David Kingsmill-Moore has joined Capital MSL Middle East as its new Regional Director & Head of Financial Services. Formerly Managing Director of Fleishman-Hillard ME, David brings with him over 14 years of global agency, in-house and secondee experience across an extensive range of sectors in the US, UK, European, Australian and African markets.
Suzan Kazzi has joined Al-Futtaim Motors as Communications Manager. Prior to this, Suzan was with advertising and marketing agency, Gmasco, where she overlooked Al Futtaim Motor’s PR activities regarding Toyota, Lexus and Hino. In the last two and half years, Suzan has worked exclusively on Toyota, managing the press launches of Toyota’s 2013, 2014 and 2015 line up in the UAE. Suzan will now develop and deploy Al-Futtaim Motors’ corporate communication strategy related to Toyota, Lexus and Hino for all internal and external stakeholders. Gmasco continue to represent Al-Futtaim Motors as an external agency.
“This is an exciting move for me,” says Suzan. “I am very familiar with Toyota, Lexus and Hino as I have been working on some of them for over three years from the agency side. I feel privileged to be able to develop and strengthen the business relationship with local and international stakeholders and further contribute to the success of Al-Futtaim Motors.”
Jinith Joy has been appointed as the new PR Account Executive for Percept Gulf in Dubai. Jinith joins the team from Grace and Garbo, where she held the position of PR Executive, handling fashion, F&B and lifestyle clients. In her new position, Jinith will work with clients across fashion, lifestyle, sports, F&B, consumer, construction and interiors sectors. Her role will also include business development and client servicing.
“I am thrilled to be a part of an advertising and event firm,” says Jinith. “It’s challenging yet exciting to have the opportunity to gain a 360 degree understanding of brand image building.”
Selina Julien has been appointed as the new Editor of Hello! Middle East. Formerly Assistant Editor of UK celebrity weekly, NOW magazine, Selina most recently ghosted a number one best-selling autobiography. She brings to her new role an extensive understanding of the industry, from interviewing A-listers to managing talent as a celebrity publicist and agent.
“It’s a dream to edit such a prestigious brand,” says Selina. “Hello! Middle East is the jewel in the crown in this region, so I’m honoured to be taking the helm and working alongside the talented team at Motivate Publishing. I’m looking forward to working on some exciting brand partnerships and spoiling our readers with unrivalled access to celebrities and royals from this region and around the world.”
Noor Bank has appointed Paul Mampilli as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications. Paul brings with him over 22 years of experience across marketing, advertising, media and corporate communication sectors, and has worked with global organisations including Visa, MasterCard, TBWA and BBDO. Most recently, Paul worked within the digital space at Publicis Groupe agency, where he dealt with leading financial organisations.
In his new role, Paul will be responsible for driving Noor’s visibility among key market segments and stakeholders. He is also mandated to raise the brand profile of Noor Investment Group and associate companies, strengthen and develop internal and external communications’ channels and drive insight-led marketing.
“Paul’s expertise and background is well-suited to support Noor’s continued growth and development,” says Ahmed Kalim, Deputy Group CEO, Noor Investment Group. “His diversified experience in branding, digital communication and reputation management will further enhance our efforts in building lasting relationships with our corporate, government, SME and individual customers. Paul’s talents will also be applied to Noor’s role in establishing Dubai as a key trade centre and global capital of the Islamic economy.”
Olivia Cuthbert is stepping down from her role as Editor of Concierge Abu Dhabi. For the past two years, Olivia has overseen all content for NPI’s Concierge Abu Dhabi magazine. She now moves on to focus on freelance writing and editing projects in the UAE.
“After two years with the fantastic team at NPI, it’s time for a fresh challenge,” says Olivia. “I look forward to developing my abilities as a writer and editor across a range of titles and subjects.”
Amara Javed has been appointed as Social Media Manager for Symphony Style, and will handle social media strategy and content for e-commerce platform, bysymphony.com. Amara joins from the Landmark Group in Dubai, where she previously headed social media and handled blogging strategy for the group’s commerce venture, landmarkshops.com.
“I am very excited to be on board at Symphony Style,” says Amara. “It is such a vibrant team with many exciting prospects ahead. Working with luxury brands and social media are both passions of mine, so it’s always wonderful to be able to do what you love.”
Tom Norton has joined the team at Esquire Middle East as Digital Editor. Tom brings with him experience in both the men’s and lifestyle digital sector, having worked previously as a Staff Writer for maxim.co.uk in London. As previous Editor of Sound & Stage Middle East for over a year, Tom continues at ITP Publishing to oversee all digital editorial content for esquireme.com.
Gemma Champ has been appointed as Acting Editor for La Femme, covering maternity leave for Pinpoint Media Group’s Group Editor, Jola Chudy. Working remotely from the UK, Gemma will oversee all content until Jola’s return on October 19, 2014. Having previously lived and worked in the UAE, Gemma has specialised editorial experience in luxury fashion for various UAE and international titles.
“I’m really looking forward to taking on such a beautiful magazine,” says Gemma. “La Femme has a genuine point of difference in an exciting women’s magazine market and I hope to maintain the high editorial standard that Jola Chudy has already set here.”
Sahira Ladha has joined the TCApr team as PR Manager. Formerly with GolinHarris as PR Manager in Dubai, Sahira led key blue chip accounts for the agency. In her new position, Sahira will manage TCApr’s two main clients – Monte–Carlo SBM and Constance Hotels and Resorts, along with handling the English copywriting and media relations.
“I am very pleased to have joined this small team of talented professionals at TCApr,” says Sahira. “We are keen to deliver the best to our clients and cater to the growing demands of PR for the luxury hospitality industry.”