Motivate welcomes new Picture Editor

/in , /by

Motivate Publishing has welcomed Diana Bell-Heather to the role of Picture Editor for the Luxury and Lifestyle group. A journalism graduate from Kingston University, Diana also has a Master’s degree in TV Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London. She has five years of experience working for media houses in the UK in image research and procurement and also founded personal style blog sweatshirtsanddresses.com, which she edits. As Picture Editor for the Luxury and Lifestyle group, Diana will be working across Motivate’s Emirates Woman titles, managing the picture desk and assisting with content production.

Charlotte Gray joins Z7 Communications

/in , /by

Charlotte Gray has joined Z7 Communications as Senior PR Executive. Before joining the agency, Charlotte worked within the international PR team at the British Fashion Council for four years, duringwhich she worked on global, high profile events such as London Fashion Week,London Collections Men and the British Fashion Awards. In her new role she will be responsible for working on a number of luxury fashion and lifestyle accounts including; Bottega Veneta, NET-A-PORTER and The Leading Hotels of the World.

“I am thrilled to join such an esteemed agency and team within the region and I’m extremely excited to begin working with the high caliber of clients Z7 Communications boasts,” says Charlotte Gray.

Z7 welcomes Sagar Munot

/in , /by

Z7 Communications has appointed Sagar Munot to the role of Social Media Manager. With over three years of digital strategy, planning and content development experience, Sagar has worked in building digital presences for brands such as the Walt Disney Studios, Marvel Studios, GQ Bar Dubai, Vogue Cafe Dubai, Fitness First Middle East, Masafi and Jet Airways. In his new role, he will be working on growing the Z7 Communications roster of services to include digital media capabilities for new and existing clients.

“Marketers are becoming increasingly aware of the inherent advantages of having an integrated marketing agency which offers PR and digital services under the same umbrella,” says Sagar. “I am elated to have this opportunity to join such a skilled team. Z7 is a well known name in luxury PR circles and I look forward to working towards making the same hold true for digital.”

House of Comms appoints Senior Account Director

/in , /by

Integrated communications agency House of Comms has appointed Tryphena Greenwood to the role of Senior Account Director. With over nine years of experience in the MENA region as well as Europe, Tryphena most recently worked at ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller where she worked across accounts such as Dubai Parks and Resorts, Starwood Hotels and Resorts ME and The Walt Disney Company MENA. In her new role, she will work across a number of House of Comms key PR accounts, reporting directly to the agency’s managing partners.

“We’ve been searching for someone like Tryph for a while,” says Abby Wilks, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, House of Comms. “When you invest your blood, sweat and tears into building a business, every hire is crucial. In recruiting Tryph we have found ourselves with a solid, experienced and extremely dedicated leader, who will support Kaja and I as we head into the third quarter of the year with more ambitious growth plans than ever.”

Peter Brun joins VFS Global

/in , /by

Outsourcing and technology services specialist VFS Global has appointed Peter Brun to the role of Chief Communications Officer. With over 28 years of experience in communications, Peter joins VFS Global from Kuoni Group where he was Chief Communications Officer. In his new role, he will be responsible for corporate communications, marketing and branding as well as corporate social responsibility. Peter will be based in the company’s head office in Dubai, UAE and he will also join the Extended Executive Board at VFS Global.

“VFS Global is an incredible success story,” says Peter. “I have been following the company and its global progress for many years and I am very pleased that I will now have an opportunity to contribute to this success.”

Zubin Karkaria, CEO, VFS Global, adds “As we look at further developing and expanding our business, we are pleased to have Peter on board at VFS Global, strengthening our management team. Ours is a very people driven business and we have always focused on attracting and retaining the best professionals.Peter’s appointment is a validation of this.”

Matrix PR welcomes Anthony Caton

/in , /by

Anthony Caton has joined Matrix Public Relations as PR Account Manager. Before joining Matrix, Anthony ran his own agency in the UK for 10 years, during which time he worked on a series of on and offline projects for brands such as the NHS, Ed Hardy and EVISU. In his new role, he will be responsible for handling the agency’s retail clients.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Matrix PR for seeing my potential and making me feel welcome in my new role as PR Account Manager,” says Anthony.

Tom Paye goes freelance

/in , /by

Tom Paye has made the move to freelance journalism from his role as e-Content Specialist at Hilti Middle East, Turkey and Africa. Tom brings over six years of experience with him and has worked for companies such as ITP Publishing, CPI Media Group and White Fox Media on publications such as Arabian Computer News, Network Middle East and Computer News Middle East. He will continue to work on covering the IT industry in the Middle East for various clients, as well as taking on projects that involve covering the luxury lifestyle sector and motor industry. 

“I think it’s every journalist’s dream job – to go freelance, to work on your own time, on the projects you really want to do,” says Tom. “I’ve been lucky in that a few things have fallen into place and now I’ve got an opportunity to make it work. I’m really looking forward to taking on the challenge and hopefully I’ll be building great relationships with great titles for years to come.”

Lekha Menon promoted at Masala! Magazine

/in , /by

Masala! magazine, part of ITP Publishing, has promoted Lekha Menon to the role of Editor. Having worked with Masala! for the past five years as Deputy Editor, Lekha has over 15 years of experience in journalism and has previously worked in India on publications such as The Times of India, Marwar and DNA. As Editor, she will now be responsible for overseeing the production of the weekly Bollywood, fashion and lifestyle magazine, sourcing exclusive content and interviewing Asian celebrities for features. Lekha will also be assisting in events, building relationships with prominent personalities and representing the Masala! brand at high-profile events.

Facebook welcomes Shant Oknayan

/in , /by

Facebook has appointed Shant Oknayan to the role of Head of e-Commerce, Retail and Online Services at Facebook in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. Shant has over 15 years of experience in leading business development, with subject-matter expertise in digital and investment strategies for governments and corporations, having most recently headed up Google’s market development for small & medium businesses in the Middle East and North Africa. In his new role, he will lead efforts to enable e-commerce, retail and online services businesses in the region to scale growth and engage with consumers on Facebook.

“This is a very exciting time to be in the online industry in MENA,” says Shant. “Facebook’s 120 million users in the region are not only active on mobile, but they are looking at innovative products while evaluating services and transacting online. This creates opportunities for established businesses, particularly in the e-Commerce and retail space, as well for the vibrant start-up community here. At Facebook we want to partner in their growth, leveraging the power of technology, to help build the region’s economy.”

Time Out welcomes new Digital Editor

/in , /by

Time Out, part of ITP Publishing, has welcomed Alex Dunham to the role of Digital Editor. An experienced Journalist and Videographer, Alex has over eight years of international experience with media companies in Spain, Italy, the UK and South Africa, where he most recently worked as a freelance Video Journalist. In his new role, he will work on digital content for the Time Out brand.