Jehan Abdulkarim, a Bahraini national and Accenture’s Marketing and Communications Director, has become the first Gulf national to be named to the prestigious Holmes Report Innovator 25 list. The recognition highlights her bold contributions to marketing, technology, and gender advocacy across the region.
“The region’s talents are making their mark globally”
Honoring Innovation in Marketing and Communications
Since launching in 2013, the Holmes Report’s Innovator 25 has spotlighted trailblazers who push the boundaries of communications and brand marketing. The award honors professionals who take calculated risks to drive impactful change—and Abdulkarim now joins this elite global list.
Jehan’s Career: From Code to Communications Leadership
Jehan holds a degree in software engineering and began her career as a programmer before pivoting to communications. In 2006, she founded Saudi Arabia’s first technology and business magazine, making her the country’s first female managing editor in the tech media space.
Her senior roles at Cisco, Oracle, and Accenture have cemented her as a key voice in both digital transformation and regional gender parity efforts. Her ability to bridge the gap between tech and storytelling is what set her apart for this global honor.
Jehan on Innovation and Taking Risks
In her interview with the Holmes Report, Jehan emphasized the importance of courage and clarity in innovation:
“Disrupt. Take educated risks, learn to speak everyone’s language to secure their buy-in. Manage relationships with influencers who have sharp elbows who can help you bring ideas to light.”
Her insights offer a blueprint for marketers and communicators across the Gulf looking to make a global impact.
