Horizon FCB appoints new Executive Creative Director 

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Dubai-based advertising agency, Horizon FCB has appointed Bruno Bomediano to the role of Executive Creative Director. With 16 years of experience in advertising, working across global brands such as Nissan, Heineken and Fiat, Bruno most recently worked with Leo Burnet as Creative Director. In his new role, he will oversee the creative portfolio of Horizon FCB’s clientele across the Middle East and North Africa.

“It’s an honour to take on this role,” says Bruno. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Mazen and the Horizon FCB team, who are the absolute best in the business. Together, we’ll continue to build our creative product and create powerful creative solutions for our clients.”

MEED appoints new Oil and Gas Editor

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Dubai-based senior management media brand, Middle East Economy Digest (MEED) has appointed Indrajit Sen to the role of Oil and Gas Editor. With a Masters degree in English, Indrajit previously worked with Gulf Property as the Senior Sub Editor and most recently with Oil & Gas Middle East magazine as the Deputy Editor. In his new role, he will provide accurate insights about the regional oil and gas markets and contribute analysis articles while representing MEED and delivering sessions at conferences and seminars.

“Oil and gas has fuelled the ascent of the Middle East and it is the energy sector itself that is playing the crucial role of securing the region’s future,” says Indrajit. “It fills me with pride to cover this market and deal with numerous important stakeholders as part of my job. I consider it my privilege to be able to practice real journalism for a key economic sector.”

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller makes new appointment

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Dubai-based PR agency, ASDA’A Burson Marsteller (BM) has appointed Erica Alkhfaji to the role of Head of Finance Practice. Erica previously worked with FTI Consulting as Managing Director and most recently with EKP Consulting as Executive Director, where she worked with brands such as PwC, writing trade-related research reports and digital content, and Google to conceptualise and implement innovative projects. In her new role, she will manage specialist PR services including investor relations and communications surrounding transactions, IPOs, and regulatory filings as well as drive new business growth and manage relationships with blue-chip clients in the financial sector.

“With global players increasingly looking at the Middle East for growth, local firms looking at market listings and governments throughout the Gulf seeking to privatise large enterprises, the outlook for the already vibrant finance sector is extremely healthy,” says Erica. “I’m excited to be working with the team here in the Middle East in building on ASDA’A Burson Marsteller’s excellent reputation for providing world-class financial PR.”

Golin MENA appoints new Associate Manager

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Dubai-based PR agency, Golin MENA has promoted Audrey Fernandes to the role of Associate Manager. Having joined Golin MENA in 2016, Audrey most recently held the role of Public Relations Associate. In her new role, she will work with the technology team to design and execute strategic communication plans for Golin MENA’s key clients across the Middle East. She will also oversee the day-to-day PR outreach activities of the agency and manage spokesperson profiling as well as thought leadership content creation for high-level placements in the media to drive the information market.

“Being a part of Golin MENA, with a growing list of leading clients and an energised and creative team by my side, has been an enriching career experience,” says Audrey. “In my new role, I aim to continue to demonstrate my potential.”

Shayan Shakeel joins Arabian Business

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Arabian Business, part of ITP Media Group has appointed Shayan Shakeel to the role of Reporter. Having joined ITP Media Group in 2016 as Editor at Aviation Business, Shayan will now cover news on various subjects including technology, finance, aviation and emerging markets from across the GCC and wider Middle East, on the video, print and digital platforms of the weekly business publication.

Instinctif Partners welcomes Andrew Berridge

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International communications consultancy, Instinctif Partners has appointed Andrew Berridge to the role of Consultant. With over ten years of experience in strategic communications, content management and new business generation, Andrew most recently worked with Auxilium as Account Manager. In his new role, he will work across Instinctif Partners’ portfolio of clients including Emirates NBD Asset Management and National Bank of Kuwait, to manage its English language content and media relations with the regional and international press. He will also be responsible for the client’s annual report content creation.

“I am excited to be joining this dynamic team of young professionals and look forward to achieving many great objectives together,” says Andrew. “Instinctif Partners has an excellent reputation in the region and I am delighted to be able to contribute towards its success going forward.”

New Managing Director appointed at Cicero & Bernay

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Public relations consultancy, Cicero & Bernay (C&B) has promoted Tariq Al Sharabi to the role of Managing Director. Tariq most recently held the role of Director of Client Services, where he supported the agency’s expansion strategy and worked on delivering positive results for the clients. In his new role, he will continue to enhance the agency’s client services while adding value and further supporting their needs.

“I have been in the communications industry for over 15 years and for much of that time, C&B has been my home,” says Tariq.  “My main aim has been to unite our team and clients within a spirit of result-driven progress and proactivity, which has allowed us all to thrive in the competitive industry in which we work. It is a privilege to work alongside the C&B team and going forward we will continue to take C&B to the next level together.”

New joiner at House of Comms

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Dubai-based integrated communications agency, House of Comms has appointed Shannon Hartley to the role of Junior Account Executive. As a recent graduate from Middlesex University, Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and in her new role she will work across House of Comms’ clients such as FIJI Water, ENOC and Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

“Joining a company like House of Comms, which has clients you dream of and colleagues you can call your family away from home, is everything I was looking for in an agency and more,” says Shannon. “I am so excited to be working with such a talented group of people and with a diverse client base that is not only growing my skills but enhancing my career progression.”

Jad Chababi promoted at J3

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J3, part of UM MENA has promoted Jad Chababi to the role of General Manager of Africa, Middle East and Turkey (AMET). Having joined J3 in 2014, Jad most recently held the role of Regional Business Director, where he worked on the strategic and tactical development of the Johnson & Johnson brand across the region. In his new role, he will lead the rollout of the J3 partnership in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey to drive business across the region and help the creation of a solid organisational structure in all markets. He will also focus on upgrading the product offering across the region to ensure performance consistency while maintaining a strong position across the region.

“Jad Chababi has played a pivotal role in our partnership with Johnson & Johnson in the MENA region and we look forward to seeing this being successfully extended in newer markets,” says Joe Nicolas, Regional Managing Director, UM MENAT. “Due to his impeccable business acumen and senior marketing expertise, Jad has successfully provided significant value creation opportunities for Johnson & Johnson, positioning them as a market leader and enhancing our competitive position as an agency in this region.”

Sam Kiley joins CNN

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CNN Abu Dhabi has welcomed Sam Kiley to the role of Senior International Correspondent. Sam previously worked with BBC, FRONTLINE – part of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and most recently Sky News. In his new role, he will join the international news team and report to the news desk with breaking news from across the region.

“CNN is the world’s most watched news network with an unmatched presence on every major global story,” says Sam. “I have grown up as a journalist alongside CNN teams from Somalia to Sarajevo and Mosul. I have always admired them and am proud to be joining my friends at the network at this exciting and unpredictable, time.”