DPQ welcomes new Communications Director

Andrew Chupeau has joined DPQ Communications as Communications Director. Andrew brings both in-house and agency side corporate communications experience, having worked across various industry sectors including Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Novartis, Ernst & Young and Singapore Tourism Board. As Communications Director, Andrew will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of DPQ’s clients, as well as the business development of new corporate communications business.

“DPQ Communications is in an exciting growth period,” says Andrew. “So, coming on board at this time to help contribute further and play a part in directing the agency’s new stage of development is a challenge I am looking forward to.”

Avantgarde Dubai appoints new Managing Director

Avantgarde, the international communications agency, has appointed Elena Maralskaya as the new Managing Director of its Dubai-based branch. Elena joins the team with over 25 years of business experience in the Middle East as well as Eastern and Central Europe, bringing to her new position a successful background in brand marketing and automotive industries.

“Avantgarde is a forward-thinking agency with a strong focus on experiential marketing,” says Elena. “I am honoured that I have been chosen to lead its experienced and knowledgeable team in Dubai. I am confident that Avantgarde can continue to grow its client base and provide outstanding services to new and existing clients in the Middle East.”

Markus Pflitsch, Avantgarde board member, responsible for the agency’s Middle East operations adds, “Elena is a highly experienced marketing and communications specialist. Her knowledge of the Middle Eastern market and her large network of business contacts will be a great asset to Avantgarde Dubai, enabling her to drive our business forward, both in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.”

Ibrahim Ahmed joins Edelman

Ibrahim Ahmed has joined Edelman UAE’s technology division as Account Manager. Having lived and worked in the UAE for five years, Ibrahim brings to his new role a solid understanding of the technology landscape in the region as he joins the Edelman team from DABO & CO, where he worked across a variety of B2B and B2C technology brands.

“I am thrilled to be joining the technology division at Edelman,” says Ibrahim. “My experience in PR so far includes working on tech brands such as Canon, Nokia and Linksys. Having previously worked on other sectors such as interiors, e-commerce, oil & gas and education, I am excited to see what my future holds at Edelman.”

Laura-Jane Cooper promoted at ITP

Laura-Jane Cooper has been promoted to Senior Sales Manager at Grazia Middle East. Formerly Sales Manager for the lifestyle publication, Laura-Jane has been with ITP Publishing since 2012, selling advertising, sponsorship, creative solutions, photo shoots and tailored bespoke packages for the fashion and beauty industry across the Grazia portfolio. In her new role, Laura-Jane will report to the Advertising Director and will continue to be responsible for managing an extensive client base, delivering top line revenue growth for Grazia Middle East.

Naomi Chadderton joins Ahlan!

Naomi Chadderton has joined Ahlan! as Acting Fashion and Beauty Editor. Prior to joining the team at ITP Publishing, Naomi was most recently Account Executive for M+M Management in London, and has extensive experience in the region, having also worked as Editor for The Dubai Mall Magazine, Fashion Editor for Concierge magazine and Junior Fashion & Beauty Editor at Grazia Middle East. Naomi will now be looking after all fashion and beauty content for the weekly lifestyle publication.

Cheil MENA appoints new Digital Director

Cheil MENA, part of South Korea’s largest advertising network, Cheil Worldwide, has appointed Anis Zantout as its new Regional Digital Director. Anis brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously held multi-faceted roles across the MENA region, which includes the positions of Digital Media Director for Initiative and Regional Director at DigitasLBi. As part of the Cheil MENA team, Anis will manage the growing digital department and will play a pivotal role in driving new business, by developing the agency’s digital credentials to develop performance media with the rise of programmatic advertising.

“Over recent years, we have made tremendous strides in enhancing our digital capabilities,” says Keesoo Kim, CEO, Cheil MENA. “Anis’s appointment will be an integral component to ensuring the agency continues to offer full integration to our clients. He brings extensive experience from within the region and under his leadership, the digital team are truly well equipped to bring our South Korean way of working – known as Tu:hon – to life.”

Alison Towle promoted at ITP

Alison Towle has been promoted to Advertising Director of the Grazia Middle East Group. Having joined ITP Publishing in 2012 for the launch of OK! Middle East as Senior Sales Manager, Alison was most recently Group Advertising Manager for Grazia Middle East. In her new role, Alison heads up the sales team across Grazia Middle East, Grazia Qatar, Grazia Luxury, Grazia Bahrain, Grazia Style Awards and Grazia Fest.

Fatema Moursy joins Strategies International

Fatema Moursy has joined the Strategies International team as PR Executive. Her first role in public relations, Fatema previously worked as Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Canadian fashion brand, Travis Taddeo, focusing on social media marketing and client communications. In her new position, Fatema will assist the PR managers on client portfolios, PR plan development, press kit distribution and onsite event support.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this dynamic team of talented women,” says Fatema. “I’m excited to learn and gain experience from my new position, and I look forward to starting off my career with Strategies International.”

Warrick Godfrey joins Namshi

Warrick Godfrey has joined Namshi.com as Chief Marketing Officer. Warrick brings to his new role a wealth of international experience across e-commerce, retail and travel sectors, having worked in both web and online marketing in his previous positions which include leading partnerships for Facebook’s products and advertising solutions across the Sub-Saharan Africa region, and Co-Founding Cobone.com. He will now direct the overall strategic direction and marketing efforts of the Middle East’s leading online fashion platform.

“This is an incredibly exciting move,” says Warrick. “Namshi already has a strong reputation for online fashion that sets the standard for others to follow in the Middle East. I look forward to telling the Namshi story and building on its existing success.”

Dina Butti leaves Dubai One TV

Dina Butti is leaving Dubai One TV after five years as a Presenter and Writer for the Dubai One Channel. Dina has most recently worked as a Presenter and Writer for Dubai One TV’s celebrity program, That’s Entertainment, which entailed reporting on local and international gossip stories, interviewing celebrities visiting the region and covering red carpet events – from DIFF to the 2014 Oscars. Dina has also previously presented on Studio One, Out & About, City Wrap and numerous live events.

“I will forever be grateful to Dubai One for allowing me to realise my dream of becoming a television presenter – I not only got to meet my idols, but I experienced an astounding number of adventures,” says Dina. “As I prepare to embark on my next creative challenge (more details to come soon), I will cherish the memories I have gained over the past five years and use them to inspire my future.”