Amy Piek is promoted at Bell Pottinger Middle East

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Bell Pottinger Middle East (BPME) has promoted Amy Piek to the role of Director. Having been with the agency for over three years, Amy was previously Associate Partner and assisted in building the firm’s Financial Communications & Investor Relations practice.

In her new role, she will work alongside fellow Director Tim Falconer (Dubai) and Archie Berens, Managing Director (Middle East) to facilitate in the separation of Bell Pottinger Middle East from the current owner Bell Pottinger Private Limited in the UK, which is to be put into administration.

“This is an extremely exciting opportunity for us.  As an independent and financially secure business with a strong and experienced team in charge of its own destiny, it will now be open to us to consider a whole range of options,” says Archie Berens, Managing Director, BPME, Middle East. “Our company has a long and proud tradition of working in the Middle East and it is now up to us to continue to build on that.  With my fellow directors Tim Falconer and Amy Piek, I cannot wait to get started on the next stage of the journey.  We are especially pleased to have been able to promote Amy, who has thoroughly deserved this and has a key role to play in our future.”

Sasan Saeidi joins J. Walter Thompson

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Global communications agency, J. Walter Thompson has appointed Sasan Saeidi as the new CEO for the agency’s gulf operations. Having previously worked with FP7 as Managing Director, McCann group in Dubai since 2011, Sasan brings with him 18 years of experience in strategy, account management, business development and has led teams in North America as well as the MENA region across many sectors. In his new role Sasan will be leading the Dubai, Kuwait and Qatar teams on network projects, leading group pitches and driving the agency’s development agenda in the region as well as leveraging best practices and talent performance in the interests of clients and their brands.

“J. Walter Thompson is a pioneering communications agency both globally and locally and I’m truly excited about the work and positive transformation we are going to be doing,” says Sasan. “I look forward to working with some great talent, and ensuring we create a castle of world-class ideas that are responsible, innovative, drive our clients’ businesses and shape culture. Throughout this journey my plan is to help implement a culture that positions the agency as the best “creative consultancy” in the region for brands and businesses, one which will also compete globally.”

Caroline Rowe joins Media One Hotel

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Media One Hotel has appointed Caroline Rowe as Director of Marketing and Communications. With over 10 years of global marketing strategy experience, Caroline previously worked in Shanghai with Three on the Bund in the Communications department and in New Delhi as a PR consultant for Perfect Relations. In her most recent position with the Taj hotel in Business Bay Dubai she assisted with the opening of the property and worked as a consultant across numerous digital projects in the UAE.

In her new role, Caroline will use her global expertise to assist the Media One team in bringing a fresh, digitally driven approach to its marketing and how the hotel communicates the brand’s message to the region.

Bell Pottinger barred from PRCA

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British multinational PR and marketing firm, Bell Pottinger has been expelled from the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), following an investigation into its work for Oakbay Capital in South Africa. Bell Pottinger’s membership has been terminated with immediate effect and the company won’t be eligible to reapply for PRCA’s corporate membership for a minimum period of five years.

Following a complaint from the Democratic Alliance, the investigation revealed that Bell Pottinger breached four clauses under the PRCA Professional Charter and Public Affairs and Lobbying Code of Conduct, and that the firm’s campaign could possibly induce racial tensions in South Africa.

“Bell Pottinger has brought the PR and communications industry into disrepute with its actions, and it has received the harshest possible sanctions,” Francis Ingham, Director General, PRCA. “The PRCA has never before passed down such a damning indictment of an agency’s behaviour. This outcome reflects the huge importance that PRCA places on the protection of ethical standards in the business of PR and communications.”