Mojeh Men welcomes new Managing Editor

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Peter Iantorno has joined MOJEH Men as Managing Editor. With over four years of experience in journalism, Peter most recently worked as Features Editor for EDGAR and EDGARdaily.com, where he contributed to both print and online platforms, focusing on the successful launch of EDGARdaily.com. As Managing Editor, he will be leading both print and online products for MOJEH Men, helping to build the magazine’s brand in the region.

“While I have loved every minute of my time with EDGAR and am sad to be leaving, I am thrilled to be joining MOJEH Men at what is a hugely exciting time for the brand,” says Peter. “I can’t wait to get going.”

Blue 449 launches Middle Eastern network office

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Blue 449, part of the ZenithOptimedia group, has opened its eighth network office with the launch of the agency in the UAE, following the global launch of the Blue 449 network in March 2015. Headquartered in London, the communications network has also opened offices in the UK, France, Italy, Australia, Germany, Belgium and Spain.

The Blue 449 UAE office is located in Dubai and will be led by CV Suvi, who will take on the role of Managing Director, Blue 449 MENA. CV will report to Firas Al Zein, CEO, Zenith MENA.

“We are extremely excited about the launch of Blue 449 in MENA,” says CV. “It is a dynamic network that will benefit from all the resources of ZenithOptimedia and Publicis Groupe. The network’s integrated planning approach and ‘open source’ partnership framework will enable us to work more effectively across media, content, data and technology bringing in flexibility and agility to meet client challenges.”

Andrad Vigh, Global CEO, Blue 449, adds “We are very proud to open Blue 449 here in Dubai. This launch is a significant step in the creation of the Blue 449 network. This first outlet in the Middle East continues our expansion and the development of the agency’s very different approach to communications.”

dmg appoints new President for region

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dmg events has appointed Matt Denton as President for dmg events – Middle East, Asia and Africa. Matt joined dmg world media in 1998 as Head of Marketing for the UK consumer shows and he managed the Daily Mail Ideal Home and Ski and Snowboard Shows. Matt entered the MENA market in 2010 as Vice President for dmg events in Middle East and Asia handling The Big 5, a large regional construction event which grew from a single show to multiple shows across the GCC and India under his management.

In his most recent position, Matt moved to dmg’s US operation as President, overseeing the global digital marketing portfolio with offices in the US, Japan, UK, Australia, New Zealand and India.

“I am really excited to be returning to the UAE and getting reacquainted with the products and teams I know so well,” says Matt. “Although many things remain very familiar, much has changed in the time that I was away from the Middle East. There are many new faces and new initiatives and dmg events has grown exponentially across the region. I look forward to working closely with the teams, stakeholders and partners to continue this growth in the years to come.”

Geoff Dickinson, CEO, dmg events, adds “I have had the pleasure of knowing Matt for a very long time and he has always illustrated strong entrepreneurial skills in both developing and launching events. I was delighted to be instrumental in persuading him to rejoin dmg events in 2010 and I am pleased that he will now take the helm of our Middle East, Asia and Africa portfolio.”

In The Hot Seat – Craig Munro

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Craig Munro, Senior Producer/Head of Event Production, Middle East for 20/20 Productions gives us his opinions on the future of media in the Middle East…

Name: Craig Munro

Age: 48

From: 20/20 Productions – Dubai.

Current job title: Senior Producer / Head of Event Production, Middle East.

When did you arrive in the UAE? I first came to the UAE in 2012 when 20/20 Productions started looking to the Middle East as a possible market.

Where did you work prior?
I have worked extensively in the UK whilst based in Scotland, managed multiple European projects and, in the past, was based in New York for a couple of years.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
It’s an exciting time for the media industry in the Middle East, with the significance of interpersonal communication being valued, and the rapid expansion of the region on the world business stage.

Have these impressions changed much?
My initial impressions have not so much changed as been reaffirmed. Expo 2020 is obviously a key point in time where the media industry will come to the fore but, in general, I see a rapidly maturing market with the desire to be counted amongst the best as a world-leading player.

Tell us about your role with 20/20 Productions…
As Senior Producer, I am responsible for managing projects for our biggest clients and developing business wherever it may be found.

What challenges do you face?
In this fast-paced world, the biggest challenges are delivering unique, effective and creative solutions within increasingly tight deadlines and budgets.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of the job is seeing a project that has been gestating and growing over weeks and months come to fruition in a successful delivery.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far?
Personally, the most exciting thing has been the chance to work with some of my personal heroes; Steve Wozniak, Co-Founder of Apple, and Richard Branson of Virgin Group.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I have seen a year-on-year evolution in the quality of all media use within the region.

What sets you apart from other industry professionals?
I’m very passionate about what I do, and I’m happy to roll up my sleeves and do what it takes to deliver a first class event every time. I like to fully understand a client’s vision, brand and values. I also enjoy learning about the latest technologies and applying them in the most effective, innovative ways.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Landline (or mobile if you’re in my address book!)

What’s your most overused saying?
Being perfectly honest

Five things you can’t live without?
My children, iPhone, MacBook Pro, Coca-Cola and sleep!

If you weren’t with 20/20 Productions, what would you be doing?
Living in the high mountains of the world with skiing on the doorstep and spectacular climbing spots nearby.

Las Vegas-based PR firm to open in Dubai

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Las Vegas-based PR firm Digital 86 will open offices in Dubai as well as New Delhi, in order to meet demand for services in the Middle East and Asia. Founded by Alex Simon, the firm specialises in online reputation management, with a team of PR executives and technology experts who aim to improve the digital presence of high profile clients such as executives, celebrities, doctors and politicians.