Verve makes new appointment

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Verve Marketing and Communications has appointed Hunaid Salim to the role of Senior Account Executive. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Communications from Manipal University Dubai, Hunaid most recently worked with Verve as Account Executive where he had to focus fully on hospitality clients such as Le Meridien Dubai, Steigenberger Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton. In his new role, he will continue to develop press coverage strategies as well as digital visibility for clients while researching potential clients and pitching for new businesses.

“Ours is a niche agency, focusing on hospitality and luxury clients,” says Hunaid. “I am grateful for the support of our MD, Shamira Mitha and my team members who have all been a part of my growth in the dynamic PR landscape. I’m excited about the next chapter in my professional journey and look forward to the challenges that my new role will bring!”

Acorn Strategy makes new appointment

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Marketing and communications consultancy, Acorn Strategy has appointed Suzan Safah to the role of Senior Marketing Strategist. With a wealth of experience in strategy development, communications and marketing, Suzan has previously worked for a number of governmental institutions in Abu Dhabi where she was integral to a number of campaigns, brands and events. In her new role, Suzan will support the agency’s clients through insightful strategy, integrated marketing and communications planning.

“I am delighted to join the team at Acorn Strategy and look forward to supporting Acorn’s clients grow their businesses,” says Suzan.

Bruce Clay MENA makes new appointment

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Dubai-based digital marketing agency, Bruce Clay MENA, has appointed Emmeline Brown to the role of Client and Strategy Director. With a wealth of experience in client services, Emmeline most recently worked with Jumeirah Group, Omobono and McCann. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading client growth and strategy while playing a vital role in the agency’s growth ambitions.

“I’m delighted to be joining such a vibrant, enterprising team,” says Emmeline. “In an ever-crowded market, the current prosperity and future ambitions of Bruce Clay MENA really stand out. I’m eager and excited to bring my regional experience to the mix to help realise the company’s goals whilst continuing to deliver performance driven success to our partners.”

Carat appoints new CEO

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Global media agency, Carat, part of Dentsu Aegis Network has appointed Ramzy Abouchacra to the role of CEO, Middle East and North Africa. With almost 20 years of regional experience, Ramzy previously held leadership roles at Starcom MediaVest and most recently at Initiative MENA. In his new role, Ramzy will support clients and be responsible for driving the development of the agency’s operations across all markets.

“I am excited to join Dentsu Aegis Network and lead the next wave of transformation in the region with Carat,” says Ramzy. “My decision to join Carat was driven by their passion, talent and clarity of purpose, which is supported by an integrated operating model that combines data and technology to build innovative media solution. The positivity, entrepreneurial spirit and determination of the agency are clear and immediately attracted me to the role. I am thrilled to be joining the team and hope to build on the agency’s success to date in delivering outstanding work for clients.

Tarek Daouk, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network MENA, continues: “I am delighted that Ramzy is joining Dentsu Aegis Network to lead Carat. He has proven to be a transformative leader who has vast regional experience in building media and digital services. I look forward to working with Ramzy to propel Carat MENA into the next stage of its evolution as we support our clients in using the power of media to transform their businesses’.”

Initiative MENA appoints new Regional Business Director 

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Global media agency, Initiative MENA has appointed Ghayath Sioufi to the role of Regional Business Director. With over 18 years of experience working across various MENA markets, Ghayath worked with companies such as Starcom, du, Nawras and Mindshare. In his new role, Ghayath will serve key accounts and be responsible for driving the agency’s regional programmes across the MENA region.

“I am excited to have joined Initiative MENA in these interesting times of transformational changes in our industry,” says Ghayath. “I am sure that together with the team we will be able to lead this change in the market and confirm our role as key business and growth partner to our clients.”

M&C Saatchi UAE welcomes new Head of Social Media 

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Global communications agency, M&C Saatchi UAE has appointed Mitch Williams to the role of Head of Social Media. With over five years of experience in social media branding, Mitch previously worked with Create Media Group where he held the role of Social Media Director and most recently worked with Serviceplan Middle East where he also held the role of Social Media Director. In his new role, he will set up and drive the digital and social media offering for the agency across all parallels of digital but initially focusing on content strategy development and creation.

“I have always been inspired by the great work done by M&C Saatchi both locally and globally, and now I have the opportunity to not only work within the agency but help build their digital offering,” says Mitch.

Pinpoint Media Group welcomes Gareth Kurt Warren 

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Pinpoint Media Group has appointed Gareth Kurt Warren to the role of Head of Digital Strategy. With over ten years of experience in regional PR and journalism, Gareth previously worked with GNTECH.ae where he held the role of Launch Editor and most recently worked with Gulf News Guides where he held the role of Editor. In his new role, he will oversee the digital and social growth of magazines under the agency including Altitudes, Yachts Middle East, Debonair, Watch 1010 and La Femme, while also standing in as the Acting Digital Editor EDGARDaily.com.

“EDGAR is one of the oldest, most trusted and dependable men’s magazine in the region,” says Gareth. “It has had incredible editors and writers since its launch and it’s amazing to contribute to the brand’s growth. PPMG have a collection of amazing brands, well-respected print titles, and passionate Editors. Taking these brands to the next level, online, is going to be fun and quite exciting.”

markettiers MENA makes new appointment

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Broadcast PR specialists, markettiers MENA has appointed Lucy Davies to the role of Account Director. With over seven years within the agency in London, Lucy most recently worked with a variety of clients including DMCC, L’Oréal, Volkswagen and Audi. In her new role, Lucy will be responsible for overseeing client management, introducing new innovative routes to engage with audiences while driving the agency’s offerings when it comes to live streaming, video news releases and producing podcasts to mobilise audience behavior.

“After seven years being based in the London office, and supporting the UAE, I’m excited to make the move full time,” says Lucy. “It’s an ever changing landscape for PR professionals in the Middle East and I look forward to driving further growth and supporting the expansion in the region and beyond.”

Cheryl King, Managing Director, markettiers MENA, “Over the past few years Lucy has been supporting the MENA team from our London headquarters, and has been instrumental in helping to drive our growth as a broadcast specialist in region. Her relocation to Dubai is testament to her passion for the region and how she has quickly embraced the needs of the market, evangelising broadcast and its power to reach core and new audiences. We’re excited to welcome Lucy to our team on the ground as we continue to introduce and work with our clients on impactful routes to mobilise behaviour.”

Leo Burnett Dubai makes new appointment

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Leo Burnett Dubai, part of Publicis Groupe has appointed Joëlle Jammal to the role of Deputy Managing Director. With over 25 years of experience in advertising across the MENA region, Joëlle previously worked across brands such as McDonald’s, Bel and Ferrero and most recently worked with Leo Burnett Jordan where she held the role of Managing Director. In her new role, Joëlle will play an integral part in the growth of the agency while also being the key point of contact for senior clients across the organisation.

“I am excited by the new challenge of growing our business and the relationships I have built over the last ten years with the team at Leo Burnett and our clients,” says Joëlle. “We will continue to grow our multi-channel offering to our clients, and ensure a holistic approach to creative across all touch points.”

TBWA/RAAD makes new appointment

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UAE-based creative agency, TBWA/RAAD has promoted Manuel Bordé to the role of Executive Creative Director. With a wealth of experience in the advertising industry, Manuel most recently held the role of Creative Director at the agency. Manuel will be sharing the role with Fouad Abdel Malek, who has been In the role since May 2016. In his new role, he will be focusing on creativity while emphasising on genuine local insights to shape the agency’s new approaches.

“This is something I have known before, in South America where I worked,” says Manuel. “This is a very common practice to have double ECDs leading a team, but it’s only possible when you have agencies that are big enough to have space for two ECDs who can help each other and not overlap each other.”