New Deputy Editor at Design Middle East

Design Middle East, part of BNC Publishing has appointed Roma Arora to the role of Deputy Editor. Roma most recently worked as Associate Editor for Clean Middle East, a publication by Media Fusion Group and will now take on her new role at Design Middle East, where she will be responsible for the planning and creation of editorial content for the magazine’s print issue and website as well as its social media platforms.

“Design Middle East is a fabulous product and I feel proud to be a part of it,” says Roma. “I firmly believe that effort is important but knowing where to make an effort makes all the difference – which is why we are so busy putting all the efforts in the right direction.”

WhatsOn.ae takes on new Online Reporter

WhatsOn.ae, part of Motivate Publishing has appointed Alice Holtham to the role of Online Reporter. A graduate of London College of Fashion with a degree in Fashion Journalism, Alice most recently worked with 4-Front Facilities Management, where she worked on PR and across F&B brands such as The Scene, Jekyll & Hyde and Mr. Miyagi. In her new role, she will join the What’s On Dubai team and be responsible for reporting on an array of Dubai news for WhatsOn.ae as well as be a key point of contact going forward for restaurant and nightlife happenings across the city. She will also work alongside the WhatsOn.ae Features Editor, Deputy Editor and Head of Editorial Content to curate weekly features as well as contribute to the creation of new content on the site.

“I’m so pleased to be joining the What’s On digital team at such an exciting time for the site,” says Alice. “It’s a fantastic team and I’m really looking forward to delivering cutting-edge content and reporting on the ever-evolving Dubai landscape.”

balcony8 appoints new Senior PR Manager

Dubai-based integrated communications agency, balcony8 has appointed Ellis Nicholls to the role of Senior PR Manager. Ellis brings with her over seven years of experience in PR and communications, having worked with several regional and global brands including Tory Burch, TRYANO and Six Senses Zighy Bay. In her new role, she will focus on new business and the expansion of balcony8’s PR department as well as managing the agency’s current portfolio of clients.

“I am thrilled Ellis has joined balcony8 to further amplify our integrated communications solution,” says Ursula Winzel, Founder and CEO, balcony8. “Ellis brings equal parts of sass and strategy to our PR division, in a dynamic and challenging economy where clients are looking for robust results.”

Tracy Watchorn joins 117Live

Dubai-based entertainment company 117Live, part of Al Ahli Holding Group has appointed Tracy Watchorn to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing. With over ten years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry, Tracy previously worked with Dubai Rugby Sevens, FIFA World Club and most recently with Flash Entertainment. In her new role, she will play a vital role in upgrading the in-house sales, marketing and digital team as well as overseeing the PR strategies of the company. She will also work with Al Ahli Holding Group’s other business units to ensure synergy between its sister companies as well as contribute to broadening the commercial reach of 117Live’s concert venue and secure new partnership deals.

“With my experience, industry knowledge and strong regional contacts, I hope to further elevate the brand image of 117LIve and expand the portfolio of clients and partners,” says Tracy. “I look forward to working with the dynamic team and continuing to deliver the best that the industry has ever seen.”

Omobono makes new appointment

Dubai-based creative and technology agency, Omobono has appointed Helen Rankin to the role of Senior Digital Strategist. With 20 years of experience in digital transformation and marketing, Helen previously worked with LG Electronics Middle East and Africa (MEA) as Regional Digital Marketing Manager, and most recently with M&C Saatchi as Chief Growth Officer. In her new role, she will be responsible for leveraging digital innovation and behavioural design to create effective strategic solutions for Omobono’s portfolio of clients.

“In the Middle East, quality writing for thought leadership and just-in-time marketing to achieve digital transformation are in high demand, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE where the national agenda is driving government agencies and enterprises to act with speed and confidence,” says Helen. “My goal is to support our clients to meet their strategic objectives and I’m delighted to be working with such a diverse and challenging portfolio.”

Virgin Radio welcomes Annah Jacob

Arabian Radio Network (ARN) has appointed Annah Jacob to the role of Brand Manager for Virgin Radio 104.4.  Having previously worked with Virgin Radio 104.4 from 2011 – 2014, Anna brings with her experience in the radio industry and most recently worked with Pearl 102FM as Presenter for its kids and family shows, Hits and Homework as well as Kids Talk. In her new role, she will work with programming and sales to ensure standards are maintained across all marketing, media and promotional activities.

Virgin Radio 104.4 sets the bar for broadcasting excellence in the region and I am thrilled to return as its Brand Manager after having been an on-air Presenter with them from 2011-2014,” says Annah. “ARN is a visionary company to work for, there’s lots of big things on the way and I look forward to contributing to its success.”

Alexandria Gouveia joins Vogue Arabia

Vogue Arabia has appointed Alexandria Gouveia to the role of Managing Editor. With over 13 years of experience in print and digital media across the UK and UAE, Alexandria previously worked with Emirates Woman, part of Motivate Publishing and most recently with Stylist Arabia, part of APP Media Group. In her new role, she will join Vogue Arabia’s editorial team and work across the magazine’s editorial content as well as help build the brand in the region.

“I’m extremely excited about the prospect of working on the most famous brand in the world, alongside a team that contains some of the most talented journalists and stylists in the Middle East,” says Alexandria.

Thomas Shambler joins Esquire Middle East

Esquire Middle East, part of ITP Media Group has appointed Thomas Shambler to the role of Digital Director starting September 2017. Thomas brings with him a wealth of experience in journalism and has worked across ITP Media Group’s publications including The Rake as Editor-in-Chief, Revolution as Managing Editor and is currently with CEO Middle East as Editor-in-Chief. In his new role, he will work across the digital content of Esquire Middle East and develop strategies for the growth of its digital platform across the region.

New Senior Director at Z7 Communications

Z7 Communications has appointed Anna Vale to the role of Senior Director. Anna previously worked in London with brands such as Clinique and Tom Ford, and most recently with Estée Lauder in New York as Executive Director of Global Communications, where she oversaw the brand’s communications strategies for international markets. In her new role, she will be responsible for implementing Z7 Communications’ strategic growth plan and strengthening the agency’s positioning as well as raising their profile in the Middle East.

“I am absolutely delighted to have Anna join the team at a hugely exciting time for Z7,” says Zeina El-Dana, Founder and Managing Director, Z7 Communications. “Appointing someone of Anna’s international calibre is a testament to the drive and growth of the agency and her strong experience in global markets will ensure that we build on our current success long into the future.”