Sept PR makes new appointment

Dubai-based lifestyle and communications agency, Sept PR has welcomed Dannii Gardiner to the role of Social Media Manager. With experience in PR and communications, Dannii previously worked for MediaWorks New Zealand where she managed international clients in both Radio and Television and most recently at Bull & Roo in the UAE where she worked across brands such as Tom & Serg and Muchachas. In her new role, she will focus on developing digital strategies to create engaging content that will be aligned with the clients’ PR objectives.

“Dannii brings with her a passion for quirky and out of the box campaigns and marketing knowledge in the region’s F&B sector  – ideal attributes which will support our current and forthcoming client campaigns,” says Caroline Holmberg, Managing Director, Sept PR.

Emirates Woman welcomes Rachel Bassett

Falling under the umbrella of Motivate Publishing, women’s lifestyle and fashion title, Emirates Woman has appointed Rachel Bassett to the role of Stylist and Writer. Previously a Fashion Stylist and Writer at The Daily Express, London, Rachel will now oversee and contribute to all fashion and beauty features as well as photoshoots for the digital and print publication.

“I’m thrilled to join the fabulous Emirates Woman team in continuing to produce exceptional editorial for the region to enjoy,” says Rachel.

Arab News welcomes new Columnist

Saudi Arabian daily newspaper, Arab News has welcomed Frank Kane to the role of Columnist. With over 25 years of experience in business journalism in the UK, Frank has worked across various titles including The Financial Times, The Telegraph and Sunday Times and most recently in the UAE as Senior Business Correspondent at The National. In his new role, he will write a bi-weekly column on regional business affairs that will be published on Mondays and Thursdays on the Arab News portal.

“I am happy to have Frank Kane join Arab News as a regular columnist,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “He brings experience and an informed opinion.”

Lauren Steadman joins BNC Publishing

BNC Publishing’s new monthly title, Design Middle East has appointed Lauren Steadman to the role of Editor. With over 5 years of experience in journalism in the region, Lauren was previously Editor at Guardian Media Group, UK, before she moved to the Middle East to work with Switch Global in Qatar and UAE as well as ITP Publishing Group in Dubai. In her new role, Lauren will oversee and contribute to all editorial content for the design title.

“I’m a real design obsessive and I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into the role,” says Lauren. “My parents run an architectural practice, so the world of interiors is one I’m already quite familiar with.”

Several promotions at PHD

The Middle East offices of media and communications agency, PHD, part of Omnicom Media Group, has announced several internal promotions to accommodate their goals of regional expansion and new service offerings.

Hassan Shoker, previously the head of investments for PHD UAE, will now oversee all markets under PHD MENA, including Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Ian Dolan has been appointed as the Head of Strategy and Content and will be responsible for the network’s social media and digital solutions. Sandra Essa and Stephanie Medlege have both been promoted to the role of Associate Director – Planning. In their new role, Sandra and Stephanie will further contribute to strategic planning and execution for their client’s success.

“When I joined PHD 8 years ago, it was impossible to predict the incredible journey we were about to have together,” says Elda Choucair, CEO, PHD MENA. “Looking back, it has been a phenomenal experience of growth, not just for me personally or the agency, but also our exceptionally talented team and the brands that are like family to us. These well-deserved promotions are a sign that our collective progress is made up on individual achievements and excellence. Together, with our clients, we are dedicated to continuing this shared journey of growth for the benefit of all.”

Regional Press and PR Manager joins Benefit Cosmetics

Benefit Cosmetics has welcomed Roxane Ferrer to the role of Regional Press and Public Relations Manager. With seven years of experience in public relations, Roxane previously worked for CHANEL as Middle East PR Manager and most recently for Strategies International as PR Manager. In her new role she will be responsible for all regional press as well as PR operations for the brand across the region.

“I’m excited to be joining such a fun and unique brand,” says Roxane Ferrer. “Benefit Cosmetics is all about creativity and I am happy to join the team during such a key time for the brand.”

Louis Vuitton Middle East makes new appointment

Louis Vuitton Middle East has appointed Negar Ghodstinat to the role of Communications Director starting January 2017. With over 13 years of experience, Negar previously worked at MTV Networks International as Account Director and most recently at Motivate Publishing as Group Publisher for luxury and lifestyle working across several luxury titles including Emirates Woman and Jumeirah Magazine. In her new role she will oversee the PR, advertising, digital and corporate events division of the company.

“I’m very excited and eager to be joining the brand side after over a decade on the media front,” says Negar Ghodstinat. “Joining Louis Vuitton family is most certainly a dream come true and I feel honoured to become part of such an amazing team.”

Dubai Eye makes new appointment

Dubai-based radio station, Dubai Eye, part of Arabian Radio Network (ARN) has appointed Robbie Greenfield to the role of Presenter and Senior Producer of radio sports show, Sports Tonight. With over 13 years of publishing experience, Robbie most recently worked as Editor of Golf Digest Middle East, part of Motivate Publishing. In his new role he will host the Sports Tonight show from 7pm – 9pm every weekday, delivering live coverage across all the region’s major sporting events.

“Having worked on Dubai Eye‘s sports output on a freelance basis for the past few years, the opportunity to take a full-time role came at the perfect time,” says Robbie Greenfield. “I’m really excited to hopefully play a part in growing the Sports Tonight brand and bringing sport in the region to life for the station’s listeners.”

House of Comms welcomes New Junior Account Executive

Integrated communications agency, House of Comms has welcomed Daisy Priestly to the role of Junior Account Executive. A recent graduate from Brighton University, Daisy holds a degree in Event Management. In her new role, she will work across House of Comms’ client accounts as well as building her media contacts.

“Never have I been around a group of people who are so passionate about what they do,” says Daisy. “It’s so inspiring and I feel incredibly lucky to be working with some amazing clients. I know that this is where I want to be and to see how people are able to grow within House of Comms makes me confident that I will be able to smash my career ambitions as a part of this team.”

Absolute Communications makes new appointment

Digital, PR and events agency, Absolute Communications Group has welcomed Sonal Salvi to the role of Senior Account Manager. With over five years of experience in public relations, corporate communications and marketing, Sonal will now oversee all PR operations for the agency’s clients across the region.

“The company’s culture is exceptionally progressive and strategic,” says Sonal. “We are more thought driven than press releases and it gives us a broader scope to build a brand. I am pleased to work with such creative, dedicated and inspiring minds.”