Google appoints new MENA Managing Director

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Google has appointed Lino Cattaruzi to the role of Managing Director for its operations across the Middle East and North Africa. With experience in the technology industry, Lino previously worked with Google as Director for Sales Strategy and most recently as Country Director, Argentina and later Mexico. In his new role, he will lead the efforts to enable local business partners grow and engage with consumers online, as well as help the wider digital community through programs and initiatives across the MENA region.

“After eight years of experience within the international Google offices, I am excited to start a new challenge within the company and look forward to working with some very talented Googlers here in the Dubai office,” says Lino. “I find the MENA region to be truly fascinating and believe there is a lot more to be done in unlocking its digital potentials.”

Chee Smith goes freelance

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Chee Smith, former Fashion and Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan Middle East, has gone freelance. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, Chee previously worked at VIVA magazine as the Fashion and Beauty Director before joining the Cosmopolitan Middle East launch team in February, 2011. She will continue to work across the fashion and beauty sector as a freelance fashion stylist and editor.

“Although I’m sad to leave Cosmopolitan Middle East, I’m really excited to go freelance and work on new projects,” says Chee. “I’m looking forward to new challenges and working on a variety of jobs within editorial, advertising and events.”

New Account Manager at House of Comms

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Dubai-based integrated communications agency, House of Comms has appointed Rachel Evans to the role of Account Manager. With experience in the UK’s PR industry, Rachel previously worked across the F&B and technology sectors with clients such as Microsoft, TGI Fridays and Cambridge University. In her new role, she will manage and work across House of Comms’ portfolio of clients in the Middle Eastern region.

“Rachel has a really solid track record and what we loved about her was the creativity she brought to the interview process,” says Abby Wilks, Managing Partner, House of Comms. “She grabbed our attention and we believe she will have the same effect on our clients. She is off to a flying start and is a great addition to the team for the exciting year ahead.”

Emirates Woman welcomes new Deputy Editor

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UAE-based glossy Emirates Woman, part of Motivate Publishing, has appointed Nina Catt to the role of Deputy Editor. With over ten years of experience in the media industry, Nina was previously based in Australia, where she worked across a number of magazines including, donna hay, that’s life! and InStyle Australia. In her new role, she will work across the Emirates Woman group portfolio including Emirates Woman, Emirates Bride and Emirates Woman Mini plus contract publishing titles Jumeirah and SOUK.

“I’m thrilled to join the talented team at Motivate Publishing and look forward to being a part of the company’s future and growth,” says Nina Catt, Deputy Editor, Emirates Woman.

MCG Group makes key appointment

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Digital and creative recruitment agency, MCG Group has appointed Nick Clements to the role of Chief Operating Officer. With over 25 years of experience, Nick previously worked with Ogilvy & Mather as Global Account Director and most recently with BPG Bates as Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, he will oversee the operations of MCG Group, which is made up of MCG Associates, Kemistry and Hopscotch and work across its Dubai, London and Hong Kong offices. Nick will also work on broadening the company’s services beyond recruitment to spearhead the launch of its new services, which includes executive search, procurement pitch, relationship management and M&A advisory.

“I’m delighted to be joining the MCG Group at such an exciting time and I look forward to helping build on existing strengths and create a talent consultancy with a range of services which really adds value to both agencies and clients,” says Nick Clement, COO, MCG Group.

Khaleej Times welcomes new Assistant Editor

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Dubai-based newspaper, Khaleej Times has appointed Anamika Chatterjee to the role of Assistant Editor for its weekly magazine, wknd. Previously Editor of celebrity and lifestyle weekly, Masala’s online portal, part of ITP Publishing Group, Anamika will now contribute to editorial content for wknd’s print and digital editions.

‘I am thoroughly excited about the new assignment and hope to work closely with a team of very talented and motivated editors and writers,” says Anamika

Harper’s Bazaar makes new appointments

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Monthly fashion and lifestyle title, Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, falling under the umbrella of ITP Publishing Group, has welcomed Alexandra Venison and Gina Tadros to its team.

Previously Fashion & Beauty Director at Viva, ITP Publishing Group has promoted Alexandra Venison to the role of Digital Editor at Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. In her new role, Alexandra will be primarily responsible for fashion, beauty and celebrity digital content for the title. Gina Tadros, former Editor-in-Chief at Hello! Arabia, has been appointed as Editor of the title’s Arabic website, which is due to launch in 2017. Gina will oversee all content creation for Harper’s Bazaar Arabia‘s new digital platform.

New appointment at ITP Publishing Group

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Dubai-based publishing house, ITP Publishing Group welcomes Widad Naami to the role of Senior Digital Commercial Manager. Previously Business Development Manager at digitalCUPS and Head of Business Development and Sales at Buro 24/7 ME, Widad has over 10 years of experience in the region’s media and publishing industry. In her new role, Widad will be responsible for the commercial development of all Hearst’s online titles under ITP Publishing Group, which includes the Middle East editions of Cosmopolitan and Harper’s Bazaar and Men’s Health as well as Women’s Health.

Hill+Knowlton appoints new Account Executive

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The Dubai offices of communications agency, Hill+Knowlton Strategies has appointed Maha Hussein to the role of Account Executive under its Finance and Professional Services team. Previously an Account Executive at Four Communications, Maha will now contribute to all PR activity for the agency’s financial and corporate clients.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Hill+Knowlton,” says Maha. “I like that it has a very strong GCC network as well as a robust global and affiliate network. Its rigorous professional training and development programs are what drew me to join and I am very pleased to be a part of the team.”

GroupM makes leadership appointments

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Global media investment management group, GroupM has made some leadership appointments following the launch of its online media platform, [m]PLATFORM across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Alex Stil, former Chief Commercial Officer Worldwide at GroupM Connect, has been promoted to the role of President of [m]PLATFORM, where he will lead the agency’s digital practice across EMEA. Former Chief Operating Officer at GroupM Connect, Sebastiaan Moesman will take on the role of Vice President of [m]PLATFORM where he will work alongside Alex, to oversee the agency’s [m]PLATFORM across the EMEA region.