Dentsu Aegis acquires John Brown Media

Dentsu Aegis Network has acquired John Brown Media. The agency’s experience in creating and publishing content is hoped to enhance the network’s existing content capabilities, to create a differentiated and innovative integrated content offering for clients worldwide.

Established in 1987, John Brown Media is headquartered in London and has offices in South Africa, Hong Kong, Boston and Dubai. The company provides clients with services including print and digital publishing, content management, website strategy and film production. Following the acquisition, it will retain its brand identity and operate as an external entity from Dentsu Aegis Network MENA. John Brown Media will now also work with iProspect, the network’s digital performance agency, as well as Carat’s content partnerships team in order to integrate publishing capabilities into Dentsu Aegis’ offering in the region.

“By adding a specialist content agency to the network, we are proving just how much the lines have become blurred between agency disciplines,” says Michael Nederlof, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network, MENA. “Quality content is increasingly rewarded within the media eco-systen, particularly within search, and we are very excited to work with John Brown to create differentiated and specialised content solutions for our clients.”

Grow promotes Dylan Fitz-Gerald

Grow Digital Services have promoted Dylan Fitz-Gerald to User Psychology Specialist. Formally an intern with the company, Dylan joined fresh from the University of Reading, where he graduated with a Bsc (Hons) in Psychology.

In his new role, Dylan will contribute his knowledge of user psychology to enhance the effectiveness of all websites and online marketing campaigns deployed by Grow. He will also contribute to the company’s workplace culture, as well as its rebranding.

“I have always been extremely interested in the role that psychology plays within the commercial and economic landscape, “ says Dylan. “My experience with Grow has truly given me the opportunity to exercise and refine these skills in a fast-paced environment. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the fascinating and every-evolving industry that is digital marketing.”

GroupM welcomes Filip Jabbour

Global media investment management operation GroupM, part of WPP, has welcomed Filip Jabbour to the role of Middle East North Africa (MENA) CEO. Having most recently worked with Spark in the US as Executive Vice President, Filip brings 19 years of international experience in media advertising with him to his new role.

GroupM has just officially opened its offices in the UAE, with the primary goal of maximising the performance of WPP’s communications agencies, operating as both a parent company and collaborator to offer an intelligent application of insights to its clients. As MENA CEO to the company, Fillip will be responsible for leading all operations and driving growth in the region, as well as developing strategy and accelerating the growth of the groups regional media agencies: Mindshare, MED, MediaCom, and BPG Maxus.

“The opportunity to join the world’s leading media investment management group to lead development in the exciting and fast-growing MENA market is thrilling,” says Filip. “GroupM agencies operating in MENA are distinguished by their winning track records, and I am keen to accelerate their pace by harnessing the absolute best digital, technology, data and content solutions available.”

Ogilvy promotes Daniel Mercado

Ogilvy Public Relations has promoted Daniel Mercado to the role of Associate Account Director. Having worked for Ogilvy for over four years, most recently as Senior Account Manager, Daniel brings over eight years of PR and Marketing experience working with multinational private, government and nonprofit entities to his new role.

As Associate Account Director, he will drive corporate, technology and consumer PR campaigns across the MENA region.

twofour54 welcomes ET Bil Arabi to its studios

twofour54’s studios in Abu Dhabi are now the home of entertainment show ET Bil Arabi. The show comprises breaking news stories, exclusive set visits, first looks at upcoming film and television projects, as well as candid one-on-one interviews with some of the Arab World’s most famous talents and celebrities.

Brought to the Middle East by pan-Arab broadcaster, MBC Group, the show is the region’s version of Entertainment Tonight (ET) and will be produced in Arabic by twofour54’s campus partner Charisma Group. This is the group’s second locally-produced format, joining ET Canada, which has just launched its 10th season. ET Bil Arabi is shown on MBC4, from Sunday to Thursday, with a 90-minute compile on Saturdays and it reaches nearly 300 million viewers across 21 countries in the region.

“We have attracted several major international and regional productions to shoot in the Emirate over the last few years,” says Jamal Al Awadhi, Head of Commercial, twofour54 Film and TV Services. “The production of this popular entertainment show at our studios reinforces Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a world-class production hub and a centre for Arabic broadcast content.”

Entrepreneur ME hosts Achieving Women’s Forum

Entrepreneur Middle East has hosted its first Achieving Women’s Forum, an industry intel event. Held at the Ritz Carlton Dubai, and supported by entities including the Dubai Chamber, Intercoil and Paris Gallery, the event saw a series of talks on the methodology of business. Panelists included businesswoman and TV presenter Rosemin Manji, President of Virgin Megastores MENA Nisreen Shocair, and CEO and founder of Souqalmal.com Ambareen Musa, amongst others. The event began with a keynote address by Noor Sweid, Partner at Leap Ventures, and concluded with a networking lunch.

Blueprint launches in the UAE

Kate Watson has launched boutique recruitment consultancy Blueprint, a specialist in placing communications experts throughout the Middle East. Most recently a Director at MCG Associates, Kate has over 12 years of experience in media recruitment, having been based in the Middle East since 2010 specialising in the PR and communications sector. Blueprint clients include SMEs, government entities and global businesses looking to fill both agency and in-house roles across the communications spectrum.

“I am absolutely thrilled to announce the launch of Blueprint at a time when the communications industry in the Middle East is thriving,” says Kate. “This region is increasingly attracting world-class talent from across the communications spectrum and I am hugely looking forward to working with both clients and candidates to ensure the industry’s needs continue to be met.”

MO4 Network welcomes Nicole Greeff

Nicole Greeff has joined MO4 Network as Junior Account Manager. Having previously worked with Insignia Worldwide, Nicole will call upon her experience working across a range of accounts, as well as managing and understanding clients’ branding, design and communication needs and objectives, to assist in her new role.

Nicole will be looking after both PR and Social Media accounts at MO4 Network for a number of clients, on planning and development, account management and executory tasks.