NorthStar Insights Names New Leaders in Dubai and Riyadh

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NorthStar Insights, the research and strategy consultancy, has appointed senior leaders across its Dubai and Riyadh offices, signalling a deliberate push to deepen its footprint in two of the Gulf’s most competitive business hubs. The move reflects growing demand for data-driven marketing intelligence across the GCC region.

What positions has NorthStar Insights filled in the Gulf?

The consultancy confirmed multiple senior-level hires spanning both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, according to the original report from Campaign Middle East. While specific names and titles were not fully detailed in the source, the appointments span leadership roles designed to drive client strategy and regional growth across both markets.

Placing senior talent simultaneously in Dubai and Riyadh is a deliberate dual-market strategy, recognising that neither city alone represents the full scope of Gulf opportunity right now.

Why does this matter for the Gulf business landscape?

The GCC marketing and insights sector is expanding fast. Brands operating across the region increasingly require localised, Arabic-market expertise rather than generic global strategies, and consultancies are racing to staff up accordingly.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has accelerated demand for professional services firms with boots on the ground in Riyadh. At the same time, Dubai retains its role as the regional headquarters of choice for multinational agencies and consultancies. A firm that can credibly serve clients in both cities holds a clear competitive edge.

What does NorthStar Insights do?

NorthStar Insights positions itself as a strategic research and consultancy partner for brands and media organisations navigating the Middle East market. Its work typically spans audience research, campaign measurement and consumer behaviour analysis, services that are increasingly central to marketing investment decisions across the Gulf.

Gulf leadership expansion at a glance

A broader trend in Gulf talent investment

NorthStar Insights is far from alone. Across the marketing, media and professional services sectors, firms have been building out Gulf leadership teams at pace over the past two years. Companies that once managed the region from European or North American headquarters are now committing to permanent, senior local leadership, responding to client demands for proximity and cultural understanding.

Saudi Arabia in particular has seen a sharp uptick in international firms opening Riyadh offices or elevating existing ones to regional status. The pressure to hire locally, satisfy in-country value requirements and demonstrate genuine market commitment has made senior appointments like these both a commercial necessity and a public statement of intent.

What this signals for the insights industry

Research and strategy consultancies that can marry global methodologies with Gulf-specific market knowledge are increasingly valuable. As advertising budgets across Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to grow, the appetite for rigorous, insight-led decision-making is rising with them. Senior hires in both markets suggest NorthStar Insights is positioning to capture a larger share of that opportunity.

As competition for senior marketing and insights talent heats up across Dubai and Riyadh, which city do you think will emerge as the region’s true hub for the industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below.