Debonair welcomes new Editor

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Men’s luxury lifestyle title Debonair, part of Pinpoint Media Group, has appointed Eduan Maggo to the role of Editor. Previously Country Guides Editor at Gulf News Publishing, in his new role, Eduan will oversee all editorial content across the print and online publication.

“After years of honing my versatility, I’m quite excited to be returning to one of my first loves – men’s fashion and lifestyle. What drew me to this magazine is its unique voice, it presents intelligent articles in a visually striking manner,” says Eduan. “I’d say Debonair and I share a fashion philosophy that favours timeless style over fleeting trends, and as such I’m looking forward to overseeing the next phase of its evolution.”

The National shifts ownership

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A subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation, International Media Investments (IMI) has secured ownership of The National. Previously falling under Abu Dhabi Media (ADM), the daily newspaper title will continue to operate under ADM until arrangements for their transfer to the new premises has concluded.

Virgin welcomes new PR and Events Specialist

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The Middle East branch of international entertainment retail chain, Virgin Megastore has appointed Rohma Nomani to the role of PR and Events Specialist. Previously working on Luxury Fashion PR at Al Tayer Group, in her new role, Rohma will be responsible for the management and implementation of Virgin Megastore’s communication and events strategy across the MENA region.

“Virgin Megastore has always been considered one of the coolest brands in the region and I feel like one of cool kids now!” says Rohma. “The company’s corporate culture is exceptionally proactive and progressive – exactly what you would expect of the Virgin brand. I am honoured to be working with such a supportive and inspiring team.”

New promotion at tabloid!

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tabloid! the leisure section of Gulf News has promoted David Tusing to the role of Editor. Having joined Gulf News in 2010, David previously worked as Deputy Editor of tabloid! where he assisted the Editor and handled the fashion coverage as well as oversaw all social media strategies. In his new role, he will oversee the daily publication of the entertainment and lifestyle section of Gulf News across the UAE to include Hollywood, Bollywood, Fillipino and Arabic entertainment scenes as well as ensure that all content is well constructed for the relevant mediums.

“It’s such an interesting time to be in media, especially in entertainment in the region,” says David. “I am looking forward to taking what is already a very successful product for Gulf News to greater heights.”

Arab News makes new appointment

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Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Arab News has appointed Khaled Almaeena to the role of Editor Emeritus. Former Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Almaeena will now play an advisory role in newsroom management, staff coaching and documenting the history of the newspaper.

“Arab News is undergoing a major transformation with the intention of taking it forward, international and more digital,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “However, we are equally proud of our history and keen to preserve it. We believe that there is nobody better suited than Mr. Almaeena – who has served as Editor for more than half of the 41-year old newspaper’s history – to help with that task. In addition, as our new Editor Emeritus, he will be an invaluable mentor to a whole new generation of journalists who will carry Arab News forward in the future.”

Dipp Bhargava launches new podcast

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Dipp Bhargava, previously Senior Presenter at Josh FM, is set to launch new biweekly podcast Be Your Own Boss later this month. With over eight years of experience in journalism, Dipp will feature interviews with entrepreneurs and startups across the UAE showcasing success stories and challenges faced as well as advice on how to set up a company.

“I am taking some time off from radio and am going full-time freelance,” says Dipp Bhargava. “My podcast Be Your Own Boss will guide and assist people who plan to start their own business in UAE. The basic idea is to help budding entrepreneurs and to start a community where we can help each other.”

House of Comms welcomes new Account Executive

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Integrated communications agency, House of Comms has welcomed Nikita Marie to the role of Account Executive. With a degree in marketing and communications from Bournemouth University, Nikita has experience in hospitality, real estate and digital communications. In her new role, she will join the digital team to work on social media and assist with digital communications operations across House of Comms’ portfolio of global brands.

“We are seeing a huge shift in client needs, which centres around creative ideas,” says Jamie Wilks, Managing Partner, House of Comms. “These ideas are typically coming more from our younger team members and Nikita offers abundantly in that area. We’re delighted to have Nikita as part of the team and we wish her all the best.”

hug makes new appointment

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hug digital has appointed Tim Durgan to the role of Head of Digital Media in Dubai. Previously the Cluster Digital Lead and UM Labs Ambassador (MENAP) at UM MENA and having worked on international brands in the past – such as Johnson & Johnson, Coca Cola, IKEA, Panasonic and Virgin Media, Tim brings his knowledge and experience in innovative digital media to hug digital.

“My vision for media is to understand consumer objectives first and deliver a unique story to each unique individual, underpinned by data. This will allow us to drive new markets, build new brands and drive new leads,” says Tim Durgan, Head of Digital Media, hug digital. “I’m looking forward to being part of a team that believes in this approach and works tirelessly to drive this strategy forward so we can be the trendsetters in the market.”

Sarah Abdel Wahab, Regional Head of Media, hug digital adds, “We’re very excited to have Tim on board. He brings an impressive arsenal of in-depth knowledge of new and innovative tools. His local know-how and desire for transforming the market are exactly the kind of thing we look for and I  personally look forward to working together closely with him on boosting our media offerings to our clients.”