UM MENA appoints Digital Director

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Zadi Hobeika has been appointed as Digital Director for all digital business across the Levant and Egypt markets at UM MENA. Having previously worked at HP, Nestle and Google’s European HQ in online business development and consultation, Zadi has most recently held the role of Managing Director at Game Theory Digital offering media buying services in Lebanon.

In his new role as Digital Director, Zadi will shape and influence the digital approach in the region, grow the digital portfolio and develop new strategies focused on driving performance and revenue.

“It is both an exciting and challenging time to tackle digital in the region and I am delighted to take part in UM MENA’s continuous efforts towards developing a tailored multi-channel approach across brands,” says Zadi. “We’ll work on establishing a market leadership at a digital level through steadily educating and growing our clients with a clear focus on performance.”

Sonam Basantani steps down at Gulf News

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After three and a half years working as Beauty Writer & Stylist for Aquarius, Friday, Alpha and other contract publications, Sonam Basantani today steps down at GN Media. Sonam will move into a freelance role where she will focus on beauty styling and writing, plus fashion styling.

“I’m really looking forward to becoming a freelance stylist and writer,” says Sonam. “My time at Gulf News has really helped me grow in the areas I love and identify the direction I would like to move in. I am looking forward to some new and exciting projects.”

For further information, contact Sonam Basantani at sonam.basantani@gmail.com or follow Sonam on Instagram @sonambasantani

LIGHTBLUE welcomes Megan Kemp

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Megan Kemp has joined Dubai-based experiential agency LIGHTBLUE as Account Manager. Having been shortlisted for Best Youth Marketing campaign in the Effie MENA 2014 Awards, Megan previously worked at Iris Middle East as Account Executive, working across FMCG and retail accounts.

In her new role, Megan will oversee key accounts including Sirocco, Emirates Leisure Retail, PlayStation and Virgin Megastore.

“I am delighted to be part of an innovative team in a rapidly expanding experiential agency in Dubai,” says Megan.

For further information, contact Megan Kemp at megan.kemp@lightblueww.com / +971 (0)55 340 2938

Laura Coughlin promoted to Deputy Editor

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Laura Coughlin has been appointed as the new Deputy Editor for both What’s On magazine and the digital version, WhatsOn.ae. Having joined Motivate Publishing 12 months ago, Laura previously worked across both titles as Features Writer.

In her new role, Laura will work alongside the title’s senior editors, designers and writers to create engaging and brilliant content covering subjects that range from music to restaurant reviews and adventure to new activities in UAE. Laura will also focus on making WhatsOn.ae the number one go-to online portal for breaking news, upcoming events, and the latest in food and fitness in the UAE.

“I am extremely proud to be part of the What’s On team,” says Laura. “We will continue to bring practical, interesting and exciting content to ensure our readers love the emirates as much as we do.”

For further information, contact Laura Coughlin at laura@motivate.ae / +971 (0)4 427 3097

Poppy Regan joins MO4 Network

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Poppy Regan has joined MO4 Network as a Junior Account Manager. Poppy previously worked at Z7 Communications, supporting the team in communicating the clients’ messages via social media platforms and traditional PR methods.

In her new role, Poppy will manage some of MO4 Network’s top lifestyle accounts. She will also be spearheading engaging and successful creative activations.

“Poppy’s versatile background and creative capacity made her the ideal candidate for MO4 Network’s PR division,” says Gabriela Asquith, Managing PR Director, MO4 Network. “She is always in the know of emerging international trends, which ensures our clients’ campaigns are making an impact throughout the region.”

For further information, contact Poppy Regan at Poppy@mo4group.com / +971 (0)52 244 0641

XPRESS promotes Mazhar Farooqui

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Mazhar Farooqui has been promoted to the role of Editor of XPRESS Dubai and XPRESS Abu Dhabi, part of Al Nisr Media.Having previously worked as Deputy Editor across the publications, Mazhar will now be responsible for managing the publications, as well as content-creation and ensuring that the magazines contain an enterprising mix of news, human interest/community stories and lifestyle/entertainment features.

“I was part of the team that launched XPRESS, so it’s a great honour to be heading the publications now,” says Mazhar.

For further information, contact Mazhar Farooqui at mfarooqui@xpress4me.com / +971 (0)4 406 7846

Ketchum Raad welcomes Ashraf Shakah

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Ashraf Shakah has joined Ketchum Raad Middle East as Managing Director. Ashraf most recently held the position of Business Director at BPG Cohn & Wolfe, and has previously held leadership roles with ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller in the UAE and Jordan. Ashraf brings over 18 years of experience to his new role, where he will be based in Dubai and responsible for managing Ketchum Raad’s teams across the Middle East.

“Ashraf’s considerable experience in the region aligns very well with our client needs and our plans for continued growth,” says John Higgins, Senior Partner and CEO, Ketchum International.

Ashraf adds “It is exciting to join Ketchum Raad Middle East, the agency at the forefront of the communications industry in a region that is going through rapid change, as it helps governments, businesses and people in the Middle East realise their aspirations for more positive perceptions. I’m already impressed by the team’s determination to seize these opportunities, and I’m looking forward to helping them accelerate that journey.”

For further information, contact Dhaliya Zankawi at dhaliya.zankawi@ketchum-raad.com / +971 (0)4 425 8977

Anantara welcomes Hana Fuchs

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Hana Fuchs has joined Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa as Director of Marketing Communications. Hana has over 12 years of experience in marketing and communications in the region, having previously worked with hotels such as the Radisson Blu, Dubai Deira Creek and the Grand Millenium Al Whada, Abu Dhabi.

In her new role, Hana will be responsible for managing all communications from Anantara Dubai The Palm, as well as driving the hotel’s regional presence and supporting promotions from its food and beverage outlets.

For further information, contact Arina Nekrasova at nekrasova@anantara.com / +971 (0)4 567 8888

CPI Media Group welcomes Kausar Syed

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CPI Media Group has welcomed Kausar Syed to the role of Group Sales Director – Technology & Finance divisions. Kausar recently worked for ITP Publishing as Group Sales Manager, where she was responsible for delivering targets for six IT publications and ITP.net. She brings over seven years of media sales experience in the region to her new role at CPI Media Group.

As Group Sales Director for CPI’s Technology & Finance division, Kausar will formulate business strategies to achieve sales targets as well as build and maintain customer relationships across CPI publications such as CNME, CFO Magazine and Reseller ME with diversified marketing options covering print/online and events opportunities across the region.

“I am enthused to be joining CPI Media Group,” says Kausar. “I have been working in the technology industry for several years shaping strong business relationships and I can’t wait to build on these with commitment and dedication in my new role.”

For further information, contact Kausar Syed at kausar.syed@cpimediagroup.com / +971 (0)50 758 6672

Grow welcomes Heikal Sinn

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Heikal Sinn has joined Grow Digital Services as Sales & Business Development Manager. Having most recently worked with the German Wurth Group as Key Account Manager, Heikal brings with him six years of experience in marketing and business development to his new role. He will be responsible for aiding business growth and extending Grow’s digital network, positioning it as a leading digital marketing agency in the food, beverage, fashion, lifestyle and hospitality industries.

For further information, contact Heikal Sinn at heikal@grow.ae / +971 (0)4 456 0220