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Tracy Watchorn joins 117Live

Dubai-based entertainment company 117Live, part of Al Ahli Holding Group has appointed Tracy Watchorn to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing. With over ten years of experience in the sports and entertainment industry, Tracy previously worked with Dubai Rugby Sevens, FIFA World Club and most recently with Flash Entertainment. In her new role, she will play a vital role in upgrading the in-house sales, marketing and digital team as well as overseeing the PR strategies of the company. She will also work with Al Ahli Holding Group’s other business units to ensure synergy between its sister companies as well as contribute to broadening the commercial reach of 117Live’s concert venue and secure new partnership deals.

“With my experience, industry knowledge and strong regional contacts, I hope to further elevate the brand image of 117LIve and expand the portfolio of clients and partners,” says Tracy. “I look forward to working with the dynamic team and continuing to deliver the best that the industry has ever seen.”

Omobono makes new appointment

Dubai-based creative and technology agency, Omobono has appointed Helen Rankin to the role of Senior Digital Strategist. With 20 years of experience in digital transformation and marketing, Helen previously worked with LG Electronics Middle East and Africa (MEA) as Regional Digital Marketing Manager, and most recently with M&C Saatchi as Chief Growth Officer. In her new role, she will be responsible for leveraging digital innovation and behavioural design to create effective strategic solutions for Omobono’s portfolio of clients.

“In the Middle East, quality writing for thought leadership and just-in-time marketing to achieve digital transformation are in high demand, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE where the national agenda is driving government agencies and enterprises to act with speed and confidence,” says Helen. “My goal is to support our clients to meet their strategic objectives and I’m delighted to be working with such a diverse and challenging portfolio.”

Virgin Radio welcomes Annah Jacob

Arabian Radio Network (ARN) has appointed Annah Jacob to the role of Brand Manager for Virgin Radio 104.4.  Having previously worked with Virgin Radio 104.4 from 2011 – 2014, Anna brings with her experience in the radio industry and most recently worked with Pearl 102FM as Presenter for its kids and family shows, Hits and Homework as well as Kids Talk. In her new role, she will work with programming and sales to ensure standards are maintained across all marketing, media and promotional activities.

Virgin Radio 104.4 sets the bar for broadcasting excellence in the region and I am thrilled to return as its Brand Manager after having been an on-air Presenter with them from 2011-2014,” says Annah. “ARN is a visionary company to work for, there’s lots of big things on the way and I look forward to contributing to its success.”

Alexandria Gouveia joins Vogue Arabia

Vogue Arabia has appointed Alexandria Gouveia to the role of Managing Editor. With over 13 years of experience in print and digital media across the UK and UAE, Alexandria previously worked with Emirates Woman, part of Motivate Publishing and most recently with Stylist Arabia, part of APP Media Group. In her new role, she will join Vogue Arabia’s editorial team and work across the magazine’s editorial content as well as help build the brand in the region.

“I’m extremely excited about the prospect of working on the most famous brand in the world, alongside a team that contains some of the most talented journalists and stylists in the Middle East,” says Alexandria.

Thomas Shambler joins Esquire Middle East

Esquire Middle East, part of ITP Media Group has appointed Thomas Shambler to the role of Digital Director starting September 2017. Thomas brings with him a wealth of experience in journalism and has worked across ITP Media Group’s publications including The Rake as Editor-in-Chief, Revolution as Managing Editor and is currently with CEO Middle East as Editor-in-Chief. In his new role, he will work across the digital content of Esquire Middle East and develop strategies for the growth of its digital platform across the region.

New Senior Director at Z7 Communications

Z7 Communications has appointed Anna Vale to the role of Senior Director. Anna previously worked in London with brands such as Clinique and Tom Ford, and most recently with Estée Lauder in New York as Executive Director of Global Communications, where she oversaw the brand’s communications strategies for international markets. In her new role, she will be responsible for implementing Z7 Communications’ strategic growth plan and strengthening the agency’s positioning as well as raising their profile in the Middle East.

“I am absolutely delighted to have Anna join the team at a hugely exciting time for Z7,” says Zeina El-Dana, Founder and Managing Director, Z7 Communications. “Appointing someone of Anna’s international calibre is a testament to the drive and growth of the agency and her strong experience in global markets will ensure that we build on our current success long into the future.”

Grayling makes key leadership appointments

Grayling’s Middle East creative arm, GCreative has appointed Arian Hashemi to the role of Creative Director and Khalid AlAtrash to the role of Client Service Director. With 15 years of experience, Arian previously worked with All About Brands as Design Director before establishing his agency, Arian Hashemi and working across clients such as Yas Marina Circuit and Abu Dhabi Media. In his new role, he will work on building innovative strategies to develop the agency’s projects, branding and production activities across the region.

Khalid also joins the team with ten years of experience, having previously worked with M&C Saatchi as Senior Account Manager and most recently with You:Experience as Account Director, where he managed clients such as Etihad Airways and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. In his new role, he will work on building strong client relationships to drive GCreative’s vision and growth across the region.

“Arian’s innovative and strategic experience in executing award winning projects, branding and production, coupled with Khalid’s expertise in building strong client relationships will drive GCreative’s vision forward,” says Loretta Ahmed, CEO, Grayling MEA.

New Editorial Director at Arabian Business

ITP Media Group has appointed Jeremy Lawrence to the role of Editorial Director of Arabian Business. With a wealth of experience in journalism, Jeremy joined ITP Media Group in 2003 and has worked across its titles including Time Out Dubai as Editor and Esquire Middle East as Editor-in-Chief. In his new role, he will oversee the brand development of Arabian Business across its digital and print portfolio.

House of Comms welcomes new Associate Director

Dubai-based integrated communications agency, House of Comms has appointed David Brady to the role of Associate Director. With 16 years of experience in brand PR, David previously worked with freuds in the UK as Senior Account Director and Consumer Team Head before moving to the UAE, and most recently working with Edelman DABO as Associate Director. In his new role, he will join the senior management team and focus on developing strategies for the agency’s expansion across the region. He will also provide senior counsel for the agency’s portfolio of clients including Spinneys, Costa, MMI and DTCM.

“I am a big believer in culture and creativity,” says David. “House of Comms places a huge amount of value on these aspects of agency life too, so joining their senior team was an absolute no-brainer for me. With an enviable client roster and a clear mindset for integrated campaigns, I can’t think of a hotter shop to be with right now.”

New promotion at The Qode

The Qode has promoted Moushmi Bhatia to the role of Communications Manager. With a Masters degree in Fashion Communications and PR, Moushmi joined The Qode in 2016 and most recently held the role of Senior Communications Executive. In her new role, she will continue to manage The Qode’s portfolio of luxury fashion and beauty brands, including Philipp Plein, Tom Ford, Roberto Cavalli, Ermenegildo Zegna and Prismologie. She will also continue to pitch for new business opportunities, develop PR strategies and strengthen her relationship with existing clients and the media.

“Excelling at The Qode has definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and I’m thrilled to take on this new role,” says Moushmi. “The past year has been very fulfilling, working alongside international brands and so I look forward to more exciting challenges ahead!”