Page 210 – The Media Network

expose-communications wins BLANC D’IVOIRE DUBAI

August 18, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Emily Churchill-Owen

expose-communications has expanded its home interiors portfolio with the addition of BLANC D’IVOIRE DUBAI, a new furniture store located on Al Wasl Road. BLANC D’IVOIRE is a French brand, founded in 1994 and present in over 30 destinations worldwide. expose-communications will handle all PR activities for the brand across all media channels throughout the region, as well as manage the official store launch.

“We are delighted to add BLANC D’IVOIRE DUBAI to our client portfolio,” says Hind Dahmash, Co-founder, expose-communications. “We are looking forward to launching such a beautiful homeware store and exposing the brand in the Middle East.”

CARA Public Relations launches

August 18, 2015/0 Comments/in New Launch /by Emily Churchill-Owen

CARA Public Relations has been launched by Maria Stapleton, former Senior Account Director of NCPR. The agency aims to offer a professional service with a personal feel to service clients in the United Arab Emirates, with the Dubai-based Pastels Salon brand becoming the agency’s first signing.

“I am delighted to have signed Pastels Salon,” says Maria. “While CARA PR marks a new beginning in my professional life, I firmly believe this partnership also represents a new chapter in the Pastels story and one which will be even more exciting and dynamic than previous ones. I can’t wait to start collaborating with media in the UAE again.”

Shortlist launches new listings tool

August 17, 2015/0 Comments/in New Launch /by Michelle Kuehn

ShortList UAE is launching its self-administered online listings tool, which allows PRs, brand managers and venue owners to add, amend and update listings, as well as upload menus and images. The website – that features restaurants and cafes, bars and clubs, film and TV, events and attractions, as well as shopping and style – is the first publication from APP to offer this unique listings tool.

Editor-in-chief Eddie Taylor will be revealing the new online listing function via a webinar with The Media Network this Wednesday. To register, email tmnwebinars@tmnme.com.

Differing from Shortlist’s UK website, the UAE counterparts are aimed at both women and men. Both websites are updated regularly and include searchable entertainment listings for each city.

Alshaya welcomes PR and Social Media Executive

August 17, 2015/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Michelle Kuehn

Katie Weir has joined global retail franchise operator Alshaya as PR and Social Media Executive, American Eagle, Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Having worked in PR and Marketing for over six years, Katie was most recently PR and Marketing Manager for Tutti Rouge, UK.

As PR and Social Media Executive for American Eagle, MENA, Katie will be based in Kuwait and handling press release distribution, media relations, product/image call ins and social media strategy for the American Eagle brand across the region.

Ahmed Garoon joins Hype as Senior Sales Executive

August 17, 2015/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Michelle Kuehn

Ahmed Garoon has joined music and nightlife magazine Hype as Senior Sales Executive. Working alongside Lee Tunnicliffe, Ahmed will be responsible for generating new business across clubs, music, fashion and lifestyle clients, and also seeking sponsorship for Hype events.

“Hype is a the only magazine in Dubai that captures the city’s exciting sub-culture, as far as I’m concerned, and I’m looking forward to connecting new brands with the magazine,” says Ahmed. “I’ve been a fan of the magazine since its inception and joining the team brings me nothing but joy. The Hype team is extremely passionate about what they do and it’s great to be working with like-minded individuals who live and breathe their work as a lifestyle.”

Fox + Hound wins Core Direction PR account

August 16, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Michelle Kuehn

Core Direction – a coalition of fitness partners and facilities in the United Arab Emirates – has appointed Fox + Hound PR to manage all its communications and associated events moving forward.

“When I was first briefed about Core Direction, I made up my mind that I wanted to be involved immediately,” says Chloe Rees, Managing Director, Fox + Hound Communications. “Core Direction is something that I am super passionate about and something that I would actually want to be involved in from a consumer level. It’s an exciting concept and one that I am sure will appeal to the majority of health conscious people in the UAE.”

Socialize welcomes Greta Van Der Merwe

August 16, 2015/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Michelle Kuehn

Digital specialists Socialize Agency appoints Greta Van Der Merwe to the role of Copywriter. As her first role in the Middle East, Greta joins from 140BBDO in South Africa, where she gained more than four years of experience in advertising. As Copywriter, she will focus on bringing the client’s voice to their consumers’ ears, and contribute to the agency’s ever-growing creative output.

“I believe that there is always more and more and more to learn,” says Greta. “Stepping into this whole new world – excuse the Aladdin reference – is a challenge I can’t wait to tackle head on. Joining Socialize Agency gives me the opportunity to make a difference on a much larger scale than I ever imagined. I’m really excited.”

WPP to become Emirates global agency of record

August 13, 2015/0 Comments/in Account win /by Emily Churchill-Owen

Emirates Airline has selected a team of WPP agencies – Team Air – to handle its global branding and creative account, following an extensive review. Headquartered in London, Team Air draws on the combined resources of WPP agencies including Grey London and New York, RKCR/Y&R and Geometry Global, as well as Hogarth and TNS. It will be lead by Chris Hunton, who formerly worked as Head of Team Land Rover for WPP.

Emirates began evaluating its branding and creative needs last year in order to support the next phase of its brand development and respond to new opportunities in the ever-changing marketing and media industry.

“Emirates is making progress on our journey to become a global lifestyle brand, and Team Air offers a unique collection of creative and branding skills that was custom-made to meet our needs,” says Boutros Boutros, Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, Emirates. “This tailored approach backed by the global resources of WPP, creates a formidable partner for any client.”

Twitter removes 140–character limit from DM’s

August 13, 2015/0 Comments/in International News /by Emily Churchill-Owen

Twitter has removed the limitation of 140 characters from it’s Direct Messaging (DM) service. While Twitter is largely a public experience, Direct Messages allow for private conversations and this is the latest in a number of changes to the service over the last few months such as updating messaging rules and adding a Direct Message button to profile pages on Android and iPhone.

The update to the Direct Messaging service will have no effect on the public side of Twitter, which will continue to limit tweets to 140 characters. The new version of Direct Messaging will be rolled out across Android and iOS apps today, as well as on twitter.com, TweetDeck and Twitter for Mac, and this will continue worldwide over the coming weeks.

Noura Al Kaabi joins LinkedIn’s Global Influencers

August 13, 2015/0 Comments/in International News /by Emily Churchill-Owen

Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of twofour54, is the first woman from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to be selected for LinkedIn’s Global Influencer Programme, a platform for leaders in their respective geographies and industries to share their insights and discuss topics of interest on the social network aimed at professionals.

Approximately 500 personalities hold the LinkedIn Influencer badge globally, including: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President Barack Obama, Bill Gates and Arianna Huffington.