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Alicia Buller to leave Motivate

Alicia Buller has announced that she will be stepping down as Editor of Gulf Business as of April 30, 2014. With over 10 years of journalism experience specialising in Middle Eastern business, Alicia is now accepting work as a freelance writer and editor. Her portfolio includes both business and consumer titles, such as Arabian Business, Revolution, Campaign and Mail Online.

“I have enjoyed my time at Motivate, it was exciting and challenging to launch www.gulfbusiness.com,” says Alicia. “I look forward to working on a wide range of projects within the UAE and beyond; with so much happening in Dubai right now, there’s certainly a lot to be writing about!”

Helen Morrogh joins Forbes ME

Helen Morrogh has joined Forbes Middle East as Features Editor. Helen’s most recent position was as Chief Correspondent for content marketing company Switch Media in the UAE, and her new role will involve covering business, travel, culture and current affairs features.

“I’m delighted to be joining the team at Forbes Middle East,” says Helen. “To be part of such a high profile global name and writing about a region that I love is a fantastic opportunity. I can’t wait to see what my future at Forbes Middle East holds; I know it will be an exciting and enriching one.”

OMG wins at MENA Digital Awards 2014

Omnicom Media Group MENA has announced wins for its agencies OMD, PHD and Resolution at the inaugural MENA Digital Awards 2014. The awards were held on April 23 as part of the Digital Media Forum 2014, and were located at the One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai. The MENA Digital Awards are fully dedicated to excellence in the digital sector, and judged by an independent panel recognising achievements in planning, creativity, innovation and effectiveness.

Together, the three agencies received 16 of the 36 awards, which were categorised gold, silver and bronze. OMD’s work won gold in the ‘Best Use of Video’, ‘Best Use of Social Media’ and ‘Best Integrated Digital Campaign’ categories for work with Pepsi, along with a further three silver and two bronze trophies for 7UP, Pepsi and Persil.

Resolution won a total of seven awards, including gold in the ‘Best Integrated Digital Campaign’ for The X Factor Arabia and ‘Best Use of Mobile’ for HTC, jointly with OMD. The digital marketing agency was also awarded silver in the ‘Best Application (mobile/tablet)’ category for The X Factor Arabia, and bronze in ‘The Best Use of Social Media’, ‘Best Search Marketing Campaign’ and ‘Best Performance Campaign’ categories for MasterChef Arabia, beIN Sports (joint with OMD) and Hyatt Hotels and Resorts (jointly with PHD).

PHD received gold in the ‘Best Use of Mobile’ for its work on Sony’s Xperia Z.

“Credible specialist digital awards were long overdue in the region, and we applaud the creation of the MENA Digital Awards to recognise the best in digital marketing across all facets,” says Elie Khouri, CEO, Omnicom Media Group MENA. “Digital has never been a side show for us and the performance of our group in this field has been comprehensively demonstrated. I congratulate all our awarded teams and clients on this achievement and look forward to continuing this trend in the coming years.”

Yasmine Ambre joins ATELIER M

Yasmine Ambre has joined newly opened French restaurant, ATELIER M, as PR/Marketing and Business Development Manager. Prior to this Yasmine was Editor-in-Chief of the Dubai Airport & City Guide, and has extensive previous PR experience as Founder of Ambre Press Communications Agency in Paris.

“I am hugely excited about the next chapter in my career and with the new challenges and opportunities at ATELIER M,” says Yasmine. “As I specialise in PR for the Middle East, Africa, Asia and CIS countries, my job will consist of giving more exposure to ATELIER M and its Founder and Chef Mohammad Islam in the region.”

Judy Cogan joins Friday magazine

Judy Cogan has joined the Friday magazine team as Acting Lifestyle Editor. Judy previously worked freelance for publications including MailOnline, Grazia UK and Middle East, LOOK magazine, Closer, Fabulous and Woman’s Own; prior to this she was Features Editor for the newspaper supplement of The Sunday People, as well as Senior Writer for Sun Woman, the women’s section of The Sun newspaper and The Sun online in the UK. In her new position as Acting Lifestyle Editor, which extends to September 2014, Judy will edit and commission features across health, fashion, food, books, well-being, entertainment and travel, as well as in-house reviews and tried and tested features.

“To be given this opportunity to work as Acting Lifestyle Editor for Friday and in a vibrant, ever changing city like Dubai is extremely exciting,” says Judy. “I’m keen to embrace my new role and the city whole heartedly and fill Friday’s lifestyle pages with innovative, interesting, never read before features. I am looking forward to meeting and working with you all!”

Nicolas Trabucco joins Al Barari

Nicolas Trabucco has joined the Al Barari Firm Management team as Senior Marketing Executive. Nicolas previously held the role of Assistant Manager for Research and Marketing at Al Amal Marketing Consultants, part of the Belhasa Group. In his new role, Nicolas will be supporting the Dubai-based real estate firm and its associated companies in all marketing, communications and PR requirements.

“It’s a great opportunity and a challenge to join the team,” says Nicolas. “Al Barari is such a green, unique and beautiful place and I can’t wait to get started.”

Hills Advertising negotiates World Cup deal

Hills Advertising is currently in negotiations with the Qatari Royal Family to secure a deal for interactive outdoor advertising at the 2022 World Cup.

Hills Advertising was established in 2003, and offers its outdoor advertising services in the UAE and throughout the Middle East region. Their clients include Pepsi, Emirates, Sony Ericsson, Bentley, Etisalat and Breitling.

Alex Agishev joins Arabian Radio Network

Alex Agishev has joined the Arabian Radio Network (ARN) team as Head of Programming at Virgin Radio Dubai 104.4. For the past year, Alex has been working with Multi Media Holding (MMH) in Moscow, Russia, and prior to this he spent 24 years in Australia, working as On Air Presenter, Producer and Program and Music Director for Nova Entertainment, Australian Radio Network and Southern Cross Austereo.

“This is a dream gig, as I get to combine my spirit of adventure with my love of sunshine, alongside radio,” says Alex. “The UAE is one of the fastest growing radio markets in the world and Virgin Radio Dubai is leading the way, through innovative content and digital penetration.”

Steve Smith, COO of Arabian Radio Network adds, “We have big plans to grow Virgin’s already dominant position in the UAE, and Alex’s 25 years of industry experience coupled with his vision and zest will help ensure that we continue to turn radio on its head.”