CNN expands Cathy Ibal’s role

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Cathy Ibal has joined CNN International Commercial’s executive team and taken on a wider remit, adding CNN’s advertising sales across Middle East and Africa to her existing responsibilities in Southern/Central/Eastern Europe, Turkey and CIS. In her expanded position, Cathy will lead CNN’s advertising sales teams across all of these regions and extend her work with CNN International’s digital, data and branded content divisions to deliver smart, integrated advertising and brand solutions to a wider range of clients. She will also be responsible for developing CNN’s long-term strategic relationships with key brand partners in these regions, as well as continuing to identify opportunities for advertisers in innovative areas such as CNN Digital. Cathy will now report directly to CNN International Commercial President Rani R. Raad.

“I am immensely pleased to see homegrown talent like Cathy taking responsibility over these key territories and leading one of the most accomplished advertising sales teams, not just at CNN International but the entire industry,” says Rani. “I look forward to Cathy continuing to grow these regional sales markets and working with clients on brand solutions that simply aren’t possible or as effective anywhere other than CNN.”

Cathy adds “Over the last 15 years, I have developed a full appreciation of the power of CNN, our content and unique approach to developing commercial solutions that can completely change the way a brand is perceived around the world. I’m delighted to add Africa and the Middle East to my existing remit and work with clients in all of these regions to collaborate on impactful and exciting partnerships that leverage CNN’s momentum in areas such as digital, data, branded content and the enduring power of TV and quality video.”

Sorbet Magazine to welcome new Deputy Editor

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Sorbet Magazine, part of Mixed Media Publishing, is set to welcome Kate Hazell to the role of Deputy Editor on May 1, 2016. Formerly Fashion Director at Esquire where she worked on Esquire Middle East Magazine, www.EsquireME.com and as Editor of the bi-annual Esquire Big Black Book, Kate brings over 10 years of experience in the publishing industry to her new role. As Sorbet Magazine’s new Deputy Editor, she will be responsible for assisting in the production and editing of the quarterly monthly fashion publication.

Motivate welcomes Courtney Moorfield

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Courtney Moorfield has joined Motivate Publishing as Senior Sales Manager for good magazine. Courtney has over eight years of experience in sales, having previously worked for APN News and Media in Australia, before moving to boutique media representative agency Intermedia in Dubai where she worked as Regional Director. In her new role, she will be accountable for developing the suite of products under the good brand as well as spearheading capabilities for custom content, creative executions and targeted event activations.

“I’m really excited to take on this new role with Motivate and to be representing a brand I feel so passionate about,” says Courtney. “As a longtime reader of good, I’ve seen firsthand the role the magazine plays in setting talking points throughout the UAE expat community every month. The connection with our readers is un-paralleled in this market and the scope for us to partner with the local business world to engage with this audience is enormous.”

Motivate welcomes Ronda Mustapha

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Ronda Mustapha has joined Motivate Publishing as Senior Sales Manager for Emirates Woman. Previously Advertising Sales Manager at ITP Publishing, Ronda has over 10 years of experience in sales, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. In her new role, she will be responsible for identifying commercial opportunities and maximising revenue generation for the Emirates Woman brand.

Changes to Omnicom Media Group leadership

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Omnicom Media Group Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has named new leaders for its analytics division, Annalect, as well as its programmatic trading desk, Accuen. Both companies will now report to recently promoted Executive Director of Specialist Companies, Dimitri Metaxas, who will be managing Resolution as well as Annalect and Accuen. Raouf Ketani has also joined Annalect MENA as Business Unit Director, from Annalect UK, where he will be working closely with the analytics and audience measurement specialists at OMD and PHD and the team at Annalect.

Matyas Csendes has been welcomed to the Omnicom group as Head of Accuen and he will be bringing with him over 10 years of digital marketing experience to elevate the role of the trading desk and enhance clients’ programmatic executions. Accuen also welcomed Bushair Muhammadunni to the role of Head of Inventory, a newly created role in which he will focus on improving the variety of publishers with which the group works.

“There is much demand for these services in which we have invested heavily over the past decade,” says Dimitri. “Raouf, Matyas and Bushair are here to stimulate further growth with their expertise in their respective fields. The industry’s use of data and automation will keep on rising. Hence, we will increase our momentum and dedication to these areas to provide our agencies’ teams with the best capabilities for future-proofing their clients’ businesses.”

Jason O’Connell joins BNC Publishing

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Jason O’Connell has joined BNC Publishing as Editor of Construction Business News Middle East. Previously Editor of Utilities Middle East, in his new role Jason will be responsible for building a strong editorial identity for the magazine as well as its website, CBNME.com.

“I’m thrilled to be joining BNC Publishing – a young, up and coming publisher with a growing portfolio of magazines and events – and to build up on the solid start Construction Business News has made since its launch last year,” says Jason. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of covering the most dynamic business sector in the Middle East. With ambitious new projects being launched on a regular basis, these are exciting times for construction in this region.”

Melanie Mingas, Group Editor, BNC Publishing, adds “Jason brings a wealth of experience to Construction Business News and after an exciting first year, during which we also launched a website and awards series, beginning with the Construction Innovation Awards: Qatar, as well as the Power 60, we are incredibly excited about year two.”

Anna Castan Tomas joins APP Publishing

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APP Publishing has welcomed Anna Castan Tomas to the role of Fashion Editor for the APP Group. Previously Fashion and Beauty Editor for Ahlan! Arabia, part of ITP Publishing Group, as well as a Fashion Stylist, Anna has over eight years of experience in fashion and journalism. In her new role, she will be editing and contributing to a number of APP titles, including; Stylist Arabia,The Rake and Hello! Magazine.

JJ Anisiobi promoted at ITP

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ITP Publishing has promoted JJ Anisiobi to the role of Editor of Ahlan! Magazine. Previously Deputy Editor for the weekly publication, JJ will continue to be responsible for overseeing the magazine and its website as well as leading news, interviewing celebrities for features and deciding on cover lines on a weekly basis. He will also continue to represent the celebrity title on the new weekly TV show, Ahlan! on Dubai Life. Sarah Hedley Hymers will continue to lead the Ahlan! brand as Group Editorial Director.

Samuel Pohlner joins The Qode

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Samuel Pohlner has joined The Qode as Senior Communications Executive. Previously Senior PR and Marketing Executive for West L.A. Boutique, where he handled all press relations and organised events, Samuel brings over three years of experience in PR to his new role.  As Senior Communications Executive, he will be working on a number of luxury fashion and beauty accounts, including Diesel, COS, Melijoe and Obagi Medispa.

“I am extremely excited to be joining The Qode, one of the most outstanding PR agencies in the region and to be working alongside such an incredible team,” says Samuel. “I can’t wait to begin working on projects and to see what the future holds.”

Turner EMEA appoints new VP

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Turner Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) has promoted Tarek Mounir to the role of Vice President and General Manager Turkey, Middle East, North Africa (MENA), Greece and Cyprus. Previously General Manager for MENA, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, in his new role Tarek will be reporting to Giorgio Stock, President, Turner EMEA, where he will continue to lead the region as well as be more involved in with the company on a senior level.

“This promotion recognises Tarek’s role in aggressively developing Turner’s presence in the region and driving significant growth, across both free to air and pay TV platforms and in the non-linear space,” says Giorgio.

Rani Raad, President, CNN International Commercial, adds “Tarek has done an outstanding job of building strong teams whose creativity and enterprise across Turner’s expanding Middle East portfolio have helped drive an overall growth trajectory in an increasingly important market.”