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Virgin welcomes new PR and Events Specialist

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The Middle East branch of international entertainment retail chain, Virgin Megastore has appointed Rohma Nomani to the role of PR and Events Specialist. Previously working on Luxury Fashion PR at Al Tayer Group, in her new role, Rohma will be responsible for the management and implementation of Virgin Megastore’s communication and events strategy across the MENA region.

“Virgin Megastore has always been considered one of the coolest brands in the region and I feel like one of cool kids now!” says Rohma. “The company’s corporate culture is exceptionally proactive and progressive – exactly what you would expect of the Virgin brand. I am honoured to be working with such a supportive and inspiring team.”

New promotion at tabloid!

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tabloid! the leisure section of Gulf News has promoted David Tusing to the role of Editor. Having joined Gulf News in 2010, David previously worked as Deputy Editor of tabloid! where he assisted the Editor and handled the fashion coverage as well as oversaw all social media strategies. In his new role, he will oversee the daily publication of the entertainment and lifestyle section of Gulf News across the UAE to include Hollywood, Bollywood, Fillipino and Arabic entertainment scenes as well as ensure that all content is well constructed for the relevant mediums.

“It’s such an interesting time to be in media, especially in entertainment in the region,” says David. “I am looking forward to taking what is already a very successful product for Gulf News to greater heights.”

Dipp Bhargava launches new podcast

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Dipp Bhargava, previously Senior Presenter at Josh FM, is set to launch new biweekly podcast Be Your Own Boss later this month. With over eight years of experience in journalism, Dipp will feature interviews with entrepreneurs and startups across the UAE showcasing success stories and challenges faced as well as advice on how to set up a company.

“I am taking some time off from radio and am going full-time freelance,” says Dipp Bhargava. “My podcast Be Your Own Boss will guide and assist people who plan to start their own business in UAE. The basic idea is to help budding entrepreneurs and to start a community where we can help each other.”

House of Comms welcomes new Account Executive

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Integrated communications agency, House of Comms has welcomed Nikita Marie to the role of Account Executive. With a degree in marketing and communications from Bournemouth University, Nikita has experience in hospitality, real estate and digital communications. In her new role, she will join the digital team to work on social media and assist with digital communications operations across House of Comms’ portfolio of global brands.

“We are seeing a huge shift in client needs, which centres around creative ideas,” says Jamie Wilks, Managing Partner, House of Comms. “These ideas are typically coming more from our younger team members and Nikita offers abundantly in that area. We’re delighted to have Nikita as part of the team and we wish her all the best.”

hug makes new appointment

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hug digital has appointed Tim Durgan to the role of Head of Digital Media in Dubai. Previously the Cluster Digital Lead and UM Labs Ambassador (MENAP) at UM MENA and having worked on international brands in the past – such as Johnson & Johnson, Coca Cola, IKEA, Panasonic and Virgin Media, Tim brings his knowledge and experience in innovative digital media to hug digital.

“My vision for media is to understand consumer objectives first and deliver a unique story to each unique individual, underpinned by data. This will allow us to drive new markets, build new brands and drive new leads,” says Tim Durgan, Head of Digital Media, hug digital. “I’m looking forward to being part of a team that believes in this approach and works tirelessly to drive this strategy forward so we can be the trendsetters in the market.”

Sarah Abdel Wahab, Regional Head of Media, hug digital adds, “We’re very excited to have Tim on board. He brings an impressive arsenal of in-depth knowledge of new and innovative tools. His local know-how and desire for transforming the market are exactly the kind of thing we look for and I  personally look forward to working together closely with him on boosting our media offerings to our clients.”

In The Hot Seat – Loubo Siois

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Team TMN sits down with Loubo Siois, TV Host and Executive Producer of The Dubai Talk Show, who talks about his new TV show and his view of the media industry in the region…

Name: Loubo Siois

Age: 26

From: Greece

Current Job Title: TV Host and Executive Producer of The Dubai Talk Show on Fox Channel

 When did you first arrive in Dubai?

In 2011, I was inspired after watching a movie about Dubai.

Where did you work prior?

My career has evolved around brands such as The Walt Disney Company, Nestle and Nike from the Marketing side, but nowadays I’m aiming for a TV salary of Jimmy Fallon’s level.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?

My first encounter with the media industry was during the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2011. I was fascinated by the variety and diversity of the people involved in the media and film industry here and around the region.

Tell us about your new late night talk show…

The Dubai Talk Show is an English-speaking late night talk show, showcasing celebrity interviews, topical monologue jokes and comedy sketches. In summary, giving a reason for celebrities like Nicki Minaj to look at my face for one hour and not feel awkward about it.

What challenges do you face?

Multitasking. Just think that The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon has 200 permanent employees, I won’t say how many we have.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The influence, instead of having a coffee at Costa with hundreds of different people to pass on a message. I just have two to three interviews with well-known celebrities and pass on the message much faster.

What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a career in media in the UAE?

Be prepared to knock on every door in Media City, Internet City, Business Bay etc. to promote yourself.

What do you think of the quality of TV shows in the region?

Very many people have ideas and try to pursue them but only a few succeed in the long run like Arab’s Got Talent and Arab Idol, I wonder why.

How do you find PRs in the region?

I find them to be decent people.

What’s your pet PR peeve?

Example of a recent communication with PR agency, regarding product placement in our TV Show
Loubo: Can we do paid produce placement?

Client: Sorry, no money but we can offer a barter deal (suits)

Loubo: OK, give me suits

Client: Sorry, no budget

Loubo: Budget? as in money or suits?

Client: Both

What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage on your show?

I am a very business-minded TV Host. Just get in touch through our website, Facebook, Instagram and we can create a win-win situation.

What’s your most overused saying?

At the end of the end, it doesn’t matter.

Five things you can’t live without?

Internet, beef steaks, hair gel, cotton socks and greek yogurt

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

Either working for a corporate brand or a small agency.

What is your favourite form of media (i.e; TV, radio, print)?

Radio when driving, newspaper in the toilet and TV at night.

What’s your favourite TV show?

House of Cards, Narcos, Suits

What’s your most used social media platform?

Instagram

House of Comms makes new appointment

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PR and digital integrated communications agency, House of Comms has appointed Roa Saghayroon to the role of Arabic Influencer Relations Executive. In this role, she will lead the growth of the agency’s Arabic influencer outreach team and identify new opportunities for their clients.

“Since day one Roa has exceeded our expectations,” says Tryphena Greenwood, Senior Account Director, House of Comms. “She is incredibly well-networked as she has grown up in the UAE so matching this with her vibrant personality and insatiable passion for PR makes her the perfect fit for House of Comms.”