New promotion at Horizon FCB

Dubai-based advertising agency, Horizon FCB has promoted Reham Mufleh to the role of Deputy General Manager. Reham joined Horizon FCB in 2014 as Group Account Director and most recently took on the role of Client Service Director, where she headed the agency’s business unit and was instrumental in launching the Horizon FCB magazine. In her new role, she will work on building smart solutions and growing the agency’s creative product. She will also focus on moving the agency forward by ensuring it delivers on its purpose while being relevant to the marketplace.

“Joining the Horizon group has empowered me to showcase my capabilities and creativity,” says Reham. “With the continuous support of our leadership at Horizon FCB, the Group Managing Director, Mazen Jawad and the Horizon FCB team, I’m keen on taking the agency to new horizons, building smart solutions for our clients, expanding our portfolio further, excelling our creative product and of course driving growth. I’m definitely looking forward to being part of this exciting journey.”

New Senior Account Manager at OutdoorUAE

Adventure, travel and lifestyle magazine, OutdoorUAE has appointed Mario Jonathan to the role of Senior Account Manager. Mario most recently worked with Khaleej Times as Account Group Manager, where he was responsible for servicing clients and agencies as well as making presentation for pitches and new accounts. In his new role, he will work across client and agency servicing and focus on securing new business for the publication.

Instinctif Partners Middle East makes new appointments

International business communications consultancy, Instinctif Partners Middle East has made new appointments following its expansion. Rima Ali will take on the role of Senior Consultant having most recently worked with Hanover Middle East across clients such as Du, S&P Global and Dar Properties. In her new role, she will deliver strategic advice, manage content generation and provide media training for Instinctif Partners’ client network across the Middle East.

Also joining the team are Aashti Bawa and Rami Fahmi as Consultants. Aashti most recently worked with FTI Consulting, where she worked across a multifaceted communications offering for clients such as Bloomberg and Takaful Emarat. Rami, also worked with FTI Consulting, where he supported clients such as Manazel Real Estate and CFA Institute with corporate and financial services. In their new roles, they will work across Instinctif Partners’ portfolio of clients and manage the content as well as the media relations for the regional and international press.

“We’re proud of our achievements in 2017, having built a first-class client portfolio, for which we delivered exceptional results,” says Samantha Bartel, Managing Partner, Instinctif Partners Middle East. “We’re looking ahead to 2018 with a strong new business pipeline and a number of important and exciting projects planned for our existing clients. This is the perfect moment to grow and diversify our team, so we’re very pleased to welcome Rima, Aashti and Rami on board.”

Alex Bowen joins TishTash

Dubai-based marketing and PR agency, TishTash has appointed Alex Bowen to the role of Senior PR Account Manager. With over eight years of experience, Alex previously worked in the UK before moving to the UAE and working across brands such as Ralph Lauren, Jaeger and Stylebop.com. In her new role, she will manage a number of accounts under TishTash and family focused division, TishTashTots such as Rossano Ferretti Hair Spas, Mums and Bumps and Champion Cleaners.

“I am thrilled to be joining the TishTash team, they have a fantastic reputation within the industry and a strong, exciting client portfolio that really aligns with my interests and experience,” says Alex.

BNC Publishing makes new appointment

Dubai-based publishing agency, BNC Publishing has appointed Mahak Mannan to the role of Editor of Catering News Middle East. With over six years of experience in the publishing industry, Mahak previously worked with 7DAYS as News and Features Writer and The National as News Reporter. She most recently took on the role of PR Manager at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre. In her new role, she will cover everything related to the F&B industry and oversee the end-to-end content as well as design of the magazine. She will also assist with organising the magazine’s two annual events – The Big F&B Forum and Leaders in F&B Awards.

“The F&B and hospitality industry in the UAE is at a very strong point right now with a lot to explore and I look forward to working on a title that highlights the best of the industry,” says Mahak. “The combination of my past experience in publishing and hospitality will certainly benefit as I start my new role as Editor for Catering News ME.”

Plus 1 makes new appointment

Integrated communications agency, Plus 1 Communications has appointed Jenna Stirland to the role of Account Manager. With over six years of experience in PR, Jenna previously worked across brands such as Nouveau Lashes and Kryolan Professional Make-up in the UK, before moving to Dubai and most recently working across projects such as Dubai Food Festival and the launch of Dubai Opera. In her new role, she will focus on managing clients in the beauty, education and entertainment sectors.

“Jenna has a strong background in consumer PR, working with some amazing brands in both in Dubai and the UK,” says Anna Hope, Managing Director, Plus 1 Communications. “She will be a great addition to our young team and we’re looking forward to seeing her develop as the business continues to grow this year.”

TishTash welcomes Ylova Hamdan

Dubai-based marketing and PR agency, TishTash has appointed Ylova Hamdan to the role of PR Account Manager. With over eight years of experience, Ylova previously worked as Beauty and Lifestyle Editor at Amed Alternative Media across luxury lifestyle publications such as Adam&Eve Magazine as well as EDGE Kitchen and Bathrooms. Most recently, she worked with Paris Gallery as PR Specialist and in her new role, she will manage a range of beauty, health and wellness brands including Spotlight Whitening, Filorga and Skin Republic.

“I have always admired and respected Natasha for the lovely person she is and for what the agency has accomplished under her leadership,” says Ylova. “I’m happy to be able to work alongside her and the amazing TishTash team, bringing in my own flair and expertise.”

New Brand Manager joins Think Liquorice

Think Liquorice has appointed Mila Zafirovic to the role of Brand Manager. Having graduated with a degree in Arts, Culture and Media from the University of Groningen, Mila most recently worked with Vertigo Consultancy as Digital Marketing Specialist. In her new role, she will support the Think Liquorice team by providing brand-building strategies, managing the clients needs and securing strong relationships with the media.

“It’s a great opportunity to begin working with such talented and driven professionals,” says Mila. “I look forward to adding a different perspective and continuing Think Liquorice’s legacy of building secure relationships with clients and the media in the UAE.”

Umami Communications appoints new PR Account Manager

Dubai-based PR and communications agency, Umami Communications has appointed Christina Mandody to the role of PR Account Manager. Christina previously worked with Wallis PR and most recently The Qode, and in her new role she will work with the company’s key clients and support the team within the region.

“I’m so excited to be working with the diverse team at Umami Communications and look forward to being part of the fast growth of the boutique agency,” says Christina. “The fresh and zesty approach that Umami uses towards the industry, coupled with an innovative and fun outlook on marketing and PR promises to be a truly dynamic and memorable experience for the incredible brands we represent.”

BNC Publishing appoints new Group Director

Dubai-based publishing agency, BNC Publishing has appointed Samer Alloush to the role of Group Director. With over eight years of experience in the media industry, Samer previously worked with ITP and then Motivate, where he handled local and international agencies and most recently worked with Plan B Advertising, offering solutions ranging from media planning and execution to project management. In his new role, he will oversee the editorial and commercial growth of BNC Publishing’s hospitality publications and platforms by managing all sales activities and the editorial team for Catering News ME, Hotel News ME, Leader in Hospitality Awards, GM Debate, Leader in F&B Awards, F&B Forum and Executive Housekeepers Conference.

“I am privileged to be part of the BNC Publishing team who have developed well-reputed publications across construction and hospitality – which is now my direct responsibility,” says Samer. ”Hospitality is one of the world’s fastest growing sectors with significant potential to strengthen the economy across the country and the region. Even with all the current challenges that the market is facing and the new trends emerging which affects businesses and consumer behaviour, hospitality will always strive for success and I am now lucky to be part of it.”