Náis Italian Kitchen has appointed DPQ Communications to handle its PR contract in the region. Established in 2012, the restaurant specialises in authentic North-Western Italian cuisine and is located in HDS Tower in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.
“We are excited to work with the Founder Marianna Rescia and her culinary team,” says Katie Harvey, Managing Partner, DPQ Communications. “We are really looking forward to the new season!”
Hassan Khatoun has joined Serviceplan Middle East as Client Services Director. Hassan brings a wealth of experience to the position after serving as Head of Client Servicing at SocialEyez, and has served clients including Samsung, Sony, Estée Lauder and HSBC. In his new position, Hassan will focus on elevating Serviceplan Middle East’s account management process. He will also work closely with the agency’s top clients, including the BMW Group, Continental Tires and Huawei Devices, to develop integrated advertising campaigns that suit their needs and meet their overall objectives.
“Hassan has a deep knowledge of client servicing and satisfaction management, which makes him an ideal role model for members of our client servicing team,” says Rami Hmadeh, Managing Partner, Serviceplan Middle East. “I am confident that Hassan will use his strong experience and skills to position Serviceplan as one of the leading agencies in the region.”
Insignia PR has been appointed by wagamama Dubai to handle its public relations with a full range of services. Launched in London in 1992, the Pan-Asian restaurant chain first opened in Dubai in 2004, and now has over three properties in Dubai and one in Qatar.
“We are thrilled to be representing such a well-loved and revered brand in Dubai,” says Gabriela Asquith, Director, Insignia PR. “We’re immensely looking forward to putting into action all the exciting initiatives we have planned for wagamama Dubai.”
Nemer Afaneh has joined DPQ Communications as Head of Arabic Content. Previously a Journalist and Editor with Al Khaleej newspaper, Nemer has also spent time working with Al Jazeera media network and Al Arabiya news channel. In his new role, Nemer will oversee all Arabic content and media relations for the agency.
“I am relishing the challenge of working in PR in such a dynamic environment,” says Nemer. “DPQ has a variety of clients across different verticals, and I believe my journalist background will add value to the services we provide for our clients.”
Serviceplan Middle East, Germany’s independent communications agency, has appointed Jan-Philipp Jahn as General Manager. Jan-Phillip has been a part of the Serviceplan team for over eight years, during which he has been directly in charge of managing and developing campaigns for companies in both German and the region, such as the BMW Group, Continental Tires, Tetra and Kia. Jan-Philipp worked for the Serviceplan Hamburg office for five years, prior to joining the Dubai office in 2011 as Client Service Director. In his new role, Jan-Philipp will oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency, and will play a key role in expanding Serviceplan Middle East’s presence across the region.
“It is a pleasure to see the Serviceplan Middle East team growing,” says Rami Hmadeh, Managing Partner, Serviceplan Middle East. “Jan-Philipp has been with the company for many years, and has undoubtedly demonstrated great talent and professionalism that has earned him his new title.”
Yas Marina Circuit has launched the YasHUB smartphone and tablet app. In partnership with SMG Mobility – the mobile division of Starcom MediaVest Group – and Flip Media, the app was developed to provide the latest news and information during the build up to the 2014 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as well as provide a seamless end-user experience for visitors to the circuit on race weekend. Yas Marina Circuit commissioned the app as part of its wider strategy on providing digital solutions to improve customer engagement experiences, as well as reinforcing its position in driving online motorsports content creation in the region. The app is available for free download at the Apple and Google Play Android stores and offers a range of features to users.
“This app really does enhance visitors’ experiences massively in the build up to and during the race weekend,” says Nick McElwee, Director of Sales and Marketing, Yas Marina Circuit. “But more importantly, its development signifies Yas Marina Circuit’s evolution away from our previous incarnation as a traditional advertiser for our first Grand Prix in 2009, and towards our new reality as a content publisher and media brand.”
Dimitri Papadimitriou, Director of Mobile at Starcom MediaVest Group adds, “This is a testament to SMG Mobility’s support for our clients’ leap into the mobile arena. Mobile is integral for our clients’ businesses, and we have created a suite of in-house digital capabilities to build mobile creative and develop apps.”
Clive Primrose, Client Services Director at Flip Media concludes, “This is a pioneering moment for apps in the Middle East. The focus on digital customer experience and bringing the pillars of the event to life through creativity and technology are what place it at the forefront.”
Four Communications has been appointed by individual marketing firm SweetBeam, to develop its external communications strategy and drive its public relations programme in the region and internationally. Established in France in 2008, SweetBeam moved its headquarters to Dubai in 2010 as a full service partner for hotels, providing a range of revenue-maximising opportunities via services that include targeted in-room marketing, guest behaviour intelligence and staff coaching.
“In today’s competitive market we believe it is essential for hospitality decision-makers to understand how they can increase their in-house guest spending, by customising marketing messages to each individual guest,” says Troy Simoni, CEO, SweetBeam. “As we continue to expand across the Middle East, Europe and Asia we are looking forward to our partnership with Four Communications to enhance the hospitality sector’s understanding of the power of individual marketing.”
Ray Eglington, Managing Director – International of Four Communications adds, “We are delighted to be working with SweetBeam, which is an exciting and innovative company with an intelligent solution that we believe has significant growth potential across the region. With our strong portfolio of experience in the travel sector, both in the Middle East and internationally, Four Communications is well placed to support SweetBeam in its growth journey.”
Devinder Bains has joined the Arab Publishing Partners (APP) team – part of ITP Publishing Group – as Editor of Stylist Arabia. Launching in October this year, Devinder will head up the Gulf version of the Stylist publication, overseeing the first ‘freemium’ weekly magazine in the region. Devinder brings extensive experience to her new role, formerly as Features Director of Fabulous, the UK Sun on Sunday newspaper’s magazine, and prior to this as Features Editor of Look magazine and Head of Features at IPC Media’s Real Life Group in the UK.
“I couldn’t be more excited about launching Stylist Arabia,” says Devinder. “I’ve loved the UK edition of the magazine since its launch issue, nearly five years ago. My team and I can’t wait to emulate the high production values, strong personalities and intelligent journalism achieved by Stylist in the UK and France. Expect a world-class magazine that celebrates women and mixes the hottest fashion and beauty trends, with all the essential know-how about local events, culture, food and travel.”
Kasper Wigen has been appointed as Cluster Marketing and Communications Manager for the Dubai Hilton Cluster – Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah The Walk and Hilton Dubai Creek. Having worked with Hilton Hotels and Resorts for almost seven years across Europe and the Middle East, Kasper was most recently Marketing and Communications Manager for the two Hilton hotels in Beirut, Lebanon. In his new position, Kasper’s primary role will be focused on strategies and innovation, significantly on F&B marketing and PR.
“Coming back to the UAE, and Dubai in particular, really brings me great pleasure,” says Kasper. “It’s a high-impact, constantly evolving market, so as a communications specialist you need to stay sharp and tirelessly be innovative to keep up with competitors. I am anxious to throw myself to the sharks and develop my skills and knowledge!”
Manuela Meres has been appointed as Marketing Manager for Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. Manuela joins the team from the Hilton Dubai Cluster, where she was Assistant Marketing Communication Manager since 2012. Alongside the Marketing Manager, Manuela oversaw the PR, marketing and CSR campaigns for the three Hilton hotels in Dubai – Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Hilton Dubai The Walk and Hilton Dubai Creek. In her new position, Manuela will be in charge of all marketing campaigns and marketing relating activities.
“Joining Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is a very important step in my career in hospitality,” says Manuela. “Waldorf Astoria is a dream come true, it’s a legendary brand and the Ras Al Khaimah property truly lives up to its brand heritage. During my five years with Hilton, I have learnt and developed a lot and now feel ready for this new challenge. I am extremely excited to create new Waldorf memories!”