Edelman welcomes Tod Donhauser

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Global communications marketing firm Edelman has welcomed Tod Donhauser to the role of CEO, Edelman UAE. Formerly the Managing Director at Edelman South Africa, Tod has over 15 years of experience in PR and public affairs. In his new role, he will report to Robert Holdheim, CEO, Edelman South Asia and work to integrate the agency’s new capabilities and talent with its existing offerings.

The appointment of Tod comes as Edelman sees a reorganisation into Brand and Reputation units, following its recent acquisition of Dubai-based DABO & CO – now Edelman DABO. The reshuffle will also see Jacob Drake named Managing Director, Reputation, Jason Leavy named Managing Director, Brand and Camilla and Lucy D’Abo joining the Edelman UAE Executive Committee.

“We are significantly expanding our offering by investing in new areas and our structure will maximise the delivery of our talent on behalf of our clients,” says Tod. “I am excited to be joining our sixth largest market by revenue at such a pivotal time.”

ITP welcomes new Sales Manager

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Anneka Healy has joined ITP Publishing as Sales Manager for Cosmopolitan Middle East. Formerly Senior Sales Executive for the Emirates Woman Group at Motivate Publishing, Anneka has over two years of media experience which she will bring to her new role. As Sales Manager, she will be responsible for all sponsorship and advertising revenue as well developing client relationships for the monthly women’s lifestyle publication.

Kassab Media welcomes new journalist

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Kassab Media has welcomed Mehdi Mabrouk to the role of Online Editor. Formerly a Journalist at Mediaquest, where he was in charge of Aficionado and Dubai Calendar as well as contributing luxury-related articles to other publications, Mehdi will now be working at CMM, a subsidiary of Kassab media as Online Editor of Virtuozity and Saat Saat. He will be ensuring that the online debut of each publication is a success, by covering editorial content and website design. Mehdi will also continue to work with brands on his instagram, as well as his blog – www.etiquettearabia.com.

“Coming from a men’s luxury and lifestyle background I am really looking forward to take Virtuozity and Saat Saat’s websites to the next level, with the help of the team,” says Mehdi.

 

Catering News Middle East welcomes new Editor

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BNC Publishing has welcomed Crystal Chesters to the role of Editor of Catering News Middle East. Previously Editor of Hotelier Middle East, Crystal has over four years of experience in media. In her new role, she will be driving editorial strategy for the publication, as well as growth of the publication across Dubai’s media landscape. She joins Catering News Middle East as it celebrates its first anniversary and takes on the role of official media partner and conference producer for Gulfood.

“I have been in Dubai now for two years and have gained an excellent insight into the region’s media marketplace and it’s vibrant, fast-growing hospitality industry,” says Crystal. “I feel I am very well placed to make a valuable contribution to the team at BNC, and I’m very excited about the opportunities ahead.”

MO4 Network welcomes Sacha Shaw

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Sacha Shaw has joined MO4 Network as PR Executive and Fashion Stylist. With over four years of experience in fashion and media, Sacha has previously worked for companies such as Boohoo.com, Iceberg publications and Gulf News. In her new role, she will be covering styling and shoots for a range of MO4 clients, as well as handling all PR for Fendi Kids and Il Gufo.

“I’m excited to be joining such an innovative agency, with a real focus on creativity,” says Sacha. “I consider myself lucky to be able to work across such an exciting portfolio of clients, doing something that I’m truly passionate about.”

Mojeh Men welcomes new Managing Editor

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Peter Iantorno has joined MOJEH Men as Managing Editor. With over four years of experience in journalism, Peter most recently worked as Features Editor for EDGAR and EDGARdaily.com, where he contributed to both print and online platforms, focusing on the successful launch of EDGARdaily.com. As Managing Editor, he will be leading both print and online products for MOJEH Men, helping to build the magazine’s brand in the region.

“While I have loved every minute of my time with EDGAR and am sad to be leaving, I am thrilled to be joining MOJEH Men at what is a hugely exciting time for the brand,” says Peter. “I can’t wait to get going.”

dmg appoints new President for region

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dmg events has appointed Matt Denton as President for dmg events – Middle East, Asia and Africa. Matt joined dmg world media in 1998 as Head of Marketing for the UK consumer shows and he managed the Daily Mail Ideal Home and Ski and Snowboard Shows. Matt entered the MENA market in 2010 as Vice President for dmg events in Middle East and Asia handling The Big 5, a large regional construction event which grew from a single show to multiple shows across the GCC and India under his management.

In his most recent position, Matt moved to dmg’s US operation as President, overseeing the global digital marketing portfolio with offices in the US, Japan, UK, Australia, New Zealand and India.

“I am really excited to be returning to the UAE and getting reacquainted with the products and teams I know so well,” says Matt. “Although many things remain very familiar, much has changed in the time that I was away from the Middle East. There are many new faces and new initiatives and dmg events has grown exponentially across the region. I look forward to working closely with the teams, stakeholders and partners to continue this growth in the years to come.”

Geoff Dickinson, CEO, dmg events, adds “I have had the pleasure of knowing Matt for a very long time and he has always illustrated strong entrepreneurial skills in both developing and launching events. I was delighted to be instrumental in persuading him to rejoin dmg events in 2010 and I am pleased that he will now take the helm of our Middle East, Asia and Africa portfolio.”

Jenna Saunders goes agency side

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Jenna Saunders, previously Senior Public Relations and Communications Executive at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has joined Toh PR as PR Account Manager. In her new role, Jenna will be responsible for handling hospitality and F&B accounts.

TRACCS appoints new VP of Strategy and Development

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MENA-based public relations network, has appointed Stephen Marney as Vice President of Strategy and Development. With over 30 years media, communications and business consultancy experience Stephen has will be developing TRACCS’ existing and future portfolio of products and services, revamping its ENRICH suite of training programs and enhancing the internal communications and strategic business advisory practices.

Stephen will directly report to the CEO, Mohamed Al Ayed and brings with him extensive experience in the MENA Region and corporate management and development expertise.

“MENA is one of the world’s fastest growing regions in terms of PR and with the proliferation of agencies in the region and especially in some key markets, 2016 is going to be the year of thinking beyond the realm of possibilities for us at TRACCS,” says Mohamed Al Ayed, CEO, TRACCS. “Growth doesn’t necessarily have to evolve out of innovation; sometimes structured advancement of the existing offering can transform an organizations competitive approach and performance, setting it apart from the rest of the industry players.”

Stephen adds, “I am excited about this new challenge and I am confident that I can draw upon my 16 years of experience in the region, working with a diverse portfolio of clients across various industries including media, to make strategic business enhancements within TRACCS. I am extremely happy to join the region’s largest PR network and work closely with its senior leadership, turning obstacles into challenges, challenges into opportunities and opportunities into successes.”

 

 

 

 

 

Ravi Rao is promoted to CEO of Mindshare MENA

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Samir Ayoub has resigned as CEO, Mindshare MENA and has been appointed Delegate of the Board at Mindshare MENA. Current Chief Client Officer, Ravi Rao has been promoted to replace Samir as CEO. Samir will transition from his current role as CEO, on February 1, 2016 and continue to act as a valued advisor and consultant on all agency matters until July 2016.

Samir has led Mindshare MENA since 1999, and previously headed up Ogilvy Media.  In the last 26 years with WPP, Samir has built up world-class media offerings in the region with his in-depth knowledge of the multiple markets and its consumers’ lifestyles, habits and choices, has supported local and international brands in developing their market share across regional geographies.

Ravi Rao joined Mindshare MENA in May 2015 as Chief Client Officer and in October took responsibility for leading the UAE team.  In his previous role, Ravi led Mindshare South Asia as CEO for 3 years and has over nine years’ experience with WPP companies.

“My time with Mindshare has been rewarding and exhilarating,” says Samir. “Much has changed in the consumer and media landscape since I took on the CEO role 17 years ago.  I am delighted that the company will continue to flourish, guided by the experienced and capable hands of my friend and colleague Ravi Rao.  In the coming months and years ahead, I look forward to celebrating its continued achievements.”

Ravi Rao adds,“It is most satisfying that I was one of ‘the Day 1 employees’ when Mindshare was set up in the region way back in 1999.  A real privilege now to lead Mindshare MENA and I really look forward to further building on the success of our strong team and a world-class product so our client partners benefit the most by driving the Adaptive Marketing vision.”