Josh Mangila joins En’Route Middle East

Jose ‘Josh’ Jr Mangila has joined En’Route Middle East as Features Editor. Previously a freelance writer and Contributing Editor for Travel Trendz International and Dining Trendz International in Sharjah, Josh will refocus his energy on generating ideas for features and articles and managing ICONS (International Citation of Noble Services) – the magazine section dedicated to leading personalities in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.

“What sets this magazine apart from other travel publications is the real-life connections it aims to create,” says Josh. “It’s my passion to travel and try new things, and I am so excited to be a part of the team at En’Route Middle East, where the editorial and travel experience of the staff expands over 17 years.”

Hills Advertising negotiates World Cup deal

Hills Advertising is currently in negotiations with the Qatari Royal Family to secure a deal for interactive outdoor advertising at the 2022 World Cup.

Hills Advertising was established in 2003, and offers its outdoor advertising services in the UAE and throughout the Middle East region. Their clients include Pepsi, Emirates, Sony Ericsson, Bentley, Etisalat and Breitling.

Alex Agishev joins Arabian Radio Network

Alex Agishev has joined the Arabian Radio Network (ARN) team as Head of Programming at Virgin Radio Dubai 104.4. For the past year, Alex has been working with Multi Media Holding (MMH) in Moscow, Russia, and prior to this he spent 24 years in Australia, working as On Air Presenter, Producer and Program and Music Director for Nova Entertainment, Australian Radio Network and Southern Cross Austereo.

“This is a dream gig, as I get to combine my spirit of adventure with my love of sunshine, alongside radio,” says Alex. “The UAE is one of the fastest growing radio markets in the world and Virgin Radio Dubai is leading the way, through innovative content and digital penetration.”

Steve Smith, COO of Arabian Radio Network adds, “We have big plans to grow Virgin’s already dominant position in the UAE, and Alex’s 25 years of industry experience coupled with his vision and zest will help ensure that we continue to turn radio on its head.”

Deep Karani joins Motivate

Deep Karani has joined the Motivate team as Sales Manager for Open Skies magazine. In his previous position, Deep was Head of Business Development at SourceGulf.com, a B2B platform for the Middle East industrial sector. Deep’s new role will consist of collaborating with the Open Skies team to continue magazine growth, with Deep being primarily responsible for generating revenue through advertising sales.

“After over five years of working for B2B publications in the UAE, I believe Open Skies has presented itself as the perfect channel for me to explore the other side of the media industry,” says Deep. “I am extremely excited to be a part of Motivate, and I am confident this opportunity will add to my career growth and personal development.”

Sacha Shaw joins Continental Multimedia

Sacha Shaw has joined the Continental Multimedia (CMM) team as Editor of READ magazine and Stylist and Writer for Ego. Previously, Sacha worked as Beauty and Style Editor for Spafaery, and prior to this as a freelance stylist in the UK, working with companies including OK! Magazine, Heat, Boohoo.com, Style magazine and American Crew. In her new roles, Sacha will focus on continuing to make READ an interesting and informative publication for commuters, as well as styling shoots for the monthly Ego magazine and writing about new high-end fashion designers.

“I am very excited to be taking on this new challenge in my career,” says Sacha. “This is such a great company that I am proud to be a part of, and I look forward to getting started on the all the great plans we have for the magazines.”

Kassab Group launches major growth expansion

Kassab Group, a media services and solutions provider for the MENA region, has launched a major expansion programme by enhancing its senior management structure, acquiring new projects and restructuring its sales division. Kassab has appointed an advisory board, consisting of Semaan Choueiri, Strategy and Planning Director, Kassab; Mohammad Awad, Director, Kassab; and Hicham Adra, President, Ardan Fitzroy Enterprises.

In addition to this, Kassab has also appointed Patrick Brais as Chief Operating Officer, Gerard Rustorm who takes over as Chief Commercial Officer, and Bashar Nsheiwat as Senior Planning, Strategy and Business Development Director. The expansion also includes acquisition of new projects, specifically Sky News Arabia and expansion of the Dubai Metro project advertising concession.

“We have embarked on an ambitious expansion programme in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Algerian and Iraq, and it was therefore imperative to strengthen our senior management team and restructure our sales division,” says Ghassan N. Adra, Chairman and CEO, Kassab Group. “Kassab endeavours to deliver quality service, and we can achieve this goal only with the best and most experienced talent pool.”