Hopscotch reveals survey on Global Women in PR

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Hopscotch has revealed the results of its survey by PR and communications body, Global Women in PR (GWPR). The survey which aimed to show the status of women in the workplace and the industry as a whole, highlighted flexible hours as an advantage that has lead to efficiency while, the lack of confidence to demand pay rise being a major cause for gender pay gap. The study was conducted with a sample size of 757 respondents working in the PR industry from across 19 countries. Following the research findings, Hopscotch also launches new monthly series, Career Clinics to increase skills and provide a platform for women to network.

“On launching Hopscotch 18 months ago, we quickly realised that sourcing flexible work for women was only half the battle,” says Helen McGuire, Co-Founder, Hopscotch. “Ensuring women follow a path to senior management and building confidence is key to reducing the gap, but we need those women in the workforce in the first place and in the UAE, the employment rate of women is less than half the global average.”

New Editor at Villa 88

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Lifestyle magazine Villa 88, part of APP Media Group welcomes Yuvitha Naran to the role of Editor. With experience in media and journalism, Yuvitha most recently worked with Mediaquest Corp. across magazines such as Marie Claire Arabia, Haya and The Dubai Mall Magazine, where she managed the production of fashion and beauty photo shoots while also assisting with styling. In her new role, she will contribute to Villa 88’s brand development and oversee its editorial content by applying her skills to both writing and styling. She will also create content strategies for the growth of the magazine across the region.

New Editor-in-Chief at Men’s Health ME and Women’s Health ME

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ITP Media Group has appointed Danae Mercer to the role of Editor-in-Chief of Men’s Health Middle East and Women’s Health Middle East. Danae previously worked as a freelance journalist writing for CNN Travel, The Sunday Times, Afar, Shape magazine, Bloomberg Pursuits and others, and doing radio for the BBC World Service. Before freelancing, Danae was with Motivate Publishing as Editor of Jumeirah Magazine, where she oversaw publication production and worked closely with Jumeirah Group to shape the overall direction of its magazine. In her new role, she will oversee all editorial content of both titles and contribute to their brand development across the Middle East. She will also create cutting edge features to highlight the brand’s image and recognition across the region. Danae will be expanding WHME and MHME’s online brands as well.

PRCA MENA Awards 2018 now open for entries

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Nominations for the PRCA MENA Awards 2018, hosted by Public Relations and Communications Association Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA), are now open for entries. The deadline for the entries is November 29, 2017, with the finalists to be announced in early 2018. The awards aim to recognise teams and individuals for PR and communications campaigns across the MENA region that can demonstrate creativity and effectiveness across 16 categories including Best PR Campain-B2B, Best PR Campaign – Digital, Influencer of the Year and PR Leader of the Year. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held on February 21, 2018.

Nominations for the awards are currently open and can be made directly through their website www.prca.mena.global

Ampersand launches operations across the region

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MCG& Group has launched new marketing and talent consultancy, Ampersand. Founded by Nick Clements and Justin McGuire, Ampersand will have offices across Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore to deliver marketing and talent consulting services. The consultancy will be divided into &Knowledge, which will provide specialist learning and development as well as training, coaching and assessments, &Search, an executive search and placement operation and &Connect, a strategic advisory and M&A service in the creative services arena. The new launch will also see Nick Clements, COO at MCG& take on the additional role of CEO along with Chris Quy, who most recently worked as Director at MCG& to take on the new role of Managing Director.

“Ampersand is a unique offering that brings the best of the worlds of marketing and talent consultancy together,” says Nick Clements, CEO, Ampersand. “We know that there is an appetite for the L&D, search, advisory and M&A services that we provide and are growing the business out internationally from day one. I’m thrilled to be partnering with Justin on this new venture and delighted that Chris Quy is bringing his wealth of experience to the company as Managing Director.”

House of Comms makes new appointment

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Dubai-based integrated communications agency, House of Comms has appointed Hossam Sultan to the role of Senior Social Media Manager. With over six years of dedicated social media experience, Hossam previously worked with more than 35 regional and global clients, including GoPro, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, L’Oreal, Dubai Tourism and Nakheel. In his new role, he will be will be responsible for developing creative solutions for the agency’s client social media platforms and producing data-driven insights.

“It’s impressive to witness the rapid growth of House of Comms and its capacity to compete with global giants that have been in the industry for years,” says Hossam. “It is a true testament to the hard work, passion and creativity of the team here. I’m really looking forward to this exciting new chapter in my career and growing within the agency!”