Sarah Williams joins La Femme

La Femme has welcomed Sarah Williams to the role of Deputy Editor. With over seven years of experience, Sarah has previously worked with publications including; Hotelier, Caterer Middle East and, most recently, Bloomberg Businessweek. In her new role, she will be working on leading content creation, writing and editorial direction for the magazine, with the aim of creating features that show what fashion can achieve.

“I chose to join La Femme because I love the work ethic and attitude of Cindy Bailey, Pinpoint Media Group’s Group Editor, as well as the magazine’s aesthetic – there isn’t anything as high fashion and beautifully produced in the GCC as La Femme,” says Sarah. “I’m looking forward to the creative freedom of the role and bringing my Los Angeles experience to a Dubai magazine.”

TishTash welcomes Sarah Dudley

TishTash has welcomed Sarah Dudley to the role of Account Manager. With over three years of experience in PR and communications, Sarah has previously worked both in-house as well as part of an agency. In her new role, she will be working on a number of TishTash clients including; Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, Johnson’s Adult, GlamBox and Detox Delight.

“I am very excited to be part of the TishTash team and to be joining an agency that excels in the region and is known for being a leader in beauty, health and wellness communications,” says Sarah. “It’s going to be an amazing new chapter.”

Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, Founder and Managing Director, TishTash, adds “Sarah is someone that I have known personally for a long time in Dubai and I am delighted to welcome her to my team. She has such a fantastic wealth of experience working with beauty and health brands and is a perfect addition to the TishTash family.”

Publicis consolidates regional LeoComm offices

Publicis Communications has consolidated its six-office LeoComm PR network in the Middle East under the brand of MSLGroup, its strategic communications and engagement firm. Leocomm offices in the UAE, Egypt, Lebanon, Qatar and Saudi Arabia will now become MSLGROUP in the Middle East, while remaining part of the Publicis Communications MEA portfolio of agencies, which also includes; Leo Burnett, Publicis Worldwide, Flip Media, Arc and Saatchi & Saatchi. MSLGROUP’s Communications and Network Consulting (CNC) Network also has offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, servicing mostly corporate and public affairs clients, which will remain a separate unit inside of MSLGROUP.
“We are thrilled to grow our network in the Middle East,” says Guillaume Herbette, CEO MSLGROUP. “LeoComm PR brings to the table specialised communications expertise, vast knowledge of the Middle East and an in-depth understanding of regional market trends. Together, we look forward to providing our global and regional clients with a full scope of integrated public relations services.”
Raja Trad, CEO, Publicis Communications Middle East and Africa, adds “In recent years, LeoComm PR has built a strong legacy of growth, one rooted in a powerful ‘think global, act local’ communications strategy. Today the agency’s new identity will help further crystallise this approach and cement its mission to deliver fully-integrated, all-encompassing public relations services.”

MEPRA confirms key partners for 2016 Awards

The Middle East PR Association (MEPRA) has confirmed key sponsors for the 2016 Middle East PR Awards, due to take place at the JW Marriot Marquis on November 23, 2016. The awards will be supported by platinum sponsor, Mubadala; gold sponsor, MCG Associates and bronze sponsor, Edelman, with category sponsors including; Middlesex University Dubai, Sumo Sushi & Bento, Pan Arab Research Centre, RAK Media office and BUZ PR. The 2016 MEPRA awards will recognise innovation in the PR sector from across the region and reward practitioners who have made a distinctive contribution to the communication industry.

“The communication industry has evolved and modernised over the last few years and the MEPRA awards is the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on the public relations sector and celebrate the creative individuals who craft innovative communication campaigns,” says Brian Lott, Chairman, MEPRA and Executive Director – Communications, Mubalads. “I would like to thank all our board of sponsors for their support towards encouraging originality and imagination in the industry.”

Justin McGuire, CEO, MCG Group, adds “The MEPRA awards go beyond known boundaries and disciplines, encouraging the most innovative PR professionals and agencies who make a mark in the communication industry. It inspires path-breaking campaigns that happen on the edges of tradition. We are excited and proud to be able to support the Awards, which are considered to the the pinnacle of the communication industry in the region.”

UAE Arab Woman Awards nominations now open

The Arab Woman Awards UAE is now accepting nominations for its 2016 awards, which will take place in late November, in Dubai. People can nominate themselves, friends or family members by completing the form on the Arab Woman Awards website, www.arabwomanawards.com/nominate. Nominees should be female, of Arab descent, have achieved something significant in their field over the past 12 months and be positive role models – each award will then have its own specific criteria, which can be obtained by emailing arabwomanawards@itp.com. Nominees will be included in a presentation to the Awards’ board of judges, lead by HE Ameera bin Karam, Chairperson on Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) and the closing date for nominations via the website is Friday, 30th September.

“There are three different ways people can be nominated – these are from our own research, from one of the members of the judging board or they can be nominated via our website by themselves or others,” says Sue Holt, Founder, Arab Woman Awards and Executive Director, ITP Consumer. “We introduced this latter method in 2013 and have seen a large number of our ultimate winners come via this route. At first women were quite reluctant to put themselves or others forward however in the past two years we’ve seen a steep increase. Personally, I think it is wonderful that we are reaching a stage where, as a woman, it is acceptable to say that you believe you deserve an award for all your hard work. It also heartens me that family members and friends are being so supportive.”