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Virgin welcomes new PR and Events Specialist

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The Middle East branch of international entertainment retail chain, Virgin Megastore has appointed Rohma Nomani to the role of PR and Events Specialist. Previously working on Luxury Fashion PR at Al Tayer Group, in her new role, Rohma will be responsible for the management and implementation of Virgin Megastore’s communication and events strategy across the MENA region.

“Virgin Megastore has always been considered one of the coolest brands in the region and I feel like one of cool kids now!” says Rohma. “The company’s corporate culture is exceptionally proactive and progressive – exactly what you would expect of the Virgin brand. I am honoured to be working with such a supportive and inspiring team.”

New promotion at tabloid!

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tabloid! the leisure section of Gulf News has promoted David Tusing to the role of Editor. Having joined Gulf News in 2010, David previously worked as Deputy Editor of tabloid! where he assisted the Editor and handled the fashion coverage as well as oversaw all social media strategies. In his new role, he will oversee the daily publication of the entertainment and lifestyle section of Gulf News across the UAE to include Hollywood, Bollywood, Fillipino and Arabic entertainment scenes as well as ensure that all content is well constructed for the relevant mediums.

“It’s such an interesting time to be in media, especially in entertainment in the region,” says David. “I am looking forward to taking what is already a very successful product for Gulf News to greater heights.”

Arab News makes new appointment

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Saudi Arabian daily newspaper Arab News has appointed Khaled Almaeena to the role of Editor Emeritus. Former Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Almaeena will now play an advisory role in newsroom management, staff coaching and documenting the history of the newspaper.

“Arab News is undergoing a major transformation with the intention of taking it forward, international and more digital,” says Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief, Arab News. “However, we are equally proud of our history and keen to preserve it. We believe that there is nobody better suited than Mr. Almaeena – who has served as Editor for more than half of the 41-year old newspaper’s history – to help with that task. In addition, as our new Editor Emeritus, he will be an invaluable mentor to a whole new generation of journalists who will carry Arab News forward in the future.”

House of Comms welcomes new Account Executive

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Integrated communications agency, House of Comms has welcomed Nikita Marie to the role of Account Executive. With a degree in marketing and communications from Bournemouth University, Nikita has experience in hospitality, real estate and digital communications. In her new role, she will join the digital team to work on social media and assist with digital communications operations across House of Comms’ portfolio of global brands.

“We are seeing a huge shift in client needs, which centres around creative ideas,” says Jamie Wilks, Managing Partner, House of Comms. “These ideas are typically coming more from our younger team members and Nikita offers abundantly in that area. We’re delighted to have Nikita as part of the team and we wish her all the best.”

hug makes new appointment

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hug digital has appointed Tim Durgan to the role of Head of Digital Media in Dubai. Previously the Cluster Digital Lead and UM Labs Ambassador (MENAP) at UM MENA and having worked on international brands in the past – such as Johnson & Johnson, Coca Cola, IKEA, Panasonic and Virgin Media, Tim brings his knowledge and experience in innovative digital media to hug digital.

“My vision for media is to understand consumer objectives first and deliver a unique story to each unique individual, underpinned by data. This will allow us to drive new markets, build new brands and drive new leads,” says Tim Durgan, Head of Digital Media, hug digital. “I’m looking forward to being part of a team that believes in this approach and works tirelessly to drive this strategy forward so we can be the trendsetters in the market.”

Sarah Abdel Wahab, Regional Head of Media, hug digital adds, “We’re very excited to have Tim on board. He brings an impressive arsenal of in-depth knowledge of new and innovative tools. His local know-how and desire for transforming the market are exactly the kind of thing we look for and I  personally look forward to working together closely with him on boosting our media offerings to our clients.”

hug digital promotes Ramy Kandil

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Regional digital agency, hug digital has promoted Ramy Kandil to the role of Deputy General Manager. Having joined the agency’s Dubai offices in August 2015 as Senior Social Manager and then Head of Social in Dubai, Ramy will now be in charge of operations within hug digital’s Egypt branch.

“I’m beyond honoured to be chosen for this role in hug digital,” says Ramy Kandil, Deputy General Manager, hug digital, Egypt. “After more than a year and a half with hug digital, I can proudly say that there’s no other team I’d rather belong to and I’m very excited for what’s to come and what this team can accomplish together on transforming the digital front, locally, regionally and globally.”

Hussein M. Dajani, Chief Operating Officer, hug digital adds, “hug digital is fuelled with talent so it is hugely gratifying to see Ramy’s accomplishments being rewarded with such a promotion. This move to Deputy General Manager of our Egypt operation reflects Ramy’s hard work, dedication and commitment over his time with hug digital. Ramy will play a key role in facilitating our continued growth in Egypt and our commitment to the region as a key hug digital market.”

House of Comms makes new appointment

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PR and digital integrated communications agency, House of Comms has appointed Roa Saghayroon to the role of Arabic Influencer Relations Executive. In this role, she will lead the growth of the agency’s Arabic influencer outreach team and identify new opportunities for their clients.

“Since day one Roa has exceeded our expectations,” says Tryphena Greenwood, Senior Account Director, House of Comms. “She is incredibly well-networked as she has grown up in the UAE so matching this with her vibrant personality and insatiable passion for PR makes her the perfect fit for House of Comms.”

St. Regis Abu Dhabi appoints new PR Manager

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St. Regis Abu Dhabi has appointed Annie Turnell to the role of PR and Communications Manager. Previously PR Manager for Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Annie will now be responsible for St. Regis’ PR, marketing and digital communication strategies.

“We are thrilled to have Annie join The St. Regis Abu Dhabi,” says Katie Malone, Director of Marketing, St. Regis Abu Dhabi. “We are very confident that her previous experience and extensive communication network and capabilities will be hugely beneficial to the hotel.”

Secret PR makes new appointment

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Secret PR welcomes Habiba Taleb to the role of Arabic Communications Specialist. With over ten years of experience in media and communications, Habiba previously worked with Radio Msila and most recently with Al Riyadh newspaper as a Correspondent. In her new role, she will work closely with the team to enhance their Arabic capabilities and initiate the move towards an independent Arabic division.

“The demand for Arabic talent is ever growing, especially with regards to Arabic content,” says Sarah Mohamed, Director, Secret PR. “We are proud to have Habiba on our team as she will certainly help us enhance our Arabic capabilities to better serve PR agencies and in-house PR departments across the region.”

Friday welcomes new Editor

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GN Media’s flagship weekly, Friday magazine has appointed Natalie Long to the role of Editor. Previously the Editor of tabloid!, Natalie has 10 years of experience in celebrity news, fashion, food, travel, arts and culture. In her new role, she will be overseeing the magazine’s content for print and digital platforms.

“As we celebrate 20 years of Friday magazine in 2017, we are thrilled that Natalie will be leading the team during such an exciting time for the brand,” says Katie Heskett, Publisher, Gulf News Magazines. “After having incredible success with tabloid!, Natalie’s talent and experience in delivering great content across all audience platforms is one that we look forward to bringing to the UAE’s most widely-read magazine.”

Natalie Long, Editor, Friday magazine adds, “I’m excited to join Friday magazine at this important moment in its history. I’m passionate about lifestyle content, and in ten years at tabloid!, I’ve learned that there is a wealth of wonderful stories to be explored right here in the UAE. I can’t wait to start working with the incredible team and bring even more engaging lifestyle content to readers, in the magazine and across digital platforms.”