Felicity Stokes joins AW Rostamani

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AW Rostamani Group has appointed Felicity Stokes to the role of Communications Marketing Manager. With experience in the PR and communications industry, Felicity previously worked with Think Liquorice as Account Manager, where she managed public relations, events, social media and developed brand strategies. In her new role, she will report to the company’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Mustafa Dada and work across internal and external communications as well as marketing efforts. She will also lead events for the company’s subsidiaries by managing media relations, building executive advertisement strategies, creating campaign concepts and assisting with the launch of their social media platforms.

“AW Rostamani is an impressive and innovative corporation with a strong business message towards ‘enriching the lives’ of their consumers,” says Felicity. “I am very excited to work with the company’s industry-leading brands in automotive, lifestyle, technology and property development to develop the AW Rostamani Group brand identity, with a highly intelligent and ambitious team.”

IAA UAE Chapter launches production forum

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The International Advertising Association (IAA) UAE Chapter has launched IAA UAE – Production Forum. IAA UAE – Production Forum is a platform that aims to create a meaningful interface between the production, advertising and media industry. The new forum will also focus on providing a platform for the film and TV production industry to discuss and solve the challenges they face, as well as to promote the UAE’s production industry locally and internationally.

The IAA UAE- Production Forum will be headed by a steering committee made of professionals from across the UAE’s production and media industry including, Owner and Producer of Central Films, Karen Coetzee, Owner and Executive Producer of Boomtown, Shane Martin, Owner and Location Manager of Fstop Locations, Lyall Gardiner and Managing Partner of Joy Films, Ali Azarmi.

“The communications industry in UAE is a diverse and thriving sector,” says Hani Ghorayeb, President, IAA UAE Chapter. “Having our production industry members focus on a specific agenda that promotes and expands their role in the UAE is a very welcome and timely initiative given the rise of content.”

Start wins at Transform MENA Awards 2017

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Consumer experience design consultancy, Start was awarded the Grand Prix at the Transform MENA Awards 2017 last night at the Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah. The event also saw Start win five gold and four silver awards including Best place or nation brand, Best visual identity for travel, leisure and tourism sector, Best use of typography and Best internal communications during a brand development project for their work on the rebrand of Yas Island. The event aimed to recognise the best practice in corporate, product and global brand development across categories such as strategy, execution, content and evaluation across the region. 

“We are thrilled to have been awarded the Grand Prix at this years Transform Awards for our work with creating the new brand identity for Yas Island,” says Mike Curtis, Start, Group President. “We liberate the way people engage with the brands they love, increasing lifetime value, which increase the volume and value of sales.”

COPIA Group reveals new identity

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Dubai-based communications consultancy, COPIA Group has undergone a full rebrand as a part of the firm’s long-term positioning plan across the region. The relaunch includes a brand new website as well as a more focused direction on crafting creative content and experiences from across the region. The direction of the firm will also focus on its local presence and global network surrounding lifestyle as a core of its portfolio of brands and to position as well as communicate to relevant platforms.

“In a region where trust, integrity and expertise is key, we pride ourselves on being an extension of our clients,” says Rania El Sadek, Founder and Managing Director, COPIA. “Our advantage of knowing our network and influencers on a personal basis is a direct reflection of the lifestyle we not only create, but represent – a lifestyle that resonates with the new generations.”

JPd secures multiple wins at Transform Awards

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Dubai-based branding and communications agency, JPd has secured multiple awards at this year’s Transform Awards MENA. Held at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the ceremony aims to recognise and benchmark the best brand work and reward innovation across the MENA region. The event saw JPd win in various categories including gold for Best Visual Identity for Charity/NGO and Best localisation of an international brand, silver for Best Visual Identity for Professional Service Sector and bronze for Best use of Tone of Voice as well as highly commended for Best Use of Repackaging Design.

“For our first year of entry, the Transform Awards are a glowing endorsement to our success in creating commercially well thought strategies and compelling creative identities that allow brands to connect with people and people to connect with the brands we partner with,” says James Pass, Managing Director, JPd. “It captures everything we stand for as an agency – commitment, passion and proficiency.”

Destinations of the World News appoints new Deputy Editor

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Luxury travel magazine, Destinations of the World News, has appointed Laurel Munshower to the role of Deputy Editor. With experience in the region’s media and PR industry, Laurel previously worked with ITP Media Group’s travel publication, Conde Nast Traveller Middle East as a part of the editorial launch team, before joining Destinations of the World News from 2015 – 2016 as Features Writer and most recently working with TCApr as PR Executive. In her new role, she will aid in the editorial duties of both the magazine and the website by focusing on exceptional and aspirational luxury, travel and lifestyle experiences as well as news.

“Travel and writing have long been dual passions of mine and I could not be happier to return to the world of travel journalism,” says Laurel Munshower. “Having previously worked with Destinations of the World News, I am excited to continue my relationship with the magazine, now in its incredible tenth year and share the most fantastic and unexpected destination and hospitality experiences to inspire our jet-set readers.”

New appointment at Percept Gulf

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Percept Gulf Dubai has welcomed Malaika Fernandes to the role of Assistant Manager – PR. With almost four years experience in the communications industry, Malaika previously worked with Burson Marsteller as Consulting Associate with its India team. In her new role, she will work across Percept Gulf’s communications campaigns and contribute towards strengthening its 360 delivery capabilities.

“It’s a great opportunity to be working with Percept Gulf,” says Malaika. “In a market, which has constantly evolving communications requirements, I look forward to adding value and building strong partnerships with clients and media in the region.”