Esquire appoints new Executive Editor

Former Editor-in-Chief of EDGAR, Matthew Priest, has joined Esquire Middle East as Executive Editor. While working with EDGAR, Matthew contributed greatly to the growth of the magazine brand in the region, as well as the launch of EDGARdaily.com. He brings over seven years of experience in journalism and editing to his new role, where he will be working across the print products, leading the digital editions of the magazine as well special projects, helping to drive the brand’s 360-degree vision.

YogaLife Middle East welcomes new Art Director

YogaLife Middle East has welcomed Zohra Lakhani to the role of Art Director. Formerly a Marketing Designer for ITP Publishing Group, where she worked across 25 publications simultaneously, Zohra also has over four years of experience in marketing and public relations. As Art Director, Zohra will be responsible for the art directing and visualising of YogaLife Middle East in both its print and digital forms. She will cover brand development, digital and social media marketing, and creative direction for the magazine.

YogaLife is very near to my own aspirations in life and meditational desires,” says Zohra. “I belong to a family and community where meditation is practiced each day and is considered a source of spiritual fulfilment. My upbringing and strong connection with my roots makes me extremely excited to join the wonderful concept that is YogaLife!”

House of Comms welcomes Anoushka Talukdar

Integrated communications agency House of Comms has appointed Anoushska Talukdar to the role of Senior Account Manager. Born and raised in Dubai, Anoushka has gained over nine years of international experience working for PR agencies such as Ketchum and Asda’a Burson-Marsteller, with clients such as Hilton, Accor and Qatar Airways. As Senior Account Manager, Anoushka will form part of House of Comms’ team of Senior Consultants, where she will be working specifically on the agency’s hospitality accounts.

“I knew instinctively the House of Comms was the agency for me and the focus of my role within the hospitality division is perfectly suited,” says Anoushka. “With my dream client portfolio and the refreshing approach taken by House of Comms to ensure we deliver incredible results at every level, I could not be more excited about this role.”

Capital D welcomes Miguel Veterano

Creative production company Capital D Studio has welcomed Miguel Veterano to the role of Senior Photographer and Studio Manager. Miguel previously worked in Portugal and Qatar before moving to the UAE, and he has experience handling fashion, corporate and advertising briefs as well as photojournalism. His new role with Capital D Studio is both hands on and managerial as he will head up the photography team and manage the running of the studio and equipment rental divisions.

“I am excited to join the Capital D Team and continue to grow the community around the brand which has become synonymous with creativity, nurturing talent and being the platform for creative collaborations in the UAE,” says Miguel.

Socialize welcomes new Account Manager

Lucie Semmau has joined digital communications agency Socialize as an Account Manager. With over three years of experience in digital marketing, Lucie most recently worked as a Digital Account Manager at McCollins Media in Dubai. As an Account Manager, she will be handing the social media strategy for brands under Socialize’s portfolio.

“I truly believe that the pursuit of knowledge is never-ending,” says Lucie. “The day you stop seeking is the day you stop growing. An exchange of knowledge is always possible at Socialize, which will allow me to grow and be my best. I’m looking forward to starting this massive adventure.”

UM MENA welcomes Rodrigo Mavu

UM MENA has welcomed Rodrigo Mavu to the role of Creative Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Rodrigo holds over 15 years of experience in advertising, in Brazil as well as in the UAE, and most recently worked as Associate Creative Director at Livingroom Communication. As Creative Director, he will be responsible for strategically driving the creation and ideation process across UM MENA, within the agency’s client portfolio.

“As Creative Director at UM MENA, my primary focus will be to strengthen the creative muscle of each project by working really closely to the strategy team and business directors, helping them to find better ways to translate the core vision of our clients and their products into effective and groundbreaking campaigns,” says Rodrigo. “The projects I’ve seen in development at UM MENA so far are amazing, and it’s going to be an awesome experience to inject creativity and help these teams cross the finish line.”

 

Judy Cogan joins ShortList UAE

Judy Cogan, former Lifestyle Editor for Friday magazine, has joined ShortList in the UAE as Deputy Editor. Judy has 10 years of writing experience, as well as a BA Hons in Journalism. As Deputy Editor, she will be supporting ShortList Editor-in-Chief, Eddie Taylor to produce the mass circulation weekly title ShortList in the UAE which is published by Arab Publishing Partners, part of ITP Publishing.

Clique welcomes Raid Ghani

Clique has welcomed Raid Ghani to the role of SEO Manager. Joining the team from Copenhagen, Denmark, Raid brings a strong understanding of Google search engine ranking algorithms and experience in handling search engine optimisation (SEO) projects, as SEO Manager he will manage SEO/search engine marketing strategy for Clique and all of its clients.

“The move to Dubai presented an exciting opportunity for me,” says Raid. “Having grown up in the region and experienced the culture first hand, I was keen to return to my roots. My time in Denmark has made me aware of how much it is possible in the world of SEO marketing and that there is so much for this region to still explore and experience, I’m very excited to be able to use all that I’ve learned to help grow Clique and of course by extension, the region itself.”

BOCA welcomes new Engagement Executive

Gbemi Giwa has joined BOCA restaurant as Engagement Executive. A recent graduate of the American University of Sharjah, Gbemi founded food and fitness blog, Dubai Fit Foodie. As Engagement Executive, she will be responsible for communications across all media channels from the DIFC-based Mediterranean restaurant across the Middle East, as well as maintaining marketing and brand strategies.

“Having had the pleasure of dining at BOCA on several occasions, I jumped at the opportunity to join their fresh and innovative team,” says Gbemi. “The BOCA philosophy is simple – take whatever is good, fresh and delicious, do as little to it as possible, then share it with people who think like us. Our team shares a unanimous goal to provide good food at great value and I’m excited to embrace this vision.”

Alshaya welcomes PR and Social Media Executive

Katie Weir has joined global retail franchise operator Alshaya as PR and Social Media Executive, American Eagle, Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Having worked in PR and Marketing for over six years, Katie was most recently PR and Marketing Manager for Tutti Rouge, UK.

As PR and Social Media Executive for American Eagle, MENA, Katie will be based in Kuwait and handling press release distribution, media relations, product/image call ins and social media strategy for the American Eagle brand across the region.