February 2015 – Page 2 – The Media Network

TishTash secures handbag brand Belquis

February 22, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Michelle J Kuehn

Boutique PR and Marketing Agency, TishTash, has expanded its fashion portfolio by signing exciting new, locally-based handbag and accessories brand Belquis.

Belquis, the creation of main designer and Managing Partner Reem Salman, sets out to create a brand that reflects her idea of a perfect bag. TishTash are strong supporters of local designers and talent, having worked with local brands such as Malaak and Judith Hobby Clothing.

“We are very excited to be working with Belquis and expanding our local fashion portfolio,” says Natasha Hatherall, Managing Director of TishTash. “Beauty and fashion, no matter how big or small, are key industries for us and we love getting the chance to establish a brand into the Middle Eastern market and watch it grow within the region and we expect the same for Belquis.”

Brazen signs first client win in the Middle East

February 22, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Michelle J Kuehn

The recently launched Dubai office of Manchester-based agency Brazen has signed STEP Conference as its first client in the Middle East. With more than 2,000 attendees from across the globe, STEP Conference is returning to Dubai next month and has selected Brazen to handle its PR & Content Marketing.

Brazen will be tasked with engaging local and global media and influencers pre, during and post event with a clearly defined outreach strategy and live, ‘as it happens’ content creation on the day.

“STEP is so much more than a conference and we’re thrilled to come on board and bring alive everything it has to offer,” says Louise Jacobson, managing director of Brazen. “Having launched in the UAE only last month, this is Brazen’s first big win and we couldn’t have asked for a more exciting opportunity to demonstrate our ability, not just within traditional PR, but in the digital and social spaces within which we excel.”

Ray Dargham, founder of STEP Conference comments: “STEP Conference is the region’s most disruptive tech, gaming and design event, so it was only fitting that we chose an equally disruptive PR partner.

Sarah Dudley joins DPQ Communications

February 22, 2015/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Michelle J Kuehn

Sarah Dudley has been appointed as Account Executive at DPQ Communications. With two years of experience in PR & Marketing across the UAE market, Sarah comes from a luxury and beauty background with in-house experience.

Sarah previously worked across various luxury beauty brands, including the launch of Oribe Hair Care, Foreo Cleansing Devise and Concoction Hair Care into the Middle East market.

“It’s a fantastic time to be joining DPQ and I am really excited to work across DPQ’s various clients and grow with the team!” says Sarah. “Coming from an in-house PR background I am looking forward to working for a dynamic communications agency.”

PAZ Marketing to handle Alcatel One Touch

February 22, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Melissa Jean McWhirter

PAZ Marketing has secured the PR and social media account to represent Alcatel One Touch in the UAE. A brand within TCL Communication, Alcatel One Touch is a multinational company that designs, develops and markets a global range of mobile and Internet devices.

“At Paz Marketing, we are looking to create brand awareness throughout the UAE for the products available to its current and prospective consumers,’ says Zeina Akkawi, Managing Director, PAZ Marketing. “Our intention is to establish a reputation for Alcatel One Touch through extensive media engagement in addition to broadcasting the latest news coming up in the next few months.”

MEPRA announces date for Annual General Meeting

February 19, 2015/0 Comments/in Regional News /by Michelle J Kuehn

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) has announced that it will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 25, 2015 at Middlesex University in Knowledge Village, Dubai.

The agenda of the meeting will include all of the business transactions pertaining to the administrative functioning of MEPRA. The talking points will cover the key achievements of the industry body for the year of 2014, following with the strategy for the year of 2015. The board will also discuss the financial structure regarding the future activities for the year ahead.

The Chair of the MEPRA Board and Managing Director of Ketchum RAAD Middle East, Nicola Gregson, along with Brian Lott, Vice-Chair of MEPRA and Executive Director of Group Communication at Mubadala will go over prior activities and provide an overview of the upcoming events. Honorary Treasurer of MEPRA, Mazen Nahawi and President of News Group International, will be presenting the audited financial report and budget for the year 2015.

“We strongly encourage those involved in the PR industry throughout the region to attend this year’s meeting,” says Nicola Gregson, Chair of the MEPRA Board. “As an industry body we are committed to setting standards of excellence in the communication industry and providing platforms for members to come forth and present their views on past activities and contribute to the planning and action of future events as well.”

For more information please visit www.mepra.org.

Strategies International secures Avène

February 19, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Michelle J Kuehn

Avène has appointed Strategies International to manage its PR activities and the cosmetic company’s media relations in the GCC. The French dermo-cosmetic brand Avène will be promoted by the agency in the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

“We are very enthusiastic about representing Avène. Their Dermatological Laboratories have been at the forefront of product development worldwide and are renowned for their skin expertise,” says Ronald Pharaon, Managing Director at Strategies International. “We look forward to strengthening our partnership with this leading skin care brand in the region.”

Katch to represent Sisters Beauty Lounge

February 19, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Melissa Jean McWhirter

Katch International has secured the PR account to represent Sisters Beauty Lounge across the UAE. With four branches in Dubai and two in Abu Dhabi, the ladies-only beauty lounge offers a variety of luxury treatment from hair to eyelash extensions, as well as massages, facials and nail treatments.

“With multiple venues and a prestigious history already, the Sisters brand will be both fun and challenging for the Katch team to work alongside,” says Ben Kershaw, Client Services Director, Katch International. “We look forward to maintaining high standards whilst bringing Sisters Beauty Lounge forward in 2015.”

DPQ Communications secures GQ Bar

February 18, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Melissa Jean McWhirter

GQ Bar has appointed DPQ Communications to manage its PR and media relations. Located in the JW Marriott Marquis, GQ Bar, which is inspired by the men’s lifestyle magazine, is part of the Condé Nast Restaurant Division and combines stylish interiors and upbeat music with an appetising menu and impressive drink list.

“Being awarded the GQ Bar business is an exciting win for DPQ Communications, as the brand fits right in with our growing hospitality portfolio,” says Katie Harvey, Managing Partner, DPQ Communications. “We’ll be working hand in hand with the inspired lifestyle team to further strengthen the position of the restaurant, lounge and bar in the region.”

PAZ Marketing wins Coco Jalila account

February 18, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Melissa Jean McWhirter

PAZ Marketing has won the account to handle all PR and social media activities for luxurious chocolate brand Coco Jalila. Following artisanal traditions, Coco Jalila has established itself as a sumptuous chocolate specialist in the region, offering an extensive range of products created in Italy exclusively for the UAE.

“When we came across Coco Jalila, we were left speechless with the impeccable taste,” says Zeina Akkawi, Managing Director, PAZ Marketing. “Our intention is to communicate that reaction and to unveil the wide range of selection available throughout 2015. Attaining this account is exciting as it allows us the opportunity to be creative whilst delivering the key messages of the brand.”

Drum Content Design launches in Dubai

February 17, 2015/0 Comments/in New Launch /by Melissa Jean McWhirter

Drum Content Design, a full-service, global content design agency that provides multi-channel content, has launched in the UAE to provide government, luxury, consumer goods and travel entities a better way to connect with their audience.

Drum Content Design offers clients services in two major categories based on its pillared approach:

Content Strategy, which provides content design, content analytics and content archival
Content Production, which offers clients brand generated, interactive and user generated content – all focused on developing multi-platform content to engage consumers across markets

“Content plays a major role in a brand’s transformation,” says Detria Williamson, Founder and CEO, Drum Content Design. “It is also a catalyst enabling them to establish long-term, involved relationships and unprecedented loyalty and sales. With the incredible amount of content pollution, it is imperative that clients understand how to express and leverage the emotion that content provides, as well as create a conversation to enable them to achieve their business goals. Our talented team is positioned to ensure that brands connect with audiences on a whole new level. The opening of Drum in the Middle East is a major development for this region and our global team is positioned to enable Drum to accelerate.”

In addition to the launch, a number of strategic appointments have been made to the Drum Content Design team. This includes Carolyne Nailer, who has been appointed as Content Journalism Director; Iman Abu Alia, who joins the team as Junior Content Program Designer and Noor Amhaz, who has taken on the role of Junior Content Creative Designer.