Meltwater promotes Christo Van Wyk

Global media intelligence firm, Meltwater, has promoted Christo Van Wyk to the role of Area Director for India and the Middle East. With over eight years of experience, Christo joined Meltwater in 2009 as Client Relations Account Manager and was most recently Client Acquisition and Sales Consultant. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading Meltwater’s sales and customer service across the Middle East and India.

“I am looking forward to my new responsibilities and helping to grow our presence in the Middle East and India, which are both exciting markets,” says Christo. “With growing internet and mobile penetration and a tech savvy younger generation, companies in these markets are looking to maximise the value of data to reach new demographics and adapt their marketing strategies based on outside insights, which is where we come in.”

Votek makes new appointment

Dubai-based software company, Votek has appointed Joanna Cousins to the role of Head of Communications and Business Development. With over six years of experience in client relations and business development, Joanna previously worked with Provocateur and most recently with Vii Dubai. In her new role, she will be handling the account for educational toy business line, Loujee as well as overseeing the branding, advertising and PR product displays and photo shoots for Votek’s clients across the GCC.

“It’s an exciting time to join Votek, with our products launching on different platforms and new products in the pipeline, using technology previously unseen in this region,” says Joanna. “I’m looking forward to engaging new and existing clients across the GCC to help them understand the benefits of our products and solutions and integrate them into their own business environment.”

PHD expands regional network

Dubai-based media and communications agency, PHD has launched its operations in Lebanon as a part of its regional expansion plan. With an office in Beirut, PHD will bring its expertise and working methods to manage the interest of its clients across Lebanon and the Levant region. The new launch will also see the appointment of Maroun Hassoun to the role of General Manager, PHD Lebanon to oversee the team and report to Elda Choucair, CEO of PHD MENA.

“Having spent my entire career in the marketing industry, I can say that I have watched the rise of PHD with awe,” says Maroun. “I feel an equal sense of responsibility in maintaining and developing this mindset and excitement about the opportunity to tangibly make a difference in a market I know so well.”

TishTash makes new appointment

Marwa Mohamed has joined TishTash Marketing and Public Relations as PR Assistant. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Communications, Marwa launched her own blog, The Beauty Bunny in 2014. In her new role, she will support the team in consolidating press coverage, pitching for features as well as assist in events and social media content writing.
“It was through her blog that we first noticed Marwa, so when we were looking for some support in the office, she felt like a natural fit,” says Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, Founder and Managing Director, TishTash Marketing and Public Relations. “We’re excited to have her on our team.”

Custard to set up meeting hubs at Dubai Lynx

Dubai-based event management agency, Custard has partnered with Dubai Lynx to set up meeting hubs at the upcoming event. Through the hubs, the agency aims to draw attention to the importance of being able to conduct meetings in a private and professional environment, while maximising time at an event. The Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity is set to take place from March 5-7, 2017 at Madinat Jumeirah Arena.

“Dubai Lynx brings together clients and teams from across the region and the wider world for three days to celebrate creativity in MENA,” says Emma Farmer, General Manager, Custard. “Naturally this lends to many high level face-to-face meetings being arranged, but ends up with people heading back to their offices to conduct their meeting in an appropriate environment. The hubs will give people the opportunity to book a fully equipped and air conditioned meeting room on site, removing the need to host meetings off-site and allowing delegates more time to experience the festival.”

New Creative Director at Create Media

Dubai-based digital communications agency, Create Media Group has appointed Vincent Drevet to the role of Creative Director. With over 16 years of experience in creative communications, Vincent previously worked on various campaigns for organisations such as Coca Cola, Jaguar and Virgin Atlantic. In his new role, he will oversee all creative outputs and operations and work towards reaching new creative developments for the agency.

“Joining Create Media is a really exciting new challenge for me,” says Vincent. “Working with so many people from all around the world, finding solutions to bring a multicultural team to work as one entity is always exciting and joining Tom Otton and his multi-talented team is my best career choice to date.”