The Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Search Awards 2018 is now open for entries. Set to take place on September 20, 2018 at Madinat Jumeirah, the digital awards show aims to celebrate the talent and achievements of the SEO, PPC and content marketing industries and will feature categories such as Best Use of Search, Best Local Campaign and MENA Personality of the Year.
Dubai-based independent creative agency, Tonic International has promoted Joao Camacho to the role of Executive Creative Director. Having joined the agency in 2016, Joao most recently held the role of Creative Director, where he restructured the creative team and transformed it into a high-level competitive department. In his new role, he will work on developing the digital aspects of the agency to build stronger, more loyal relationships between brands and its consumers, utilising the data as well as analytics at hand to drive the agency’s creativity.
“Creativity is not a service, it is a product,” says Joao. “I firmly believe that by treating creativity as a product, it sets the tone of an agency and truly accelerates its clients’ businesses. The services that an agency provides with creativity are a given, the way to do better is a combination of creative factors and discipline.”
Dubai-based independent creative agency, Tonic International has been re-appointed to represent Audi in the Middle East. The German-based automobile manufacturer has tasked Tonic International with continuing to support sales and drive brand growth by creating innovative communications for the brand in the Middle East.
“Contractually, we have to pitch to Audi every three years and it is the second time we have won this review,” says Arnaud Verchère, Founder, Tonic International. “We are delighted that after seven years Audi has a growing confidence in our strategic and creative services and is now increasing our scope of work to manage the evolving brand’s needs.”
Dubai-based independent creative agency, Tonic International has promoted Jacqui Hewett to the role of Managing Director. Having joined Tonic International in 2015 as General Manager – Media, Jacqui worked on transforming the agency’s media division into a fully-fledged digital operation. In her new role, she will oversee Tonic International’s group of companies across all departments, including branding, communications, digital and media, ensuring everyone works in an integrated way as one team. She will also manage the agency’s new focus and strategy to further build digital capabilities that will deliver a fully immersive experience for the clients and consumers.
“We have transformed our digital performance business over the last few years and our clients perceive us as true pioneers in this space,” says Jacqui Hewett, Managing Director, Tonic International. “Our fully integrated, end-to-end offering gives us the ability to guide our partners through the ever-evolving marketing environment, by ensuring that our team of experts across branding, advertising, digital and media are trained to focus on their business results.”
Dubai-based PR agency, Brazen has made two new appointments and one promotion following its expansion. Bronte Saulle has been appointed to the role of Account Executive, bringing with her experience in journalism and events planning. In her new role, she will look after the press office for clients including, The Walt Disney Company MENA and Atlantis, The Palm. Also joining the team is Noha Ghobrial, who will take the role of Social Media Executive, having previously worked across several F&B brands and most recently with Rotana Cinema TV. In her new role, she will look after social media for brands such as Wendy’s and Disney On Ice.
Basma Emad has also been promoted internally to the role of Senior Account Executive having most recently held the role of Account Executive, where she handled Arabic media and influencers. In her new role, she will continue work across the clients’ portfolio and provide support to generate results.
“2018 is already shaping up to be a great year for Brazen and I’m really excited to have Bronte and Noha on board,” says Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner, Brazen. “As a former journalist with some of the UK’s most respected publications Bronte brings with her an exceptional standard of writing and media relations skills and Noha brings diverse social media experience having worked with some of the biggest brands in the Middle East. I am also thrilled to promote Basma to the role of Senior Account Executive after her relentless hard work, dedication and passion.”