Jumeirah appoints Senior PR and Communications Executive

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The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has welcomed Kimberly Lobo to the role of Senior Public Relations and Communications Executive. Previously a PR Account Executive at Ketchum Raad, where she worked across corporate clients such as CNN and Airbus, Kimberly brings over six years of experience in journalism and PR to her new role. As Public Relations and Communications Executive, she will be responsible for assisting in the management of PR and media relations across the resort, ensuring media coverage in local, regional and international media markets. Kimberly will produce written material for media purposes such as editorials, newsletters, biographies, fact-files and Q&A’s and develop PR strategies for the property as well as provide support with awards and research.

“I always believe in working hard and that it does pay off, because in the end you’re always rewarded,” says Kimberly. “I’m grateful to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray for offering me the position and seeing my potential as a Senior Public Relations and Communications Executive at the resort.”




Khaleej Times welcomes new reporter

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Khaleej Times has welcomed Sherouk Maher to the role of Staff Reporter at the local desk. Previously at Shabab20/Young+ Magazine, a monthly lifestyle and entertainment publication aimed at young readers in the Middle East, where she worked as an Editor and Translator, Sherouk brings over four years of experience in media and journalism to her new role. As Staff Reporter, she will be covering Dubai Municipality, DEWA and Dubai Government announcements for Khaleej Times, as well as special events in the emirate.

“I am honestly very optimistic about joining Khaleej Times,” says Sherouk, “Being a news reporter has been my dream as I am ridiculously passionate about telling people’s stories and addressing current affairs. Being a journalist is a privilege through which I look forward to making a difference.”

markettiers welcomes Josh Baker

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markettiers has welcomed Josh Baker to the role of New Business Development Specialist. Previously a Senior Consultant for MCG Associates where he aided in the companies growth and supported clients, Josh has over seven years of experience in media with a focus on marketing. In his new role, he will be using his prior experience to help impact and strengthen the broadcast consultancy’s regional relationships, working with Cheryl King, General Manager of the MENA region, to recreate markettiers’ success in the UK.

“I’m really passionate about PR and communications and I can’t wait to put this into practice with markettiers,” says Josh. “I’m thrilled to be joining such an innovative company and am looking forward to working with such a fantastic portfolio of clients and agencies.’

Brandy Scott to return to Dubai Eye 103.8

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Brandy Scott is set to return to The Business Breakfast on Dubai Eye 103.8 on May 22 , following a two year absence during which she returned to her native New Zealand in order to study for an MA in Creative Writing. Having previously co-hosted the show for seven years, between late 2006 and mid 2013, Brandy has also worked for Radio New Zealand as a Senior Producer as well as for Emirates Today as a Features Editor. Upon her return, she will be joining existing presenters Malcolm Taylor and Richard Dean, to form a new line-up with the aim of providing more credible content, analysis and features as well as chat.
“I’m very excited to be returning to The Business Breakfast,” says Brandy, “I’ve loved my time in New Zealand but I’ve missed my other home, Dubai. That’s the high-class problem that comes with being an expatriate: you belong in too many places. But I feel very lucky to have the chance to comeback to what Richard Dean once rightly called “the best gig in the world” – The Business Breakfast.”

Havas Worldwide Middle East appoints new General Manager

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Havas Worldwide Middle East has promoted Bronson Smithson to the role of General Manager of its UAE operation, following the departure of Piero Poli. Previously Global Planning Director, Bronson brings over 16 years of experience with strategic brand development across five continents to his new role. As General Manager, he will work to further establish Havas Worldwide Middle East as a creative business partnership agency and build on the Havas global network to consolidate the newly integrated Havas village concept.

“I would like to congratulate Bronson on his new role,” says Rachid Mtaini, Middle East Regional Managing Director, Havas. “He is an experienced leader who knows our business extremely well. Bronson and his team will work alongside myself to foster the integration. I would also like to thank Piero Poli for his hard work over the past year and wish him all the best in his new endeavors.”

Bronson adds “I am thrilled to have this new opportunity and challenge. There has never been a better time to set our agency up for the future. We need to understand the importance of creativity for business as opposed to chasing awards or answering the next media and creative brief. Creativity should be at the core of our client’s business.”

Mindshare MENA appoints new CFO

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Global media agency network Mindshare MENA, part of WPP, has promoted Jihad Hachem to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Previously Senior Finance Director at Mindshare MENA, Jihad has over 12 years of experience in media and finance. As CFO, he will continue to look at multiple ways in which to improve revenues by accelerating new offices and specialist functions, he will also play an active role on the board of Mindshare MENA.
“My time at Mindshare has presented me with many unique challenges in the field of finance and I’m ready to approach any that come my way with the company’s signature spirit of collaboration and innovation,” says Jihad. “I always say where there’s a will there’s a way.”
Ravi Rao, CEO, Mindshare MENA, adds “I see Jihad as an able partner in Mindshare MENA and value his judgement and skills in contributing to our growth strategies for the region. His mission-driven attitude and proven track record of results will aid him well in his newly-appointed position as CFO.”

OMD appoints Head of Analytics

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OMD MENA has welcomed Walid Hadid to the newly created role of Head of Analytics, Previously Head of analytics at OgilvyOne, Walid has over 20 years of experience in developing, implementing and leading analytics solutions. In his new role, he will be working to provide clients with a holistic, integrated service delivering business results as well as media performance.

“We have developed a strong experience in data and analytics to better inform our clients’ investment decisions for well over a decade now,” says Nadim Samara, Managing Director, OMD UAE and Lower Gulf. “An appointment of this caliber reflects our ardent commitment in this field and will see us strengthen the data and analytics conversation with our clients. Thanks to the expertise, systems and processes we have in place, we can help them extract even more from their marketing initiatives.”

Walid adds “I am really excited by everything that I’ve seen at OMD so far with regards to the talent and systems they have built to date. I look forward to extending this impressive analytics offering and stimulating our client’s growth further through stronger data partnerships that provide timely and powerful insights.”

Hill+Knowlton appoints new General Manager for Saudi Arabia

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Global communications firm Hill+Knowlton Strategies has welcomed Matthew Dessani to the role of General Manager for Saudi Arabia. Matthew brings over two decades of multinational brand agency management experience to his new role, having previously lived and worked in the UK, Romania, Kuwait and Dubai. He will now be responsible for leading the firm’s Saudi team, under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Turki Alfaisal, focusing on strategy development, creativity and client service.

“Two decades of global marketing experience and international brand building provide Matthew with a fundamental understanding of how to frame an issue, define and target audiences and how to develop and deliver compelling campaigns across multiple platforms,” says Sconaid McGeachin, President and CEO, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Africa, Middle East and Turkey.

Matthew adds “There is probably no greater or more exciting challenge globally for a communications professional than that presented by Saudi Arabia right now. The Kingdom is on the cusp of a remarkable economic transformation, while its position at the centre of global geo-politics and its size as the preeminent economy of the Middle East makes this a compelling opportunity.”

McGettigan’s Group welcomes Chanelle Tourish

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Chanelle Tourish has joined the McGettigan’s Group as PR and Communication Manager. With over six years of experience in journalism and PR, Chanelle previously worked for Time Out Dubai, part of ITP Publishing, as Music and Nightlife Editor. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing all public relations and communications for the McGettigan’s brand around the world.

“With the recent McGettigan’s growth, we are very pleased to have Chanelle join the team,” says Dennis McGettigan, CEO, McGettigan’s Group. “Her years of experience in journalism and nightlife is a great combination for us and we’re sure that she’s going to play a key role for us as we look to further expand the brand worldwide.”

Chanelle adds “I’m thrilled to take on this new role with McGettigan’s and to be representing a brand I feel so passionate about. This is a very exciting time for the group, who are going from strength-to-strength with the launch of two new venues in Dubai.”

 

The Entertainer welcomes new Junior Editor

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Charlotte Bright has joined The Entertainer as Junior Editor for the GCC Region. With over three years of experience in media, Charlotte most recently worked as Editorial Assistant at OK! Middle East where she wrote features and reviews as well as conducted interviews and edited copy. In her new role, she will be responsible for editing and proof-reading all new monthly offers as well as compiling next year’s books with the rest of the content team. Charlotte will also be working on the app and web content that goes alongside the market-specific incentive offer books.

“I’m thrilled to take on this amazing new role with The Entertainer and to be working with such a fantastic International company,” says Charlotte. “I’m a huge fan of The Entertainer products and can’t wait to get started on our exciting upcoming projects.”