Senior PR Executive, Charles Santhakumar

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Name: Charles Santhakumar
Age: 32
From: Chennai / India
Current job title: Senior PR Executive

When did you arrive in the UAE?
I’ve only just arrived. I landed in Dubai on October 10, 2013.

Where did you work prior?
Back in India, I worked for various leading PR agencies including Edelman, Vaishnavi Corporate Communications, Hanmer MSL and Good Relations.

Had you been to Dubai before accepting your new role?
No, I had never been to Dubai but I had heard a lot about it. This is my first visit and I am excited to explore.

What are your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
Before I decided to move to Dubai, I had done a lot of research about the Middle East media industry and it is growing rapidly when you compare it to India. This is what really sold it to me and gave me a good feeling about moving here.

Tell us about your new role…
Well, I have only been in the role for one week and already, it has been a great learning experience. I am involved in client servicing, media relations, social media branding and many more exciting areas.

What challenges are you facing?
As I am still very new, the only challenge that I have faced so far is sometimes a difficulty with the language, as I do not speak Arabic. Hopefully I will pick this up in good time.

How do you plan to make your mark?
I am focused on the current work, no dreaming, just concentrating on the work I do. I want to make sure I give it my best shot to deliver what my clients expect.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I would say the most important and rewarding aspect of any job is when you work with a great team and in a good working environment.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far?
I think it’s too early to say as I have been so focused on work, but each day when I get to interact with new contacts – journalists, clients etc – this is exciting for me.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
I am very impressed with the quality – it is very good. It is a mixed community even in the media industry, so it’s really healthy.

What sets you apart from other PRs?
I don’t have a right to compare myself with others, but as a PR person, I set goals for myself and I try to achieve that. I like to be measured by my deliverables… I work hard to prove my skills and I always try and put my experience to good use. That’s what drives me every day.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
I am always contactable – it’s part of my job. So I am happy to be contacted on both mobile or landline.

Describe yourself in five words…
Jovial, sporty, energetic, a team player and flexible.

What’s your most overused saying?
Everything is possible for those who believe.

Five things you can’t live without?
God, my parents, my sweet wife, food and water. Really.

If you weren’t a PR, what would you be?
I would be a Sports Journalist – it was my first choice after my Masters in Electronic Journalism, before I chose PR.

The Dubai Mall Magazine Features Writer, Sarah Jimaa

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Name: Sarah Jimaa
Age: 23
From: London, United Kingdom
Current job title: Features Writer, The Dubai Mall Magazine

When did you arrive in the UAE?
I’ve been here for about eight years with the exception of last year where I was based in London – my second home. Time notoriously flies in Dubai!

Where did you work prior?
Before coming aboard at NPI Media I worked at HELLO! Middle East for two years as Fashion & Beauty Writer, before heading back to London to pursue my master’s degree. I also did some freelance styling while I was in London before returning to Dubai.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
When I first started out in media it was still a growing industry but one that has now flourished immensely.

Have your views changed the second time around?
Absolutely! It’s a vibrant and growing scene and it would be difficult to name a title that has yet to be produced in this region besides the obvious few…

What challenges are you facing?
None so far, knock on wood. I think it helps having worked and lived in the region before and understanding how things work here – in terms of timing, priorities and deadlines.

How do you plan to make your mark with this title?
By delivering original, up-to-date fashion and beauty news and providing readers with their must-have season staples issue after issue.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Reporting on the latest trends in both fashion and beauty is rewarding in itself but getting to meet new people and traveling along the way are always added bonuses.

How do you find the PRs in the region?
Persistent but pleasant!

What’s your pet PR peeve?
Incessant calling. If I say I will get back to you, I will – I promise!

What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage in your magazine?
Know the magazine and the type of products we would feature – it makes life so much easier for both parties. I am responsible for the fashion and beauty pages, plus gifts, trends, style, travel an gadgets, so make sure your news is relevant to me.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
I would say email first and then landline if urgent! Either would be just fine.

Describe yourself in five words…
I’ll leave that for others to judge!

What’s your most overused saying?
“Absolutely!” I think I’ve actually used it somewhere in this feature – oops!

Five things you can’t live without?
My iPhone, statement heels, food, friends and family

If you weren’t a journalist, what would you be?
I’m a massive foodie, so anything related to food would be fab – perhaps a cooking show presenter – one can dream!

PR Account Manager, Sarah Jacotine

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Name: Sarah Jacotine

Age: 28

From: Norwich, Norfolk

Current job title: Account Manager, Aziza Communications

When did you arrive in the UAE? July 22, 2013

Where did you work prior? I worked in comms and PR in the public sector back in the UK.  Before that I was a freelance journalist and edited various business titles. I find that it helps immensely when you have worked on both sides of the fence… I understand when a journalist needs something ‘now’, it means yesterday.

Had you been to Dubai before accepting your new role? Yes, I holidayed here in 2009 and 2010. I thought at the time that I could see myself living here, very happily. The beach, the sunshine, the skyscrapers… I was a fan long before I made the leap and became an expat.

What are your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East? It’s growing, adapting and has fully embraced social media. It still places a great deal of stock in print media though, certainly more than Europe, which I like.

Tell us about your new role… I work with a dynamic team to create and execute strategies for our clients, which include media pitches, events, and buzz-building social media campaigns. Primarily, I oversee all of our accounts and manage our relationships with clients.

What challenges are you facing? The eternal PR struggle of balancing on that fine line of being tough but likeable and being all things to all people, while still having time for strategic planning and minor necessities like eating!

How do you plan to make your mark? By giving the best service I can to our clients to help them realise their ambitions and gain fantastic exposure.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? We immerse ourselves in our clients’ businesses, so a win for them always feels like a win for us. I love that I can be creative and an integral component of other people’s success.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far? Meeting our clients straightaway and jumping straight into work has been pretty exciting. So far I’m finding that nearly every day is exciting in some way or another because each one is so different and I’m working across such a variety of industries. No one could ever accuse PR of being dull.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region? There’s a huge mix, so obviously the quality varies but on the whole I’m impressed. I love that the industry is doing so well in contrast with the UK and I love the diversity. There really is a magazine for every taste and  interest.

What sets you apart from other PRs? Ask me again in 12 months…

Work calls via landline, mobile or both? I’m always contactable via mobile or landline, plus email, Whatsapp, Skype… the list goes on. I prefer email to begin with so that I can offer my full attention to any request, but I’m happy to jump on a request any way it comes through to me.

Describe yourself in five words… Optimistic, opinionated, adventurous, adaptable, honest.

What’s your most overused saying? Lately, “Don’t forget to stop off at duty free on your way back” – to my husband, who travels a lot for work.

Five things you can’t live without? My iPhone, HBO, Wagamama, holidays to far flung places and coffee – of course.

If you weren’t a PR, what would you be? A travel writer.

 

Hype Editor, Lesley Wright

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Name: Lesley Wright

Age: Old enough to know better

From: Glasgow via London

Current job title: Editor, Hype Magazine

When did you arrive in the UAE? Friday, September 13, 2013

Where did you work prior? I was self-employed as a Marketing & PR consultant, but previous to that I spent nine years as the Editor of DJ Magazine, based in London, which is considered by many as the leading club culture and DJ magazine in the world.

Had you been to Dubai before accepting your new role? No, it’s my first time in the city. I landed here just three weeks after accepting the job so it was a pretty quick – and hectic – turnaround.

What are your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East? Vibrant, healthy and forward thinking with room for continued growth. It’s a far cry to the state of play back in the UK.

Tell us about your new role… To hit the ground running with Motivate Publishing’s new weekly music and nightlife title, Hype. The magazine is free every Wednesday and we’re currently publishing 20,000 copies each week. You’ll also find Hype in the seat pocket on Emirates flights.

What challenges are you facing? None at work, really. Everyone that I’ve spoken to on the club scene has been very helpful and is delighted that Dubai and the UAE will have a music and clubbing magazine they can call their own. Away from work, I’d say training for the London Marathon in this heat might prove challenging. I’m used to running in sleet and snow during the winter.

How do you plan to make your mark? By creating a magazine with substance that’s engaging for the reader and enticing for advertisers. Overall, creating a magazine that local artists and DJs are proud to be featured in.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? The music. It takes the stress out of everything.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far? That will be this coming weekend with Stanton Warriors and Bicep playing for Audio Tonic, at 360°, and James Zabiela playing for Plus Minus Sessions, at Nasimi Beach. It’s going to be epic.

How do you find the PRs in the region? I’m still getting to know who’s who and what’s what on that front, but I have to say that a few have already gone that extra mile for Hype.

What’s your pet PR peeve? Receiving press releases that leave off vital information. It’s happened twice in the past week.

What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage in your magazine? Get in touch nice and early so that coverage can be properly planned and thought-out. Trust me, it’s a win-win situation.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both? I’m always on the go, so my mobile is best, although it may take a few more days to get the line connected.

Describe yourself in five words… Always seeking the next challenge.

What’s your most overused saying? Do you know what I mean?

Five things you can’t live without? Music. That’s about it, really.

If you weren’t a journalist, what would you be? On a stage somewhere, acting maybe.

 

Email Lesley at Lesley@motivate.ae or drop her a call on +971 (0)4 427 3062 / +971 (0)52 737 0711

What’s On Web Editor, Matthew Fortune

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NAME: Matthew Fortune
AGE: 27
FROM: London, UK
JOB TITLE: Web editor, What’s On

When did you arrive in the UAE? August 17, 2013

Where did you work prior? Daily Mail/Mail Online – reporter and sports news editor.

What are your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East? First and foremost it appears chock full of genuinely lovely people, all willing to lend an ear or some advice on settling in to a new country. The industry’s attitude is progressive and therefore exciting, and frankly I can’t wait to become fully immersed.

Tell us about your new role? I’ve left newspapers behind to take up the role of ‘web editor’ at Motivate with the primary aim of launching a site to partner with the print edition of What’s On. We want to make WhatsOn.ae the go-to place for residents and tourists as they look to get the very best of life in Dubai and beyond. We’ll cover everything – and a little bit more – already so brilliantly packaged in the magazine. We want WhatsOn.ae, with its breaking news and special features, to be your homepage.

What challenges are you facing? Having come from one of the top six news websites in the world (140million unique visitors a month) to one that doesn’t even exist (0,000,000 uniques!) has been quite a shock to the system, as has the change of pace from churning out breaking news. Getting to grips with a new lifestyle and city will also be challenging, but I know that my willingness to try everything once will stand me in very good stead moving forward.

How do you plan to make your mark? By delivering an original, innovative and ultimately successful website that the good folk of the region will wonder how they ever lived without.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? At the moment it is seeing the daily development of our site as we move towards delivering a product that continues the excellence set by 34 years of print editions. I hope as time progresses I will take great pride in being behind the region’s most useful and entertaining website.

How do you find the PRs in the region? So far, so good, but limited in my short time here. Fear not, though, I want to know you all know as soon as possible and count many of you as friends in the not-too-distant future.

What’s your pet PR peeve? False niceties. If I make a mistake (it happened once in 2007, I think), or let you down, don’t sugarcoat it, because I won’t do the same. Working relationships are always more profitable for all concerned when at the heart of it is trust, honesty and friendship. In my previous role, the best content came about on both sides when journalist and contact/PR were more than just ’emailers’. Let’s grab a coffee, talk it out – loudly if needs be – and see how all parties can come out winning.

What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage in your magazine? Know WhatsOn.ae better than I do.

Work calls via Landline, mobile or both? During work hours, it is best to call the office, but I am always on the end of my mobile, unless Arsenal are playing…Emergencies happen in this industry, so if at 11pm you see something that isn’t right on the site, call me, and I will always do my best to help out.

Describe yourself in five words. I’ll leave that for others.

What’s your most overused word or saying? I sign off almost every discussion with ‘cool, yep’. I hate myself a little more each time I do it.

Five things you can’t live without? Cinema, Spotify, good food, my coffee machine (although I currently am living without it as it is back in London)… and PRs!

If you weren’t a journalist, what would you be? (**avoids making joke about being in PR**) Whether or not I’d be capable is up for debate, but I’d love to have been a chef.

 

Matthew is the new Editor of www.whatson.ae. Say hello by emailing matthewf@motivate.ae or pick up the phone and chat on +971 (0)4 427 3091

Condé Nast Traveller Editor-in-Chief, Rhea Saran

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NAME:
 Rhea Saran

AGE: 
32

FROM: 
Mumbai, India

JOB TITLE:
 Editor-in-Chief, Condé Nast Traveller (Middle East)

When did you arrive in the UAE? I’ve just arrived and today is my first day at ITP. As you can imagine, I’m still orienting – especially because I take off almost immediately to Paris for a three-day training and creative brainstorm session with Condé Nast International. I suppose all the jetting around is fitting for a travel mag.

Where did you work prior? Before coming on board at ITP, I was Features Editor of GQ (India), part of Condé Nast India. I spent five and a half years at the magazine, having moved to Mumbai from New York in 2008. Prior to my India posting, I did stints at Working Mother magazine and New York Resident magazine in New York, as well as freelance assignments for Condé Nast Traveler (US).

What are your first impressions of the Media Industry in the Middle East? This is hard to answer having only just arrived – I can say from what I know, though, that it’s clearly a diverse and vibrant scene, which is something you can tell from even just the sheer number of titles being produced and doing well here. I think the market for media in the region is exciting, especially for a luxury travel title like Condé Nast Traveller. I’m very optimistic about it.

Tell us about your new role? My new role at Condé Nast Traveller Middle East is that of Editor-in-Chief, which means that I work across the board on the magazine – from editorial vision and managing my team, to client relationships and representing the brand to the outside world. In the initial stages, a key part of that role is going to be in guiding the launch of the magazine, which is quite different from stepping into an established publication. It’s particularly exciting because you get to shape the eventual form of the magazine (though within certain parameters of the brand), so there’s a lot of creative vision that goes into it beyond the month-to-month story plan.

What challenges have you faced in past roles? Given that I’ve worked in multiple markets, I’d say the greatest challenge every time I’ve moved is learning and adapting to new markets, audiences and cultures. I actually think it’s great fun, but it certainly also makes for a rigorous learning curve. I’ve also addressed myriad topics with the different publications I’ve worked for – from the issues of working mothers, to the nitty-gritties of city-specific reporting, to writing for a male audience with GQ. Again, the challenge is in adapting to your subject matter, evolving your tone and understanding your audience. Once you’ve figured this out, the rest comes pretty easily.

How do you plan to make your mark? By launching a world-class edition of Condé Nast Traveller in the Middle East and ensuring that this edition is the final word and the greatest authority on luxury travel lifestyle in the region (and beyond).

What’s the most rewarding part of being a journalist? For me it’s two-fold. At a personal level, it’s about the exposure and learning. Every day is a different topic, a different place, different people, a different angle. You learn about things you never thought you’d have a great interest in, but are often pleasantly surprised by. The second thing I find rewarding is that I create something that is consumed for pleasure. Even if it’s a fleeting few minutes as someone finishes a story, they’ve entertained themselves – and perhaps learnt something – and that’s a great feeling.

Have you worked with PRs in the region before? If so, how have you found that? I haven’t – so those are exciting new relationships I look forward to forging.

What’s your pet PR peeve? My primary PR peeve is being pitched stories or products that have nothing to do with the subject of my magazine. Non-targeted solicitation annoys me.

What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage in your magazine? The most important piece of advice I can offer is to truly understand the magazine and its space when you come to meet us, send us emails or phone us. If I receive an email from or speak with someone, and they clearly know what my magazine is about and have a thought-through, tailored proposal, I’m infinitely more likely to give it serious consideration. Condé Nast Traveller also works best with exclusives, so I’d suggest keeping that in mind, too. And finally, I’d encourage familiarity with our lead times, so that we can work together in a way that benefits both of us.

Do you prefer work calls via Landline, mobile or either? I prefer emails for initial introductions. But alternatively, landline at the office as a preference – though I’m rarely away from my cellphone.

Describe yourself in five words… Creative, perfectionist, adventurous, social, global.

What’s your most overused word or saying? This is a terrible thing to make a writer admit! I have to go with “totally” – I say it in conversation more than I should when I agree with something. Though if I saw it in any writer’s copy, I’d chuck it out immediately.

Five things you can’t live without? Close friends and family, my passport, my phone, chocolate and the movies.

If you weren’t a journalist, what would you be? An actor. Though I’m pretty sure my dad was happy I went this way instead…

 

Rhea Saran is the new Editor of Condé Nast Traveller Middle East. Contact her at Rhea.Saran@appgulf.com /+971 (0)4 444 3503