Associate Account Director, Reem Maroun

Name: Reem Maroun
Age: 32
From: Jordan
Current job title:  Associate Account Director, Insignia PR

When did you arrive in the UAE?
I arrived in Dubai two and a half years ago in December – when the weather was deceptively beautiful.

Where did you work prior?
I was working as a marketing freelancer before joining Insignia PR; my clients included Bourn Hall Clinic, TVM Capital and Raymond Sport.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
I worked closely with media in Jordan prior to moving to Dubai and I enjoy the sector. The majority of people in the industry are friendly; you stay close to the city pulse and hear about exciting openings, launches, etc.

Have these impressions changed much?
No, it’s still an exciting, hip industry to be working in.

Tell us about your new role…
I’ve joined Insignia PR as Associate Account Director and am very excited to be looking after destination resorts and working in the Luxury Travel sector, especially as Insignia Worldwide has been dedicated to the field for the last 10 years.

What challenges do you face?
The misconception that the editorial material we share with media representatives should be paid for. We are often told that our press release will not run unless we purchase advertising space.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Making a difference in the direction and perception of PR in the region. The team at Insignia PR pride themselves on fostering personal relationships with writers, and I am part of a dynamic group that keeps up-to-date with the demands and industry trends.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far?
Working on the launches of the Salalah Rotana Resort and Alila Jabal Akhdar – two highly anticipated openings in the Middle East.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
They are getting better all the time, and I’m excited by all the new and upcoming publications that are appearing.

What sets you apart from other PR professionals?
Having lived in and visited many countries, plus being bilingual, I find it both easy and enjoyable to connect with new people from different backgrounds and nationalities.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Both. The landline is more comfortable if I’m chatting to an Arab journalist, because we like to take our time on the phone and I get to know a lot about them, their families, children and so on.

What’s your most overused saying?
“Nip it in the bud”

Five things you can’t live without?
Family, chocolate, visits back home to Jordan, a book (I’m always reading something) and my brown leather jacket.

If you weren’t a PR, what would you be?
I’d probably go back to the world of regional politics. I was privileged to have worked in the Advance Royal Protocol team for His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein in the Royal Hashemite Court.