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Motivate Publishing welcomes David Armstrong

David Armstrong has joined Motivate Publishing as Head of Digital. With over 15 years of experience in the media industry, David most recently worked as Project Manager for the Dubai offices of Avid Technology where he was responsible for the management of project staff as well as programming for TVNZ.

In his new role, David will be responsible for overseeing the entirety of Motivate’s digital portfolio including digital editions, email marketing and websites. He will be supporting all creative initiatives from advertisers in the digital space and ensuring that the publishing house’s interactive presence is continuously refreshed and updated.

Farrah Taylor joins Harper’s Bazaar & Esquire

Farrah Taylor has been appointed as Advertising Director of both Harper’s Bazaar & Esquire, part of the Hearst Luxury Group, which is run by ITP Publishing in the Middle East. Having previously worked as Regional Group Sales Manager – Time Out GCC and then Regional Advertising Director – Time Out GCC, Farrah brings a vast contacts list and a solid understanding of the market to her new role.

CPI Media promotes Adelle Geronimo

CPI Media Group has promoted Adelle Geronimo to the role of Online Editor for its Technology and Finance division. Having worked with CPI for over two years, Adelle was most recently Editorial Assistant for the Business and Consumer division, overseeing the web content of publications such as SME Advisory, Trade & Export ME and BBC Good Food ME.

In her new role as Online Editor, Adelle will be managing and monitoring the web and social media contents of the titles Computer News ME, Reseller ME and CFO ME, focusing on further strengthening the titles’ online presence while providing readers with the latest news and trends in the IT and finance industries.

“I am extremely excited to be part of the Technology and Finance team of CPI,” says Adelle. “Today everything is going digital, almost every industry is leveraging the growth of online platforms, and I’m honoured to be entrusted with further growing our online presence.”

Solutions Leisure welcomes Chorcha Harper

Solutions Leisure has welcomed Chorcha Harper as Group Communications Manager. Having previously worked as PR & Communications Manager for Fresh Express, Chorcha also has experience with ITP Publishing where she worked on the launch of Women’s Health magazine. In her new role, Chorcha will be responsible for managing communications from Solutions Leisure managed venues such as Asia Asia, Karma Kafé and Q43.

“I’m delighted to be working for such a forward thinking and innovative company,” says Chorcha. “I have seen the Solutions Leisure brands grow rapidly in the region and cannot wait to get involved in their continuous development and the introduction of new concepts to the UAE market. Their collective experience and passion are second to none and I’ve arrived at a very exciting time for the company.”

David Brady joins DABO & CO

DABO & CO has appointed David Brady as Group Account Director. Having previously worked at London-based strategic marketing and communications consultancy, freuds, David brings a wealth of knowledge and will be working with clients that include Nike, Yas Waterworld, d3, Miral and WWE.

In his new role, David will apply the experience he’s acquired from 14 years of planning and implementing integrated consumer brand campaigns in the UK, across DABO’s diverse client list.

“I wanted to join an agency that could offer its clients a truly integrated approach to PR and DABO & CO is the clear choice for me in this region,” says David. “The acquisition by Edelman can only strengthen its position, making this a very exciting time to start working alongside some of the most creative and strategic talent in our industry.”

SMG MENA appoints Mohit Lodha

Mohit Lodha has been appointed as Regional Director of Human Experience at Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) MENA. Having been with SMG MENA for seven years, Mohit joined as Media Manager and in his most recent position as Human Experience Strategist at MediaVest MENA contributed in evolving the agency’s media thinking and delivering effective and award-winning campaigns, locally and internationally.

In his new role, Mohit will work alongside the agency network’s teams on Content@Scale – SMG’s proprietary real-time content marketing platform, and will drive effective and forward thinking work across client verticals to build on consumer connections. He has also been assigned to represent the MENA region in SMG’s Global Product Committee (GPC), where he will lead on raising the output and quality of the agency’s regional product.

Promotion at House of Enspa

House of Enspa, a Dubai-based grooming company, has promoted Bianca Ellis to Assistant PR and Marketing Manager across two of the collection’s premium home grown beauty concepts, The Nail Spa and Marquee.

Bianca has been with the company since the launch of the Marquee brand in November 2013, when she was hired as PR & Marketing Executive to assist with the launch. In her new role, Bianca will continue to work across various marketing activities but with a focus on driving PR & events as well as the implementation of social and digital strategy across both brands.

“Digital has become such an important part of our daily lives and I am extremely excited about strengthening our online and digital strategy to enhance and support our overall marketing efforts,” says Bianca. “It’s a really exciting time to be a part of the The Nail Spa and Marquee team, with new location developments and new launches, our focus on online and PR will be extremely important to the growth of both businesses.”

For further information, contact Bianca at bianca@houseofenspa.com / +971 (0)4 323 2288

JWI appoints Charli Ball to Dubai office

Charli Ball has been appointed as Associate Director at JW International. JW International which provides marketing strategy, communications planning and campaign implementation opened its Dubai office doors in April this year.

Having previously worked as Account Manager for Rave Communications, the UK sister company to JWI, Charli managed many of the agency’s largest accounts and executed numerous high profile events in London.

In her new role, having assisted in the establishment of the new office, she will not only be overseeing all client accounts and remaining as a key contact, she will also be focusing on securing new regional accounts for the Dubai office.

“I am delighted to have played a part in launching a new strategic marketing agency in the Middle East,” says Charli. “JWI will bring cutting-edge, British creative to the region and deliver it with passion and professionalism. Our strapline, ‘it takes great people to do great things’, really sums up our approach.  We value long-term partnerships with clients and get a great deal of satisfaction from helping our clients achieve success. I think this will help to set us apart from other marketing agencies in the UAE.”

For further information, contact Charli Ball at charli@jwi.ae / +971 (0)52 744 3374

UM MENA appoints Digital Director

Zadi Hobeika has been appointed as Digital Director for all digital business across the Levant and Egypt markets at UM MENA. Having previously worked at HP, Nestle and Google’s European HQ in online business development and consultation, Zadi has most recently held the role of Managing Director at Game Theory Digital offering media buying services in Lebanon.

In his new role as Digital Director, Zadi will shape and influence the digital approach in the region, grow the digital portfolio and develop new strategies focused on driving performance and revenue.

“It is both an exciting and challenging time to tackle digital in the region and I am delighted to take part in UM MENA’s continuous efforts towards developing a tailored multi-channel approach across brands,” says Zadi. “We’ll work on establishing a market leadership at a digital level through steadily educating and growing our clients with a clear focus on performance.”

Sonam Basantani steps down at Gulf News

After three and a half years working as Beauty Writer & Stylist for Aquarius, Friday, Alpha and other contract publications, Sonam Basantani today steps down at GN Media. Sonam will move into a freelance role where she will focus on beauty styling and writing, plus fashion styling.

“I’m really looking forward to becoming a freelance stylist and writer,” says Sonam. “My time at Gulf News has really helped me grow in the areas I love and identify the direction I would like to move in. I am looking forward to some new and exciting projects.”

For further information, contact Sonam Basantani at sonam.basantani@gmail.com or follow Sonam on Instagram @sonambasantani