Page 305 – The Media Network

Nick Tapley joins MediaCom MENA

April 14, 2014/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Team TMN

Nick Tapley has joined the MediaCom MENA team as Director of Innovation. With over 13 years of media experience, Nick previously worked as Head of Branded Entertainment – Fuse, at OMD Dubai, and his work has been recognised with a number of awards including Dubai Lynx, MENA Cristals, GEMA Effies, Festival of Media and a Global M&M Award.

“This is the start of something new for both the agency and myself so it’s a real privilege to be part of the team and I’m incredibly excited about the future,” says Nick. “MediaCom MENA are growing at a frantic pace, with great clients and truly talented people, so I can’t wait to get started.”

Nick Barron, CEO of MediaCom MENA added, “I’ve known Nick for some time and am really excited to have him join the team. I have always maintained that MENA should be at the vanguard of media globally and Nick will help us continue to drive the quality of our connections planning for our clients. He will be a great addition to our growing team.”

house of comms signs BOUNCE

April 13, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

House of comms has won the PR account to handle the launch of BOUNCEInc Free Jumping Revolution in the UAE. Founded in Australia, BOUNCE offers a free-jumping urban playground, and house of comms will be working with both the local team and founders of BOUNCE Australia to bring this unique concept to Dubai.

“What we are creating is high energy, extreme fun and something that has never been done before here,” Doran Davies, Chief Operations Officer, BOUNCE UAE. “We wanted to work with a team of people who reflected these qualities and who know their stuff. We felt a real chemistry with the team and it was clear that they had a deep understanding of our brand and what we are looking to create, along with strategic insight into the local market. We are very much looking forward to launching BOUNCE with the team at house of comms.”

Kaja Weller, Founding Partner at house of comms adds, “We are seriously excited to win this pitch and launch BOUNCE in the UAE. It is pretty much one of the most interesting leisure concepts we’ve ever seen and we have no doubt that people of all ages will go crazy for BOUNCE; who wouldn’t want to spend their days flying through the air and bouncing off the walls?”

NCPR wins HairSpa account

April 10, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

NCPR has been appointed to handle all PR activity for HairSpa. Established for over 12 years, the HairSpa clinic is a Dubai-based hair restoration centre specialising in effective, non-surgical hair loss treatments.

“We were delighted when HairSpa approached us to handle their PR,” says Naydene Commins, Managing Director, NCPR. “With their respected reputation, I am incredibly excited to be able to bring the expertise of the NCPR team to the clinic and enable them to grow as we have done with other clients.”

Danae Mercer joins Motivate

April 10, 2014/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Team TMN

Danae Mercer has joined the Motivate team as Features Editor. Most recently, Danae worked as a freelance journalist in London, contributing to a range of features across titles that included USA Today, The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, Marie Claire and THE. Simultaneously, Danae was Account Manager for financial and corporate PR firm Kwittken & Company, where she managed highly technical international accounts. In her new position, Danae will work primarily on Jumeirah, with a focus on lifestyle and luxury.

“I’m excited,” says Danae. “It’s the first time I’ve seen sun in what feels like years (thank you, London), the office has a great environment and the magazine has a fantastic legacy combined with serious future potential. How can I argue with that?”

Strategies International signs Charriol

April 9, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

Charriol has appointed Strategies International to handle its public relations in the GCC. Established in 1983 by French entrepreneur Phillip Charriol, the timepiece, jewellery and accessories brand is currently available in over 40 countries worldwide, with plans to expand further in the Middle East.

“We are pleased to have entered into a new partnership with Strategies International, and we have strong expectations about it,” says Benoît Deroual, Sales and Marketing Director, Charriol. “This will, indeed, maximise our current exposure in the region. The timing is perfect for Charriol based on the growth we are facing, making it necessary for us to reinforce our PR in a more strategic manner.”

Ronald Pharaon, Managing Director of Strategies International, added “With our agency’s deep understanding of the luxury sector in the region, and its capacity of providing strategic PR solutions tailored to our clients’ products and goals, Strategies International will aim at optimising Charriol’s brand presence in the GCC.”

Expose Communications signs Corto Moltedo

April 8, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

Expose Communications have signed the PR account for Italian accessories brand Corto Moltedo and the e-commerce webiste Corto.com in the UAE. Founded by designer Corto Moltedo in 2004, the brand redefines luxury in the accessories market with its signature pop-luxe chic, bold hardware and detailing.

“We’re excited to introduce the UAE to Corto Moltedo and his eponymous e-commerce website Corto.com,” says Dana Abdelhadi, Director, Expose Communications. “Look out for more information on a private shopping event next month as we share fashion’s best kept secret.”

Rima Taha joins Strategies International

April 8, 2014/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Team TMN

Rima Taha has joined the Strategies International team as Public Relations Manager. Previously Public Relations Manager at Rawaj International, Rima has handled international brands such as Galeries Lafayette, Gilan Jewellery House, and Estée Lauder, as well as regional brands including Yas Island, Ajmal Purfumes and Si Fashion Gallery. In her new role, Rima will be handling Institut Esthederm, MGI Luxury Group (Concord and Movado watches) and Simone Perele.

“With almost six years of experience in the PR industry, I’m very excited about my new position and I look forward to being an effective member at such an esteemed company,” says Rima. “I will be handling a group of high-end brands, as well as a new cosmetic and skincare brand that will be launching this year in our market, so watch this space!”

Ad Fusion Media to launch travel magazine

April 7, 2014/0 Comments/in New Launch /by Team TMN

Ad Fusion Media is to launch En’Route Middle East Magazine on May 5, 2014, during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), with the launch party to be held at the Oceanic Hotel Khorfakkan, Fujairah, on April 10. The travel magazine will be distributed free of charge quarterly in the UAE through airline partners on board flights, as well as in hotels, travel agencies and tourism offices, with an initial circulation of 10,000. The magazine will provide up to date news on the travel and tourism industry across the UAE and around the world.

“I don’t expect to get rich from En’Route, nor is this my ambition,” says Aishah Yousef, General Manager and Editor-in-Chief, En’Route Middle East. “My sole goal is to produce an excellent magazine, one that reflects the breadth, honesty and vitality of this growing industry.”

Robert Chilton promoted to Senior Editor

April 7, 2014/0 Comments/in Movers & Shakers /by Team TMN

Robert Chilton has been promoted to Senior Editor of What’s On Dubai and What’s On Abu Dhabi. Previously Deputy Editor, Robert will continue to direct the What’s On team, in addition to editing, writing, conducting interviews, reviewing restaurants and maintaining his Thursday morning slot on the Catboy and Geordiebird Breakfast Show on Dubai 92.

“Today is my one year anniversary of moving to Dubai to join What’s On,” says Robert. “I’ve loved every minute of my 365 days here and I’m chuffed to become Senior Editor of What’s On Dubai and What’s On Abu Dhabi – two great magazines for two great cities.”

LIGHTBLUE signs ‘Nestlé Choose Wellness’ account

April 7, 2014/0 Comments/in Account win /by Team TMN

LIGHTBLUE advertising agency has signed an exclusive agreement with Nestlé to manage the audiovisual production and social media for its ‘Nestlé Choose Wellness’ healthy living movement. The regional campaign includes Lebanon, Jordan and the GCC, and aims to help combat the growing rates of lifestyle diseases and obesity.

“Designed to encourage the adoption of healthy habits through a series of fun and interactive initiatives, ‘Nestlé Choose Wellness’ will provide tips and tools to help people take simple steps on their journey to make a real difference,” says Zeinab Maktabi, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager, Nestlé Middle East.

David Balfour, Creative and Managing Partner of LIGHTBLUE adds, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to help further the ‘Nestlé Choose Wellness’ movement across the region. It supports and stands for such a noble cause, so being part of this regional health awareness campaign is a great honour.”