Zak Bekkali

Zak is a culture builder, strategic integrator and champion of diversity whose leadership has strengthened Bauer Media’s people, culture, business performance and trajectory. Zak builds trust through strong relationships and visible role modelling, blending strong structure, clarity and pace with empathy and creativity. Through mentoring and inclusive leadership, he also supports high-performing teams and the development of future leaders, particularly from under-represented groups. 

Since Zak joined Bauer Media Group, as Chief of Staff of Audio, he played a pivotal role in the design and implementation of the new Audio Strategy, working very closely with the former President of Audio and the Senior Leadership Team in defining and driving the digital transformation roadmap, including major investments in new digital, data and tech capabilities. He was also crucial in the successful integration of Clear Channel (now Bauer Media Outdoor), for which he was one of the integration leads across Europe, “a go-to colleague” that has “played a pivotal role in making the integration of Outdoor a real success”, in the words of Richard Bon, Bauer Media Outdoor UK Managing Director & Europe Commercial Lead. 

In his new role as Chief of Staff to the COO, Zak continues to play a central role as a strategic integrator and change leader, connecting teams and markets, shaping strategic direction and supporting the ongoing business transformation across Audio, Publishing and Outdoor. His ability to balance commercial sharpness with humanity enables Bauer Media to operate as a more connected, modern and forward-thinking organisation. 

As an active member of Bauer Media’s Race Equality pillar, Zak also plays a key role in advancing diversity, inclusion and equality across the organisation. He helps embed inclusive behaviours into everyday leadership, promotes allyship and strengthens cultural understanding across markets.