings together deep regional knowledge and global outlook, supported by hands-on experience navigating complex business environments and culturally diverse markets. The panel includes:
- Mai Youssef, Corporate Communications and Marketing Services Director, Canon Middle East, Central and North Africa
- Sean Muir, PR Director, GITEX Portfolio, Dubai World Trade Centre
- Leila Bessati, Chief Commercial Officer, APO Group
- Mohamed El Wogeh, Group Corporate Communications Director, Mantrac Group
A Focus on Trust, Accountability, and Measurable Impact
Commenting on her appointment, El Rafai described chairing a Stevie® Awards jury as a professional honor for both herself and APO Group. She emphasized that effective communication programs must address trust, accountability, and clear impact measurement.
She noted that assembling the jury required bringing together leaders who understand the complexities of operating across diverse markets and engaging multiple stakeholders, while maintaining the highest international standards in evaluating submissions. She expressed her commitment to working closely with the panel to identify and celebrate the region’s most compelling success stories.
Over Two Decades of Award-Winning Experience
Based in Cairo, El Rafai brings more than 22 years of cross-sector and cross-market experience. She has led high-impact, award-winning communications programs for global and regional brands including Emirates Airline, Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, Marriott, Afreximbank, GITEX, MSD, and Western Union.
In 2024, she became the first Vice President appointed internally at APO Group, reflecting the organization’s confidence in her leadership. In 2025, she was named “Most Innovative Woman of the Year” at the Stevie® Awards and was also recognized among the Top 50 Women in Communications in Africa.
Strengthening APO Group’s Influence Across Africa and MENA
El Rafai’s appointment further cements her position as one of the region’s leading communications executives. It also underscores APO Group’s depth of expertise in advising high-profile clients across multiple countries and industries throughout Africa and the Middle East.
This press release was distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
Sign up for our mailing list to receive the latest news.
