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Grayling Dubai welcomes Nicola Gregson

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Global communications consultancy Grayling has appointed Nicola Gregson as Managing Director of its Dubai office. Nicola brings over 20 years of global PR experience, as well as her extensive industry knowledge, especially in relation to corporate communications, consumer, business-to-business as well as issues and crisis communications.

Having moved to the UAE from the UK in 2007, Nicola most recently worked as Managing Director (Middle East) for Ketchum Public Relations. She is also a board member of the Middle East Public Relations Association.

“As with most industry observers, I’ve been a huge admirer of Grayling’s growth across the Middle East region over the past two years,” says Nicola. “I’m very much looking forward to working with the team to build on the great work they have been doing and to continue to deliver world-class, client focused campaigns.”

Leo Burnett wins at ADC Awards

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Leo Burnett was the most awarded agency at the 94th Art Directors Club (ADC) of New York Awards in Miami last night. The agency won a total of 32 awards including: The Tomorrow Award, The Designism Cube, 10 Silver, two Bronze and six Merit awards for its work from its global network of offices. Notably, Leo Burnett won the Network of the Year award, with Leo Burnett Dubai being named Agency of the Year, making it the first agency in the MENA region to have claimed the honour.

Leo Burnett Dubai was also presented with the prestigious Black Cube for Advertising, the best in show award, for it’s ‘Two for one’ campaign for du in the United Arab Emirates, headed up by Saad Yusuf, Group Communication Director, Leo Burnett, Dubai. This was the first time in the awards’ 94-year history that an agency from the region won the award, presented to entries in the Design, Digital and Advertising categories at the discretion of an unanimous jury.

“The ADC awards not only represent a great achievement for us but also represents many ‘firsts’ for us” says Saad. “The UAE’s first home-grown creative campaign, ‘du Tuesday’s’ global recognition over the past two years at international awards shows is reflective of a maturing UAE creative industry. These accolades couldn’t have been possible without the partnership of du, Ali Ali, Maged Nassar, DejaVu and our team at Leo Burnett Dubai.”

Nicola Monteath joins HOT Media

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HOT Media has welcomed Nicola Monteath as Editor for Better Homes magazine. Nicola joins from CPI Media Group, where she was Assistant Editor at BBC Good Food ME magazine, writing on topics like nutrition, travel, décor and home entertaining. She has also been working on her own newly-launched online culinary channel, SimplifyTV.

Her new role as Editor at Better Homes will involve covering home décor and news from the design and interiors industry. Nicola will also be writing features for Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty in Residence magazine.

“It’s an honour to join an esteemed publication such as Better Homes magazine, which has already built up a great reputation in the market over the years,” says Nicola. “I’m extremely excited about taking on this new challenge.”

Saffron magazine signs new society columnist

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Jawahar Chhoda has been appointed as a society columnist for newly launched bi-weekly magazine, Saffron. With over 14 years experience in journalism, Jawahar has worked across many titles in the region, including Masala, TeleLife and Gulf Gourmet, as well as appearing as a guest speaker on many radio shows including GN Broadcasting. In addition, Jawahar has worked as a freelance PR consultant where he specialises in comprising guest lists for high-profile events.

For his new column, Jawahar will focus on members of Dubai’s high society, covering private parties, events and prominent society members.

ShortList UAE now live

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ShortList UAE officially launched its online platforms today, shortlistdubai.com and shortlistabudhabi.com, with its print publication to follow in September. Falling under the umbrella of Arab Publishing Partners (APP), part of ITP Publishing Group, the websites are headed up by Shortlist UAE Editor-in-Chief Eddie Taylor and Digital Editor Sarah Garden.

The websites include features on restaurants and cafes, bars and clubs, film and TV, events and attractions, as well as shopping and style – all relevant to their respective cities. Differing from Shortlist’s UK website, the UAE counterparts will be aimed at both women and men. Both websites will be updated regularly and will include searchable entertainment listings for each city.

 

Spark* appoints new Creative Director

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Regional communications agency Spark* has appointed Alaa Demachkie as its new Creative Director. Before joining Spark*, Alaa was freelancing in creative roles, and previously worked for Fortune Promoseven as Associate Creative Director, and Senior Art Director.

Alaa will bring over 11 years of experience in media to his new role, where he will be responsible for leading design teams in the creation, conception and implementation of projects to strengthen the agency’s creative output and contribute to a superior level of client servicing. He will also work with account leads and project management to ensure that deliverables satisfy the client, go out as scheduled and remain on budget.

“Spark* is excited to have Alaa on board as the agency’s Creative Head – his wealth of experience in the advertising industry will be a major asset to the organisation,” says Yusuf Pingar, Managing Director, Spark*. “We are confident that his high level of expertise, excellent industry knowledge and strong creative background will be a driving force in ensuring that the quality of our creative campaigns exceeds client expectations.”

Alaa adds “Creativity is a subject I feel strongly about. I’ve seen how an idea can change everything and Spark* understands this and audiences like no other. I want to make brilliant work – ideas that resonate and pop, and I want my new team to push creative boundaries, challenge the norm and run with their concepts.”

Sarah Garden joins ShortList UAE

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ShortList UAE has welcomed Sarah Garden as Digital Editor. Sarah will bring with her extensive editorial experience, both online and in print, as well a first-class honours degree in Journalism from Napier University in the UK. Prior to moving to ShortList, she worked at Motivate Publishing as a Features Editor for magazines including Emirates Woman, Emirates Bride and Harvey Nichols.

In her new role, Sarah will be editing ShortList’s soon-to-be-launched UAE websites, shortlistdubai.com and shortlistabudhabi.com. ShortList UAE will be published by Arab Publishing Partners and will differ from its UK counterpart as it will be aimed at both men and women, covering a variety of subjects including new restaurants and bars, events and attractions, and shopping and style.

MCG Associates welcomes Tom Watterson

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Tom Watterson has joined MCG Associates as Senior Consultant for Digital and Traditional PR, Communications and Marketing. Tom joins the agency, which connects people to careers in advertising, PR, marketing and events, with over seven years of experience in the PR and marketing industry.

Prior to joining MCG he worked as Senior Account Manager at Sept PR, heading up the Food and Beverage and Hospitality divisions, finding creative ways to make hotel and restaurant brands stand out in the market place. In his new position, Tom will be utilising his wealth of experience to connect people to the right roles, as well as helping large films find new recruits.

“People aren’t a commodity and I was attracted to the position at MCG Associates, as the company understands the market and takes the time to get to know the candidates and ensure they are right for the role, rather than just blasting out a CV and hoping for the best,” says Tom.

 

BNC Network appoints new Area Manager

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Muhammad Melhem has joined BNC Network, a part of Industry Networks, as an Area Manager. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Muhammad has over three years experience in media and over ten years of experience in sales. In his most recent role, Muhammad worked with ITP Publishing on Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) Middle East where he was Advertising and Sponsorship Sales Manager, managing a portfolio of media sales. In his new role at BNC Network, Muhammad will cover sales and managing client accounts.

“I am excited to join such a fast-growing business as Industry Networks,” says Muhammad. “I am also glad to have moved into the business intelligence field – something that I am familiar with and truly confident in. BNC Network is a promising venture that is focussed on client service and quality of information and research. I look forward to participating in the future growth of the Industry Networks business in the region.”

Emperor open office in Dubai

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Leading UK-based corporate communications, brand and digital design agency, Emperor has opened an office in Dubai. This will be the agency’s first on-the-ground presence in the UAE and is a continuation of its expansion, following the creation of a new Emperor partnership in Moscow last year. The Dubai office was created as a direct response to increasing demand for Emperors services from Middle Eastern companies and international operators with a GCC presence.

“We continue to pitch for, and win, significant corporate communications projects in the Middle East,” says Steven Kemp, Founder and CEO of Emperor. “Investing in a locally-based office provides a great opportunity to partner with local companies and to develop long-term, mutually rewarding relationships in the region.”

“We’re very much looking forward to being ‘on the ground’ in the GCC in order to help service our important existing clients,” adds Neil Reynolds, International Director, Emperor. “Sharing our knowledge and advice with prospective clients and partners will be a key focus.”