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Helen Farmer to go freelance

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Helen Farmer has left good magazine, part of Motivate Publishing, in order pursue freelance work on a full-time basis. Having worked as Editor for good since its conception in 2013, Helen moved to a part-time editorial role in March this year, where she was responsible for writing, commissioning and editing features for the magazine, as well as handling social media and marketing the title through online and radio platforms. Helen will now be freelancing on corporate and lifestyle copy editing and writing, as well as radio journalism. She will also continue to work on her recently rebranded parenting website, The Mothership – www.themothershipdxb.com.
“I’m really excited about the flexibility my new way of working will offer and the opportunity to pursue passion projects as well as explore different avenues and media platforms,” says Helen. “I’m also looking forward to developing The Mothership and helping other working mothers in Dubai, whether its through events or online.”

Motivate welcomes new Contributing Editor

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Motivate Publishing has welcomed Stuart Todd to the role of Contributing Editor at Hype magazine. With over six years of experience in music journalism and PR, Stuart most recently worked as Editor at music website EQTV.CO.UK, where he sourced relevant and accurate content for the site in the form of artist interviews, event and track previews and reviews as well as features. As Contributing Editor to Hype, he will now be responsible for ensuring that all contributing writers return copy in a timely manner as well as checking that copy is factually correct and to brand specifications. Stuart will also undertake several key features per issue of the weekly music and nightlife magazine.
“Since moving to Dubai almost two years ago, joining the team at Hype has been a huge aspiration,” says Stuart. “I am very excited to be a part of the editorial team and look forward to what this season holds.”

Nermine Kashef joins Plus 1 Communications

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Plus 1 Communications has appointed Nermine Kashef to the role of Account Manager. With over seven years of experience in PR, Nermine has previously worked for companies including Al Ghurair Investments, Sobha Development and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. She was most recently Assistant Publications and Communications Manager at the Burj Al Arab and in her new role, Nermine will manage accounts across Dubai for the agency, providing an Arabic perspective for clients.

“With Nermine’s extensive experience and knowledge of the region from working with the likes of Jumeirah’s flagship hotel, the Burj Al Arab, she will be a valuable asset to the Plus 1 Communications team,” says Anna Hope, Managing Director, Middle East, Plus 1 Communications.

Annie Darling joins MOJEH

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MOJEH has appointed Annie Darling to the role of Lifestyle Writer. Previously Features Editor at Hot Media Publishing where she worked on magazines such as World Traveller and AIR, Annie specialises in writing about luxury lifestyle and travel. In her new role, she will write about popular culture, fashion and current affairs for the magazine’s print publication and website.

“MOJEH is a beautiful magazine that combines beauty, style, glamour and contemporary culture in an effortless way,” says Annie. “It’s an exciting publication, which I’m delighted to have joined and I hope to spark discussion about the people, trends and events that matter most.”

TishTash appoints new Group Account Director

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TishTash Marketing and Public Relations has appointed Polly Williams to the role of Group Account Director. With her most recent work at Zenithoptimedia, Polly has worked in strategic roles with experience in the marketing and communications industry globally. In her new role, she will oversee the management of the PR team as well as business development for the agency to boost its senior management team.

“TishTash has had a phenomenal four years in business,” says Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, Founder and Managing Director, TishTash. “Polly’s experience and understanding of the beauty industry, plus her ability to effectively manage teams and drive some impressive new business wins makes her a fantastic addition to our team as we go forward with a re-energised strategy and direction as an agency. I’m excited to see what the next six months have in store!”

Polly adds “I am looking forward to bringing my global knowledge to the agency and our clients, working with some of the best beauty and health PR people in the region and being part of taking TishTash forward.”

Nicolas Roux joins LinkedIn MENA

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LinkedIn MENA has appointed Nicolas Roux as its first ever Head of Agencies for MENA’S LinkedIn Marketing Solutions. With 20 years of experience in digital marketing, business development as well as brand & content strategy, Nicolas most recently worked at MediaCom MENA, Kalm Beauty Network, Leo Burnett and Chalhoub Group. In his new role, he will be responsible for strategic partnerships and executive level engagements with key media holding companies as well as the agencies within them. Nicolas will also lead, advice and execute LinkedIn’s go-to-market strategy for media, creative, social and PR agencies with the objective of driving partner and agency alignment across the organisation within the MENA region.

“The MENA media market is on the brink of the next evolutionary leap forward, with traditional lines being redrawn between brands, publishers and agencies,” says Nicolas. “I am excited to join LinkedIn at such a significant time in its own journey, and look forward to working with our agency partners to create economic opportunities for professionals across the region.”

Katch International Appoints Engagement Director

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Communications agency Katch International has appointed Vix Machin to the role of Engagement Director. With over ten years of experience in PR, events and marketing within the MENA region as well as Europe, Vix has worked with local and international brands including Lionsgate Films UK, StudioCanal, Burj Al Arab and Shangri-La Abu Dhabi. In her new role, she will work across a number of accounts, head up the PR team and work hand in hand with the company’s founder, Georgie Woollams.

“We’re very excited to have Vix on board at Katch as she brings both local and international experience to head up the PR team,” says Georgie Woollams, Founder and Managing Director, Katch International. “Vix has a great reputation amongst her piers and continues to grow as a valued member of the communications landscape in the UAE.”

Vix adds “Katch has an excellent reputation in both Dubai and London. The team is responsible for so many success stories in the UAE and I’m so happy to now be a part of it. Katch works across so many sectors from consultation to events to digital and design as well as communications and I’m very eager to grow my experience across them all.”

Mindshare appoints new Deputy Managing Director

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Global media agency network, Mindshare UAE has promoted Zahi Lawand to the role of Deputy Managing Director. Previously Senior Director of Client Leadership for Mindshare since 2007, Zahi specialises in client leadership and has contributed to campaigns for the agency that have won across key industry events such as the MENA Cristal Awards, the Effie Awards and the Lynx Awards. In his new role as Deputy Managing Director, he will be responsible for helping both regional and international clients make collaborative and adaptive decisions using his previous experience in the agency.

“It’s definitely an interesting time to be a part of media and communications, as the tides keep shifting in this industry and you always need to rethink and adapt to the new norm,” says Zahi. “Personally, I am looking forward to the new role, as it’s an opportunity for me to play a central role within the Mindshare team and to deliver excellence in all that we do.”

Ravi Rao, CEO, Mindshare MENA, adds “Zahi has shown great client relationship skills backed by his deep desire to understand client`s business challenges and provide winning strategy and ideas. He is digitally savvy and sound in marketing and a full-fledged team player that makes him perfect to take this new mantle in Mindshare Dubai.”

Ben Westwood joins FlipFlop Media

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FlipFlop Media has welcomed Ben Westwood to the role of Sales Manager for its Terminal Operator title. Having relocated to Dubai from the UK in 2013, Ben most recently worked as Sales Manager for Holborn Assets Dubai where he maintained excellent relationships with clients by providing sound financial advice. In his new role, he will be using his strong background in financial services and client relations to oversee the new business development of Terminal Operator as well as other titles in the FlipFlop Media portfolio.

“I am excited to be joining the energetic FlipFlop Media team, especially to be working on such an interesting title like Terminal Operator,” says Ben. “This opportunity is a great way for me to really dig into new areas and use my strengths while still developing in such an intense industry.”

Dubai Lynx welcomes new Festival Director

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Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity has welcomed Thea Skelton to the role of Festival Director. With over 13 years of experience in the events industry, including seven years in various roles across the Middle East, Thea has worked on numerous large-scale events and award shows. She will now be responsible for overseeing Dubai Lynx and ensuring the continued success and innovation of the festival.

Hayley Nolan, who has been with Dubai Lynx for three years, has now been promoted to the role of Event Manager, while Emma Farmer will be taking a short sabbatical before returning to Dubai in September as an Events Consultant where she will continue to assist Thea and the team.

“Thea joins Dubai Lynx with a vast array of experience and a deep knowledge of the region – she will ensure Lynx will continue in the seamless way it has in the past,” says Terry Savage, Chariman, Lions Festivals. “In welcoming Thea it is important to recognise the role that Emma Farmer has played in the last five years leading and shaping this great event.”

Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx and Managing Partner, Motivate Group, adds “Having recently enjoyed our highly successful 10th edition, Dubai Lynx is undoubtedly the best established event of its kind in the MENA region. We are sorry to be losing Emma at such an exciting time but very much look forward to welcoming Thea Skelton and working closely with her to grow the event in coming years.”