Mindshare appoints new Deputy Managing Director

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Global media agency network, Mindshare UAE has promoted Zahi Lawand to the role of Deputy Managing Director. Previously Senior Director of Client Leadership for Mindshare since 2007, Zahi specialises in client leadership and has contributed to campaigns for the agency that have won across key industry events such as the MENA Cristal Awards, the Effie Awards and the Lynx Awards. In his new role as Deputy Managing Director, he will be responsible for helping both regional and international clients make collaborative and adaptive decisions using his previous experience in the agency.

“It’s definitely an interesting time to be a part of media and communications, as the tides keep shifting in this industry and you always need to rethink and adapt to the new norm,” says Zahi. “Personally, I am looking forward to the new role, as it’s an opportunity for me to play a central role within the Mindshare team and to deliver excellence in all that we do.”

Ravi Rao, CEO, Mindshare MENA, adds “Zahi has shown great client relationship skills backed by his deep desire to understand client`s business challenges and provide winning strategy and ideas. He is digitally savvy and sound in marketing and a full-fledged team player that makes him perfect to take this new mantle in Mindshare Dubai.”

Ben Westwood joins FlipFlop Media

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FlipFlop Media has welcomed Ben Westwood to the role of Sales Manager for its Terminal Operator title. Having relocated to Dubai from the UK in 2013, Ben most recently worked as Sales Manager for Holborn Assets Dubai where he maintained excellent relationships with clients by providing sound financial advice. In his new role, he will be using his strong background in financial services and client relations to oversee the new business development of Terminal Operator as well as other titles in the FlipFlop Media portfolio.

“I am excited to be joining the energetic FlipFlop Media team, especially to be working on such an interesting title like Terminal Operator,” says Ben. “This opportunity is a great way for me to really dig into new areas and use my strengths while still developing in such an intense industry.”

Dubai Lynx welcomes new Festival Director

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Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity has welcomed Thea Skelton to the role of Festival Director. With over 13 years of experience in the events industry, including seven years in various roles across the Middle East, Thea has worked on numerous large-scale events and award shows. She will now be responsible for overseeing Dubai Lynx and ensuring the continued success and innovation of the festival.

Hayley Nolan, who has been with Dubai Lynx for three years, has now been promoted to the role of Event Manager, while Emma Farmer will be taking a short sabbatical before returning to Dubai in September as an Events Consultant where she will continue to assist Thea and the team.

“Thea joins Dubai Lynx with a vast array of experience and a deep knowledge of the region – she will ensure Lynx will continue in the seamless way it has in the past,” says Terry Savage, Chariman, Lions Festivals. “In welcoming Thea it is important to recognise the role that Emma Farmer has played in the last five years leading and shaping this great event.”

Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx and Managing Partner, Motivate Group, adds “Having recently enjoyed our highly successful 10th edition, Dubai Lynx is undoubtedly the best established event of its kind in the MENA region. We are sorry to be losing Emma at such an exciting time but very much look forward to welcoming Thea Skelton and working closely with her to grow the event in coming years.”

Daisy Clarkson leaves Radio 2

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Radio 2 breakfast show Co-Presenter Daisy Clarkson, who was part of The Kenny & Daisy Show, is today leaving the station to return to the UK. Kenny Jones will continue on the breakfast show slot, which will be renamed the Radio 2 Breakfast with Kenny Jones.

“It’s a sad day for Radio 2 and the breakfast show,” says Kanchan Koppikar, Head of Radio 2, Gulf News Broadcasting. “Daisy has been a huge part of what the station has achieved, especially during the last two years on the breakfast show. We will all miss her and know that she will be brilliant at whatever she decides to do next.”

Daisy adds “I’ve lived in the UAE for six years and seven months and for all of that time I’ve worked for Gulf News Broadcasting and Radio 2. It’s been quite the journey and now it’s time for me to head home. I’ve loved my time at Radio 2, especially the past two years being part of The Kenny and Daisy Show.”

Jessica Milford joins Aziza Communications

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Luxury lifestyle PR agency Aziza Communications has appointed Jessica Milford to the role of PR Executive. Previously a contributor for OK! Middle East, where she has assisted the team for three years, Jessica was responsible for writing features, interviewing high profile individuals as well as tracking emerging fashion and consumer trends. Jessica will now be working across a wide portfolio of beauty brands including Tips & Toes, Toni&Guy, label.m, Lee Stafford, Trevor Sorbie, He-Shi, Tantastic and Shampooheads. She will assist on digital and traditional media accounts.

“At Aziza Communications, we are always looking out for the most promising talent to join the team and Jess has really impressed,” says Loubna Elfakri, Account Director, Aziza Communications. “With three years of editorial experience and a fantastic work ethic, Jess is the perfect fit to complement our talented team.”

Faten Abdulla joins House of Comms

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House of Comms has appointed Faten Abdulla to the role of Regional Arabic Media Manager. With over 15 years of experience, Faten has previously worked for a number of well-known companies including Hill+Knowlton Strategies as well as Proctor & Gamble, Saudi Aramco and General Motors. In her new role, she will oversee all Arabic media for the integrated communications agency across the region.

“Faten is one of the best in the business and we are really proud to have her as part of our team,” says Kaja Weller, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, House of Comms. “Faten’s experience, the diversity of her portfolio and her pure passion for PR makes her the perfect choice and a great addition to our ever expanding team.”

Entrepreneur Middle East welcomes new Editor-in-Chief

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Aby Sam Thomas has been appointed as Editor-in-Chief at Entrepreneur Middle East, part of BNC Publishing. Previously Managing Editor for the publication, Aby will now be responsible for both Entrepreneuer ME and Entrepreneur Qatar. As Editor-in-Chief, he will oversee all of the content for both titles including online and offline, as well as strategy and brand development across the MENA region.

“It is an honour to be appointed as Entrepreneur Middle East‘s Editor-in-Chief, I am really excited to take the brand forward and continue to contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Middle East and North Africa,” says Aby. “With respect to my new role, I will endeavour to keep the momentum that Fida Chaaban and I, together with our valued team members, generated for Entrepreneur in MENA. I’m also pleased to confirm that Fida will still be contributing to the publication and website and will remain a key member of the Entrepreneur MENA family”

New CEO at BNC Publishing

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BNC Publishing has appointed Wissam Younane to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Previously Director for Entrepreneur Middle East, Entrepreneur Qatar and Entrepreneur AlArabiya where he was responsible for the publications’s brand presence across the Middle East, Wissam will now be overseeing BNC Publishing’s international expansion efforts together with the company’s partners.

“As the new CEO of BNC Publishing, I will be overseeing international expansion efforts, together with my partners,” says Wissam. “My focus on Entrepreneur’s brand presence in the Middle East will continue, but will now also involve additional verticals.”

Time Out welcomes Dominic Beesley

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Time Out Dubai, part of ITP Publishing, has welcomed Dominic Beesley to the role of Music and Nightlife Editor. Dominic was previously Junior Features Writer at Hype magazine, part of Motivate Publishing. In his new role, he will be handling the Music and Nightlife section of Time Out Dubai, which will include researching, writing and editing articles, interviews and features as well as assisting to organise events such as the Time Out Dubai Music and Nightlife Awards.