Momentum ME Appoints David Paysant as Chief Growth & Commercial Officer

Why It Matters

The appointment equips Momentum ME with proven growth leadership, accelerating its shift to a full‑service agency and strengthening its appeal to multinational brands in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Paysant grew OgilvyAction from 4 to 50 staff
• Led Publicis Middle East digital revamp, secured Cathay Pacific
• Doubled Hello Health revenue, serving 40M monthly users
• Momentum ME partners with Mars, Uber, Pepsi, Unilever
• New role aims to expand full‑service capabilities regionally

Pulse Analysis

The Middle East advertising market is at a crossroads, with brands demanding integrated, data‑driven solutions that blend traditional activation with sophisticated digital measurement. Agencies that remain siloed risk losing spend to in‑house teams or global networks that can offer end‑to‑end services. Momentum ME, known for its strong BTL and FMCG expertise, is positioning itself to meet this demand by expanding its service suite, a move that aligns with broader regional trends toward full‑service capabilities and ROI‑focused campaigns.

David Paysant’s résumé reads like a blueprint for rapid agency growth. In Hong Kong he scaled OgilvyAction from a boutique four‑person shop to a 50‑person operation, securing marquee accounts and industry awards. At Publicis Middle East he restructured digital offerings, culminating in the high‑profile Cathay Pacific win, while his stint at Hello Health in Vietnam saw revenue double and a user base swell to 40 million monthly. These achievements demonstrate his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, drive digital transformation, and translate strategic vision into measurable business outcomes—skills directly transferable to Momentum’s ambitions.

For Momentum ME, Paysant’s arrival signals a strategic pivot. By leveraging his expertise, the agency can accelerate entry into new verticals, refine its commercial proposition, and deepen relationships with global brands such as Mars, Uber, PepsiCo and Unilever. This leadership change is likely to attract additional multinational spend, enhance the agency’s competitive positioning, and contribute to a broader shift in the region toward integrated, performance‑based marketing solutions. Stakeholders should watch for expanded service offerings, increased client wins, and a potential ripple effect as other regional agencies respond to the heightened competition.