Management changes at ITP

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ITP Media Group has undergone further management reshuffling, following the appointment of Ali Akawi to the role of CEO last year.

Former Deputy Managing Director, Alex Reeve takes on the role of Executive Director for Consumer titles and Martin Chambers, previously Publisher at Time Out group has now taken on the position of Publishing Director. In his new role, Martin will be responsible for operations across all consumer titles under ITP. Alia Fawad, formerly Deputy Managing Director of ITP, will now manage the launch of ITP’s social influencer agency under the new division, ITP Live.

Cicero & Bernay expands into Turkey

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Public relations consultancy, Cicero & Bernay has signed a new affiliation with Turkey-based PR and social media agency, Miya PR & SM, to expand its operations to Turkey. The affiliation will see both parties combine their strength and capabilities to shape and deliver creative communication strategies, as well as collaborate on client projects and new business efforts across the region.

“This partnership empowers both of our agencies to provide high-quality communication campaigns in a key market at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and we are delighted to offer our clients enhanced PR capability that an affiliation with C&B brings,” says Burcu Meriç Durak, Founder, Miya PR & SM. “I believe that our understanding and insights perfectly complement each other and that through our combined efforts we will deliver the best-in-class communication campaigns for our clients.”

New Editor at Hotel News Middle East

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Monthly hospitality title, Hotel News Middle East, part of BNC Publishing has welcomed Patrick Ryan to the role of Editor. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, Patrick was previously Assistant News Editor at weekly newspaper, 7Days. In his new role, Patrick will oversee and contribute to content creation for the publication’s print and digital platforms as well as manage all events and awards under the Hotel News Middle East brand.

 “Having worked across business desks for over a decade, it wasn’t hard to see just how important the hotel industry is to the entire region,” says Patrick. “It’s a dynamic and thriving sector and I’m looking forward to being at the helm of what’s already a vibrant and informative title. These are exciting times for the hotel industry and it’s my goal to ensure that Hotel News Middle East not only reflects that, but is right at the heart of everything that happens in the hotel sector across the region.”

ITP Publishing Group reveals new identity

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Following the launch of ITP Live in November 2016, the Dubai-based publishing house has rebranded as ITP Media Group. With its growth in print, digital and event divisions, the new title and logo aims to identify the firm as a 360° content creation agency with a multi-platform approach to its publications and events.

“With more than 85 media brands, all with print, digital, video and social platforms, publishing is only part of what we do,” says Ali Akawi, CEO, ITP Media Group. “It’s therefore essential that we reflect this in our corporate identity. Along with the continual evolution of our brands, we have also recently purchased a Data Management Platform (DMP) and launched ITP Live. Collectively, this will ensure that we are appropriately aligned with, and at the forefront of this digital era. Our new name, ITP Media Group reflects these offerings.”

Rotana welcomes Senior Marketing Officer

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The Dubai offices of Rotana Media Group has appointed Diane Nassereldine to the role of Senior Marketing Officer. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, the entertainment group comprises of Rotana Studios, Rotana Magazine, Rotana TV and Rotana Records as well as seven music stations under Rotana Radio. Previously Senior Digital Business Developer at Mediaquest Corp., Diane will now be responsible for the development of marketing strategies as well as boost Rotana Artists through relevant media exposure.

“Rotana is the leader in Arabic music content and I will make sure that everyone knows it,” says Diane.

Google appoints new MENA Managing Director

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Google has appointed Lino Cattaruzi to the role of Managing Director for its operations across the Middle East and North Africa. With experience in the technology industry, Lino previously worked with Google as Director for Sales Strategy and most recently as Country Director, Argentina and later Mexico. In his new role, he will lead the efforts to enable local business partners grow and engage with consumers online, as well as help the wider digital community through programs and initiatives across the MENA region.

“After eight years of experience within the international Google offices, I am excited to start a new challenge within the company and look forward to working with some very talented Googlers here in the Dubai office,” says Lino. “I find the MENA region to be truly fascinating and believe there is a lot more to be done in unlocking its digital potentials.”

Chee Smith goes freelance

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Chee Smith, former Fashion and Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan Middle East, has gone freelance. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, Chee previously worked at VIVA magazine as the Fashion and Beauty Director before joining the Cosmopolitan Middle East launch team in February, 2011. She will continue to work across the fashion and beauty sector as a freelance fashion stylist and editor.

“Although I’m sad to leave Cosmopolitan Middle East, I’m really excited to go freelance and work on new projects,” says Chee. “I’m looking forward to new challenges and working on a variety of jobs within editorial, advertising and events.”