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IHC welcomes new Director of Social Marketing

Nihal Osman has joined IHC Integrated Communications as Director of Social Marketing. Previously Senior Communications Specialist at MBC for six years, Nihal handled all corporate and media relations including protocol management. She also oversaw the media buying and acquisition process and was Associate Producer for Arabs Got Talent and Arab Idol.

In her new role as Director of Social Marketing at IHC Integrated Communications, Nihal will handle all social marketing campaigns, traditional and digital including press releases, social media campaigns, SEO, brand activations and ground promotional campaigns as well as promoting IHC’s new Event Management department.

“I’ve chosen to join IHC because of their impressive portfolio and excellent work ethic,” says Nihal. “I am extremely excited to be working with IHC – their ability to combine both traditional and contemporary marketing – and bring them to life, is a real inspiration for me.”

Lucy Harvey promoted to Regional Director

Hill+Knowlton Strategies has promoted Lucy Harvey to Regional Director. Lucy joined the Hill+Knowlton Middle East team in 2010, as General Manager of the Abu Dhabi office and most recently as General Manager for the Dubai office where she also lead the region’s Marketing Communications Practice.

In her new role as Regional Director, Lucy will support operations, strategy and key client relationships across the wider Middle East region and will work across all eight Hill+Knowlton offices in the Middle East and within the Hill+Knowlton EMEA network.

“Hill+Knowlton has a unique regional network with fully owned offices in key Middle East locations, so I am particularly excited to be working with these talented and diverse teams in my new role,” says Lucy. “We’re all looking forward to creating more world-class and award-winning 360° campaigns in 2016.”

Amy Frengley joins Omnia

Branding and digital communications company Omnia has welcomed Amy Frengley to the role of Strategy Director. Amy previously worked as Managing Partner at Brandsmiths, part of the All About Brand network , and brings with her a wealth of experience in branding after years of extensive freelance work in Dubai. In her new role as Strategy Director, Amy will oversee all strategic direction and implementation of the agency’s key branding projects.

“After a number of years working in the region, I am delighted to be joining Omnia to flag a new chapter in the agency’s growth,” says Amy. “With a bolstered strategy offer, we can provide our clients with the insight and thinking that’s needed to develop brands with resonance and help them drive long term growth.”

Hill+Knowlton AD welcomes new GM

Stuart Macaulay has joined Hill+Knowlton Strategies’ Abu Dhabi office as General Manager. Formerly GM at Weber Shandwick’s Qatar office, and previously the Head of EMAE PR for the London-based PR firm Cognito, Stuart brings with him over 20 years of experience in communications.

At Cognito he oversaw integrated communication programmes throughout the Middle East, UK, US, Canada and Africa, managing client teams, strategic planning, media relations, crisis communications, profile raising and B2B communications alongside branding, messaging projects and government communications. In his new role as General Manger, Stuart will be responsible for the management of the team, and servicing of the consultancy’s key Abu Dhabi-based clients.

“In their 30th year of operation in the Middle East, I am excited to be joining H+K during such a period of growth, creativity and success, says Stuart. “The UAE capital provides exciting opportunities for growth and I look forward to working with the vibrant team, and the wider regional network, on diverse and engaging communications campaigns and consultancy.”

Devinder Bains leaves Stylist Arabia

Devinder Bains has stepped down as Editor of Stylist Arabia. After being with the magazine since 2014, Devinder will join the recently launched lovindubai.com as Editor. LovinDubai.com is a lifestyle website covering all things local including food, news, opinion and events. The online publication delivers content to readers through a cheeky tone, fun lists and local knowledge.

Devinder brings over 15 years of journalism experience to her new role, as well as launching Stylist Arabia over a year ago, she was formerly Features Director of Fabulous, the UK Sun on Sunday newspaper’s magazine, and prior to this was Features Editor of Look magazine and Head of Features at IPC Media’s Real Life Group in the UK.

“After the successful launch of Stylist Arabia, I’m ready for a new challenge,” says Devinder. “LovinDubai.com is new but already doing brilliantly well due to its fresh, no nonsense attitude and high quality editorial. I’m excited about joining such a cool, vibrant team and plan to repeat the success I had at Stylist Arabia by growing LovinDubai.com into one of the UAE’s top online publications.”

Hinde Liepmannsohn joins Exclusive Networks

Hinde Liepmannsohn has joined Exclusive Networks ME as Head of Marketing. Hinde has over eight years of experience in business to business marketing globally, having worked in Europe, the United States and the UAE,  for companies such as MEED, Streamline Marketing Group and the Global Transport Forum. In her new role, Hinde will be responsible for developing and implementing successful marketing strategies for the IT security solutions company.

“I look forward to working for this award-winning organisation and to continue building relationships and successful programs for both vendors and channel partners across the region,” says Hinde.

Loubna Elfakri joins Aziza Communications

Luxury lifestyle PR agency Aziza Communications has appointed Loubna Elfakri as Account Director. Having worked as in-house Communications Manager for fashion label Rami Al Ali for the past four years, Loubna brings with her an abundance of experience in the field of fashion communication and brand building. At Aziza Communications, Loubna will be responsible for PR strategy and overseeing key client accounts across the region.

“Having worked closely with Loubna over the past four years, we developed a great working relationship and she has long been considered part of our team,” says Jill Downie, Managing Director, Aziza Communications. “As a fashion-focused PR agency, a fully rounded understanding of the industry was essential for this role and with Loubna’s experience spanning everything from buyer relations and production to celebrity dressing and fashion show coordination, we are now able to offer a full consultancy service, on top of an excellent PR and digital package.”

Loubna adds, “As a client, Aziza Communications always impressed me with their detailed knowledge of the fashion industry and their dedication to the brand. It’s a beautiful opportunity that arose and I’m excited to contribute to the growth of the company and make a positive impact on our client’s brands.”

FlipFlop Media welcomes Junaid Rafique

FlipFlop Media has welcomed Junaid Rafique to the role of Director. Having previously worked as Senior Manager for BGreen magazine where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the publication and events related to sustainability, Junaid brings 15 years of media experience to his new role. As Director, he will be using his existing contacts to help generate growth across business lines, as well as helping with ideas and strategy, with a specific focus on Future Cities magazine.

“I’m thrilled to be joining FlipFlop Media,” says Junaid. “Future Cities is an exciting project with huge potential as it holistically covers key elements of a city that enable it to function most effectively. Healthy, well-planned and sustainable cities define the success of states.”

Ketaki Banga promoted at BPG Cohn & Wolfe

Ketaki Banga has been promoted to the role of Business Director at BPG Cohn & Wolfe. Already leading the corporate, technology and social media teams, Ketaki will now also be responsible for new business for the agency.

“Despite the slowdown there is opportunity, especially in a profession like PR which has evolved to include a far more integrated set of services,” says Ketaki. “There is also a growing awareness of the importance of strategy in the market, as well as an appreciation for the infrastructure and talent that an international agency like ours can bring to the table. I also have to add that I have two very supportive bosses (CEO Nitin Puri and General Manager Kevin Hasler) who just let me get on with things. I’m looking forward to the new role.”

The Chedi Muscat welcomes Lore Koenig

Lore Koenig has joined The Chedi Muscat as Executive Regional Director of Sales and Marketing. With over thirteen years of experience in sales and marketing, Lore previously worked for The Chedi Muscat between 2004 – 2010 as Director of Sales and Marketing. Most recently, she was Director of Sales at Kerzner International in Germany, overseeing brands such as Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai and Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. In her new role, Lore will be responsible for the overall strategic sales, marketing and communication of the hotel locally, regionally and internationally.

“We are delighted to welcome Lore back to The Chedi Muscat,” says Morton Johnson, General Manager, The Chedi Muscat. “I was fortunate enough to work alongside her previously and believe that her commitment and dedication combined with a very strong work ethic will ensure that the hotel continues to be the leading hotel in the Middle East. Lore already has a relationship with the guests and staff as well as a solid understanding of the hotel and region so I am confident she will quickly become an integral part of the team.”