Motivate Publishing welcomes David Armstrong

David Armstrong has joined Motivate Publishing as Head of Digital. With over 15 years of experience in the media industry, David most recently worked as Project Manager for the Dubai offices of Avid Technology where he was responsible for the management of project staff as well as programming for TVNZ.

In his new role, David will be responsible for overseeing the entirety of Motivate’s digital portfolio including digital editions, email marketing and websites. He will be supporting all creative initiatives from advertisers in the digital space and ensuring that the publishing house’s interactive presence is continuously refreshed and updated.

Liam Williams appointed CXO Board Member

Liam Williams, CEO and Publisher of Flip Flop Media Group, has been appointed Board Member of the Dubai-based CXO Alliance. The CXO Alliance is a non-profit organisation that provides a platform for top management and corporate executives in the region to network and exchange ideas at seminars and events outside of formal boardrooms and business meetings. The alliance also provides online tools and industry knowledge through its various distribution channels and media partners.

In his role as Board Member, Liam will be responsible for strategic partnership deals to help unite the media industry. This will provide Flip Flop Media with an opportunity to showcase its publishing and organisational talents before the top management of global companies.

“The CXO Alliance has the potential to positively influence thought leadership and foster greater co-operation between regional and international industry players,” says Liam.

Meltwater Dubai opens agency department

Global media monitoring platform Meltwater has opened an agency department for the MENA region. Based in Dubai, the new department will deal directly with media agencies to provide local and customised support as well as technology solutions. Meltwater will provide a dedicated account manager to agencies to act as an extension of its team, in order to consult on ways to improve client accounts. The department will be headed up by Director of Agency Partnerships, Mohamed El Wardani, and current Meltwater clients include Leo Burnett, Memac Ogilvy and TBWA\RAAD.

Farrah Taylor joins Harper’s Bazaar & Esquire

Farrah Taylor has been appointed as Advertising Director of both Harper’s Bazaar & Esquire, part of the Hearst Luxury Group, which is run by ITP Publishing in the Middle East. Having previously worked as Regional Group Sales Manager – Time Out GCC and then Regional Advertising Director – Time Out GCC, Farrah brings a vast contacts list and a solid understanding of the market to her new role.

Dentsu Aegis Network partners with The Hub

Global communications network Dentsu Aegis will partner with The Hub Advertising & Marketing in Jordan. With offices based in Amman, The Hub will take full responsibility for the media planning and buying requirements of Carat and other Dentsu Aegis Network clients in the country such as Microsoft, adidas, MasterCard and Reebok on a local level, with the merged businesses jointly managing any new business opportunities.

“The opportunities in this market are endless and this partnership will form the foundation for future expansion plans in the Levant,” says Karan Hoyek, General Manager, Carat Levant. “With a shared vision and working synergies, we expect this to be the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship for both agencies and our clients.”

Dr. Ruba Batayneh, CEO, The Hub Advertising & Marketing, adds “This partnership paves the way for us to provide our local and regional expertise while also learning and developing with a global network. The partnership will provide equal opportunity for both parties and create a momentum for future opportunities. We are proud to be the first local agency to take this courageous step.”

CPI Media promotes Adelle Geronimo

CPI Media Group has promoted Adelle Geronimo to the role of Online Editor for its Technology and Finance division. Having worked with CPI for over two years, Adelle was most recently Editorial Assistant for the Business and Consumer division, overseeing the web content of publications such as SME Advisory, Trade & Export ME and BBC Good Food ME.

In her new role as Online Editor, Adelle will be managing and monitoring the web and social media contents of the titles Computer News ME, Reseller ME and CFO ME, focusing on further strengthening the titles’ online presence while providing readers with the latest news and trends in the IT and finance industries.

“I am extremely excited to be part of the Technology and Finance team of CPI,” says Adelle. “Today everything is going digital, almost every industry is leveraging the growth of online platforms, and I’m honoured to be entrusted with further growing our online presence.”

Absolute Communications and 3A Worldwide partner

UAE and India-based corporate communications firm Absolute Communications has forged a strategic partnership with 3A Worldwide, an international communications consultancy, in a bid to widen its international network, strengthen its business platform and grow in its ability to serve more clients on the global sphere.

“As a fast-growing agency, Absolute Communications has been on a lookout for a network which can add value to what we do, believe in and in return, enable the network members to be able to reach out to their clients with confidence when it comes to their executions in the Middle East and India,” says Victor King, CEO, Absolute Communications. “This partnership will enable both 3A Worldwide and Absolute Communications to showcase ourselves as an agency with a global reach and local expertise.”

Miguel Ángel Rodriguez Caveda, COO and President of Europe, Middle East and India, 3A Worldwide, adds “This association is another step towards the consolidation of the multinational internationally, something very positive not only for us, but for all our customers who will be able to reach new markets through this partnership.”

RECMA names Vizeum fastest growing media network

Independent notation reports company RECMA has named global network Vizeum the world’s fastest growing network in its Overall Activity Billings 2014 report, published this week. Across the 16 global agencies assessed by RECMA, Vizeum increased activity billings year-on-year by 29.1%. Companies with growth rates in the top five Overall Activity Billings of 2014 list also included MediaCom and Dentsu media.

Vizeum was launched in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in January, 2014, as part of Dentsu Aegis Network and has over 62 offices in 42 countries globally. The network aims to leverage the creative power of media in order to connect brands and consumers to help clients’ brands grow.

“We have achieved this impressive growth through our single-minded focus on making innovation in media create value for clients,” says Anouk Bondroit, General Manager, Vizeum MENA. “We leverage our globally consistent network and have witnessed great momentum over the last 18 months. This growth helps us to keep the agility required in the fast-paces media environment – It’s the only way we can credibly remain at the forefront of the industry and produce best in class work for our clients.”

Solutions Leisure welcomes Chorcha Harper

Solutions Leisure has welcomed Chorcha Harper as Group Communications Manager. Having previously worked as PR & Communications Manager for Fresh Express, Chorcha also has experience with ITP Publishing where she worked on the launch of Women’s Health magazine. In her new role, Chorcha will be responsible for managing communications from Solutions Leisure managed venues such as Asia Asia, Karma Kafé and Q43.

“I’m delighted to be working for such a forward thinking and innovative company,” says Chorcha. “I have seen the Solutions Leisure brands grow rapidly in the region and cannot wait to get involved in their continuous development and the introduction of new concepts to the UAE market. Their collective experience and passion are second to none and I’ve arrived at a very exciting time for the company.”