Cheil MENA wins with #BeFearless campaign

Cheil MENA and several other Cheil Global offices including HQ in Seoul, Germany, UAE and Russia, have been awarded for their contributions to the global #BeFearless campaign. #BeFearless is part of “Launching People”, an overarching campaign, in a search for innovative ideas that can demonstrate how powerful technology can be when it comes to solving real challenges that society faces. By using Samsung’s innovative VR technology to help people conquer their fears by simulating similar environments, the campaign was awarded Bronze in the PR category at The Spike awards; Asia’s oldest awards for excellence in creative communications and managed by Lions festivals.

The #BeFearless campaign also took a Gold Lovie in Mobile & Applications: Experimental & Innovation at The Lovies Awards as well as winning the People’s Choice award in that category. It also scooped up a Silver Lovie in Mobile & Applications: Best Practice category.

“Cheil MENA is proud to be recognised amongst its global Cheil Worldwide counterparts for work in new technology and digital application but more so, we are proud to be able to help create something that has the potential to do good for so many people trying to overcome their fears in life,” says Keesoo Kim, President and Head, Cheil MENA RHQ

Olivia Phillips joins Grazia Middle East

Fashion and lifestyle magazines Grazia Middle East, Grazia Qatar and Grazia Luxury, part of the ITP Publishing group, welcome Olivia Phillips to the role of Deputy Editor. With 10 years of experience, Olivia most recently worked as Fashion Features Editor for Emirates Woman, where she was responsible for fashion and beauty features. Previously she held positions at Stylist UK and Net-a-Porter.com and has written for You magazine, Refinery29.com and MatchesFashion.com.

GN Media closes broadcasting division

Following strategic review of internal operations, Gulf News Media has today announced that it will be closing its broadcasting division effective September 30, 2016. Having come to an agreement, all operations will be managed by Umm Al Quwain Broadcasting including Josh on Frequency 97.8 and Hayat on Frequency 95.6.

APP Media Group to host Young Arab Awards

APP Media Group is set to host the first Young Arab Awards on December 6, 2016 in the UAE. The awards aims to recognise young Arabs for their outstanding achievements in a number of fields including business, science and social media. They will also announce a winner for the Young Arab of the Year Award 2016. Nominees will be shortlisted by a panel of judges, including renowned author, Caher Khazaal, former UK Ambassador to Lebanon, Tom Fletcher and CEO, OMG MENA, Elie Khouri, as well as special guest of honour, Roger Waters from Pink Floyd. Nominations for the awards are currently open and can be made through www.youngarabawards.com.

“The achievements of young Arabs in the UAE is nothing short of incredible in so many different sectors,” says Caher Khazaal, Author, Confessions of a War Child trilogy.  “Choosing the winners will be no easy task, but we hope this event will give them the recognition they deserve. It is also a huge thrill for us to have Roger Waters on board. He is not just one of the world’s greatest ever musicians but a great philanthropist who has always been a strong supporter of the many regional issues we face.”

KBW Investments welcomes Fida Chaaban

Fida Chaaban has joined KBW Investments as the Group’s Chief Communications Officer. Formerly the Founding Editor-In-Chief of Entrepreneur Middle East, where she worked for over two and a half years, Fida will now work with KBW Investments to oversee all of its marketing communications and digital platforms. She will also be liaising with media and stakeholders on behalf of the Dubai-based portfolio group which was founded in 2013 by HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal.

“I’m really looking forward to my new role with KBW Investments as the Group’s Chief Communications Officer,” says Fida. “My appointment comes as the Group rapidly expands its operations and makes strategic advancements in the MENA region and beyond. I’m hoping to help communicate and articulate the company’s vision as it navigates this exciting new phase of its business. In addition, KBW’s Chairman, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal has a keen interest in startups both in the Middle East and further afield, hence this new role will allow me to continue to remain closely involved with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which was a key factor in my decision to join the company.”

Socialize welcomes Sireesha Ventaka

Socialize has appointed Sireesha Ventaka to the role of Finance Director. With over 13 years of experience, Sireesha most recently worked with Flip Media as the Chief Financial Officer. In her new role, she will be responsible for enhancing corporate governance and overseeing Socialize’s financial operations.

“Sireesha’s experience of supporting another regional digital agency through its growth and life cycle makes her perfect for the job as we transform our business operations and prepare for an exciting 2017,” says Akanksha Goel, Managing Director, Socialize.