FIPP appoints new President and CEO

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FIPP has appointed James Hewes to the role of President and CEO starting September, 2017. James previously worked in the UK with BBC Worldwide’s Haymarket Exhibitions as Director and The Art Newspaper as Interim CEO. He later moved to the UAE and worked at Gulf News Publishing as Publishing Director, was appointed to FIPP’s Management Board as Director in 2015 and founded his own company, Soho Consultancy in 2016. In his new role, he will lead the FIPP team to ensure that they continue to deliver products and services that reflect their growth and strategic development as well as enhance the team’s ability to thrive in the changing media environment.

“I am a huge supporter of FIPP and it’s an incredible honour to be asked to lead the organisation,” says James. “FIPP’s ability to connect its members with the information networking opportunities and expertise they need are more important than ever.”

Ali Nehme promoted at Publicis Media

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Publicis Media, part of Publicis Groupe has promoted Ali Nehme to President of Innovation and Commerce, EMEA starting September, 2017. Ali joined Publicis Groupe in 2008 as a part of Starcom Mediavest Group and most recently held the position of Chief Strategy Officer at Publicis Media, where he oversaw the development and execution of the agency’s vision and strategy. In his new role, he will work with the leadership team in the region to accelerate growth and report to Iain Jacob, the CEO of Publicis Media EMEA, as well as continue to report to Steve Parker, the CEO of Publicis Media Middle East. He will also be responsible for driving an innovation agenda for the agency with a primary focus on strengthening and building an e-commerce strategy and roadmap to ensure scaled solutions across all markets in the EMEA region.

“Ali is an incredibly talented, dynamic and accomplished leader and his impressive track record demonstrates his ability to identify new opportunities to drive tangible business results for our agencies and clients,” says Iain Jacob, CEO, Publicis Media, EMEA. “Commerce is a critical area of future growth for our business and I look forward to working with him as he builds on the momentum he’s already achieved in the Middle East.”

BPG Cohn & Wolfe makes senior appointments

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BPG Cohn & Wolfe has made three new appointments following the expansion plan of its corporate and technology practice. Hala Sarieddine has taken on the role of Account Director having previously worked with Weber Shandwick and most recently with Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Also appointed to the role of Account Director is Ajith Henry who has experience in handling financial services clients and previously worked with APCO as well as ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller.

Mara Carpencu joins the team as Associate Account Director having previously worked with Active DMC, where she worked across integrated communications campaigns for international B2B and B2C clients she brings with her experience in communications and events.

In their new role, they will join the senior management team at BPG Cohn & Wolfe and build the current client portfolio of the agency, which includes KPMG, HMD Global – the home of Nokia phones, Booz Allen Hamilton and Omantel. They will also deliver innovative solutions to build, protect and enhance the brand value of the agency’s clients.

“We are excited to welcome Hala, Ajith and Mara to our team,”says Ketaki Banga, Business Director, Corporate and Technology, BPG Cohn & Wolfe. “Our technology and corporate practice has grown to over 16 accounts in the past three years and we credit this success to the entrepreneurial culture encouraged at every level in the BPG Group.”

New promotion at DDB Dubai

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DDB Dubai has appointed Iris Minnema to the role of Managing Director. Having joined DDB Amsterdam as Senior Account Manager in 2007, Iris moved to Dubai and most recently held the position of Business Director, where she worked across clients such as Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s and Dubai Parks and Resorts. In her new role, she will report to Hubert Boulos, CEO of DDB Middle East and lead the operations of the Dubai office.

New Editor-in-Chief at The National

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UAE-based newspaper, The National, recently acquired by International Media Investments (IMI) has appointed Mina Al Oraibi to the role of Editor-in-Chief starting July 1, 2017. Mina previously worked with Saudi Arabian newspaper, Asharq AlAwsat in the UK as Assistant Editor-in-Chief and in the US as Washington DC Bureau Chief, and most recently with the Institute for State Effectiveness in the UK as Senior Fellow, where she led the institute’s Middle East discourse program. In her new role, she will lead The National team and contribute to the newspaper’s brand development, both print and online across the region.

Brazen makes two new promotions

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Dubai-based PR agency, Brazen has promoted Jennifer Love to the role of Account Director and Charlie Madison to the role of Account Manager. With experience in the PR industry, Jennifer previously worked with Grayling Dubai and most recently held the role of Account Manager at Brazen. Charlie also brings with him experience in the industry having worked with Toh PR and most recently with Brazen as Senior Account Executive. In their new role, they will work across Brazen’s portfolio of clients including The Walt Disney Company, Atlantis and Wendy’s to generate results.

“I’m very proud of Jennifer and Charlie – their hard work, dedication and achievements,” says Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner, Brazen. “They are already relishing their new roles and I’m hugely excited for the next chapter in their careers and for Brazen.

New promotion at Grey Advertising

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Grey Advertising has promoted Dzila Dik to the role of Client Servicing Director. Previously Marketing Executive at Microsoft Qatar, Dzila joined Grey Advertising in 2013 as Account Director and most recently held the position of Regional Director, where she worked across the agency’s regional clients. In her new role, she will head the client services team and manage the agency’s entire client portfolio as well as develop strategies to strengthen the relationship with their existing clients.

“I’m both excited and proud to take on this new role during a transformative time at the agency,” says Dzila. “Not only will I be focused on building Grey’s client base, but also strengthening relationships with our existing clients as Grey cements its position as a leading marketing communications agency in the region.”

Think Liquorice makes new appointment

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Think Liquorice has welcomed Raaziqa Hassen to the role of Senior Brand Manager. With experience in the PR industry, Raaziqa previously worked with Press Room in South Africa as Senior PR Account Manager, where she worked across international brands such as H&M, Red Bull and Billabong. In her new role, she will lead the team on accounts and projects, working closely with clients through a strategic and creative approach.

“I’m excited to welcome another member to the team,” says Zahirah Variawa, Managing Director, Think Liquorice. “Raaziqa brings great experience to Think Liquorice, that I know our clients and future clients will benefit from.”

Edward Attwood joins ARADA

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ARADA, a partnership enterprise of KBW Investments and Basma Group has appointed Edward Attwood to the role of Chief Communications Officer (CCO). Edward previously worked with Global Insight as Editor and most recently with ITP Media Group’s Arabian Business as Group Editor, where he oversaw the magazine’s digital and print platforms. He also managed and worked across ITP’s executive titles such as CEO Middle East, Arabian Business StartUp and Arabian Business Qatar. In his new role, he will oversee all the public relations, marketing and digital comminqué schema for developers in the UAE as well as relay all the company’s aims, initiatives and progress to stakeholders and partners. His focus will also include ensuring the company’s brand and messaging are in-line with the directives of ARADA’s Chairman, HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and Vice Chairman HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal.

“I’m really excited to be joining ARADA just as the company begins its journey to establish itself as one of the Gulf’s most prominent developers,” says Edward. “I look forward to working closely with ARADA’s executive team and other stakeholders as the firm delivers on its promise to build modern projects in the UAE.”

Savoir Flair welcomes new Fashion Editor

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Online fashion magazine, Savoir Flair has appointed Shannon Cross to the role of Fashion Editor. Shannon previously worked with ASOS.com as Editor and most recently with Namshi.com as Senior Fashion Editor. In her new role, she will oversee Savoir Flair’s fashion pages conducting interviews, compiling trend reports, styling photoshoots and videos and building relationships with luxury brands to secure exclusive content.

“I am thrilled to join the Savoir Flair team,” says Shannon. “The sharp, timely and inspiring content is something I have enjoyed personally for some time. I look forward to all this role will bring, including working on some very exciting projects.”