Naomi Chadderton embarks on new chapter

The Dubai Mall Magazine bids farewell to Naomi Chadderton today as she prepares to leave Dubai to embark on a new chapter of her career in London, United Kingdom. As she hangs up her Editor’s shoes, the much-loved journalist – who has lived in Dubai for over five years and previously worked for Grazia Middle East – hands over the reins to Cavell Mallett and Rachel Ingram until the new Editor is announced. Faye Rowe will continue to oversee the title as Group Editor.

“Today will be my last working day at NPI Media and The Dubai Mall Magazine,” says Naomi. “I will be moving back to the UK to pursue new opportunities, but it has been a great pleasure working with you all over the five years that I have been in Dubai.”

Sarah Jacotine joins Aziza Communications

Aziza Communications has welcomed new team member, Sarah Jacotine, who joins the PR agency this week as Account Manager. Sarah, who has previously worked as both a journalist and PR in the UK, has recently moved to Dubai and this is her first role in the region. Sarah will be working across lifestyle brands including VOGUE Café, GQ Bar, Rami Al Ali, TONI&GUY and Tips & Toes.

“I’m really thrilled to join Aziza Communications and I am excited to be working with so many fantastic clients,” says Sarah. “I’m new to the region and so I’m looking forward to meeting all journalists and other members of the media community as quickly as possible.”

New PR for Saint Laurent revealed

It has been announced that Nadine Habayeb, former Senior Communication Executive at Havas PR, is the new public relations contact for Saint Laurent in the Middle East. No stranger to luxury fashion labels, Nadine previously represented brands such as Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc, Dsquared2, Loewe and Celine, and will now be responsible for building and maintaining brand image in the region.

“It’s great to be joining the Saint Laurent team in Dubai,” says Nadine. “It is such an exciting time for the brand.”

Elle Timms lands role at Conde Nast Traveller

Elle Timms, former Editor of Hello! Middle East, has announced she is to manage the fashion and beauty content for the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East launch issue. Starting with immediate effect, Elle will manage the ‘Travel & Style’ section, which is made up of both fashion and beauty content.

“I am thrilled to be looking after the fashion and beauty content for Condé Nast Traveller Middle East,” says Elle. “This is my first major freelance project and it feels good to be back in the world of style-driven stories. I’m very much looking forward to the launch.”

Sales team grows at BBC Good Food ME

Luke Britton has joined the BBC Good Food Middle East team  as Sales Manager in the run up to its sixth birthday issue next month. Luke is responsible for new business as well as The 25 Guides series, which include the UAE Brunch Guide and the Dubai F&B Guide.

Hype magazine welcomes new Editor

Lesley Wright has been named as the new Editor at Hype: Powered By Mixmag magazine, the nightlife and music guide, available free, weekly, throughout the UAE. Previously Editor of world-renowned dance music title DJ Magazine in London for nine years, Lesley started her new role at Motivate Publishing this week.

“I’m really thrilled to be joining this exciting new title,” says Lesley. “The UAE’s music and club scene is fresh and exciting and we’ll be capturing that in Hype, bringing international DJs and bands to a local audience and supporting the army of city-based promoters who have created such a thriving scene.”

New Editor of Open Skies announced

Gareth Rees has taken over as Editor of Emirates Airline’s inflight magazine, Open Skies, published by Motivate Publishing. Previously Food Editor of What’s On magazine, Gareth was promoted to Deputy Editor of the multi award-winning monthly title in January 2012, and now replaces former editor, Conor Purcell.

“As anybody who has picked up a copy on an Emirates flight will know, Open Skies is not your typical inflight magazine,” says Gareth. “I worked with my predecessor, Conor Purcell, for 18 months, commissioning some of the industry’s most talented writers, designers, illustrators and photographers, and I will continue to work with the team to challenge perceptions of what an inflight magazine is and can be, whilst putting my own stamp on a title that has already won numerous awards. I hope to win more.”

Emirates Woman welcomes new features writer

Emirates Woman Group has expanded its team and welcomed new Features Writer, Sarah Garden. Sarah will be writing across Emirates Woman, emirateswoman.com, EW mini, Emirates Bride, and Luxe.

Emirates Woman’s reputation for newsworthy lifestyle writing and hard-hitting features is growing, so it’s a fantastic time to join the team,” says Sarah. “I’m excited to bring new ideas to the magazines and write about some thought-provoking topics, relevant to women in the UAE. ”

Sarah will cover a broad range of subjects including travel, lifestyle, health, fashion and beauty.

Ahlan! magazine welcomes new News Editor

Ahlan! magazine has welcomed new team member, John Anisiobi, who has joined the celebrity weekly as News Editor. British-born John – who has previously worked as Online Showbiz Editor at the London Evening Standard – will be writing breaking news and celebrity features, relevant to both the UAE and international markets.

“As part of my new role I will be interviewing A-list celebrities and attending the best parties in town for our weekly diary,” says John. “I will also be writing a bi-monthly column called Ahlan! Man, which will see me doing things around the UAE like sky diving, swimming with sharks and checking out new restaurants. For my column I’ll also write about the latest gadgets and must have men’s accessories such as watches, scarfs and other luxury items.”

After just one week in the UAE, John is already finding his feet. “I already feel at home here thanks to the wonderful team at Ahlan! magazine,” he says.  “I was quite nervous about moving from London to the desert as I had never been to the UAE before, but everyone has been really friendly and welcoming, so I’m looking forward to a long stay at the magazine.”

Sarah Walker steps down at OK! Middle East

After more than a year in the Editor’s chair at celebrity weekly, OK! Middle East, Sarah Walker has announced she will leave her position at the end of this month. The title, which relaunched last September and now falls under the ITP Publishing umbrella, was awarded the highest honour at this years’ OK! International Conference. Sarah is excited to hand over the reins at such a time of celebration.

“I feel now is the perfect time to pass the baton, and I’m hugely excited to be moving my talents – and annoyingly boundless creative energy – into heading up the PR department at Think,” says Sarah. “As a long-term Editor and writer in the region, I feel my absolute niche for this role is the extensive first-hand experience and natural respect for the Middle East media I now have. I’ve been in their chair and therefore I’m the perfect middle woman to guide clients and give members of the press exactly – and uniquely – what they need.”

After six years in UAE-based celebrity weeklies, the London-born journalist will now move into the role of PR Director at Think – the events, marketing and PR company run by Greg Dufton and Tim Derry.

“I’m ecstatic at the success that OK! Middle East has enjoyed and the level it has reached in the market at this vital one-year stage,” adds Sarah. “Putting my stamp on the publication, being recognised as the leading title in the OK! international family and working with such a strong team to create the high-end product it is today, remains the highest achievement of my career to date.”

A replacement has not yet been announced.