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FIPP appoints new President and CEO

FIPP has appointed James Hewes to the role of President and CEO starting September, 2017. James previously worked in the UK with BBC Worldwide’s Haymarket Exhibitions as Director and The Art Newspaper as Interim CEO. He later moved to the UAE and worked at Gulf News Publishing as Publishing Director, was appointed to FIPP’s Management Board as Director in 2015 and founded his own company, Soho Consultancy in 2016. In his new role, he will lead the FIPP team to ensure that they continue to deliver products and services that reflect their growth and strategic development as well as enhance the team’s ability to thrive in the changing media environment.

“I am a huge supporter of FIPP and it’s an incredible honour to be asked to lead the organisation,” says James. “FIPP’s ability to connect its members with the information networking opportunities and expertise they need are more important than ever.”

Aquarius to discontinue production

Falling under the umbrella of GN Media, women’s monthly, Aquarius has ceased operations. A long-term staple in the lifestyle sector, the magazine featured content on topics ranging from relationships, health, parenting and careers to fashion, beauty and travel. With June 2017 being its last print issue, the UAE-based title’s digital edition, aquarius.ae, will also be discontinued.

New beauty platform at Gulf News

Falling under the umbrella of Gulf News Publishing, leisure title tabloid! has introduced a new dedicated beauty platform, The Beauty Beat. The new launch will be available online under the ‘Life&Style’ section of Gulf News’ website with a weekly printed version included in tabloid!’s Friday issue.

“The beauty world can be big and brash, especially for someone who is keen to explore the world of makeup and skincare,” says Jennifer Barretto, Copy Editor, Tabloid!. “There is no dearth of bloggers talking about products, and in this glammed-out world of selfie-perfect looks, we wanted to offer a simpler take on things. I’m just a regular girl with a lot to say about makeup. Hopefully, people will enjoy the column and connect.”

Debonair welcomes new Editor

Men’s luxury lifestyle title Debonair, part of Pinpoint Media Group, has appointed Eduan Maggo to the role of Editor. Previously Country Guides Editor at Gulf News Publishing, in his new role, Eduan will oversee all editorial content across the print and online publication.

“After years of honing my versatility, I’m quite excited to be returning to one of my first loves – men’s fashion and lifestyle. What drew me to this magazine is its unique voice, it presents intelligent articles in a visually striking manner,” says Eduan. “I’d say Debonair and I share a fashion philosophy that favours timeless style over fleeting trends, and as such I’m looking forward to overseeing the next phase of its evolution.”

Shelly Mistry joins The Media Network

The Media Network has appointed Shelly Mistry to the role of Editorial Assistant. Having previously assisted on a number of lifestyle publications including Citizen K Arabia and Citizen K Homme Arabia, part of Gulf News Publishing and a number of APP Media Group titles including The Rake Middle East, Revolution Middle East, Condé Nast Traveller Middle East, Stylist Arabia and the Hello! group, she will now assist with all editorial including news and features for the B2B media platform. Shelly will also manage client relations with The Media Network’s Premium Members as well as help manage the website and social media content.

“Having previously worked in publishing, I have always looked to The Media Network for daily updates and happenings within the industry,” says Shelly. “I am delighted to join the region’s first media-exclusive communication platform and look forward to developing my career with the wonderful team.”

The Wall Street Journal welcomes Deborah Parmenter

Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Custom Studios has welcomed Deborah Parmenter to the role of Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East and Africa (MEA), where she will be responsible for extending the studio’s business across display and vertical markets from its Dubai office. Deborah joins the WSJ Custom Studios team from Gulf News Publishing, where she was Circulation and Subscription Marketing Manager and worked across publications including InsideOut, Aquarius and Friday. As Regional Sales Manager for MEA, she will report to Adam Fox, Director, MEA, The Wall Street Journal and work alongside key media agencies in the region, concentrating on trades such as; real estate, hospitality and healthcare.

“I am thrilled to have Deborah join our team here in Dubai at such an exciting time for The Wall Street Journal and for custom content,” says Adam. “Deborah’s wealth of contacts, enthusiasm and passion for our brands speak for themselves.”

Gulf News Publishing welcomes Deputy Editor

Gulf News Publishing has welcomed Yousra Zaki to the role of Deputy Editor, Gulf News Guides for www.gulfnews.com. Previously an Account Executive at EdelmanDABO where she handled English and Arabic media relations, as well as creative content, support, planning and business pitches, for a number of clients mainly within the food and beverage or hospitality sectors, Yousra has over seven years of experience in media. As Deputy Editor, she will write mainly lifestyle articles for the website, focussing on topics including; food, going out, shopping, fashion and staying in. Yousra will also contribute to the website’s tourism section, offering readers information on exploring the UAE.
“I’m really looking forward to working with such an amazing team and generating great content for an already exceptional media outlet,” says Yousra. “I am really passionate about writing, which is why I am excited that I’ve followed my dream of pursuing a career in journalism.”

InsideOut Awards winners revealed

UAE-based homes and interiors magazines InsideOut, part of Gulf News Publishing, revealed the winners of its second reader awards at a gala dinner held on Sunday, May 14 at the Music Hall, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Over eight weeks, 18,421 individual reader’s votes were cast over 12 categories and winners this year included; Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery, Rattan House, Home Centre and Dubai Garden Centre. This year’s Editor’s Choice Award was presented to RAK Ceramics, in recognition of the UAE company’s successes in the region as well as on a global scale.

“These awards were established to give our readers – the industry’s customers – a voice,” says Sharon Parsons, Editor, InsideOut. “We know from the solid relationship that we have with them just how passionate, discerning and smart they are when it comes to their homes. This knowledge has allowed us to refine the awards this year, introducing new categories to reflect how and where our readers shop. The fantastic results speak for themselves.”

 

 

FIPP MENA announces next month’s programme

FIPP MENA which will be taking place February 10 – 11, 2016, at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort in Dubai has announced the programme as well as key speakers. The event’s programme brings together international, regional and local speakers from inside the magazine media and related industries, who will provide delegates with a view on key developments and trends globally and in the MENA region specifically.

The programme will include;

  • Media transformation and revitalisaion conducted by FIPP President and CEO Chris Llewellyn and includes leaders from Motivate Publishing, CNBC Africa/Forbes Africa and Hearst.
  • The most spectacular media innovations of the past year from FIPP and Innovation Media Consulting’s (IMC) FIPP Innovation in Media World Report will be presented by IMC’s Alvaro Triana.
  • Top trends for worldwide magazine media in 2016, including a masterclass presented by Dr. Samir Husni (aka “Mr. Magazine”) on How to make print work in a digital world.
  • Key developments in online and mobile media, including a presentation from Google on The future of mobile and content players’ place within this world.
  • Developing business opportunities, including a spectacular Time Inc. native advertising case, top tips from cvent and GN Publishing for developing and boosting your events business and insights into cross-border business and brand opportunities as a means for growth.
  • Deep consumer and B2B market insights, with sessions focused on emerging markets in general, the UAE and other Middle East markets and Africa from the likes of the India Today Group, Bloomberg Media and PwC.
  • Several practical case studies packed with hands-on tips, including print, digital and multi-platform developments presented by GN Publishing, Dubai Lynx, 7AWI, Nervora, Ringier Africa and Media24.

 

Gulf News Publishing welcomes Mona Motamedi

Mona Motamedi has joined Gulf News Publishing as Events and Promotions Manager. Mona previously worked as an Account Manager at advertising agency Atom, and brings over 10 years of experience in marketing and events to her new role.

As Events and Promotions Manager, Mona will be responsible for events, promotions and marketing related to the branding of Gulf News Publishing titles such as AquariusInside OutAlphaWheels and Friday Magazine.

“My background is in marketing, it’s what I’ve done all my life,” says Mona. “However events are what I am passionate about. What better then, to combine both with a position in such a well established company as Gulf News!”