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TRACCS appoints new VP of Strategy and Development

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MENA-based public relations network, has appointed Stephen Marney as Vice President of Strategy and Development. With over 30 years media, communications and business consultancy experience Stephen has will be developing TRACCS’ existing and future portfolio of products and services, revamping its ENRICH suite of training programs and enhancing the internal communications and strategic business advisory practices.

Stephen will directly report to the CEO, Mohamed Al Ayed and brings with him extensive experience in the MENA Region and corporate management and development expertise.

“MENA is one of the world’s fastest growing regions in terms of PR and with the proliferation of agencies in the region and especially in some key markets, 2016 is going to be the year of thinking beyond the realm of possibilities for us at TRACCS,” says Mohamed Al Ayed, CEO, TRACCS. “Growth doesn’t necessarily have to evolve out of innovation; sometimes structured advancement of the existing offering can transform an organizations competitive approach and performance, setting it apart from the rest of the industry players.”

Stephen adds, “I am excited about this new challenge and I am confident that I can draw upon my 16 years of experience in the region, working with a diverse portfolio of clients across various industries including media, to make strategic business enhancements within TRACCS. I am extremely happy to join the region’s largest PR network and work closely with its senior leadership, turning obstacles into challenges, challenges into opportunities and opportunities into successes.”

 

 

 

 

 

Ravi Rao is promoted to CEO of Mindshare MENA

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Samir Ayoub has resigned as CEO, Mindshare MENA and has been appointed Delegate of the Board at Mindshare MENA. Current Chief Client Officer, Ravi Rao has been promoted to replace Samir as CEO. Samir will transition from his current role as CEO, on February 1, 2016 and continue to act as a valued advisor and consultant on all agency matters until July 2016.

Samir has led Mindshare MENA since 1999, and previously headed up Ogilvy Media.  In the last 26 years with WPP, Samir has built up world-class media offerings in the region with his in-depth knowledge of the multiple markets and its consumers’ lifestyles, habits and choices, has supported local and international brands in developing their market share across regional geographies.

Ravi Rao joined Mindshare MENA in May 2015 as Chief Client Officer and in October took responsibility for leading the UAE team.  In his previous role, Ravi led Mindshare South Asia as CEO for 3 years and has over nine years’ experience with WPP companies.

“My time with Mindshare has been rewarding and exhilarating,” says Samir. “Much has changed in the consumer and media landscape since I took on the CEO role 17 years ago.  I am delighted that the company will continue to flourish, guided by the experienced and capable hands of my friend and colleague Ravi Rao.  In the coming months and years ahead, I look forward to celebrating its continued achievements.”

Ravi Rao adds,“It is most satisfying that I was one of ‘the Day 1 employees’ when Mindshare was set up in the region way back in 1999.  A real privilege now to lead Mindshare MENA and I really look forward to further building on the success of our strong team and a world-class product so our client partners benefit the most by driving the Adaptive Marketing vision.”

Wassim Daniel joins Cheil MENA

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Cheil Middle East and North Africa(MENA) has appointed Wassim Daniel as its new Chief Growth Officer. Wassim brings with him 15 years of experience in top multinational companies in the GCC and Levant area. Most recently, Wassim established FP7-McCann in Iraq and previously was Growth and Development Director for MCN in the Levant region.

In his new role, Wassim will look to diversify the extensive client portfolio at Cheil MENA and will work closely with the agency’s headquarters in Seoul to support global clients looking for greater market share in the Middle East. He will also work with the digital team to promote its new services in programmatic media across the current client portfolio which includes; Etihad, Samsung, du, Coco Cola and Renault, identifying new opportunities for the experiential and retail marketing divisions.

“Cheil MENA is taking on the legacy networks with the kind of ideas that transcend discipline and the traditional ways of advertising,” says Wassim. “It has recognized strengths in technology, retail experience, digital solutions and events, which support its offering as a full service agency. There is a real movement happening at Cheil and I am very proud to be part of the executive team driving its expansion.”

Keesoo Kim, CEO, Cheil MENA adds, “Through his experience in the industry, Wassim will add tremendous value by helping introduce domestic clients to Cheil’s global vision for Ideas that Move and to Cheil’s global network of experts that develop cutting-edge solutions to clients’ business problems.”

Bloomberg Businessweek releases special issue

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Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East has released its The Year Ahead: 2016 special issue today, a guide to the companies, economies, people and enterprises that are predicted to shape the coming year. The special issue is divided into five sections: economics, technology, industries, energy and politics. The content is from the region and around the world along with charts, graphics and data to help readers navigate the business trends and challenges in store over the next twelve months.

The issue highlights 25 companies to watch in 2016. The list is comprised of both household names and lesser-known up-and-comers who have interests in the Middle East.

“This issue is a result of months of planning, countless hours of reporting, designing and debating,” says Ravi Raman, Associate Publisher, Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East. “We have prided ourselves to be different and cutting edge and the in-depth stories, charts, lists, illustrations and analyses will make The Year Ahead: 2016 a must-read for all executives.”

 

Lucy Harvey promoted to Regional Director

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Hill+Knowlton Strategies has promoted Lucy Harvey to Regional Director. Lucy joined the Hill+Knowlton Middle East team in 2010, as General Manager of the Abu Dhabi office and most recently as General Manager for the Dubai office where she also lead the region’s Marketing Communications Practice.

In her new role as Regional Director, Lucy will support operations, strategy and key client relationships across the wider Middle East region and will work across all eight Hill+Knowlton offices in the Middle East and within the Hill+Knowlton EMEA network.

“Hill+Knowlton has a unique regional network with fully owned offices in key Middle East locations, so I am particularly excited to be working with these talented and diverse teams in my new role,” says Lucy. “We’re all looking forward to creating more world-class and award-winning 360° campaigns in 2016.”

Hill+Knowlton AD welcomes new GM

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Stuart Macaulay has joined Hill+Knowlton Strategies’ Abu Dhabi office as General Manager. Formerly GM at Weber Shandwick’s Qatar office, and previously the Head of EMAE PR for the London-based PR firm Cognito, Stuart brings with him over 20 years of experience in communications.

At Cognito he oversaw integrated communication programmes throughout the Middle East, UK, US, Canada and Africa, managing client teams, strategic planning, media relations, crisis communications, profile raising and B2B communications alongside branding, messaging projects and government communications. In his new role as General Manger, Stuart will be responsible for the management of the team, and servicing of the consultancy’s key Abu Dhabi-based clients.

“In their 30th year of operation in the Middle East, I am excited to be joining H+K during such a period of growth, creativity and success, says Stuart. “The UAE capital provides exciting opportunities for growth and I look forward to working with the vibrant team, and the wider regional network, on diverse and engaging communications campaigns and consultancy.”