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C&B partners with Y2AD 

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Public relations consultancy, Cicero & Bernay Public Relations (C&B) has expanded into Syria with a new strategic partnership with Y2AD. Founded in 2001, Y2AD is an advertising agency that operates across Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and the UAE. The acquisition will oversee the strengthening of its network of communication experts across the MENA region. Y2AD will be assisting the consultancy with PR and media relations as well as on-ground support and the development of communications in PR strategies.

“Syria is a vibrant and an upcoming key-location for our partners and clients,” says Maysa-Jana Atoui, Business Development Director, C&B. “With heightened interest in investors who are keeping an eye on its market, focusing on the bigger picture of its upcoming potential, C&B is keen on making a presence there. Y2AD has more than 17 years of experience in Syria and our strategic partnership with them is one we are proud to have initiated as part of our overarching mission to expand upon our network. This will broaden our influence and present us with a valuable opportunity to increase the reach of our clients into to a valuable region.”

MEPRA appoints new Chair and Vice-Chair 

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The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) has appointed Jonty Summers to the role of Chair and Lisa Welsh to the role of Vice-Chair of the Executive Board from 2019 to 2021. Jonty Summers works with Hanover Middle East where he holds the role of Managing Director while Lisa Welsh works with Hill+Knowlton Strategies MENA where she holds the role of Managing Director. Jonty has served on the MEPRA Executive Board for a year while spearheading MEPRA’s partnership with PR Week UK and participating in the planning and execution of the MEPRA Awards. Lisa has served on the MEPRA Executive Board for a year where she led the planning and implementation of MEPRA’s inaugural REMAP Festival.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to build on MEPRA’s strong foundations as a champion of excellence in public relations,” says Jonty. “MEPRA’s work is shaped by the dynamics, creativity and energy that characterise the region. Signature events like last month’s REMAP creativity conference, the Majlis and the Awards, as well as partnerships with international bodies like CIPR, reflect this mission as we look to encourage ever greater levels of professionalism in the industry.”

“MEPRA is transforming the communications industry as we know it, driving creativity, excellence and development across the region,” says Lisa. “I am honoured to take on the Vice Chair role, and thank both Ray and Deema for their exceptional work to date, along with the executive and strategy board. We look forward to announcing next year’s strategy in January, and taking MEPRA to the next level.”

HOT Media Publishing and Betterhomes re-launch Better Living 

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Dubai-based publishing company, HOT Media Publishing has partnered with Betterhomes to re-launch home interiors magazine Better Living. The re-launch issue offers advice and inspiration to homeowners looking to style, decorate, upgrade or renovate their home. The magazine re-launch will follow a website launch containing exclusive content and updates.

“Our newly-revamped home interiors magazine, which has been running since 2006, is a must-read for anyone looking to put a personal stamp on their home,” says John Thatcher, Editorial Director and Co-Owner, HOT Media Publishing. “With the home interiors industry expanding to include a fantastic mixture of international brands and homegrown businesses, and an increasing appetite for interiors and property related advice and information, we hope that this magazine will guide our readers towards creating a home they love.”

Markettiers4dc Group of Companies launch new podcast consultancy 

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Markettiers4dc Group of Companies has launched a strategic podcast consultancy 4DC. The podcast consultancy aims to serve brands seeking to understand the opportunity and value of radio-on-demand. The consultancy will offer brands strategic consultancy, content development, production and distribution on a global scale.

“The podcast space is booming,” says Cheryl King, Managing Director, markettiers4dc MENA. “A lot of brands have their toe in the water because they want to be heard but don’t necessarily understand what the best approach is. Today’s launch of 4DC is a direct result of market dynamics, our strong heritage and expertise. The consultancy will enable brands to realise what’s possible when they strategically engage with podcast as a marketing and advertising channel.”

J. Walter Thomspon PR Levant rebrands

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Global communications agency, J. Walter Thompson (JWT) PR Levant has rebranded as Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) Levant. The joining together of H+K and JWT PR aims to create an exceptional talent base, enhanced client offer and a stronger combined footprint. H+K will deliver purpose-driven, integrated client campaigns and insights to tell stories through an earned media lens.

“We are thrilled to expand our reach in the Levant to better serve our clients’ regional needs,” says Bashar AlKadhi, CEO, H+K MENAT. “As the first international PR company established in the Middle East, this partnership is a significant step in our journey to grow our already strong regional footprint.”

Suzanne Talhouk, H+K Levant General Manager said, “We are proud to partner with H+K who have a prestigious reputation across the globe,” says Suzanne Talhouk, General Manager, H+K Levant. “With the H+K network, we will build our strengths and extend our services to our ever-expanding pool of clients looking for regional support.” 

Ogilvy appoints new Global CCO

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Ogilvy has appointed Piyush Pandey to the role of Global Chief Creative Officer. With a wealth of experience, Piyush most recently held the role of Executive Chairman and Creative Director at Ogilvy South Asia. In his new role, he will lead creative work assignments and oversee all projects while taking on new duties at the worldwide creative level.

“We could not be more thrilled that Piyush will be serving as our chief creative officer, worldwide and my creative partner,” says John Seifert, CEO, Ogilvy Worldwide. “Piyush is a true industry icon who is uniquely suited to lead our global creative efforts. Creativity has and will always be at the heart of the Ogilvy brand and culture. He is the perfect leader to shepherd that legacy as we continue to focus on making brands matter as the leading creative network in the world.”

Initiative MENA appoints new Regional MD

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Global media agency, Initiative MENA has appointed Lee Boden to the role of Regional Managing Director. With over 17 years of experience in media and advertising, Lee previously worked with MediaCom Singapore where he held the role of Regional Director and most recently worked with Kudos Content. In his new role, Lee will develop media strategies and improve client business outcomes in the agency.

“Initiative has undertaken a successful internal transformation over the past two years led by our Global CEO, Mat Baxter,” says Lee. “It’s now time to bring the power and benefit of that transformation to our clients here in the MENA region. As always, we remain absolutely committed to finding new ways to unlock immediate value and competitive advantage for our clients.”