Orient Planet and INEGMA announce partnership

Orient Planet, the integrated marketing and communications company, and The Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis (INEGMA), the strategy and security consultancy, have announced a joint venture to establish a new unit called Orient Planet-INEGMA. The specialised unit aims to effectively deliver PR and strategic communication campaigns targeting the defense, security and risk domains.

“At INEGMA, we recognise the importance of having focused and powerful communication strategies that are tailored to fit the needs of security and defense industries,” says Riad Kahwaji, CEO, INEGMA. “These strategies must be consistent and properly delivered through the most effective means, and this is why our partnership with Orient Planet is a welcome development. Through Orient Planet-INEGMA, we will offer communication solutions for the very dynamic and complex defense, security and risk industries, and create relevant PR and marketing strategies. Clients in the defense and security sectors will be assured of sophisticated, timely and significant solutions.”

Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director of Orient Planet adds, “Orient Planet-INEGMA is the first of its kind in the region to offer a diverse range of communication-based services in highly specialised industries of defense, security and risks. We are pleased that we are bridging this gap in the market with INEGMA, whose expertise in these three areas are widely recognised. Orient Planet-INEGMA will help companies in these domains to further establish their brand and identity and effectively reach their target audience.”

TRACCS makes World PR Report 2014

TRACCS has been ranked among the top five Public Relations agencies in the Asia-Pacific region by the Holmes Report in its World PR Report 2014. TRACCS took the fifth spot in the regional rankings of Asia-Pacific agencies, posting a 22.6% growth in the past year, outstripping the average global PR growth rate which registered at 11% for the year, according to the World Report.

The release of the global listing of PR consultancies also showed that TRACCS, which operates across 13 markets in the region, climbed the global rankings by 11 places, now positioned at 109 among the world’s top 250 consultancies. TRACCS remains the only regional PR network to feature on the list of Top 250 Firms.

Selina Julien joins Hello! Middle East

Selina Julien has been appointed as the new Editor of Hello! Middle East. Formerly Assistant Editor of UK celebrity weekly, NOW magazine, Selina most recently ghosted a number one best-selling autobiography. She brings to her new role an extensive understanding of the industry, from interviewing A-listers to managing talent as a celebrity publicist and agent.

“It’s a dream to edit such a prestigious brand,” says Selina. “Hello! Middle East is the jewel in the crown in this region, so I’m honoured to be taking the helm and working alongside the talented team at Motivate Publishing. I’m looking forward to working on some exciting brand partnerships and spoiling our readers with unrivalled access to celebrities and royals from this region and around the world.”

Abu Dhabi Media Summit 2014 theme announced

Abu Dhabi Media Summit 2014 has announced the theme for this year’s event as ‘Driving and Sustaining Future Media in MENA and Beyond’. Powered by twofour54, this year’s theme highlights the recent developments in the media industry in the MENA region and further afield.

The fifth annual summit will focus on the future of media and technology, and discuss the impact it has on different interactions between corporations, communities and government entities with their target groups. Centred on Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global media hub, the summit will feature a combination of high-profile sessions, closed-door discussions and peer networking, bringing together top-tier global media and entertainment players in fast-growing markets.

“Abu Dhabi’s evolving role as a dynamic regional commercial hub for the media and entertainment sectors continues,” says H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Media Summit, and Chairman, Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority. “We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the world to the summit to engage in conversations at the forefront of the media business.”

This year’s summit will take place from November 18-20, at the Rosewood Hotel, Al Marya Island, Abu Dhabi.

Paul Mampilli joins Noor Bank

Noor Bank has appointed Paul Mampilli as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications. Paul brings with him over 22 years of experience across marketing, advertising, media and corporate communication sectors, and has worked with global organisations including Visa, MasterCard, TBWA and BBDO. Most recently, Paul worked within the digital space at Publicis Groupe agency, where he dealt with leading financial organisations.

In his new role, Paul will be responsible for driving Noor’s visibility among key market segments and stakeholders. He is also mandated to raise the brand profile of Noor Investment Group and associate companies, strengthen and develop internal and external communications’ channels and drive insight-led marketing.

“Paul’s expertise and background is well-suited to support Noor’s continued growth and development,” says Ahmed Kalim, Deputy Group CEO, Noor Investment Group. “His diversified experience in branding, digital communication and reputation management will further enhance our efforts in building lasting relationships with our corporate, government, SME and individual customers. Paul’s talents will also be applied to Noor’s role in establishing Dubai as a key trade centre and global capital of the Islamic economy.”

Olivia Cuthbert leaves Concierge Abu Dhabi

Olivia Cuthbert is stepping down from her role as Editor of Concierge Abu Dhabi. For the past two years, Olivia has overseen all content for NPI’s Concierge Abu Dhabi magazine. She now moves on to focus on freelance writing and editing projects in the UAE.

“After two years with the fantastic team at NPI, it’s time for a fresh challenge,” says Olivia. “I look forward to developing my abilities as a writer and editor across a range of titles and subjects.”

ADNEC Group wins at AEO Excellence Awards

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has won two awards at the annual Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Excellence Awards ceremony. The industry awards, held on July 4 at Grosvenor House, London, recognised ADNEC Group’s Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre as ‘Most Sustainable Exhibition and Conference Venue’, and ExCeL London as ‘Best Venue of the Year’.

“ADNEC continues to play a key role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a leading global business tourism destination,” says His Excellency Al Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Managing Director, ADNEC. “The company’s flagship venues in two key capital cities, London and Abu Dhabi, are at the vanguard of a new age of exhibition facilities. These awards are recognition of that fact, and of the hard work, visionary leadership and solid expertise both have to offer.”

Pieter Idenburg, Group CEO at ADNEC adds, “We are delighted with the recognition our venues continue to attract from our global event industry peers. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre has prioritised its sustainability strategy as a key pillar of its growth and development over the next ten years. ExCeL London has shown that even in such a competitive region for meetings and events, it is out-competing its peers both in the UK and across Europe – pushing the boundaries of the event experience. It is a credit to London and an investment we are extremely proud of.”

Motion Advertising announces rebrand

Motion Advertising (MAD) has unveiled a corporate rebrand. Established for over a decade, the advertising agency is introducing a new corporate brand, including a new logo, customer materials and website.

“We wanted our new brand to reflect the evolution of our company as a fully fledged advertising agency, also offering events and exhibitions, web, apps and social media services,” says Vincent Langlois, Owner and Creative Director, Motion Advertising. “We are young, talented, filled with energy and creativity and we are MAD! This diversity of talent, comprised of the finest mix of associates, recent acquisitions and new hires, brings a refreshed commitment to be the best at what we do for our customers.”

Visit Motion Advertising’s new website at www.motionadvt.com.

Emicom Media announces rebrand

Emicom Media has launched a full rebrand and redesign, inclusive of a company name change to Linktia in order to represent the group’s current objectives, positioning and values. Founded in 2011, Emicom Media – now Linktia – was initially made up of a collective that included Bareface, Alchemy Films and arabianEye. The group specialises and invests in content production, talent management, online platforms and technology solutions in the MENA region, and owns or represents market-leading companies including Corbis (MENA exclusive representative), Magnet, The Studio and Aperto Middle East.

“We are incredibly passionate about Linktia,” says Jesus Blanco, Co-Founder and CEO, Linktia. “It’s an identity that encompasses our culture, goals, vision and strategic business decision. Our brands have been integral in the visual content development of the region over the years, and our new brand identity illustrates the inherent strength of a networked organisation.”

Venetia Maunsell, Co-Founder of Linktia adds, “Linktia means a home of connections. It’s a collaborative platform linking our people, brands, talent, entrepreneurs and businesses; benefitting all within our group. Linktia provides a supportive role by offering advice, guidance, financial assistance, innovation and growth opportunities for our businesses and teams.”