December 2015 – Page 3 – The Media Network

OMD reappointed by Beiersdorf

December 13, 2015/in Account win, Featured /by Michelle J Kuehn

Global skin care company, Beiersdorf, has reappointed OMD, part of the Omnicom Media Group MENA as its media agency. After a highly competitive pitch against the manufacturer’s other international agency of record; the purpose of the pitch was to ensure that Beiersdorf was still ahead in terms of strategic and commercial excellence with its media communications. OMD was selected in 2014 to lead, design and execute its comprehensive digital strategy, including creative development and execution. This was an extension to the range of services OMD already provided, including communications planning and investments, digital display, social media, performance marketing and analytics.

“Beiersdorf is one of these clients who not only push you again and again so that you perform at the highest level but also respond positively to our ideas and recommendations,” says Elie Khouri, CEO, Omnicom Media Group MENA. “Together, we’ve moved the needle on consumer research, digital innovation and results-based planning. The outcome of this review is a validation of our team’s focus on all-round excellence and we certainly look forward to collectively aiming even higher in the coming years.”

Bhavna Mishra, Beiersdorf MENA’s Marketing Director adds, “Beiersdorf is committed to regularly review and benchmark its processes to ensure highest levels of operational excellence and efficiency. After a careful review process we have decided to extend and renew our partnership with OMD for the MENA business. OMD’s expertise and partnership continues to help us touch the lives of our consumers in MENA while delivering outstanding value.”

Natasha Ekstedt launches blog

December 13, 2015/in Featured, New Launch /by Michelle J Kuehn

PR professional and Co-Founder of coffee communications, Natasha Ekstedt, has launched lifestyle blog www.natashaekstedt.com. The blog is a journey through Natasha’s passion for the arts, fashion, beauty and food with seven sections:

– Fashion: latest trends in the fashion Industry

– Primp: hair & beauty

– Get Fit: health & fitness

– Edible Obsession: Recipes (healthy & treats)

– Decorate: interior decorating ideas

– Craft: DIY for home fixes to festive occasion gift ideas

– Obsessed: current obsessions

“Being of Saudi, Indian and French origin, I got a golden chance to travel around the world and closely observe fashion sense of people living in different countries, says Natasha. “My keen interest in beauty & lifestyle encouraged me to learn varied cultural aspects that go behind wardrobe building, beauty treatments, home décor, art & crafts designing and food as well.”

Plus 1 Communications launches in UAE

December 13, 2015/in Featured, New Launch /by Michelle J Kuehn

London-based integrated communications agency, Plus 1 Communications, has taken its first step in the Middle East market with a new office in Dubai. Offering both PR and digital marketing solutions, Plus 1 Communications’ clients include Etihad Airways, The Imaginarium Studios and RainFin (Innovation by Barclays). The Dubai office will be headed up by PR professional Anna Hope.

“This is an exciting time for Dubai with its rapid growth and continuous development,” says Anna Hope, Managing Director, Middle East, Plus 1 Communications. “We believe there is a gap in the market for a boutique integrated communications agency that offers both first class PR and digital marketing solutions with worldwide reach. We look forward to bringing our skills to the emirate.”

The Qode moves to new office

December 10, 2015/in Featured, Regional News /by Michelle J Kuehn

UAE-based luxury communications agency The Qode is relocating its headquarters to Dubai’s fashion & design hub, Dubai Design District (d3), adjacent to Business Bay & Downtown Dubai. The new office, designed by regional talent, Vick Vanlian, will also feature dedicated showroom space displaying samples from The Qode’s fashion brands.

Established in 2010, The Qode has represented brands from luxury groups such as LVMH group, L’Oreal group, Estee Lauder group as well as some of the region’s l luxury distributors such as Chalhoub and Al Tayer groups.

The new address will be, Dubai Design District (d3), Building number 7, Units A504 – A505.

Dee Mohamud joins Aziza Communications

December 10, 2015/in Featured, Movers & Shakers /by Michelle J Kuehn

Style blogger Dee Mohamud has joined luxury lifestyle PR agency Aziza Communications as PR Executive. As Founder of streetstylesavvy.com, Dee is experienced with creating fresh and eye-catching content and staying up-to-date with the latest online trends. At Aziza Communications, Dee will work across fashion and beauty accounts, developing engaging content and assisting with digital account development.

“I’ve always wanted to work in PR and in the luxury lifestyle field, so to join Aziza Communications is very exciting,” says Dee. “I love fashion and being creative, so this really is the perfect match.”

Loubna Elfakri, Account Director, Aziza Communications adds: “We are expanding our digital capabilities considerably at Aziza Communications and Dee joining the team only adds to the strength of this offering. As a respected blogger and digital influencer in the lifestyle field, Dee will offer invaluable insight to clients.”

Z7 Communications wins Mayta

December 10, 2015/in Account win, Featured /by Michelle J Kuehn

Mayta Peruvian Kitchen and Pisco Bar has appointed Z7 Communications as its PR agency for the Middle East. The Peruvian restaurant offers contemporary Latin American food and will have a ceviche counter, a Pisco bar, two private dining rooms, a lounge area, main dining room and is set to launch in January 2016. Z7 will be responsible for all PR activities before, during and after the launch for the restaurant.

“We are thrilled to welcome such an innovative restaurant as Mayta to our ever expanding luxury portfolio as well as adding GFD Group as esteemed clients,” says Zeina El-Dana, Founder and Managing Director, Z7 Communications. “Mayta is set to be one of the most desirable dining locations in Dubai, having acquired global acclaim from its flagship location in Lima. We look forward to introducing its unique concept to the Middle Eastern market.”

UM MENA partners with EVRYTHNG

December 10, 2015/in Featured, Regional News /by Michelle J Kuehn

UM MENA has partnered with EVRYTHNG through its innovation and technology division UM Labs. EVRYTHNG is an Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Products Platform that connects any consumer product to the Web using connectivity technologies or networking protocols, and manages real-time smart product data to drive applications. The partnership with the IoT Smart Products Platform will transform how clients’ products talk to its consumers, bringing innovation and a multitude of engagement with the consumer, data divinity and a better understanding of post purchase wants.

UM Labs aims to accelerate the adoption of ‘The Next Thing In Media’ through a showcase of technology partnerships, and is uniquely positioned in a global media agency, the Labs’ aim from this first media and IoT partnership in the region with EVRYTHNG is to bring more innovation to UM MENA’s partners by creating the most vibrant and efficient media space.

“Innovation in technology is making it possible for everyday products to generate data and play a direct role delivering digital services and applications to consumers,” says Niall Murphy, Founder and CEO, EVRYTHNG. “We’re thrilled to be working with UM Labs to bring these innovation capabilities to brands.”

Alsayegh Media moves to IMPZ

December 9, 2015/in Featured, Regional News /by Michelle J Kuehn

Emirati full service communications firm, Alsayegh Media, has opened a new creative media production hub. The agency’s Dubai-based workforce will relocate to International Media Production Zone(IMPZ) and the new 12,500 square foot headquarters will accommodate the entire Dubai operation including creative, event management, animation, audio and video as well as social media departments.

“The opening of our new state-of-the-art hub in IMPZ marks a significant step towards achieving some of our future expansion goals,” says Abdullatif Alsayegh, Chairman and Chief Executive, Alsayegh Media. “We were already offering our clients a different kind of fully integrated service – combining global expertise with local and regional insight – but we are now able to do so much more. It’s definitely an exciting time to accelerate the firm’s growth while leveraging the latest industry trends.”

OMD UAE appoints new Associate Director

December 9, 2015/in Featured, Movers & Shakers /by Michelle J Kuehn

Natalie Haynes has joined OMD UAE as Associate Director – Digital for the network’s luxury unit. Previously, Natalie worked in media in Los Angeles handling key accounts such as Beats by Dre and brings over eight years of media experience to her new role. As Associate Director – Digital, Natalie will manage the digital deliverables for the LVMH portfolio.

“Moving to the UAE and joining such a great team has been an incredible experience,” says Natalie. “I was really impressed with OMD’s approach to fresh thinking and their strong workplace culture. Being names as one of the best employers in the country also made a strong case for me to make the move. I look forward to this new challenge and working to raise the bar further with OMD.”

Katch International signs Inka

December 9, 2015/in Account win, Featured /by Michelle J Kuehn

Inka Restaurant & Lounge has appointed Katch International as its communications agency. Located in Sofitel Hotel, Downtown Dubai serves Peruvian cuisine in an Art Deco setting and is nestled right alongside the Burj Khalifa. Katch will be responsible for all PR and handing the restaurant’s social media campaigns.

“Katch International is delighted to announce our partnership with Inka Restaurant & Lounge, and is looking forward to helping it gain the reputation it deserves,” says Ben Kershaw, Client Services Director, Katch International. “With the combination of an exquisite Peruvian menu, exclusive views of the city, a wide selection of excellent drinks and theme nights, plus a top-notch team, this venue is definitely an exciting addition to the culinary and nightlife scene of Dubai. We are proud to be part of the team working towards its success.”