Jonathan Cruz, Creative Director, FP7MCCANN

Jonathan Cruz sees creativity not just as communication, but as a transformative force, one that can shape culture, solve real problems, and ignite good change.

 Originally from Fortaleza in Brazil’s northeast, Jonathan has built a career that bridges Latin American storytelling and craft with the ambition and diversity of the Middle East. His journey has taken him from São Paulo to Dubai, with key creative roles at Publicis Brasil, R/GA, Havas Middle East, FCB Dubai, and now FP7 McCann MENAT, the region’s most awarded creative agency.

 Over the past 13 years, his work has earned more than 140 international awards, including honors at D&AD, The One Show, Clio, LIA, Effies, Dubai Lynx, the ANDYs, and Cannes Lions. In 2023, he was ranked the #1 Associate Creative Director in the Middle East and Africa by The One Show and named the 11th most awarded Art Director globally by The Drum.

 At FP7 McCann, Jonathan leads purpose driven, cross platform campaigns for McDonald’s, Mastercard, Arla Foods, Heinz, and the Testicular Cancer Society. Beyond the agency, he has partnered with global icons like Google, YouTube, Heineken, Adidas, and Chevrolet, consistently creating work that blends cultural insight with global impact.

 Now based in Dubai, Jonathan continues to mentor rising talent and champion ideas that go beyond advertising to win something more lasting than awards: a place in culture.