Senior Manager, Corporate Communications MEA, Dan Corfield

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Name: Dan Corfield
Age: 31
From: London, UK
Current job title: Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Middle East & Africa for Hilton Worldwide

When did you arrive in the UAE?
I first came to the UAE in August 2014 and it’s my first time in the Middle East region.  Prior to that I was based in the UK.

Where did you work prior?
I’ve been with Hilton Worldwide since 2009. Most recently I was a part of Hilton Worldwide’s European Communications team in London as Senior Manager, Brand Public Relations.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
Busy and interesting – a hotbed of action. I work mostly with media that have an interest in the travel industry and believe our sector has exciting and creative content to offer – everyone loves to travel, as well as hear about it!

Have these impressions changed much?
For me, it’s too early to tell – I’m rapidly discovering an intriguing side to Dubai – food, culture and art. It’s different to home, but I feel energy amongst the media here. I think we all have a crucial role in telling what is a fascinating story and showcasing the ‘secret sauce’ of what makes Dubai a special place to live, work and travel.

Tell us about your new role…
I work as part of a small, yet dynamic team, based at our MEA regional office in Internet City. We oversee communications across a region that consists of almost 150 hotels open or under development.

In my new role, my focus is on the corporate side, working with our senior leaders at a regional and global level – mostly in terms of our multi-brand growth story, profiling our company as an employer of choice, internal communications, as well our corporate responsibility programme ‘Travel With Purpose’ – which deployed signature activities in the Middle East as part of Hilton Worldwide’s Global Week of Service 2014.

Whether it’s our own team members, bloggers or journalists – there is huge appetite to hear about what we do as a company and I love helping my colleagues both at regional and hotel levels to tell that story.

What challenges do you face?
We operate across a diverse region, in multiple time zones and with a variety of stakeholders. Our approach is to act as an internal agency to our ‘clients’ in the business – which keeps us on our toes, given the 24/7 nature of hotels and the extraordinary passion for hospitality within Hilton Worldwide.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I love hotels – everything about them from the back of house, to the busy lobby and especially the people who work across the many departments. I think this passion creates an incredibly rewarding environment to work in – I enjoy taking something, helping to make it bigger and better and then having the chance to tell everyone about it!

I also love researching Hilton’s almost 100-year history for the work we do. There has been so many Hilton firsts for the travel industry – it’s fascinating to understand Hilton’s international expansion of the 1950s and 60s, when Conrad Hilton was opening hotels in new cities across Europe and Africa. Having worked on the PR for many new hotel openings, from luxury to mid-market, it feels great to be able to play a part in this grand 100-year story.

What’s the most exciting thing to happen so far?
I went along to a pop-up restaurant run by Ghaf Kitchen at The Mojo Gallery – the event blew my socks off with the theatre of the kitchen and a beautifully crafted menu, all set against the backdrop of a contemporary gallery in a gritty industrial zone. It felt like an event you’d find in a trendy space in East London.

What do you think of the quality of media publications in the region?
Outstanding. It’s great to see regional spin-offs of some titles I’m familiar with in the UK and Europe. I also love to keep an eye on media at home – UK and European politics especially.

What sets you apart from other Corporate Communication Managers?
I’m fortunate to work in a sector that I love, that is also interesting to most people. I think getting under-the-skin of an industry is important and my background in hospitality helps me speak to the right people to quickly grasp the task-at-hand.

Work calls via landline, mobile or both?
Either – I’m good on Skype and Whatsapp too. LinkedIn for professional networking.

What’s your most overused saying?
Since I arrived in Dubai, I frequently find myself saying: “I think it’s near to…”

Five things you can’t live without?
New experiences – especially travel, Whatsapp – a great way to keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues across time zones, friends and family (count as one), protein shakes and aviation.

If you weren’t in Corporate Communications, what would you be?
An explorer.

 

Brazen launches in Dubai

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Leading UK PR & content marketing company, Brazen, has opened its first global office in Dubai Media City and is now operating across the UK and UAE. Established in 2001, the multi award-winning agency, based in Manchester, offers brands four core areas of expertise – public relations, social media, digital engagement and live events. Brazen’s UAE operation will be headed by Managing Director Louise Jacobson.

“We are excited to be in the UAE to provide a fresh, different and unique approach to communications in the region,” says Louise Jacobson. “We may be the new kids on the block, but we bring a wealth of cutting edge techniques and expertise to the region and leave no stone unturned when it comes to strategic and creative solutions, and we have a proven track record of success. The UAE and Manchester are both places of innovation and vision, and for us there was no question that our first office needed to be here. It’s truly an exciting time for Dubai in particular and we feel privileged to be a part of it. We already have a few opportunities in the pipeline and can’t wait to get started.”

Nina Webb, CEO of Brazen Global adds, “For more than 13 years, Brazen has been home to big and beautiful ideas that make our clients famous. We consistently go the extra mile and our results, awards and international clients, some of which we’ve had for over ten years, speak for themselves. Dubai is rightly considered to be a leading commercial hub with a state-of-the-art infrastructure and a world-class business environment, and is a huge business opportunity for Brazen. We’ve done our homework and we’re confident that our famous brand of PR & content marketing will be as successful in the UAE as it has been in the UK.”

Ketaki Banga promoted at BPG Cohn & Wolfe

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Ketaki Banga has been promoted to the position of Group Account Director at BPG Cohn & Wolfe. Ketaki boasts extensive experience as a media professional with a career that spans 15 years, having held the position of Senior Editor for SME Advisor Middle East, Group Editor for CPI Business and Account Director for Active Public Relations, before joining BPG Cohn & Wolfe in 2013 as Account Director.

In her new position, Ketaki will oversee the corporate, technology and financial PR practices for BPG Cohn & Wolfe, as well as the social media, with clients that include KPMG, Jumbo Group and Brightcove.

Bloomberg Businessweek ME appoints new Editor

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Cathal McElroy has been appointed at the new Editor for Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East. Formerly with ITP Publishing Group, Cathal was Editor for MEP Middle East since 2012 and brings to his new role a range of editorial experience, having previously been based in the UK working with the BBC and in online media before moving to the UAE. In his new position, Cathal will oversee the fortnightly English publication, which provides a compelling mix of local and international business, politics and social content.

104.8 Channel 4 FM launches new breakfast show

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The Channel 4 Radio Network has today launched a new breakfast show – ‘Mornings with Marwan & Eve.’ Scheduled every weekday morning from 6-10am on 104.8 Channel 4 FM, the breakfast show is co-hosted by UAE-based media personality Marwan Al Awadi, also known as ‘DJ Bliss’, and resident Channel 4 radio presenter Eve Jaso, who has been hosting the breakfast show for the last 12 months.

“I’ve searched every corner of the globe for the right person to take the reins of this show, but only after taking a step back, and re-reading my own mission statement of, ‘building a show specifically for the UAE’ did it dawn on me that the answer to achieving that was right here,” says Tom Ferguson, Programme Director, Channel 4 Radio Network. “If you’re looking for a more real and relatable conversation in the morning, I’m confident ‘Mornings with Marwan & Eve‘ is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. It’s going to be full of energy, cheeky (but not childish) and home to the biggest prizes and the most hit music.”

 

MEAComS joins Edelman affiliate network

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Edelman and MEAComS have signed an agreement naming MEAComS as Edelman’s exclusive affiliate in Eygpt. MEAComS will form an integral part of the Edelman network of affiliates by providing local expertise and on-the-ground market support to Edelman. MEAComS’ staff and clients will have access to Edelman’s regional and global network of experts, best practices and professional development and training programs.

“Edelman is renowned for setting industry standards,” says Fatma Z. Ahmed, Managing Director, MEAComS. “We are proud to affiliate with a global firm whose reputation for innovation and an integrated approach to strategic communications in meeting client needs proceeds them. We at MEAComS share many of Edelman’s core values and work diligently to ensure the same success for our clients. Our partnership will give Edelman greater insight into Egypt and the Middle East while we gain important know-how and experience as we continue to grow our own influence regionally. We look forward to a fruitful relationship that is win-win for Edelman and MEAComS.”

Robert Holdheim, CEO of Edelman South Asia, Middle East & Africa adds, “Egypt is an exciting, rapidly emerging and important market in the Middle East and North Africa region. As a long-standing partner of Edelman in Egypt, we know that MEAComS shares Edelman’s commitment to excellence and quality in meeting our clients’ needs. This affiliation marks a new chapter in our alliance, adding considerable value to our present client portfolio in Egypt and enhancing the significant future growth potential in this important market for Edelman. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership in Egypt.”

PublicisLive appoints new President

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Publicis Groupe has appointed Anthony Gazagne as the President of PublicisLive, an events agency within the Groupe’s network MSLGROUP, specialising in the production of international conferences and prestige events. Anthony has spent the majority of his career at Publicis Groupe; since joining Publicis Dialog in 1998, he has held the positions of Project Manager, Director of Operations, Vice President of Operations and most recently, since 2008, Managing Director of PublicisLive. Anthony’s predecessor, John Rossant, who held the position of President since 2008, will leave Publicis Groupe to continue the development of his foundation, The New Cities Foundation and other personal projects.

“Anthony Gazagne is an extraordinarily worthy successor to John,” says Maurice Lévy, Chairman and CEO, Publicis Groupe. “This promotion is a natural next step for Anthony within our Groupe. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of its employees, PublicisLive is today one of the most well renowned and prestigious events agencies worldwide. Anthony’s international experience and professionalism will be deeply valuable as PublicisLive continues to go from strength to strength. Anthony is tasked with taking the agency to the next level, and I thank John Rossant for his untiring commitment and efforts to date, wishing him the best of luck with his future projects.”

Anthony adds, “Being named President of PublicisLive is a huge honour, and a testament to the Groupe’s recognition of both my and my entire team’s performance at PublicisLive. I would also like to thank Maurice Lévy and Olivier Fleurot [CEO, MSLGROUP] for the confidence they have placed in me. After more than 15 years at the heart of this impressive company, I look back with pride and also relish the prospect of the formidable challenge in front of me. PublicisLive regularly supports local government, international organisations and foundations – notably the World Economic Forum, our long-term client – to achieve their aims. Our role, one that is constantly evolving to deliver best in class leadership solutions for our clients, is at an important crossroads. We will focus on continued organic growth, while also looking at a range of external opportunities to further maximise growth.”

Promotions at PRCo

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Duaa Radwan has been promoted to the position of Account Director at the Dubai offices of specialist travel PR agency PRCo. Following time spent working for Arabic newspaper Akhbar Al Arab, bilingual Duaa joined PRCo as Account Executive in 2010. She has held the role of Account Manager since 2011, covering brands including Melia Hotels International, Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, ARMAGGAN, Nira Hotels and Resorts, The Alpina Gstaad and Food Fund International. As Account Director, Duaa will be responsible for overseeing PRCo’s existing clients, whilst growing the business portfolio of the company and supporting the day-to-day productivity and efficiency of the team.

“After five years of working at PRCo Dubai, I am very grateful for the trust that they have put in me,” says Duaa. “I still have many doors to open and many opportunities to explore and am excited to attract new clients, as well as maintain our existing portfolio.”

Facebook At Work app goes live

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Smartphone app Facebook At Work has officially hit iOS and Android app stores. With the software still in the early stages of development, a select number of test companies are currently eligible to download the app. Significantly, while the app appears and works similarly to the public Facebook network, there will be no advertisements and no tracking or holding of user data. A key feature of the Facebook At Work app is ‘Groups’, which aims to replace the ever-growing and never-ending email lists amongst employees.

With the launch of this app, Facebook will be competing with several companies seeking the top spot for social networking in the workplace. Other such companies include IBM, who has already developed a workplace social-networking service called Connections; Microsoft, which acquired social-enterprise company Yammer in 2012 and Slack – an enterprise-collaboration tool that was most recently valued at approximately $1 billion.

The date for Facebook At Work being launched to a wider availability has yet to be confirmed.