Grazia Middle East welcomes new Deputy Editor

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Grazia Middle East has welcomed Elle Blakeman as its new Deputy Editor. Joining the team from London, Elle brings an impressive range of editorial experience to her new role, having worked at a number of publications including Marie Claire, InStyle and Harper’s Bazaar. Prior to joining Grazia Middle East, Elle was with Runwild Media Group where she was Editor for monthly luxury lifestyle title The Mayfair Magazine and The Mayfair Magazine Arabic, overseeing and planning across the magazine in addition to being heavily involved in developing its shape, from tone to layout.

In her new position, Elle will be supporting Editor-in-Chief Alison Tay to produce the weekly luxury fashion title.

Alexander Pieri joins Facilities Management ME

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Alexander Sophoclis Pieri has been appointed as the Deputy Editor for Facilities Management Middle East. Bringing a wide range of editorial experience to the ITP Publishing team, Alexander most recently held the position of Contributor and Freelance Writer for Forbes Middle East and prior to this was the Technology Editor for the aforementioned magazine. In his new role, he will manage the editorial content for the monthly B2B publication.

Cosmopolitan Middle East welcomes new Editor

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Cosmopolitan Middle East’s Brooke Sever has been promoted to the position of Editor of the lifestyle publication, where she previously held the Deputy Editor role. Bringing extensive editorial experience to her new position, Brooke has been a part of the ITP Publishing team for the past four years, first as Editor for Sound & Stage magazine and then as Features Editor for Ahlan!, before moving on to Cosmopolitan Middle East.

JCDecaux appoints CEO for the Middle East

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JCDecaux, the worldwide outdoor advertising company, has appointed Martin Sabbagh as CEO for the Middle East region. Effective from January 15, 2015, Martin will succeed David Bourg, who moves on to take the position of Chief Financial and Administrative Officer in Paris. Having been with JCDecaux since 2007, Martin’s most recent position was Director of Mergers & Acquisitions and Development. Based in Dubai, he will report directly to Jean-Charles Decaux, Chairman of the Executive Board and Co-CEO.

“We welcome Martin Sabbagh as CEO for the Middle East,” says Jean-Charles Decaux. “His experience, professionalism, dynamism and in-depth knowledge of JCDecaux will enable him to successfully fulfil his duties, driving the growth of our activities.”

UM appoints Regional Strategy & Content Director

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UM MENA has appointed Antoine De Trogoff as Regional Strategy and Content Director. In his previous role, Antoine was with Mediacom International in the UK, where he ran two major global accounts – Shell and Dassault Systemes – as well as heading up the Content Partnership division. In Antoine’s new position, he will be responsible for the setup of UM Studios, the branded content division of UM MENA, and the strategic lead on L’Oreal brands.

“The last few years have seen numerous changes in our industry with the role of content completely challenging our business, it is such an exciting time to join the region and support UM’s growth and I am thrilled to be part of such a vibrant agency,” says Antoine. “Many agencies will claim outstanding strategic thinking but we have the opportunity to be different and demonstrate we are at the forefront of developments in the sector with unique skills and resources.”

Andrei Grigorescu promoted at Discovery Networks

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Discovery Networks Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA), a division of Discovery Communications, has appointed Andrei Grigorescu as Senior Ad Sales Director Emerging Business. Having joined Discovery in 2010, Andrei most recently served the past two years as Commercial Director for Fatafeat, Discovery’s number one food network in the Middle East. Prior to this, Andrei oversaw Discovery’s advertising sales operations in South East Europe, managing a commercial portfolio of six channels.

Based in Dubai, Andrei will now head the recently created central hub for Discovery’s Middle East-based advertising sales, starting with the launch of local advertising on Discovery’s two flagship Pay-TV channels – Discovery Channel HD and TLC HD – from January 1, 2015. He will also oversee the relationship with Premier Solutions Media, Discovery’s exclusive advertising sales representation company in the region, charged with selling commercial airtime on Discovery Channel HD and TLC HD, as well as securing sponsorship opportunities from Pan Arab advertisers.

“Andrei is the best person to lead our one-stop-shop for Pay-TV and Free-To-Air advertising in the MENA region,” says James Gibbons, SVP Country Manager Emerging Business, Discovery Communications. “He has a wealth of international experience and has been heading ad sales for Fatafeat over the past two years with stellar results. In this wider role, he will partner with our international advertising sales division in London and deliver pan regional solutions to clients in the Middle East and North Africa regions.”

North55 welcomes new Account Manager

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Dubai-based creative agency North55 has appointed Leanne Sherlock as its new Account Manager. Having been in Dubai for the past two years, Leanne has gained experience across hospitality and government sectors, and was most recently Account Handler for B2B marketing and advertising agency gyro.

“I really enjoy working with such a dynamic team and in an energetic atmosphere where I can challenge myself each day,” says Leanne. “North55 are both creative and passionate; I am proud to be part of their team and working on its Siemens account.”

Tom Hardstaff joins UM MENA

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Tom Hardstaff has joined the UM team as Regional Strategy Director. Having moved over from Mediacom in the UK, Tom has worked on international brands such as Volkswagen, TUI, Kenwood and DeLonghi. In his new position, Tom’s main responsibility is to support the Coke team with strategic direction, ensuring the brand’s continued innovative growth in the MENA region. Tom’s current focus is the development and implementation of the MENA Coke workshops, which will be pulling together the local markets to align vital output and drive the brand forward.

“The challenges Coca Cola face in the MENA region differs to that of other international markets,” says Tom. “But, with an innovative agency approach to our strategic direction, we have the opportunity to deliver remarkable, engaging consumer campaigns and ultimately reposition Coke as the number one drinks brand in the region.”

Samantha Hamilton-Rushforth steps down at EW

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Emirates Woman’s Beauty Editor Samantha Hamilton-Rushforth today steps down from her position at Motivate Publishing. Having spent three and a half years at the publishing house – the past year and a half overseeing the Beauty pages of Emirates Woman and the previous two years as the Fashion and Beauty Editor at Hello! Magazine – Samantha leaves to launch her own beauty and technology-based business in the early part of 2015.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experiences both at Emirates Woman and Hello! Magazine, and am truly grateful to have worked with some amazing colleagues along the way,” says Samantha. “I’m sad to be leaving but excited about becoming an entrepreneur and chasing my new dream.”

Until the new Beauty Editor is announced, all EW enquiries can be sent to Emirates Woman Style Director Jade Sprowson, at jade@motivate.ae.

Aishwarya Gordon joins Ti22 Films

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Aishwarya Gordon has joined Dubai-based video production company Ti22 Films as Presenter. Having been with Dubai One TV since 2010, Aishwarya began as a reporter, where she presented and produced the fashion segment for youth show ‘Twenty Something’. In 2011, she moved on to reporting for lifestyle show ‘Studio One’, later becoming the main presenter for its second season. With Ti22 Films – a team that crafts unique and compelling films for corporations, businesses, charity organisations, agencies and broadcasters – Aishwarya is working on an online project, which is currently in pre-production and set to go live early in 2015.

“I grew up watching Channel 33 (the old name for Dubai One), which was the only source of television entertainment in Dubai back in the day,” says Aishwarya. “The fact that I could work for the same channel was a dream come true and an exhilarating experience. As much as I am going to miss the team and being live on air five days a week, the time has come for me to explore different things.”