Having joined Cosmopolitan Middle East in February 2017 as Acting Editor-in-Chief, Kavita Srinivasan has now officially been appointed to the role of Editor-in-Chief. Kavita previously worked with Hello! Indo-Arabia as Editor-in-Chief and will now continue to hold the reins at Cosmopolitan Middle East and oversee all editorial content for the publication.
Absolute Communications Group has appointed Royston Rodrigues to the role of PR Account Manager. Royston brings with him experience in public relations and human resources having previously worked with Synergy Public Relations in India before moving to the UAE and most recently work with DAMAC Properties, where he was an integral member of the recruitment and research team. In his new role, he will be responsible for handling the day-to-day PR activities of key accounts in Absolute Communications Group.
“Being new to the PR scene in Dubai, I am quite excited and intrigued to be a part of the Absolute Family, an agency to reckon with when it comes to brand image building,” says Royston. “With my experience in PR, I believe I have a lot to bring to the table.”
Saudi Arabian-based newspaper, Arab News has launched two new bureaus in Europe and Asia as a part of its global, digital expansion plan. The new launch has been followed by the appointment of Baker Atyani to the role of Southeast Asia Bureau Chief, who brings with him experience in journalism, having covered stories on conflict zones in the region and previously worked with Al Arabiya as Bureau Chief – Asia, and most recently as its Senior International Correspondent. In his new role, he will spearhead Arab News’ coverage of Asia across print, online and video with a particular focus on India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Arab News’ digital expansion will also see the promotion of Ben Flanagan to the role of London Bureau Chief. With 16 years of experience working on national newspapers and news portals, Ben most recently held the position of Senior Editor at Arab News. He will now take on his new role to lead the operations of the new bureau in London and cover the UK and Europe from an Arab perspective, with a particular focus on politics, business and investment to serve as a digital hub for the newspaper.
“The new bureaus support the newspaper’s ‘more digital, more global’ strategy,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “It is a great pleasure for us to have these two exceptionally experienced and incredibly capable journalists heading up our crucial Asia and UK operations. This inevitably adds much value to our readers who will be sure to get the best relevant content and stories from across these regions.”
Having worked with markettiers since June 2017 as freelance Senior Account Executive, Rachel Lewis has now officially been appointed to the role of Senior Account Executive. Rachel previously worked with Edelman DABO, where she was an integral member of the consumer team across technology, entertainment and arts, and culture sectors. In her new role, she will work on key projects with both PR agencies and directly with clients on broadcast-driven campaigns and consumer activations, across industry sectors. She will also support the team with creative consultancy across content creation, managing the production and delivery of this content and undertaking targeted media relations that ensure campaigns deliver for both clients, brands and media owners.
“I’m delighted to be joining the region’s dedicated broadcast specialist,” says Rachel. “markettiers MENA have been delivering some of the most exceptional digital and video-led campaigns in the region since their inception in 2014. As a firm believer in putting content at the heart of campaigns, I’m excited to bring my knowledge and passion in both PR and video production to help create more memorable campaigns for clients.”
TishTash Marketing and Public Relations promotes Marwa Mohamed to the role of PR Account Executive. Having joined the agency in January 2017 as PR Assistant, Marwa will continue to work on TishTash’s portfolio of beauty brands, including Rahua, Rodial, Cyclelogicals and The Organic Pharmacy.
“Working at TishTash has been a rewarding career experience, giving me the opportunity to work with reputable brands and pursue my passion for beauty and wellness,” says Marwa. “I’m thrilled for my new chapter as an Account Executive and look forward to supporting the growth of this organisation.”
Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, Founder and Managing Director, TishTash Marketing and Public Relations adds, “Marwa has been a hardworking and valuable member of our team, and we are proud to recognise her contribution to our team’s continued success.”
Dubai-based integrated communications agency, House of Comms has been appointed by Costa as its creative agency in the UAE. Owned locally by Emirates Leisure Retail (ELR), Costa is a multinational coffee brand that offers a unique coffee selection to coffee lovers. House of Comms will handle all Costa’s integrated marketing campaigns, social media and PR operations in the UAE.
“We are all huge coffee lovers here at House of Comms and longtime fans of Costa, so naturally we couldn’t be happier to become their dedicated creative agency,” says Jamie Wilks, Managing Partner, House of Comms. “We’ve already had the pleasure of being involved in some amazing integrated marketing campaigns and are currently working with Costa to develop some exciting innovations over the coming months to firmly put Costa UAE on the map.”
The first digital eco and sustainable magazine in the Middle East, theethicalist.com launches. Founded by Anthea Ayache, she brings with her a diverse background in journalism, having previously worked at Friday magazine part of Gulf News as Senior Features Writer and most recently with its radios stations Radio 1 and Radio 2 as Radio Presenter.
Theethicalist.com offers content from around the world ranging from the latest news, zeitgeist reports, exclusive interviews with eco heroes and a focus on social businesses that have positively impacted the environment with an aim to engage, inspire and enhance the lives of readers across the UAE. The online magazine will also include lifestyle features on fashion, beauty, food and travel with an eco and philanthropic twist that is accessible by readers and an option to subscribe to receive newsletters, discounts and tailored information.
The new launch will also see the appointment of Karen Pasquali Jones to the role of Managing Editor, having worked in the UK with Love It! magazine, part of News UK and Sky magazine before moving to the UAE and most recently working with Friday magazine as Editor. In her new role, she will contribute and manage the editorial content of the online magazine.
“We’re thrilled to bring something completely new and unique to Dubai,” says Anthea Ayache, Founding Editor, theethicalist.com. “Theethicalist.com isn’t just a website, it’s a brand and a way of life. We’re here to help, inspire and encourage everyone to be the best they can be and to look after themselves, the community and the planet. We deal with subjects from the hyper-local to global in an engaging way.”
Marriott International has appointed Sarah Walker Kerr to the role of Vice President of Communications Middle East and Africa. Sarah previously worked with Armani Hotels and Resorts, part of Emaar Hospitality Group as Director of Public Relations and most recently with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company as Regional Director of Public Relations Middle East, Africa, India and Japan. In her new role, she will be responsible for devising and implementing the overall communications strategy for Marriott International across the region by driving visibility and enhancing the perception of the company, and its brands as well as increasing its voice in the media. She will also provide counsel to the senior executive leadership team and manage crises communications, reputation management, brand communications as well as internal and external communications.