UM MENAT appoints new Head of Client Partnerships 

/in , /by

UM MENAT has appointed Tom Hardstaff to the role of Head of Client Partnerships, UM MENAT. With a wealth of experience in communications, Tom most recently worked with UM MENAT as Head of Strategy where he was the key driver of UM’s “Better Science, Better Art, Better Outcome” philosophy and planning approach as well as being responsible for clients such as Reckitt Benckiser, Coca-Cola, L’Oréal and Ooredoo. In his new role, Tom will increase his focus on evolving partnerships, lead on operational and strategic initiatives, develop business plans and continue to lead on strategy.

“Tom’s aptitude and experience have been invaluable to the agency’s success,” says Joe Nicolas, Regional Managing Director, UM MENAT. “As we embark on an exciting journey of transformation, his innovative thinking and pragmatic approach will be instrumental to drive our vision to lead change in the new normal.”

Brand Ripplr offers alternative to influencers

/in /by

UAE-based influencer platform, Brand Ripplr is offering an attractive alternative for all influencers in the region. Brand Ripplr is separating itself from other UAE influencer agencies by on boarding influencers under their license without insisting on exclusivity or additional commission charges.
“As an ad-tech platform that sees the influencer-marketing process through from start-to-finish, we welcome the new legislation,” says Tanaz Dizadji, Founder & CEO, Brand Ripplr. “For too long, the industry has been unregulated, and it is only right that the NMC has sought to find solutions to protect both consumers and brands when it comes to influencer marketing. There’s been a lot of commotion around the new laws… and some agencies have seen the new legislation as an opportunity to enforce influencer exclusively without justification. However, this will lead to the over-commercialisation of influencers and further inflate influencer pricing in the market.

“As a key industry player, it is important that we take a stand to protect both the brands and the influencers. Brand Ripplr will still be able to take full responsibility for this paid content and ensure that it satisfies NMC standards, but without taking commission from its influencers or charging brands unjustifiably for influencer marketing campaigns. Influencers are welcoming a move that meets industry standards without crushing their ability to create awesome content and collaborate with the right brands.”

Cicero and Bernay expands into Egypt 

/in /by

Public relations agency, Cicero and Bernay (C&B) has signed with Ingredients, an agency specialising in media and public relations and also part of the Egyptian Media Synergy. The new agreement will allow C&B and Ingredients to bring together their strategic, targeted communications solutions that are designed to reach and influence their customers in the country. By the end of 2018, C&B aims to have offices in 20 markets across the MENA region, giving clients unrivalled regional scope.

“As the most populous country in the MENA region, Egypt is a key target market for our clients and home to a burgeoning communication industry,” says Maysa-Jana Atoui, Director of Business Development, Cicero and Bernay. “In partnership with Ingredients, we will cater to the increased demand for PR services, crisis planning and reputation management in the Egyptian market, while also heightening engagement with new-age tactics such as influencer-led activations and campaigns. We are pleased to be responding to our clients’ far-reaching requirements by expanding our MENA footprint and opening a valuable new window onto the Egyptian market.”

UM MENA promotes Rasha Rteil 

/in /by

UM MENA has promoted Rasha Rteil to the role of Head of Product, MENAT. With a wealth of experience in digital media, Rasha most recently worked with UM MENA as Regional Innovation Director. In her new role, Rasha will lead on the agency’s ambitious agenda to continuously transform its product and partnerships while also steering the agency’s product solutions by providing input on the industry developments.

“Rasha’s regional leadership on innovation and her contribution to many parts of our business has been instrumental to our success,” says Joe Nicolas, Regional MD, UM MENAT. “We now look forward to seeing this being successfully extended in her new role where she will work closely with all function leads to further strengthen our position as market leader in this region.”

Create Media Group welcomes new Head of Social Media 

/in /by

Digital communications agency, Create Media Group has appointed Mohamed El Daly to the role of Head of Social Media. With a wealth of experience, Mohamed has worked with brands such as L’Oreal, Dubai Tourism, Microsoft, Google and Coca-Cola where he devised social strategies, oversaw content creation and developed digital campaigns. In his new role, he will be responsible for the social media department of the agency and focus on the development of fresh and innovative solutions.

“I’m thrilled to be joining such a vibrant team full of talent and energy,” says Mohamed. “I look forward to working closely with Create Media’s teams to ensure that we keep innovating, creating, and delivering the best class of social media services.”

Tom Otton, Managing Director, Create Media Group continues, “We’re very happy to welcome Mohamed to the team, his experience is unparalleled & he’s going to add a real strategic focus to all that we do as we grow the business.”

What’s On Dubai welcomes Layla Haidrani 

/in /by

What’s On Dubai, Part of Motivate Publishing Group, has appointed Layla Haidrani to the role of Features Editor. As the winner of the PPA New Business Journalist Of The Year in 2017, Layla has worked with publications such as Refinery29, Time Out London, Grazia and Cosmopolitan Middle East and most recently worked with the Mayfair Times in the UK where she held the role of Lifestyle Writer. In her new role, she will be working on a variety of features including events, culture, art and travel, as well as contribute to What’s On Abu Dhabi and WhatsOn.ae.

“I’m thrilled to be joining team What’s On, and I can’t wait to get stuck into Dubai life,” says Layla. “I’m excited to join a talented team and seeing what’s new and exciting in the city.”

TBWA/RAAD wins big at Cannes Lions 

/in /by

UAE-based creative agency, TBWA/RAAD has received the most awards in the region at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The awards took place on June 18 – 22, 2018 at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France. The agency secured a Gold in Outdoor, a Silver and a Bronze in Media and a Bronze in Radio & Audio for its Highway Gallery at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The agency also won a PR Gold with #SheDrives for Nissan Saudi Arabia and a Bronze in Brand Experience and Activation for its Camelpower work for Nissan Middle East.

Watermelon Communications partners with 3AW

/in /by

Dubai-based marketing and communications agency, Watermelon Communications has formed an alliance with 3AW. 3AW is a network of independent full-service communication agencies with branches in the United States, Mexico, Brazil and Spain. Watermelon Communications is the first entity from the GCC region to be included in the 3AW network.

“We are very delighted to join this global network of communications, advertising and marketing services agencies,” says Madhu Kuttat, Managing Director, Watermelon Communications. “The 3AW network of agencies is connected by knowledge, expertise, passion and commitment in the markets they represent. This membership will empower us to provide marketing solutions across the world with local expertise. Enhancing services to our new and existing clients on a global level is a practical implementation of the concept of ‘think local, act global’ when it comes to communications. Moreover, this alliance would enable us to exchange expertise and insights and provide services to clients of 3AW’s member agencies in this part of the world.”