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MCN launches Transformers Program

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Middle East Communications Network (MCN) has today launched its Transformers Leadership Development Program. The unique program – a first in the region for the media and advertising industry – is part of MCN’s aim to develop best-in-breed talent for its future leadership across its multi-agency, multi-location footprint in the MENA region.

The roll out follows a selection phase undertaken earlier this year, to identify MCN talent who have shown consistently high performance and future leadership potential. The 50 key performers selected and nominated to undertake the study program are drawn from 11 MCN agencies and will undergo a 10-month academically focused curriculum that provides a formal training structure built around the key pillar of creativity and strategic leadership.

“I am delighted to announce the launch of the Transformers program at MCN,” says Ghassan Harfouche, CEO, MCN. “It is a unique academic collaboration in the region and it is a testament to our belief in the future of our young talent. We are constantly striving to improve our human capital base and this investment in our most promising young leaders will now ensure that our clients are in the best of hands today and tomorrow. This program facilitates and enhances creativity and innovative thinking. In partnership with the Berlin School of Creative Leadership, we are laying the foundations for our next generation of success and I wish everyone on the program the best of luck.”

Namshi.com appoints new Fashion Editor

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Sarah Zakzouk has been appointed as Fashion Editor at Namshi.com. Heading up the editorial side of the business, Sarah joins the team from her previous position at Style.com/Arabia, as well as her time spent as a freelance writer in the region’s fashion and lifestyle domain.

“I am excited by the evolving fashion landscape in the Middle East and it is my job to ensure that Namshi.com is at the forefront of this dialogue,” says Sarah. “This is the time to promote experimental designs and unexpected styles – to mix things up and get everyone involved in the conversation. This is the place to be and there is a lot more to come.”

 

Stylist Arabia welcomes new editorial team

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Fashion and lifestyle weekly Stylist Arabia has welcomed the new members of its editorial team. In addition to Devinder Bains as Editor of the magazine, Laura Chubb joins as Acting Deputy Editor, with Dina Yassin as Acting Fashion and Beauty Editor.

Set to launch this October, the weekly ‘freemium’ magazine will start with a circulation of 50,000 across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering a mix of high-end fashion, beauty, entertainment and thought-provoking features to smart, sophisticated and successful women in the region.

ITP Publishing to launch Arabic women’s website

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ITP Consumer Publishing has announced plans to launch a digital-only, high-end, Arabic women’s website – AnaEmra’a. The site will be the first digital-only offering to join the company’s rising portfolio of lifestyle titles, and is set to officially launch in October 2014, with a series of events and bloggers’ teas across the GCC region.

Geared towards a savvy, internationally-educated, fashionable, Arabic speaking female audience between the ages of 20 and 45, AnaEmra’a.com aims to be a stylised source of information for women-on-the-go, providing up-to-the-minute content from the latest runway shows and fashion buys of the moment to luxury travel destinations, with the latest beauty trends and tips, health and fitness news and more.

“We are very excited to announce the launch of the first Arabic portal coming out of ITP Consumer Digital,” says Ali Akawi, Managing Director, ITP Consumer. “AnaEmraa.com is designed to be the imminent guide for Arab women living a stylish life in the Middle East. It encompasses the vibrancy and diversity of this region’s population and packages it into a contemporary platform.”

The site will be led by Nadine El Chaer, ITP Consumer Arabic Group Editor, and Ola Kseroof, AnaEmra’a.com Editor-in-Chief. With the expertise of Ola and Nadine, the aim of AnaEmraa.com is to reach a discerning Middle Eastern market. With an aggressive promotional online and offline campaign throughout the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, AnaEmraa.com will reach a digitally active audience that current print circulation does not touch.

EMS appoints Managing Director MEA

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EMEA’s leading roadshow truck provider, Event Marketing Solutions (EMS), has appointed Lucy Miller as Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa. An experienced marketing and events professional within the region, Lucy has spent 12 years with B2B marketing and advertising agency Gyro. In her new role, Lucy will drive business for EMS from the company’s newly opened Dubai office, providing innovative marketing solutions in the region.

“I am really excited about this opportunity,” says Lucy. “I look forward to helping extend the company’s service offering and deliver a truly strategic integrated marketing approach to international roadshow campaigns for clients from around the world.”

Keith Austin, Chief Executive for EMS adds, “After a thorough search and selection programme that saw many talented candidates, we are very excited to be welcoming Lucy to our team. Her wealth of knowledge and experience will be an invaluable asset to the company and we are excited to have her join at such a key time for the region. With the announcement of Expo 2020, the developments in world-leading infrastructure and the location of the city itself on the world map, Dubai is the go-to place for many of our global customers, and whilst we’re not new to the region, we know from our clients that there is huge potential to grow our service here. This appointment is a critical step in supporting our ambitious development strategy both regionally and globally.”

MCG Associates announces new Director

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MCG Associates, a leading international executive search and recruitment company specialising in the communications industry across the Middle East, has appointed Kate Watson as Director. Kate joins from Fabric Recruitment, where she spent four years as Senior Consultant MENA, responsible for maintaining and growing Fabric’s client and candidate base, as well as developing solid relationships on both the agency and client side. In her new position, Kate will manage MCG’s integrated communications team, placing international talent into the Middle East’s most impressive roles on behalf of a range of blue chip companies and international PR and marketing agencies.

“MCG is a growing business and our recruiters are the very best in the Middle East,” says Justin McGuire, Managing Director, MCG Associates. “Kate is an excellent addition to our team, as her international experience in the communications industry means our clients will benefit from her accumulated expert knowledge and understanding. I am delighted to welcome Kate to our company and look forward to supporting her bid to ensure that our integrated communications division thrives.”

Kate’s appointment comes as MCG Associates embarks on a major expansion programme. In addition to relocating offices in Dubai, the communications recruiter has launched candidate searches in the Far East, with plans to enter the US and South America in 2015.

Bijal Soni joins Namshi.com

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Bijal Soni has been appointed as PR Manager at Namshi.com, a leading online fashion destination in the Middle East. Set to head up the PR department, Bijal  joins the team from TOH PR, where for the past two years she led the fashion and beauty team as Senior Account Manager.

“I am thrilled to be working alongside the pioneers of e-commerce in today’s competitive market,” says Bijal. “It is a refreshing change and I am looking forward to experiencing PR from the other side after almost seven years in an agency role.”