February 2014 – Page 3 – The Media Network

Simon Thurston joins DPQ as Head of Content

February 11, 2014/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Team TMN

DPQ Communications is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Thurston as Head of Content. Simon has worked with some of the world’s top brands across a variety of industries, including banking, automotive, F&B, healthcare and technology. With experience gained in the UK, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, he was most recently the Creative Copywriter at Dubai World Trade Centre.

“The chance to join DPQ’s talented team and add to their culture of creative, dynamic and strategic communications was just too good to turn down,” says Simon. “We already have a number of new clients on board this year, and I am really excited about what the future holds.”

Gehan Sidky new Area PR Manager for Fairmont

February 11, 2014/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Team TMN

Gehan Sidky has been appointed as the new Area Public Relations Manager for Fairmont. Gehan previously held the position of Public Relations Manager at Raffles Dubai, where she spent two and a half years in charge of all PR for the property. Gehan will oversee all PR activity for Fairmont properties in the UAE including Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont The Palm and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

“After more than two wonderful years with Raffles Dubai, I’m thrilled to continue to be part of the Fairmont Raffles Hotels International family and work on Fairmont’s exciting projects and future developments across the UAE,” says Gehan.

Mark Setchfield joins Friday as Art Editor

February 10, 2014/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Team TMN

Mark Setchfield, the former Art Director of Best, Love it!, Bliss and Maxim, has joined Friday as Art Editor. The award-winning designer has also worked on the British versions of Elle, Marie Claire and Grazia and most recently launched Trinity Mirror’s new website for The People newspaper.

“We are thrilled to have Mark on board,” says Gulf News Magazine’s publishing director James Hewes. “With his wealth of experience across multiple platforms we will be able to take the Friday brand to the next level.”

Mark worked with Friday Editor Karen Pasquali Jones on the launch of Love it!, the award-winning women’s weekly for News International. She adds, “It’s an exciting time for Friday and Mark’s addition to an already talented team means we can go forward with some dynamic plans for 2014.”

Mark, who left Trinity Mirror in London to join Friday, continues, “This is a fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to help Friday thrive and grow. It’s a unique challenge but one that I’m more than ready for.”

Friday is distributed weekly with Gulf News, which has a total audited circulation of 105,792 copies (BPA Audit, June 2013, Friday edition). Friday has a total readership of 360,000.

DPQ Communications wins Kanpai PR contract

February 10, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

DPQ Communications has won the PR contract for Kanpai, the contemporary Japanese restaurant and luxurious bar located within Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. Senior PR & Marketing Manager Chloe Geake will be overseeing the account.

“Kanpai is a fantastic brand and we’re looking forward to promoting them further in the hospitality and lifestyle market,” says Katie Harvey, Managing Partner, DPQ Communications.

Paz Marketing wins ASUS Middle East PR account

February 9, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

Paz Marketing has been appointed as the official PR agency for ASUS Middle East. The global technology brand has previously worked with the agency on a project basis and has now moved to a long-term retainer.

“PAZ Marketing has been incredibly proactive and professional throughout the campaign we did together,” says Nour Naddour, Marketing Specialist, ASUS Middle East. “It was fun, newsworthy, timely and most importantly, effective. Their knowledge and wide network with the Middle East media and the enthusiasm demonstrated for ASUS Middle East made us confident that they are the right partners to start a long and fruitful relationship.”

Joe Akkawi, Managing Partner, PAZ Marketing continues, “It’s another milestone for PAZ as we add one of the world’s top three technology powerhouses to our portfolio. We’re super excited to have ASUS Middle East on board and looking forward to years of mutual success”.

Iris Public Relations signs Orlane

February 9, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

Iris Public Relations has been appointed to handle the PR activities for international skincare brand Orlane in the UAE. Distributed in about 75 countries, Orlane was the first brand to use truly active ingredients in its products, including the B21 Bio-Energic Anti-Aging Complex.

“Our aim is to increase brand visibility and create more awareness for Orlane’s key skincare products in the UAE,” says Lisa George, Director, Iris Public Relations. “We will also be managing the brand’s social media programme.”

The Qode wins The Grooming Company PR account

February 6, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

The Qode has been appointed as the new PR representatives of The Grooming Company (TCG) portfolio of brands. TCG is represented by beauty and grooming brands, N.BAR, JetSet and 1847.

“We are thrilled to be working with The Grooming Company who pioneered men’s and women’s grooming the the UAE,” says Ayman Fakoussa, Managing Partner, The Qode. “Despite their growth over the years they have always maintained impeccable customer service to the UAE’s most discerning clientele. We look forward to working closely with Negin Dasmal and her team on consistently raising the bar and building on the brands’ success.”

Katch signs Choix Patisserie PR account

February 5, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

Katch International have been awarded the PR contract for Choix Patisserie and Restaurant par Pierre Gagnaire. Inspired by multi-Michelin starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire, the restaurant will launch at InterContinental, Dubai Festival City in March 2014.

“We are very happy to have Choix Patisserie and Restaurant par Pierre Gagnaire onboard,” says Stephanie Woollams, Director, Katch International. “It is an honour to work on a project with a Chef who is considered one of the world’s greatest chefs. We don’t only look after the brand’s PR, we will also be handling the social media, design and production.”

Georgina Wilson-Powell to step down at CPI Media

February 5, 2014/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Team TMN

Georgina Wilson-Powell has announced she will step down at CPI Media Group at the end of next week. Having worked at CPI Media Group as Group Editor since November 2011, launching Hospitality Business Middle East in 2012 and Lonely Planet Traveller Middle East in 2013, Georgina is giving up her newly appointed position as Group Managing Editor to travel before returning to the UK.

“It’s been a wonderful couple of years working with CPI Media Group launching some really dynamic and different titles to the market,” says Georgina. “I’m very proud of all I’ve achieved with the company but after six years in Dubai it’s time to slowly make my way back to the UK.”

Georgina will be available for freelance work on print and digital titles, with a focus on travel and lifestyle.

Expose lands Kardashian Kollection account

February 4, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

Expose Communications has won the PR contract to oversee the launch of the Kardashian Kollection sunglasses in the Middle East. This will be followed by a full range of sun and prescription eye wear, to be announced later this year.

“We are excited to launch the collection in the Middle East, especially as the Kardashian sisters are so well loved within the region,” says Dana Abdelhadi, Director, Expose Communications.

Other recent account wins include Donna Karan and DKNY, as well as The Editorialist – an international online fashion magazine and boutique concept.