Elle Timms has announced she will step down as Hello! Middle East Editor after a successful year at the helm of the celebrity and society glossy published by Motivate Publishing, Dubai. British-born Elle became a mother for the first time this summer and is now enjoying a freelance career to be able to spend more time at home with her new daughter, Olive Tabitha.

“I have hugely enjoyed the last three years at Motivate publishing, where I started as Fashion & Beauty Editor for the Emirates Woman Group,” says Elle. “I am saddened to leave behind such a great team and colleagues, however during this equally challenging new stage of my life I need to follow my heart and plan to continue writing and editing while spending valuable time with my baby girl. I wish the team all the best and will be avidly watching to see how the the title develops in the future.”

Deputy Editor, Sonja Stephen, will continue as Acting Editor until a replacement is announced.

Contact Elle Timms for freelance projects at elletimms@me.com