2014 MEPRA Awards finalists announced

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The finalists for the 2014 MEPRA Awards have been revealed, with the winners due to be announced at the annual gala event on Tuesday November 25, 2014, at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. Among the 16 award categories – which have been split into Sectors & Services, Techniques and People & Agencies – finalists include DABO & CO, Edelman, Four Communications, Mojo PR, Memac Ogilvy PR – Dubai, TOH PR and Weber Shandwick MENA for Agency of the Year, Etihad Airways and Mubadala for In-House Team of the Year and Al Jazeera Media Network, Blue Rubicon, DABO & CO  and Memac Ogilvy PR – Dubai, for Best Integrated Campaign.

To view the full list of MEPRA 2014 finalists, visit http://goo.gl/LNTBKQ.

Bianca Alcaide joins CMM

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Bianca Alcaide has been appointed as Coordinating Officer for Continental Multimedia (CMM). Previously a Creative Services Coordinator with Al Tayer Group, Bianca oversaw orders from manufacturers and clients regarding art materials, as well as coordinating with the finance and logistics departments. In her new position, Bianca will coordinate with the PR’s from different brands about their new products or fashion lines, and will collect product placements and press releases for publications.

“There’s definitely truth in the saying – find a job that you love and you won’t have to work another day,” says Bianca. “I’ve certainly found mine and i’m really excited to have joined the team at CMM!”

Instagram launches video advertising

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Instagram has become the latest social network to introduce video advertising. Having launched static image advertising in 2013 and following six month of testing, Instagram now offers ad deals which showcase 15-second auto-play spots. With Disney, Activision, Lancome and Banana Republic being the first brands to test the new platform, Disney has been quick to make full use of the new ad offering, using the platform to promote its Big Hero 6 film, while Lancome advertises its newly released fragrance and mascara.

Following criticism of its early Instagram advertising, the social network has been notably cautious since it began selling space a year ago, aiming to ensure that it doesn’t appear too intrusive, and alienating a significant number of its 200 million active users.

Mae Cabigas joins Read magazine

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Mae Cabigas has been promoted to Editor of Read magazine. Prior to joining the publication, Mae was Coordinating Officer for Continental Multimedia (CMM), in charge of distributing material coming in from PRs to all sections of the magazine, as well as overseeing the distribution of complimentary copies received by agencies. In her new role as Editor, Mae will handle all editorial content for the weekly publication, brainstorming original ideas for each issue.

“This is a really great opportunity for me,” says Mae. “I have worked as the Coordinating Officer for the same publishing house, and did not expect to be given the chance to enhance my skills and move up. I am thankful foremost to my Editor-in-Chief Danielle Hosri, and of course to my colleagues for showing a great deal of support.”

Saif Haddad to leave UMEN magazine

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Saif Haddad is stepping down as Editor of UMEN magazine. Having been with Amman-based magazine since 2009, Saif has overseen all editorial content for the publication and managed a team of 10 contributors, editors and designers, as well as helping to create and approve the promotional campaigns for UMEN magazine’s clients, including photo shoots, special production ads and paid promotional content. He moves on to a new and more international chapter in his career, and will remain based in Amman, Jordan.

“UMEN was and always will be my second home,” says Saif. “The wonderful team and management have made my experience an unforgettable one and I wish them an even greater success. They will be truly missed.”

DPQ welcomes new Communications Director

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Andrew Chupeau has joined DPQ Communications as Communications Director. Andrew brings both in-house and agency side corporate communications experience, having worked across various industry sectors including Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Novartis, Ernst & Young and Singapore Tourism Board. As Communications Director, Andrew will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of DPQ’s clients, as well as the business development of new corporate communications business.

“DPQ Communications is in an exciting growth period,” says Andrew. “So, coming on board at this time to help contribute further and play a part in directing the agency’s new stage of development is a challenge I am looking forward to.”

Koji Watanabe joins newly launched Dentsu MEA

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Dentsu Aegis Network has appointed Koji Watanabe as Managing Director of newly launched advertising agency, Dentsu MEA. Reporting to Michael Nederlof, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network MENA, Koji will take charge of account and product management for Dentsu’s clients in all 54 MEA markets and aim to employ the global network’s synergies within the region. Having been with the network for over 20 years, Koji joins Dentsu Aegis Network MENA from Japan after spending extensive time in Dentsu Alpha in Vietnam, as well as in the Phillipines. As Managing Director, Koji will look to expand and build Dentsu MEA’s client base, significantly with Japanese clients looking to expand into the Middle East and Africa, as well as with local brands in the region.

The launch of Dentsu MEA takes Dentsu Aegis Network MENA’s tally of brands up to six, along with Carat, iProspect, Isobar, Posteroscope and Vizeum.

“With the Middle East and Africa outpacing other regions of the world in terms of growth, it presents a fantastic opportunity for Dentsu to capitalise on both Japanese and international brands wanting to move into the region,” says Koji. “This, coupled with our unique business methods, will ensure that we deliver unparalleled results for our clients.”

Michael Nederlof, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network MENA adds, “It was always earmarked to introduce Dentsu into the region and the agency’s offering to our clients as part of our suite of brands in the network. With Dubai’s geographical location, Dentsu Aegis Network MENA will offer Dentsu the opportunity to access Western and European markets alike. The appointment of Koji allows us to move forward in this delivery, as he brings an abundance of experience from within our network to add tremendous value to both new and existing clients.”

Avantgarde Dubai appoints new Managing Director

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Avantgarde, the international communications agency, has appointed Elena Maralskaya as the new Managing Director of its Dubai-based branch. Elena joins the team with over 25 years of business experience in the Middle East as well as Eastern and Central Europe, bringing to her new position a successful background in brand marketing and automotive industries.

“Avantgarde is a forward-thinking agency with a strong focus on experiential marketing,” says Elena. “I am honoured that I have been chosen to lead its experienced and knowledgeable team in Dubai. I am confident that Avantgarde can continue to grow its client base and provide outstanding services to new and existing clients in the Middle East.”

Markus Pflitsch, Avantgarde board member, responsible for the agency’s Middle East operations adds, “Elena is a highly experienced marketing and communications specialist. Her knowledge of the Middle Eastern market and her large network of business contacts will be a great asset to Avantgarde Dubai, enabling her to drive our business forward, both in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.”