Richard Fitzgerald is the CEO and Founder of Augustus Media and a leading figure in the region’s digital media landscape. With experience across Ireland, England, and the UAE since 2006, he has built Augustus into a multi platform media company behind Lovin and Smashi, operating in 11 countries with more than 110 employees and generating 12 million dollars in revenue in 2024. Previously, he led social media at Mindshare MENA and worked across major agency roles, sharpening his expertise in modern media and audience growth.
Under his leadership, Lovin Dubai has evolved into a regional network active in more than 20 cities, while Smashi TV has expanded into 13 content verticals including sports, business, and gaming. Augustus Media has been recognized by Fast Company Middle East among the Most Innovative Companies for its use of AI in media and continues to shape how audiences consume news, culture, and entertainment.
At BRIDGE Summit, Richard will share insights on the next wave of media transformation, exploring how local content, data, and emerging technologies are reshaping audience behavior, brand relevance, and the future of storytelling across the Middle East.
Marketing is being reshaped by cultural fragmentations, platform disruptions, and global audience fluidity, demanding brands move with increase clarity and ambition. In this conversation, three leaders unpack the systems and creative rigor required to establish resonance across markets and generations. Together, they reveal the frameworks that turn storytelling into influence, and influence into enduring commercial value.
Mental Health Advocate & Digital Humanitarian, Onefluent
Co-founder & Managing Partner, Guggenheim Brothers Media
Media Consultant, TikTok Former Partnerships Lead & Public Speaker
Chief Information Officer, Guardian Media Group
Chief Executive, Yango Play
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