TRACCS appoints new VP of Strategy and Development

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MENA-based public relations network, has appointed Stephen Marney as Vice President of Strategy and Development. With over 30 years media, communications and business consultancy experience Stephen has will be developing TRACCS’ existing and future portfolio of products and services, revamping its ENRICH suite of training programs and enhancing the internal communications and strategic business advisory practices.

Stephen will directly report to the CEO, Mohamed Al Ayed and brings with him extensive experience in the MENA Region and corporate management and development expertise.

“MENA is one of the world’s fastest growing regions in terms of PR and with the proliferation of agencies in the region and especially in some key markets, 2016 is going to be the year of thinking beyond the realm of possibilities for us at TRACCS,” says Mohamed Al Ayed, CEO, TRACCS. “Growth doesn’t necessarily have to evolve out of innovation; sometimes structured advancement of the existing offering can transform an organizations competitive approach and performance, setting it apart from the rest of the industry players.”

Stephen adds, “I am excited about this new challenge and I am confident that I can draw upon my 16 years of experience in the region, working with a diverse portfolio of clients across various industries including media, to make strategic business enhancements within TRACCS. I am extremely happy to join the region’s largest PR network and work closely with its senior leadership, turning obstacles into challenges, challenges into opportunities and opportunities into successes.”

 

 

 

 

 

Ravi Rao is promoted to CEO of Mindshare MENA

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Samir Ayoub has resigned as CEO, Mindshare MENA and has been appointed Delegate of the Board at Mindshare MENA. Current Chief Client Officer, Ravi Rao has been promoted to replace Samir as CEO. Samir will transition from his current role as CEO, on February 1, 2016 and continue to act as a valued advisor and consultant on all agency matters until July 2016.

Samir has led Mindshare MENA since 1999, and previously headed up Ogilvy Media.  In the last 26 years with WPP, Samir has built up world-class media offerings in the region with his in-depth knowledge of the multiple markets and its consumers’ lifestyles, habits and choices, has supported local and international brands in developing their market share across regional geographies.

Ravi Rao joined Mindshare MENA in May 2015 as Chief Client Officer and in October took responsibility for leading the UAE team.  In his previous role, Ravi led Mindshare South Asia as CEO for 3 years and has over nine years’ experience with WPP companies.

“My time with Mindshare has been rewarding and exhilarating,” says Samir. “Much has changed in the consumer and media landscape since I took on the CEO role 17 years ago.  I am delighted that the company will continue to flourish, guided by the experienced and capable hands of my friend and colleague Ravi Rao.  In the coming months and years ahead, I look forward to celebrating its continued achievements.”

Ravi Rao adds,“It is most satisfying that I was one of ‘the Day 1 employees’ when Mindshare was set up in the region way back in 1999.  A real privilege now to lead Mindshare MENA and I really look forward to further building on the success of our strong team and a world-class product so our client partners benefit the most by driving the Adaptive Marketing vision.”

FIPP MENA announces next month’s programme

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FIPP MENA which will be taking place February 10 – 11, 2016, at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort in Dubai has announced the programme as well as key speakers. The event’s programme brings together international, regional and local speakers from inside the magazine media and related industries, who will provide delegates with a view on key developments and trends globally and in the MENA region specifically.

The programme will include;

  • Media transformation and revitalisaion conducted by FIPP President and CEO Chris Llewellyn and includes leaders from Motivate Publishing, CNBC Africa/Forbes Africa and Hearst.
  • The most spectacular media innovations of the past year from FIPP and Innovation Media Consulting’s (IMC) FIPP Innovation in Media World Report will be presented by IMC’s Alvaro Triana.
  • Top trends for worldwide magazine media in 2016, including a masterclass presented by Dr. Samir Husni (aka “Mr. Magazine”) on How to make print work in a digital world.
  • Key developments in online and mobile media, including a presentation from Google on The future of mobile and content players’ place within this world.
  • Developing business opportunities, including a spectacular Time Inc. native advertising case, top tips from cvent and GN Publishing for developing and boosting your events business and insights into cross-border business and brand opportunities as a means for growth.
  • Deep consumer and B2B market insights, with sessions focused on emerging markets in general, the UAE and other Middle East markets and Africa from the likes of the India Today Group, Bloomberg Media and PwC.
  • Several practical case studies packed with hands-on tips, including print, digital and multi-platform developments presented by GN Publishing, Dubai Lynx, 7AWI, Nervora, Ringier Africa and Media24.

 

House of Comms appoints Kate Mullen

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House of Comms has welcomed Kate Mullen to the role of Client Services Director. With a PR career that spans over 20 years in the GCC, Kate has both agency and client-side experience with companies including ASDA’A Public Relations, Fortune Promoseven and Zabeel Investments, having worked for clients including Land Rover, BMW and Coca Cola. As Client Services Director, she will work alongside Managing Partners Kaja Weller and Abby Wilks to help expand and maintain the agency’s portfolio of brands.

“Delivering excellence is at the heart of everything we do,” says Kaja Weller, Managing Partner, House of Comms. “We continually challenge ourselves to set the bar for the industry, and consistently deliver real value for our clients. Perhaps one of our most significant appointments to date, Kate will take up the role of Client Services Director and work side-by-side Abby and I to ensure we continue to uphold our reputation in the market place and make 2016 our most successful year to date.”

Kate adds “House of Comms embodies everything that I love about communications, and my joining comes hot on the heels of the team’s numerous wins at the 2015 MEPRA awards, not to mention their significant client wins throughout last year. The energy of the team, the portfolio of clients and the opportunity to contribute to their on-going expansion plans, plus driving excellence across the board makes for exciting times. PR is in my blood and during my career I’ve been moulded by some great mentors; I hope to be able to share what I’ve learned with the team.”

Al Jazeera America to shut down

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Al Jazeera America, owned by Qatar-based Al Jazeera, is set to end its cable TV and digital operations by April 30, 2016, less than three years after launching. The decision comes at the same time as the channel’s parent company decided to commit to an expansion of worldwide online content into the US. Since launching in 2013, the channel has won numerous journalism awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Journalism in a News Magazine, two Overseas Press Club Awards and three Gracies Awards. The channel is headquartered in New York City and has bureaus in 12 cities across the U.S.

Dubai Lynx names 2016 jury

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 The Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity has named the 56 international jurors set to judge entries from across the Middle East and North Africa region at the 10th Dubai Lynx. The panel includes; Daniel Andrade, Group Creative Director, EMEA, The Zoo, Google, EMEA; Russel Place, Managing Director, UM, UK and Nick Emery, Global CEO, Mindshare, Global and will convene to appraise over 2,000 entries and determine winners of the coveted Lynx trophies, which will be presented at an awards ceremony on March 9, 2016.

More information and the full list of jurors can be found at www.dubailynx.com