GQ Middle East announces launch Editor

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With GQ Middle East due to launch this September, ITP Media Group has announced the appointment of Adam Baidawi to the role of Editor-in-Chief. With a wealth of experience, Adam previously worked with GQ Australia as a writer and photographer, where he profiled celebrities, athletes and politicians, and wrote feature stories from Colombia, Iraq, the United States and North Korea for the magazine. He most recently worked with the New York Times where he held the role of Australia correspondent.

Born in Abu Dhabi but raised in Australia, at the age of 28 Adam joins GQ Middle East as the youngest Editor of the global brand. In his new role, he will oversee the editorial direction of the brand across various platforms including a bi-lingual website, social media platforms and a monthly magazine.

“GQ has been an integral part of my life for nearly a decade,” says Adam. “It’s a huge honour to be chosen to launch the brand into the region where I was born. We’re looking forward to creating a magazine that’s relentlessly smart and stylish – and also something that will start and support important conversations in the region.” 

MSL Group opens office in Turkey

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Dubai-based communications and engagement company, MSL Group Middle East, part of Publicis Groupe, has expanded into Turkey. Being its 107th office worldwide, the new office will be a part of a strong integrated offering in Turkey that will feature the capabilities and expertise from Publicis Istanbul, Publicis Healthcare, Leo Burnett, Starcom and Zenith. The new office will see the appointment of Mehin Öner as CEO, making Istanbul the 34th branch in the MSL network led by a woman.

“The move links the PR capabilities in Turkey to MSL’s global practice and sectors as well as best-in-class strategic counsel, creative services and best practices that MSL provides around the world,” says Mehin Öner, CEO, MSL Group, Turkey. “By working as part of the MSL global network, and closely with our local Publicis sister agencies, we offer our clients a distinct strategic, data-driven and holistic solution that meets their broadest communication and business needs.”

Guillaume Herbette, Global CEO, MSL Group, continues, “The addition of Istanbul is strategically important to our global network as it is situated at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, all where the MSL network is exceptionally strong.  We have been eager to move into the Turkey market for some time now. Clients across our global network will benefit from our presence in Turkey where we now have a solid on-the-ground team with a deep understanding of the local marketplace and strong relationships, community ties and social connections.”

 

Omnia expands into Jordan

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UAE-based digital agency, Omnia has launched its Jordan office as part of its expansion plans. Located in Amman, the new office is in response to the growing demand for Omnia’s digital expertise and will act as a digital development hub for the company’s growing roster of digital clients which, at present includes the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Emirates NBD, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and ACWA Power.
“Given the breadth and scale of digital consultancy and transformation work that we regularly undertake and deliver on behalf of some of the region’s, and world’s, biggest brands, we are committed to attracting and developing world-class talent,” says Adam Booth, Managing Director, Omnia. “Our new Jordanian office and the talented Arabic speaking team that comprise it – coupled with our regular investment in the latest industry tools – reinforce our ability to successfully deliver a range of digital services that not only positively impact our clients’ businesses but transform them for the better.”

M&C Saatchi PR welcomes new Account Manager

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Global communications agency, M&C Saatchi PR has appointed Melinda Mesiano to the role of Account Manager. With a wealth of experience working across corporate and consumer segments, Melinda has handled clients such as Emaar, Hilton Hotels, OSN and Jumeirah Golf Estates, where she specialised in content creation and media relations. In her new role, Melinda will oversee a range of client accounts with an emphasis on driving and facilitating new businesses.

“The team has recently hit its one-year milestone in the UAE, so it’s a really exciting time to join,” says Melinda. “I can’t wait to see where we can take M&C Saatchi PR in the UAE.”
Amy Brill, M&C Saatchi PR, Head of PR, UAE, continues, “Melinda is the perfect addition to the team – strategic, creative and fearless – we are delighted to have her on board.”

TishTash makes new appointment 

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Dubai-based marketing and PR agency, TishTash has appointed Jean Therese to the role of Social Media Manager. With a wealth of experience working across digital and content creation agencies, Jean most recently worked with AZUR BLUE as Marketing Specialist. In her new role, she will handle day to day social media and work across a selection of clients.

“I am beyond thrilled and excited to join an organisation that is beaming with creativity and good vibes regardless of how crazy this industry can be,” says Jean. “I am looking forward to creating more exciting and innovative content for clients to help make amazing things happen at TishTash!”

Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, TishTash, Founder and Managing Director, continues, “The demand for digital services and creative content continues to boom and our digital team is growing at a face pace in line with this, doubling in size in the past 6 months. We loved Jean’s style and passion for creativity and communicating in a fun and outside the box kind of way and we feel she’s the perfect addition to the TishTash Team.“

UM MENAT appoints new Head of Client Partnerships 

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UM MENAT has appointed Tom Hardstaff to the role of Head of Client Partnerships, UM MENAT. With a wealth of experience in communications, Tom most recently worked with UM MENAT as Head of Strategy where he was the key driver of UM’s “Better Science, Better Art, Better Outcome” philosophy and planning approach as well as being responsible for clients such as Reckitt Benckiser, Coca-Cola, L’Oréal and Ooredoo. In his new role, Tom will increase his focus on evolving partnerships, lead on operational and strategic initiatives, develop business plans and continue to lead on strategy.

“Tom’s aptitude and experience have been invaluable to the agency’s success,” says Joe Nicolas, Regional Managing Director, UM MENAT. “As we embark on an exciting journey of transformation, his innovative thinking and pragmatic approach will be instrumental to drive our vision to lead change in the new normal.”

Brand Ripplr offers alternative to influencers

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UAE-based influencer platform, Brand Ripplr is offering an attractive alternative for all influencers in the region. Brand Ripplr is separating itself from other UAE influencer agencies by on boarding influencers under their license without insisting on exclusivity or additional commission charges.
“As an ad-tech platform that sees the influencer-marketing process through from start-to-finish, we welcome the new legislation,” says Tanaz Dizadji, Founder & CEO, Brand Ripplr. “For too long, the industry has been unregulated, and it is only right that the NMC has sought to find solutions to protect both consumers and brands when it comes to influencer marketing. There’s been a lot of commotion around the new laws… and some agencies have seen the new legislation as an opportunity to enforce influencer exclusively without justification. However, this will lead to the over-commercialisation of influencers and further inflate influencer pricing in the market.

“As a key industry player, it is important that we take a stand to protect both the brands and the influencers. Brand Ripplr will still be able to take full responsibility for this paid content and ensure that it satisfies NMC standards, but without taking commission from its influencers or charging brands unjustifiably for influencer marketing campaigns. Influencers are welcoming a move that meets industry standards without crushing their ability to create awesome content and collaborate with the right brands.”

Cicero and Bernay expands into Egypt 

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Public relations agency, Cicero and Bernay (C&B) has signed with Ingredients, an agency specialising in media and public relations and also part of the Egyptian Media Synergy. The new agreement will allow C&B and Ingredients to bring together their strategic, targeted communications solutions that are designed to reach and influence their customers in the country. By the end of 2018, C&B aims to have offices in 20 markets across the MENA region, giving clients unrivalled regional scope.

“As the most populous country in the MENA region, Egypt is a key target market for our clients and home to a burgeoning communication industry,” says Maysa-Jana Atoui, Director of Business Development, Cicero and Bernay. “In partnership with Ingredients, we will cater to the increased demand for PR services, crisis planning and reputation management in the Egyptian market, while also heightening engagement with new-age tactics such as influencer-led activations and campaigns. We are pleased to be responding to our clients’ far-reaching requirements by expanding our MENA footprint and opening a valuable new window onto the Egyptian market.”