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OMD UAE appoints new Associate Director

Natalie Haynes has joined OMD UAE as Associate Director – Digital for the network’s luxury unit. Previously, Natalie worked in media in Los Angeles handling key accounts such as Beats by Dre and brings over eight years of media experience to her new role. As Associate Director – Digital, Natalie will manage the digital deliverables for the LVMH portfolio.

“Moving to the UAE and joining such a great team has been an incredible experience,” says Natalie. “I was really impressed with OMD’s approach to fresh thinking and their strong workplace culture. Being names as one of the best employers in the country also made a strong case for me to make the move. I look forward to this new challenge and working to raise the bar further with OMD.”

Nitesh Patel joins Secret PR

Dubai-based PR service provider, Secret PR has appointed Nitesh Patel as Business Development Manager. Previously Business Development Manager for The Oath Legal Magazine, Nitesh brings with him 16 years of experience in sales and customer service. In his new role, Nitesh will be responsible for building and maintaining Secret PR’s client portfolio and aiding in business growth.

“I am very excited to be joining Secret PR,” says Nitesh. “This is a new challenge for me and I believe my experience will allow me the opportunity to really shape the future of the business. I am very happy to be part of this young, dynamic and professional team.”

For further information, contact Nitesh Patel at specialagent.patel@secret-pr.com / +971 (0)55 293 8899

Emirates NBD named Advertiser of the Year

The Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity will honour Emirates NBD as Advertiser of the Year at the 10th edition of Dubai Lynx in March 2016. Having received 15 trophies over the last three years at Dubai Lynx, Emirates NBD is the first bank in the last ten years to be named Advertiser of the year and received a Grand Prix at the Dubai Lynx 2015 with the ‘Hey Future Me…’ campaign created by FP7/DXB for Children’s Savings Plans.

“Every year as organisers we choose the brand that has truly stood out as being creatively brave and willing to take risks,” says Terry Savage, Chairman, Lions Festivals. “Dubai Lynx believes that the more creative a business, the better return they will see, and we are delighted to honour Emirates NBD with this in 2016.”

Vikram Krishna, Head – Group Marketing & Customer Experience, Emirates NBD adds, “We are delighted to be the first ever bank to be named Advertiser of the Year. Over the years, Emirates NBD has created marketing campaigns that engage with customers in ever more creative ways. As with our products and services, Emirates NBD’s advertising campaigns are about challenging the status quo and breaking new ground.”

The Dubai Lynx Festival takes place from March 6 – March 8, 2016, with the Awards Ceremony bringing it to a close on March 9, 2016. Entries are currently being accepted at www.dubailynx.com, where details of how to be there can also be found.

Laila Clarke joins The Studio

The Studio Dubai has appointed Laila Clarke as Head of Client Servicing and Sales. Laila has over eight years of experience in event management working with clients that include; Coca-Cola, KPMG and Philip Morris. She relocated from London to Dubai earlier this year and in her previous role worked with Meraas Holding on Royal events.

“I am really excited to be working at The Studio to develop and grow the Corporate & Events division,” says Laila. “I feel that there are so many photography opportunities in the market and I am looking forward to getting The Studio lined up for as many of them as many as possible.”

The Studio is part of Linktia, a Dubai-based group made up of brands including Bareface Productions, arabianEye Productions, Alchemy Films, Aperto Middle East, Magnet Photo Productions and Corbis.

Samer Alloush joins Motivate Publishing

Samer Alloush has been appointed Senior Sales Manager at The Week. Samer most recently worked as Senior Sales Manager for OK! Middle East, and previously was the Senior Sales Manager at ITP Publishing for three and a half years across titles Refining & Petrochemicals ME, Oil & Gas ME, Utilities ME as well as Oil & Gas Al Arabiya.

In his new role with Motivate Publishing, he will sell advertising space, work to reach sponsorship targets and establish long-term relationships with clients.

“I am looking forward to starting fresh with Motivate,” says Samer. “I always believe that you should not be afraid of new challenges and making a change. I think joining The Week is a great opportunity for me.”

Wassim Daniel joins Cheil MENA

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

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.”

 

Hill+Knowlton Dubai promotes Lisa Welsh

Lisa Welsh has been promoted to General Manager at Hill+Knowlton Strategies Dubai. Previously Deputy General Manager Dubai, Lisa brings with her years of experience in integrated communications having lead the consultancy’s Health+Wellness practice across the Middle East and Africa, tripling its size in the last three years. She also has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector where she advised regional and global brands, ranging from regulatory issues management to market entry and influencer engagement.

“We’ve had an impressive 2015 with significant growth across all our key sectors specifically healthcare, sports + entertainment and brand marketing,” says Lisa. “We continue to drive our clients businesses through creative integrated campaigns that deliver impact and enhance their reputation.I am looking forward to the opportunities for further growth in 2016.”