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Matrix PR welcomes Anthony Caton

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Anthony Caton has joined Matrix Public Relations as PR Account Manager. Before joining Matrix, Anthony ran his own agency in the UK for 10 years, during which time he worked on a series of on and offline projects for brands such as the NHS, Ed Hardy and EVISU. In his new role, he will be responsible for handling the agency’s retail clients.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Matrix PR for seeing my potential and making me feel welcome in my new role as PR Account Manager,” says Anthony.

Tom Paye goes freelance

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Tom Paye has made the move to freelance journalism from his role as e-Content Specialist at Hilti Middle East, Turkey and Africa. Tom brings over six years of experience with him and has worked for companies such as ITP Publishing, CPI Media Group and White Fox Media on publications such as Arabian Computer News, Network Middle East and Computer News Middle East. He will continue to work on covering the IT industry in the Middle East for various clients, as well as taking on projects that involve covering the luxury lifestyle sector and motor industry. 

“I think it’s every journalist’s dream job – to go freelance, to work on your own time, on the projects you really want to do,” says Tom. “I’ve been lucky in that a few things have fallen into place and now I’ve got an opportunity to make it work. I’m really looking forward to taking on the challenge and hopefully I’ll be building great relationships with great titles for years to come.”

Lekha Menon promoted at Masala! Magazine

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Masala! magazine, part of ITP Publishing, has promoted Lekha Menon to the role of Editor. Having worked with Masala! for the past five years as Deputy Editor, Lekha has over 15 years of experience in journalism and has previously worked in India on publications such as The Times of India, Marwar and DNA. As Editor, she will now be responsible for overseeing the production of the weekly Bollywood, fashion and lifestyle magazine, sourcing exclusive content and interviewing Asian celebrities for features. Lekha will also be assisting in events, building relationships with prominent personalities and representing the Masala! brand at high-profile events.

Facebook welcomes Shant Oknayan

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Facebook has appointed Shant Oknayan to the role of Head of e-Commerce, Retail and Online Services at Facebook in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. Shant has over 15 years of experience in leading business development, with subject-matter expertise in digital and investment strategies for governments and corporations, having most recently headed up Google’s market development for small & medium businesses in the Middle East and North Africa. In his new role, he will lead efforts to enable e-commerce, retail and online services businesses in the region to scale growth and engage with consumers on Facebook.

“This is a very exciting time to be in the online industry in MENA,” says Shant. “Facebook’s 120 million users in the region are not only active on mobile, but they are looking at innovative products while evaluating services and transacting online. This creates opportunities for established businesses, particularly in the e-Commerce and retail space, as well for the vibrant start-up community here. At Facebook we want to partner in their growth, leveraging the power of technology, to help build the region’s economy.”

Time Out welcomes new Digital Editor

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Time Out, part of ITP Publishing, has welcomed Alex Dunham to the role of Digital Editor. An experienced Journalist and Videographer, Alex has over eight years of international experience with media companies in Spain, Italy, the UK and South Africa, where he most recently worked as a freelance Video Journalist. In his new role, he will work on digital content for the Time Out brand. 

Jumeirah appoints Senior PR and Communications Executive

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The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has welcomed Kimberly Lobo to the role of Senior Public Relations and Communications Executive. Previously a PR Account Executive at Ketchum Raad, where she worked across corporate clients such as CNN and Airbus, Kimberly brings over six years of experience in journalism and PR to her new role. As Public Relations and Communications Executive, she will be responsible for assisting in the management of PR and media relations across the resort, ensuring media coverage in local, regional and international media markets. Kimberly will produce written material for media purposes such as editorials, newsletters, biographies, fact-files and Q&A’s and develop PR strategies for the property as well as provide support with awards and research.

“I always believe in working hard and that it does pay off, because in the end you’re always rewarded,” says Kimberly. “I’m grateful to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray for offering me the position and seeing my potential as a Senior Public Relations and Communications Executive at the resort.”




Khaleej Times welcomes new reporter

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Khaleej Times has welcomed Sherouk Maher to the role of Staff Reporter at the local desk. Previously at Shabab20/Young+ Magazine, a monthly lifestyle and entertainment publication aimed at young readers in the Middle East, where she worked as an Editor and Translator, Sherouk brings over four years of experience in media and journalism to her new role. As Staff Reporter, she will be covering Dubai Municipality, DEWA and Dubai Government announcements for Khaleej Times, as well as special events in the emirate.

“I am honestly very optimistic about joining Khaleej Times,” says Sherouk, “Being a news reporter has been my dream as I am ridiculously passionate about telling people’s stories and addressing current affairs. Being a journalist is a privilege through which I look forward to making a difference.”

markettiers welcomes Josh Baker

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markettiers has welcomed Josh Baker to the role of New Business Development Specialist. Previously a Senior Consultant for MCG Associates where he aided in the companies growth and supported clients, Josh has over seven years of experience in media with a focus on marketing. In his new role, he will be using his prior experience to help impact and strengthen the broadcast consultancy’s regional relationships, working with Cheryl King, General Manager of the MENA region, to recreate markettiers’ success in the UK.

“I’m really passionate about PR and communications and I can’t wait to put this into practice with markettiers,” says Josh. “I’m thrilled to be joining such an innovative company and am looking forward to working with such a fantastic portfolio of clients and agencies.’

Brandy Scott to return to Dubai Eye 103.8

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Brandy Scott is set to return to The Business Breakfast on Dubai Eye 103.8 on May 22 , following a two year absence during which she returned to her native New Zealand in order to study for an MA in Creative Writing. Having previously co-hosted the show for seven years, between late 2006 and mid 2013, Brandy has also worked for Radio New Zealand as a Senior Producer as well as for Emirates Today as a Features Editor. Upon her return, she will be joining existing presenters Malcolm Taylor and Richard Dean, to form a new line-up with the aim of providing more credible content, analysis and features as well as chat.
“I’m very excited to be returning to The Business Breakfast,” says Brandy, “I’ve loved my time in New Zealand but I’ve missed my other home, Dubai. That’s the high-class problem that comes with being an expatriate: you belong in too many places. But I feel very lucky to have the chance to comeback to what Richard Dean once rightly called “the best gig in the world” – The Business Breakfast.”

Havas Worldwide Middle East appoints new General Manager

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Havas Worldwide Middle East has promoted Bronson Smithson to the role of General Manager of its UAE operation, following the departure of Piero Poli. Previously Global Planning Director, Bronson brings over 16 years of experience with strategic brand development across five continents to his new role. As General Manager, he will work to further establish Havas Worldwide Middle East as a creative business partnership agency and build on the Havas global network to consolidate the newly integrated Havas village concept.

“I would like to congratulate Bronson on his new role,” says Rachid Mtaini, Middle East Regional Managing Director, Havas. “He is an experienced leader who knows our business extremely well. Bronson and his team will work alongside myself to foster the integration. I would also like to thank Piero Poli for his hard work over the past year and wish him all the best in his new endeavors.”

Bronson adds “I am thrilled to have this new opportunity and challenge. There has never been a better time to set our agency up for the future. We need to understand the importance of creativity for business as opposed to chasing awards or answering the next media and creative brief. Creativity should be at the core of our client’s business.”