New MD for Bell Pottinger Abu Dhabi

Bell Pottinger has appointed Archie Berens as Managing Director of its new Abu Dhabi office. With nearly 20 years experience in financial and corporate communications, and having previously qualified as a lawyer, Berens was chosen as the ideal candidate to head up the Abu Dhabi office.

Berens’ appointment follows the arrival in the UAE of fellow Bell Pottinger director Tristan Peniston-Bird, who took charge of the firm’s office in Dubai in January.

“It is very good news for us to be able to have someone as experienced as Archie living and working full time in Abu Dhabi,” says Lord Bell, Chairman of Bell Pottinger. “His appointment demonstrates our wholehearted commitment both to the Emirate and to the UAE as a whole. We have a long and proud history of advising organisations and governments in the region and I am confident we will continue to play a major part in effectively promoting their vision and success.”

Commenting on his appointment, Berens adds, “My team and I are looking forward to helping clients in the Emirate communicate effectively with all their stakeholders – which will in turn show the rest of the world what a force Abu Dhabi has become in the global economy and what an exciting future lies ahead.”

Details announced for Dubai Lynx 2014

The new website for Dubai Lynx 2014 Festival and Awards is now live and details the Dubai International Festival of Creativity, which will take place from March 9-11, 2014, and the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony and Dinner, scheduled for March 12, 2014. The Madinat Jumeirah Arena will once again play host to the event, which last year drew over 1,300 delegates from the Middle East and North Africa’s creative communications industries to the Festival and over 1,800 to the awards.

“Both the Festival and Awards have continued to grow over the last seven years and as organisers we are committed to ensuring that the event stays fresh and relevant to the industry,” says Emma Lancaster Farmer, Festival Director of Dubai Lynx. “There are a lot of innovations planned and we are hoping to make the 2014 edition the biggest and best to date.”

Over the coming months the website will be updated with the latest additions to Dubai Lynx 2014, along with information on the programme, details of how to enter work, as well as be a part of the Festival. Delegate passes and tables will be available from October 20, 2013, through online registration at www.dubailynx.com.

 

 

Naomi Chadderton embarks on new chapter

The Dubai Mall Magazine bids farewell to Naomi Chadderton today as she prepares to leave Dubai to embark on a new chapter of her career in London, United Kingdom. As she hangs up her Editor’s shoes, the much-loved journalist – who has lived in Dubai for over five years and previously worked for Grazia Middle East – hands over the reins to Cavell Mallett and Rachel Ingram until the new Editor is announced. Faye Rowe will continue to oversee the title as Group Editor.

“Today will be my last working day at NPI Media and The Dubai Mall Magazine,” says Naomi. “I will be moving back to the UK to pursue new opportunities, but it has been a great pleasure working with you all over the five years that I have been in Dubai.”

Website revamp for Mother, Baby & Child magazine

CPI’s popular parenting magazine Mother, Baby and Child, is revamping its website, which should be unveiled by the end of October.

“We’re really excited about this revamp as we are hoping to serve our clients and readers more efficiently,” says Zaina Shihabi, Editor of Mother, Baby & Child.  “The new website will be user-friendly and contain all the informations mums and families need.”

Sarah Jacotine joins Aziza Communications

Aziza Communications has welcomed new team member, Sarah Jacotine, who joins the PR agency this week as Account Manager. Sarah, who has previously worked as both a journalist and PR in the UK, has recently moved to Dubai and this is her first role in the region. Sarah will be working across lifestyle brands including VOGUE Café, GQ Bar, Rami Al Ali, TONI&GUY and Tips & Toes.

“I’m really thrilled to join Aziza Communications and I am excited to be working with so many fantastic clients,” says Sarah. “I’m new to the region and so I’m looking forward to meeting all journalists and other members of the media community as quickly as possible.”

Last chance to nominate for BBC Good Food awards

There’s only a few days left to nominate your favourite brands for this year’s BBC Good Food Middle East Awards 2013 . Nominations close on September 30, and voting for the shortlisted venues runs from October 15-November 15. The fourth annual BBC Good Food Middle East Awards will be held at The Address, Dubai Marina on January 29, 2014.

Three new categories have been added this year – Best New Restaurant, Doha, Best Seafood Restaurant and Best Experiential Dining (a restaurant that offers a unique entertainment experience along with great food).

“The BBC Good Food Middle East awards are getting bigger and better each year, both in terms of its scope and its importance to the industry,” says Sudeshna Ghosh, Editor of BBC Good Food Middle East magazine. “This year’s awards sees the introduction of exciting new categories and a few other surprises, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with our readers and valued partners.”

Nominate your clients or favourite brands now at www.bbcgoodfoodme.com/awards/2013.