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WorldWise PR alliance welcomes Pascale Venot

Dubai-based Shamal Marketing Communications, co-founder of WorldWise PR Alliance has welcomed Pascale Venot to its strategic network of top independent PR agencies. With the global alliance of public relations firms taking shape, Paris-based Pascale Venot is the 13th member to be welcomed to the network since being launched five months ago.

The WorldWise network cultivates and serves a variety of industries, including luxury hospitality, real estate, retail, design, fashion, art and professional services. The original co-founders, Shamal Marketing Communications, New York agency HWPR, Kreps DeMaria PR & Marketing from Miami and London’s JV Public Relations, recognised Pascale Venot as an ideal fit for the alliance and Paris as a perfect location to extend its reach to Europe.

“Today, clients want their message to reach every corner of the globe,” says Steven Jones, Managing Director, Shamal. “Pascale Venot is a valuable addition to the network. Although competition is ultra-fierce in the French capital, it is a location that many luxury brands would like to establish themselves. On the flip side, Pascale’s clients will automatically gain access to some of the biggest and most diverse markets around the world – it’s a win-win situation which epitomises the collective strength of the alliance.”

Pascale Venot, Principal of Pascale Venot concludes, “Joining a global network will provide our business with a tremendous boost to our clients’ media exposure and global reach. In order to remain competitive in the public relations field today, firms need to be able to offer global exposure. WorldWise PR Affiliates is a remarkable organisation and we are delighted to have been invited to join the alliance.”

Ellie Keene joins Pragma

Ellie Keene has joined the Pragma team as PR & Communications Manager. With over three and a half years in PR, Ellie has worked across a number of high profile campaigns in London and Dubai, including the Victoria’s Secret campaign with Adriana Lima, the launch of Café Belge at The Ritz Carlton, as well as Jergens and Anantara Hotels whilst in the position of Account Executive at DABO & CO. Most recently, she held the role of Senior Account Manager for solar lights specialists Solarway, building brand awareness throughout the region. In her new position, Ellie will oversee the public relations for Cavalli Club, Cavalli Caffé , Cirque Le Soir and The Health Factory.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the Pragma team and work on exciting brands such as Cavalli and Cirque Le Soir,” says Ellie. “It’s a really exciting time for the brands so I’ve joined at a great time! I can’t wait to get stuck in and create some great PR!”

Shefki Nawaz joins Capital D Studio

Shefki Nawaz has been appointed as Associate Director of D the Agency at Capital D Studio. Joining the team from New York, Shefki brings over a decade of experience working with renowned photographers and brands. She has contributed to countless internationally-acclaimed advertising campaigns, including Dior, Shiseido, Rag & Bone, Chloe, Cover Girl, Land Rover, Club Monaco, NIKE, Pantene and Cool Water. Shefki has also worked extensively with VogueNuméro, W and Interview Magazine. Shefki now joins the sister company of Capital D Studio, where she will manage the existing roster of creative talent, as well as signing new talent from the region and beyond.

“It’s really exciting to be in Dubai – it’s a new and challenging market,” says Shefki. “We have already signed some incredible new talent and I look forward to more announcements coming very soon.”

Arab Publishing Partners sign Hello! Middle East

Arab Publishing Partners (APP) is taking over the licensing agreement of Hello! Middle East. A significant re-launch of the brand is scheduled for the second quarter of 2015, with interactive digital editions and a dynamic social media presence that will mark a major shift in Hello!‘s presence in the GCC.

“We are very excited at the re-launch and APP’s plan to launch two new premium monthly titles – Hello! Arabia and Hello! Bollywood – targeting educated, affluent and discerning women,” says Anthony Luke, Licensed Editions Operations Manager, Hello! “This will extend our global reach to 33 editions worldwide.”

Ali Akawi, APP’s Managing Director adds, “Taking over Hello! in the Middle East will offer an exciting opportunity to expand APP’s impressive portfolio of luxury publications. Readers are looking for a full brand experience that also takes them across social media networks and onto their own smart phones for unprecedented access to the glamourous lifestyles of royalty and celebrities around the world, not to mention right here in the GCC. The three editions of Hello! will make all of that – and more – possible, which is exciting for readers and advertisers alike.”

Dubai Customs presents Al-Furdah TV Programme

Dubai Customs, in partnership with Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), is presenting and sponsoring a new television programme – ‘Al-Furdah: From the Berth to the Screen’ – on Sama Dubai TV channel, with the first episode kicking off this week. Prepared and presented by Dubai Customs’ corporate communication department, the 13-episode TV programme aires weekly every Sunday at 9pm, with repeats through Mondays at 5am and 11am, as well as Tuesdays at 2pm; the broadcast will last three months.

“The programme aims to highlight the pivotal role Dubai Customs plays in facilitating legitimate trade and protecting society,” says Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director, Communication Department, Dubai Customs. “It will also shed light on major relevant services provided by other government entities in Dubai and in the UAE at large, especially being the first-of-its-kind programme in the Middle East to be presented by a customs organisation. The broadcast will feature eminent national and regional figures in the realms of security, economy, environment, customs and will discuss several topics related to the role of government institutions in the community.”

The Al-Furdah programme is the first result of the joint collaboration between Dubai Customs and DMI following the signing of a mutual cooperation agreement in March 2014. The agreement is aimed at joining efforts to fulfil the Dubai Government’s vision, boost cooperation, share expertise and knowledge in the multimedia work field, as well as enhance Dubai’s economic and commercial standing in the local and international media.