DPQ Communications appoints Head of Arabic Content

Nemer Afaneh has joined DPQ Communications as Head of Arabic Content. Previously a Journalist and Editor with Al Khaleej newspaper, Nemer has also spent time working with Al Jazeera media network and Al Arabiya news channel. In his new role, Nemer will oversee all Arabic content and media relations for the agency.

“I am relishing the challenge of working in PR in such a dynamic environment,” says Nemer. “DPQ has a variety of clients across different verticals, and I believe my journalist background will add value to the services we provide for our clients.”

Jan-Philipp Jahn promoted at Serviceplan ME

Serviceplan Middle East, Germany’s independent communications agency, has appointed Jan-Philipp Jahn as General Manager. Jan-Phillip has been a part of the Serviceplan team for over eight years, during which he has been directly in charge of managing and developing campaigns for companies in both German and the region, such as the BMW Group, Continental Tires, Tetra and Kia. Jan-Philipp worked for the Serviceplan Hamburg office for five years, prior to joining the Dubai office in 2011 as Client Service Director. In his new role, Jan-Philipp will oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency, and will play a key role in expanding Serviceplan Middle East’s presence across the region.

“It is a pleasure to see the Serviceplan Middle East team growing,” says Rami Hmadeh, Managing Partner, Serviceplan Middle East. “Jan-Philipp has been with the company for many years, and has undoubtedly demonstrated great talent and professionalism that has earned him his new title.”

Devinder Bains announced as Stylist Arabia Editor

Devinder Bains has joined the Arab Publishing Partners (APP) team – part of ITP Publishing Group – as Editor of Stylist Arabia. Launching in October this year, Devinder will head up the Gulf version of the Stylist publication, overseeing the first ‘freemium’ weekly magazine in the region. Devinder brings extensive experience to her new role, formerly as Features Director of Fabulous, the UK Sun on Sunday newspaper’s magazine, and prior to this as Features Editor of Look magazine and Head of Features at IPC Media’s Real Life Group in the UK.

“I couldn’t be more excited about launching Stylist Arabia,” says Devinder. “I’ve loved the UK edition of the magazine since its launch issue, nearly five years ago. My team and I can’t wait to emulate the high production values, strong personalities and intelligent journalism achieved by Stylist in the UK and France. Expect a world-class magazine that celebrates women and mixes the hottest fashion and beauty trends, with all the essential know-how about local events, culture, food and travel.”

Kasper Wigen joins Dubai Hilton Cluster

Kasper Wigen has been appointed as Cluster Marketing and Communications Manager for the Dubai Hilton Cluster – Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah The Walk and Hilton Dubai Creek. Having worked with Hilton Hotels and Resorts for almost seven years across Europe and the Middle East, Kasper was most recently Marketing and Communications Manager for the two Hilton hotels in Beirut, Lebanon. In his new position, Kasper’s primary role will be focused on strategies and innovation, significantly on F&B marketing and PR.

“Coming back to the UAE, and Dubai in particular, really brings me great pleasure,” says Kasper. “It’s a high-impact, constantly evolving market, so as a communications specialist you need to stay sharp and tirelessly be innovative to keep up with competitors. I am anxious to throw myself to the sharks and develop my skills and knowledge!”

Manuela Meres joins Waldorf Astoria RAK

Manuela Meres has been appointed as Marketing Manager for Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. Manuela joins the team from the Hilton Dubai Cluster, where she was Assistant Marketing Communication Manager since 2012. Alongside the Marketing Manager, Manuela oversaw the PR, marketing and CSR campaigns for the three Hilton hotels in Dubai – Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Hilton Dubai The Walk and Hilton Dubai Creek. In her new position, Manuela will be in charge of all marketing campaigns and marketing relating activities.

“Joining Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is a very important step in my career in hospitality,” says Manuela. “Waldorf Astoria is a dream come true, it’s a legendary brand and the Ras Al Khaimah property truly lives up to its brand heritage. During my five years with Hilton, I have learnt and developed a lot and now feel ready for this new challenge. I am extremely excited to create new Waldorf memories!”

Duha Abbas joins MBC

Duha Abbas has been appointed as Associate Continuity Producer for MBC. Duha joins the team from Ahlan! Arabia, where she held the position of Features Writer for the past year, working on health, beauty, travel and society. In her new role, Duha will prepare menus and graphics for a number of channels on MBC, with her primary focus on creative writing and creating unique promos.

“I’m excited about joining MBC, as it was the opportunity I was looking for to expand my expertise having studied and practised video and TV production,” says Duha. “With the chance to do what you enjoy everyday alongside other talented people, who wouldn’t be happy?”

 

Nick Cooper joins Seven Media

Nick Cooper has joined Seven Media as Director, working across the Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices. Prior to this, Nick held the position of Head of Corporate Communications at Middle East Communication Network (MCN) looking after its 13 agency brands. Having joined Seven Media as the third Director alongside founders Matt Slater and Gregg Fray, Nick will be responsible for key clients, content and campaign direction, as well as business development and project management.

“I have watched Seven Media grow over the past five years, and am delighted to be joining as the agency continues on its next phase of expansion,” says Nick. “Seven has a proven track record of success for its wide range of lifestyle, business and government clients and I look forward to working with such a professional team.”

Stanislava Burianek joins Active PR

Stanislava Burianek has been appointed as PR Consultant for Active PR in Dubai. Previously with Matrix PR as Senior PR Executive, Stanislava will head the team who overlook five accounts for the company, and will provide support on media relations, copywriting, client servicing and strategic planning.

“It’s a great transition for me and my career to join Active PR,” says Stanislava. “The team is full of drive and energy, and the whole corporate culture is amazing! I hope this new career journey will be long and fruitful for both me and the team.”

Alison Tay joins Grazia Middle East

Alison Tay has joined ITP Publishing Group as Editor-in-Chief of Grazia Middle East. Having previously held the role of Style Editor at British celebrity weekly Now magazine, Alison brings over 15 years of experience interviewing and styling international celebrities, a nomination for Fashion Journalist of the Year 2014 by UK’s industry portal Fashion Monitor, and her expertise as TV opinionista for BBC News,  ITV1, Sky News and Channel 4.

Alison joins the team to head up the Grazia portfolio of titles across the Middle East, taking in Grazia Middle East, Grazia Bahrain and Grazia Luxury.

Andy MacGregor joins Taxi Media Middle East

Taxi Media Middle East, the media platform that installs and operates interactive touch screens in taxi fleets, has appointed Andy MacGregor as Account Director. Andy joins the team from Reed Exhibitions where he was Sales Director, bringing extensive media experience of over seven years in the UAE and nearly 20 years across the UK and Asia.

“To me it was an opportunity not to be missed, as I genuinely feel it offers clients an opportunity that is usually lacking in our local media market, fully accountable ROI,” says Andy. “It was an easy decision to say yes to come on board.”

Brett Pearson, Managing Director of Taxi Media Middle East adds, “It will put Taxi Media in a stronger position to have someone of Andy’s experience and contacts. His local experience with Abu Dhabi clients, Government departments and the travel industry especially suit the system for advertising, so we look forward to helping these sectors promote themselves.”