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Slant Agency launches

Lopamudra Kundu, formerly Vice President at IKON Advertising, and Shantesh Row, formerly Executive Creative Director at IKON, have launched advertising and communications agency, Slant. The agency will provide 360 degree thinking in ATL, BTL and TTL, including all creative and strategy – from press & OOH campaigns to TVCs and Radio, as well as content creation to complete marketing, identity and design plans.

Founding Partners Lopamudra Kundu, Shantesh Row and Prabhangshu Kundu, have worked across 250 brands throughout the Middle East, India and Australia and together possess over 50 years of experience in advertising.

“We’re a new-breed communications agency,” says Lopamudra. “We are independent, agile, collaborative and forward thinking.”

Shantesh adds, “Slant brings an edge, a different way to offer solutions to our clients. As ‘Slanters’, we are sure this off-centre approach will add value and impact to our clients.”

Devinder Bains leaves Stylist Arabia

Devinder Bains has stepped down as Editor of Stylist Arabia. After being with the magazine since 2014, Devinder will join the recently launched lovindubai.com as Editor. LovinDubai.com is a lifestyle website covering all things local including food, news, opinion and events. The online publication delivers content to readers through a cheeky tone, fun lists and local knowledge.

Devinder brings over 15 years of journalism experience to her new role, as well as launching Stylist Arabia over a year ago, she was formerly Features Director of Fabulous, the UK Sun on Sunday newspaper’s magazine, and prior to this was Features Editor of Look magazine and Head of Features at IPC Media’s Real Life Group in the UK.

“After the successful launch of Stylist Arabia, I’m ready for a new challenge,” says Devinder. “LovinDubai.com is new but already doing brilliantly well due to its fresh, no nonsense attitude and high quality editorial. I’m excited about joining such a cool, vibrant team and plan to repeat the success I had at Stylist Arabia by growing LovinDubai.com into one of the UAE’s top online publications.”

Hinde Liepmannsohn joins Exclusive Networks

Hinde Liepmannsohn has joined Exclusive Networks ME as Head of Marketing. Hinde has over eight years of experience in business to business marketing globally, having worked in Europe, the United States and the UAE,  for companies such as MEED, Streamline Marketing Group and the Global Transport Forum. In her new role, Hinde will be responsible for developing and implementing successful marketing strategies for the IT security solutions company.

“I look forward to working for this award-winning organisation and to continue building relationships and successful programs for both vendors and channel partners across the region,” says Hinde.

Loubna Elfakri joins Aziza Communications

Luxury lifestyle PR agency Aziza Communications has appointed Loubna Elfakri as Account Director. Having worked as in-house Communications Manager for fashion label Rami Al Ali for the past four years, Loubna brings with her an abundance of experience in the field of fashion communication and brand building. At Aziza Communications, Loubna will be responsible for PR strategy and overseeing key client accounts across the region.

“Having worked closely with Loubna over the past four years, we developed a great working relationship and she has long been considered part of our team,” says Jill Downie, Managing Director, Aziza Communications. “As a fashion-focused PR agency, a fully rounded understanding of the industry was essential for this role and with Loubna’s experience spanning everything from buyer relations and production to celebrity dressing and fashion show coordination, we are now able to offer a full consultancy service, on top of an excellent PR and digital package.”

Loubna adds, “As a client, Aziza Communications always impressed me with their detailed knowledge of the fashion industry and their dedication to the brand. It’s a beautiful opportunity that arose and I’m excited to contribute to the growth of the company and make a positive impact on our client’s brands.”

FlipFlop Media welcomes Junaid Rafique

FlipFlop Media has welcomed Junaid Rafique to the role of Director. Having previously worked as Senior Manager for BGreen magazine where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the publication and events related to sustainability, Junaid brings 15 years of media experience to his new role. As Director, he will be using his existing contacts to help generate growth across business lines, as well as helping with ideas and strategy, with a specific focus on Future Cities magazine.

“I’m thrilled to be joining FlipFlop Media,” says Junaid. “Future Cities is an exciting project with huge potential as it holistically covers key elements of a city that enable it to function most effectively. Healthy, well-planned and sustainable cities define the success of states.”

Solo Zone Design launches

Ahmed Krounz has launched Solo Zone Design in Dubai. The agency will provide consulting, brand communication and visual design services including production when required, working within IT, banking, food and beverage, retail and hospitality industries. Ahmed Krounz will be working as Art Director, as well as Founder, for the company, bringing with him over 12 years of experience in media, where he has worked across clients such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, DIFC and Etihad Airways. Solo Zone Design is now open in Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre (DTEC), located in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

“My previous experience working with international agencies has formed the mentality I’ve taken with creating Solo Zone Design,” says Ahmed. “Yes, we’re a small agency, but we’re equipped with a quality of invention and execution for which you’d usually have to pay top dollar. Our size affords us a competitive edge and a flexibility not available to others in the market with whom we aim to compete.”

Ketaki Banga promoted at BPG Cohn & Wolfe

Ketaki Banga has been promoted to the role of Business Director at BPG Cohn & Wolfe. Already leading the corporate, technology and social media teams, Ketaki will now also be responsible for new business for the agency.

“Despite the slowdown there is opportunity, especially in a profession like PR which has evolved to include a far more integrated set of services,” says Ketaki. “There is also a growing awareness of the importance of strategy in the market, as well as an appreciation for the infrastructure and talent that an international agency like ours can bring to the table. I also have to add that I have two very supportive bosses (CEO Nitin Puri and General Manager Kevin Hasler) who just let me get on with things. I’m looking forward to the new role.”