Leila Ben Hassen is a multi-lingual communication and PR expert with an extensive experience in thought leadership, sustainability, gender and blue economy. Leila launched Blue Jay Communication (BJC) agency in December 2017, as boutique communications agency specialising in Africa and driven by clear objectives: advancing SDGs (specifically SDG 5 and SDG 14) and helping stakeholders to achieve sustainable growth by embracing sustainability and inclusivity in their businesses. Under BJC, Leila created and launched the African Blue Economy Forum (ABEF) in London, in 2018, an event committed to accelerate Africa’s structural transformation and sustainable blue growth. The Forum attracted leading Ministers, ocean experts and media from around the world, generating positive discussions and tangible outcomes. Due to its success, the event was run a second time in 2019.

Prior to creating BJC, Leila was General Manager of a major pan-African media group, IC Publications. Traveling extensively throughout Africa, she was responsible for business development, generating new revenue streams, and customer relationships.

In 2016, Leila organized the first New African Woman Forum, a unique pan-African platform for women empowerment and gender equality in Africa. In 2002, Leila became the first female Director of Tourism responsible for the UK and Ireland for the Tunisian National Tourist Office. During her five-year posting, she delivered a record number of holidaymakers visiting Tunisia. In December 2022, Leila was nominated by New African Woman Magazine among the top influential African women- Blue Economy Expert and Gender Advocate.

Leila is the international ambassador for Women in Maritime Association in Africa (WIMAfrica) and the founder of Women in Maritime Association chapter in Tunisia. She is also a member of AWIMA and WISTA UK. Leila is also in the jury committee members of Financial Afrik Awards, a prestigious annual event that rewards the best banks and financial institutions in Africa.