James Welch joins Promoseven 360

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James Welch has been appointed as Managing Director of Promoseven 360. Prior to joining the team, James was Managing Director of WPP’s digital consultancy – the Media Innovation Group – across the Asia Pacific region and brings to his new role a wealth of digital media, shopper marketing and activation experience. Based at Promoseven 360’s headquarters in Dubai, James will be working closely with General Manager, Udit Agarwal, to build upon existing business.

“Promoseven 360 is an exciting agency to join, since it’s well established in the market with a track record of providing integrated solutions for a portfolio of long-standing clients, including some outstanding digital work,” says James. “Creatively this region is booming, and so many clients are asking to see new data-driven creative solutions which we are well placed to deliver.”

Rajeev Budhiraja, CEO of Promoseven 360 adds, “James is a well-travelled advertising executive who brings a new dimension to our business. His extensive digital media and shopper marketing experience will enable us to offer our clients broader and more integrated solutions to service the complete spectrum of their marketing needs.”

Jayant Dey joins BNC Publishing

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Jayant Dey has joined the team at BNC Publishing as Group Sales Manager. Having spent five years in advertising sales with ITP Publishing Group across Logistics Middle East, Scata Awards and the Logistics Conference, Jayant will now be instrumental in launching an upcoming logistics magazine in the UAE – set to go out in the regional market in the near future – as well as working with other products at BNC Publishing.

“I am extremely passionate about the logistics industry, as it’s the backbone of any business house,” says Jayant. “So the opportunity and the challenge to launch a logistics magazine with BNC Publishing is very exciting.”

Mondelez International signs video deal with Google

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Mondelēz International, the candy giant whose brands include Oreo, Trident, Nabisco and Cadbury, has signed a global partnership with Google focusing on online video. In the company’s largest social media deal to date, the agreement will include markets in North America, Europe and Eastern Europe, as well as Latin America, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

The deal marks a shift in advertising strategy for Mondelēz International as it moves to digital – specifically to online video. In June of this year, the company announced that half of its $200 million a year global marketing budget would be going to digital by 2016, and has already committed 10 percent of its ad budget to online video as of this year.

“We believe video will be a key growth driver for our brands, and programmatic buying will play an important role in accelerating that growth,” says Bonin Bough, Vice President – Global Media and Consumer Engagement, Mondelēz International. “Today, 58 percent of consumers turn to digital platforms for their daily media consumption. Although we’ve adjusted our media spending to reflect that behaviour, there’s still a gap. The deal with Google will enable us to close that digital divide.”

Mondelēz International and Google are also set to partner on new content through YouTube’s Brand Partner Program. Mondelēz will introduce the approach by providing video content featuring Sour Patch Kids candy in the US, and is considering expanding the approach across other brands and locations if this proves successful.

Lucas Watson, Vice President of Global Brand Solutions at Google adds, “We’re inspired by the caliber of creative work that brands are creating on YouTube. This agreement represents a significant commitment for our companies to accelerate digital brand building, and we’re excited to partner with Mondelēz International on this work.”

New CNN art and culture series to launch

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CNN International is launching CNN Ones to Watch – a major new feature show debuting globally on CNN – which will delve into a range of colourful and diverse artistic and cultural fields to showcase future talent. Each month, CNN Ones to Watch will focus on a particular discipline – from modern dance to classical music, filmmaking to architecture and sculpture – as a recognised master of their craft identifies ‘ones to watch’ and explains why their careers are on an upward trajectory. Through this narrative, the master in each show will guide viewers into their art form, how its evolving and what new talent needs to accomplish.

Launching on October 10, 2014, CNN Ones To Watch will air across all CNN platforms – with the programme running on CNN International global feeds and on CNN en Espanol. In addition, vignettes from the programme will air on CNN US.

The series – sponsored by Cartier – will also have a number of digital elements to complement the on–air programming. Alongside video content from CNN Ones to Watch, a dedicated microsite will include interactive and social features, such as behind–the–scenes Instagrams and Vines from contributors.

“CNN Ones to Watch is one of the most extensive and exciting feature shows to appear on CNN International,” says Mike McCarthy, Senior Vice President and General Manager, CNN International. “Its broad remit will take viewers on a global journey to explore a diverse mix of arts and culture through the eyes of a master in their field and give the inside track on who could be tomorrow’s Carlos Acosta, Spike Lee or Rem Hoolhaas. The first episode will really set the standards with first class contributors and elements that will give viewers a real insight into the world of portraiture.”

Alka Winter promoted at FRHI Hotels & Resorts

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Alka Winter has been promoted to Regional Director MEAI of FRHI Hotels & Resorts – a consolidation of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. Prior to this appointment, Alka was Area Director, Public Relations for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, providing PR support for the Fairmont hotels in the UAE, including the Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Fairmont The Palm, whilst executing large scale PR campaigns. In her new position, Alka will be providing real-time strategic support and guidance for the PR efforts across the 19 Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel hotels in the Middle East, Africa and India, as well as elevating the FRHI brand within the public domain. This also includes the development of PR plans announcing new hotel openings and positioning FRHI’s growth strategy.

“I’m very excited about being part of a dynamic regional team who are specialists in their respective fields, ranging from design and construction, development, spa, food and beverage, as well as sales and marketing to name a few,” says Alka. “What I am most passionate about is lending my expertise to the region and working with the PR teams on property, helping to bring their ideas to fruition and introducing it to a global audience where appropriate. I have over 10 years of experience in public relations with most of those in hospitality, so I hope I can pass on some of my experiences and best practices to help achieve great results.”

Weber Shandwick named Global Agency of the Year

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Weber Shandwick has been named 2014 Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report. Honourees of the title are selected by the publication’s Editors, based on information gathered during the Agency Report Card and regional awards processes. In addition to being named 2014 Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report regionally in both North America and Asia Pacific, Weber Shandwick’s global outperformance of the market and its innovative digital capabilities including Mediaco – Weber Shandwick’s content publishing and distribution offering – has been highlighted, as well as the strong growth of its Middle East and North African operations.

“This award is a testament to Weber Shandwick’s collaborative culture and innovative work across our global network,” says Andy Polansky, CEO, Weber Shandwick. “We appreciate the strong support of our teams and client partners around the world.”

Ziad Hasbani, CEO of Weber Shandwick MENA adds, “We have been investing heavily in our MENA operation and it’s gratifying that the fruits of our efforts are now being recognised by global industry experts. We are proud of the longevity of our heritage in the region, but it’s the future that matters. Just as Weber Shandwick globally is evolving, we too are undergoing a transformation, which will ensure that we continue to stay ahead of the regional communication trends and place centre-stage the recognition that creativity and digital offerings are now key.”

Hotel News Middle East magazine launches

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BNC Publishing has debuted Hotel News Middle East magazine across the UAE. Launched this week alongside the Hotel Show in Dubai, the publication is geared towards discerning hoteliers and will act as a vital resource for industry professionals seeking reliable, current information about the region’s burgeoning hospitality space. Covering the latest industry news and analysis, information about new products, trends and services, 6,850 copies of Hotel News Middle East will be circulated across the GCC monthly, with the majority concentrated in the UAE and KSA. The publication will be distributed on a complimentary basis to hospitality industry professionals, reaching key opinion leaders across the GCC.

“The initial response we have received from the market has been exceptional,” says Diarmuid O’Malley, Group Publishing Director, BNC Publishing. “Between myself and a few of my colleagues at BNC Publishing, we have over 50 years of experience publishing hospitality-centric mediums. Our initial warm reception and our long-term vision both rely on our relationships with our readers, valued contributors and commercial partners.”