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Mindshare MENA appoints new CFO

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Global media agency network Mindshare MENA, part of WPP, has promoted Jihad Hachem to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Previously Senior Finance Director at Mindshare MENA, Jihad has over 12 years of experience in media and finance. As CFO, he will continue to look at multiple ways in which to improve revenues by accelerating new offices and specialist functions, he will also play an active role on the board of Mindshare MENA.
“My time at Mindshare has presented me with many unique challenges in the field of finance and I’m ready to approach any that come my way with the company’s signature spirit of collaboration and innovation,” says Jihad. “I always say where there’s a will there’s a way.”
Ravi Rao, CEO, Mindshare MENA, adds “I see Jihad as an able partner in Mindshare MENA and value his judgement and skills in contributing to our growth strategies for the region. His mission-driven attitude and proven track record of results will aid him well in his newly-appointed position as CFO.”

OMD appoints Head of Analytics

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OMD MENA has welcomed Walid Hadid to the newly created role of Head of Analytics, Previously Head of analytics at OgilvyOne, Walid has over 20 years of experience in developing, implementing and leading analytics solutions. In his new role, he will be working to provide clients with a holistic, integrated service delivering business results as well as media performance.

“We have developed a strong experience in data and analytics to better inform our clients’ investment decisions for well over a decade now,” says Nadim Samara, Managing Director, OMD UAE and Lower Gulf. “An appointment of this caliber reflects our ardent commitment in this field and will see us strengthen the data and analytics conversation with our clients. Thanks to the expertise, systems and processes we have in place, we can help them extract even more from their marketing initiatives.”

Walid adds “I am really excited by everything that I’ve seen at OMD so far with regards to the talent and systems they have built to date. I look forward to extending this impressive analytics offering and stimulating our client’s growth further through stronger data partnerships that provide timely and powerful insights.”

Hill+Knowlton appoints new General Manager for Saudi Arabia

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Global communications firm Hill+Knowlton Strategies has welcomed Matthew Dessani to the role of General Manager for Saudi Arabia. Matthew brings over two decades of multinational brand agency management experience to his new role, having previously lived and worked in the UK, Romania, Kuwait and Dubai. He will now be responsible for leading the firm’s Saudi team, under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz Turki Alfaisal, focusing on strategy development, creativity and client service.

“Two decades of global marketing experience and international brand building provide Matthew with a fundamental understanding of how to frame an issue, define and target audiences and how to develop and deliver compelling campaigns across multiple platforms,” says Sconaid McGeachin, President and CEO, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Africa, Middle East and Turkey.

Matthew adds “There is probably no greater or more exciting challenge globally for a communications professional than that presented by Saudi Arabia right now. The Kingdom is on the cusp of a remarkable economic transformation, while its position at the centre of global geo-politics and its size as the preeminent economy of the Middle East makes this a compelling opportunity.”

McGettigan’s Group welcomes Chanelle Tourish

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Chanelle Tourish has joined the McGettigan’s Group as PR and Communication Manager. With over six years of experience in journalism and PR, Chanelle previously worked for Time Out Dubai, part of ITP Publishing, as Music and Nightlife Editor. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing all public relations and communications for the McGettigan’s brand around the world.

“With the recent McGettigan’s growth, we are very pleased to have Chanelle join the team,” says Dennis McGettigan, CEO, McGettigan’s Group. “Her years of experience in journalism and nightlife is a great combination for us and we’re sure that she’s going to play a key role for us as we look to further expand the brand worldwide.”

Chanelle adds “I’m thrilled to take on this new role with McGettigan’s and to be representing a brand I feel so passionate about. This is a very exciting time for the group, who are going from strength-to-strength with the launch of two new venues in Dubai.”

 

The Entertainer welcomes new Junior Editor

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Charlotte Bright has joined The Entertainer as Junior Editor for the GCC Region. With over three years of experience in media, Charlotte most recently worked as Editorial Assistant at OK! Middle East where she wrote features and reviews as well as conducted interviews and edited copy. In her new role, she will be responsible for editing and proof-reading all new monthly offers as well as compiling next year’s books with the rest of the content team. Charlotte will also be working on the app and web content that goes alongside the market-specific incentive offer books.

“I’m thrilled to take on this amazing new role with The Entertainer and to be working with such a fantastic International company,” says Charlotte. “I’m a huge fan of The Entertainer products and can’t wait to get started on our exciting upcoming projects.”

CNN expands Cathy Ibal’s role

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Cathy Ibal has joined CNN International Commercial’s executive team and taken on a wider remit, adding CNN’s advertising sales across Middle East and Africa to her existing responsibilities in Southern/Central/Eastern Europe, Turkey and CIS. In her expanded position, Cathy will lead CNN’s advertising sales teams across all of these regions and extend her work with CNN International’s digital, data and branded content divisions to deliver smart, integrated advertising and brand solutions to a wider range of clients. She will also be responsible for developing CNN’s long-term strategic relationships with key brand partners in these regions, as well as continuing to identify opportunities for advertisers in innovative areas such as CNN Digital. Cathy will now report directly to CNN International Commercial President Rani R. Raad.

“I am immensely pleased to see homegrown talent like Cathy taking responsibility over these key territories and leading one of the most accomplished advertising sales teams, not just at CNN International but the entire industry,” says Rani. “I look forward to Cathy continuing to grow these regional sales markets and working with clients on brand solutions that simply aren’t possible or as effective anywhere other than CNN.”

Cathy adds “Over the last 15 years, I have developed a full appreciation of the power of CNN, our content and unique approach to developing commercial solutions that can completely change the way a brand is perceived around the world. I’m delighted to add Africa and the Middle East to my existing remit and work with clients in all of these regions to collaborate on impactful and exciting partnerships that leverage CNN’s momentum in areas such as digital, data, branded content and the enduring power of TV and quality video.”

Sorbet Magazine to welcome new Deputy Editor

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Sorbet Magazine, part of Mixed Media Publishing, is set to welcome Kate Hazell to the role of Deputy Editor on May 1, 2016. Formerly Fashion Director at Esquire where she worked on Esquire Middle East Magazine, www.EsquireME.com and as Editor of the bi-annual Esquire Big Black Book, Kate brings over 10 years of experience in the publishing industry to her new role. As Sorbet Magazine’s new Deputy Editor, she will be responsible for assisting in the production and editing of the quarterly monthly fashion publication.

Motivate welcomes Courtney Moorfield

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Courtney Moorfield has joined Motivate Publishing as Senior Sales Manager for good magazine. Courtney has over eight years of experience in sales, having previously worked for APN News and Media in Australia, before moving to boutique media representative agency Intermedia in Dubai where she worked as Regional Director. In her new role, she will be accountable for developing the suite of products under the good brand as well as spearheading capabilities for custom content, creative executions and targeted event activations.

“I’m really excited to take on this new role with Motivate and to be representing a brand I feel so passionate about,” says Courtney. “As a longtime reader of good, I’ve seen firsthand the role the magazine plays in setting talking points throughout the UAE expat community every month. The connection with our readers is un-paralleled in this market and the scope for us to partner with the local business world to engage with this audience is enormous.”

Motivate welcomes Ronda Mustapha

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Ronda Mustapha has joined Motivate Publishing as Senior Sales Manager for Emirates Woman. Previously Advertising Sales Manager at ITP Publishing, Ronda has over 10 years of experience in sales, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. In her new role, she will be responsible for identifying commercial opportunities and maximising revenue generation for the Emirates Woman brand.

Changes to Omnicom Media Group leadership

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Omnicom Media Group Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has named new leaders for its analytics division, Annalect, as well as its programmatic trading desk, Accuen. Both companies will now report to recently promoted Executive Director of Specialist Companies, Dimitri Metaxas, who will be managing Resolution as well as Annalect and Accuen. Raouf Ketani has also joined Annalect MENA as Business Unit Director, from Annalect UK, where he will be working closely with the analytics and audience measurement specialists at OMD and PHD and the team at Annalect.

Matyas Csendes has been welcomed to the Omnicom group as Head of Accuen and he will be bringing with him over 10 years of digital marketing experience to elevate the role of the trading desk and enhance clients’ programmatic executions. Accuen also welcomed Bushair Muhammadunni to the role of Head of Inventory, a newly created role in which he will focus on improving the variety of publishers with which the group works.

“There is much demand for these services in which we have invested heavily over the past decade,” says Dimitri. “Raouf, Matyas and Bushair are here to stimulate further growth with their expertise in their respective fields. The industry’s use of data and automation will keep on rising. Hence, we will increase our momentum and dedication to these areas to provide our agencies’ teams with the best capabilities for future-proofing their clients’ businesses.”