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Motivate promotes Kerry McDermott

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Motivate Publishing has promoted Kerry McDermott to Deputy Editor of the Emirates Woman Group. Having previously worked as Features Editor for What’s On and Good magazines, Kerry has experience covering everything from nightlife and restaurant reviews at What’s On, to food, lifestyle advice and interiors at Good. She has also contributed to Jumeirah Magazine.

In her new role, Kerry will oversee features content including interviews, as well as all things health and travel related. She will predominantly be working across emirateswoman.com, Emirates Woman Mini, Emirates Woman Bride and Harvey Nichols – Dubai magazines.

“I’m really looking forward to being a part of the fantastic team at Emirates Woman and contributing to a great brand, both in print and online” Says Kerry.

Hot Media Publishing promotes Richard Jenkins

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Richard Jenkins has been promoted to Editor of AIR and World Traveller magazines at Hot Media Publishing, having previously worked on both titles as Deputy Editor since February 2014. Richard will continue to cover luxury travel for World Travel, and all areas of ultra-luxury lifestyle for AIR including writing and commissioning features on watches, motoring, jewellery, fashion and gastronomy. In his new role, Richard will become more involved in commercial aspects of the titles.

“I’m very excited to take on this new role at Hot Media,” says Richard. “I look forward to working as hard as I can to make AIR and World Traveller even better magazines than they already are.”

 

CNN names new VP of Arabic Services

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Caroline Faraj has been named the new Vice President of Arabic Services for CNN, as the international news outlet unveils ambitious plans for growth in the Middle East. Caroline was previously responsible for the content and management of the CNN Arabic website, leading the site’s re-launch in 2014.

In her new role, Caroline will have strategic oversight of CNNArabic.com while also working alongside CNN’s Middle East newsgathering team, and the CNN Abu Dhabi platform on major cross-platform editorial initiatives. She will also work with the CNNI commercial and digital teams on new digital opportunities in the region. Her immediate focus will be on continuing the expansion of the CNN Arabic brand, while also expanding the CNN Dubai operation in order to allow for increased content development to feed all of CNN’s linear and non-linear platforms.

“CNN Arabic has proved an outstanding success story under Caroline’s leadership and has demonstrated the region’s growing digital appetite for our news product,” says Andrew Morse, Executive Vice President and General Manager, CNN Digital.

Rani R Raad, Managing Director, Turner Broadcasting in the Middle East, adds “Our continued investment under Caroline’s leadership in CNN Arabic reflects the strength of our aspirations for this region. Caroline is perfectly placed in this new role to continue to enrich the news content we offer our consumers, while also helping to develop exciting new digital propositions that will engage audiences and excite our partners.”

 

Think Liquorice welcomes Felicity Stokes

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Felicity Stokes has joined Think Liquorice as Brand Manager. Having moved to Dubai in 2014 with a degree in Art History and a background in business, Felicity will bring with her a unique combination of strategic and creative thinking to the boutique brand building and communications agency.

In her new role as Brand Manager, Felicity will manage Think Liquorice’s clients needs across their accounts. She will also work with the strategic team to build and create niche concepts and events.

“I’m really excited to join the Think Liquorice team,” says Felicity. “I love how unique and interesting their brands and projects are, and I look forward to getting stuck in creatively, and contributing to the fantastic work Think Liquorice does.”

Grayling Dubai welcomes Nicola Gregson

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Global communications consultancy Grayling has appointed Nicola Gregson as Managing Director of its Dubai office. Nicola brings over 20 years of global PR experience, as well as her extensive industry knowledge, especially in relation to corporate communications, consumer, business-to-business as well as issues and crisis communications.

Having moved to the UAE from the UK in 2007, Nicola most recently worked as Managing Director (Middle East) for Ketchum Public Relations. She is also a board member of the Middle East Public Relations Association.

“As with most industry observers, I’ve been a huge admirer of Grayling’s growth across the Middle East region over the past two years,” says Nicola. “I’m very much looking forward to working with the team to build on the great work they have been doing and to continue to deliver world-class, client focused campaigns.”

Nicola Monteath joins HOT Media

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HOT Media has welcomed Nicola Monteath as Editor for Better Homes magazine. Nicola joins from CPI Media Group, where she was Assistant Editor at BBC Good Food ME magazine, writing on topics like nutrition, travel, décor and home entertaining. She has also been working on her own newly-launched online culinary channel, SimplifyTV.

Her new role as Editor at Better Homes will involve covering home décor and news from the design and interiors industry. Nicola will also be writing features for Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty in Residence magazine.

“It’s an honour to join an esteemed publication such as Better Homes magazine, which has already built up a great reputation in the market over the years,” says Nicola. “I’m extremely excited about taking on this new challenge.”

Saffron magazine signs new society columnist

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Jawahar Chhoda has been appointed as a society columnist for newly launched bi-weekly magazine, Saffron. With over 14 years experience in journalism, Jawahar has worked across many titles in the region, including Masala, TeleLife and Gulf Gourmet, as well as appearing as a guest speaker on many radio shows including GN Broadcasting. In addition, Jawahar has worked as a freelance PR consultant where he specialises in comprising guest lists for high-profile events.

For his new column, Jawahar will focus on members of Dubai’s high society, covering private parties, events and prominent society members.

Helen Gaskell joins Telecom Review

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Telecom Review welcomes Helen Gaskell as Senior Journalist. Having previously worked as a staff writer for ITP.net at ITP Publishing Group, Helen has over two years of writing experience and has made contributions to magazines such as Arabian Business, Arabian Computer News and Network Middle East. Her new role as Senior Journalist at Telecom Review will see her writing articles and features for the monthly magazine, published by Trace Media, targeting telecom industry leaders and executives in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Spark* appoints new Creative Director

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Regional communications agency Spark* has appointed Alaa Demachkie as its new Creative Director. Before joining Spark*, Alaa was freelancing in creative roles, and previously worked for Fortune Promoseven as Associate Creative Director, and Senior Art Director.

Alaa will bring over 11 years of experience in media to his new role, where he will be responsible for leading design teams in the creation, conception and implementation of projects to strengthen the agency’s creative output and contribute to a superior level of client servicing. He will also work with account leads and project management to ensure that deliverables satisfy the client, go out as scheduled and remain on budget.

“Spark* is excited to have Alaa on board as the agency’s Creative Head – his wealth of experience in the advertising industry will be a major asset to the organisation,” says Yusuf Pingar, Managing Director, Spark*. “We are confident that his high level of expertise, excellent industry knowledge and strong creative background will be a driving force in ensuring that the quality of our creative campaigns exceeds client expectations.”

Alaa adds “Creativity is a subject I feel strongly about. I’ve seen how an idea can change everything and Spark* understands this and audiences like no other. I want to make brilliant work – ideas that resonate and pop, and I want my new team to push creative boundaries, challenge the norm and run with their concepts.”

Sarah Garden joins ShortList UAE

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ShortList UAE has welcomed Sarah Garden as Digital Editor. Sarah will bring with her extensive editorial experience, both online and in print, as well a first-class honours degree in Journalism from Napier University in the UK. Prior to moving to ShortList, she worked at Motivate Publishing as a Features Editor for magazines including Emirates Woman, Emirates Bride and Harvey Nichols.

In her new role, Sarah will be editing ShortList’s soon-to-be-launched UAE websites, shortlistdubai.com and shortlistabudhabi.com. ShortList UAE will be published by Arab Publishing Partners and will differ from its UK counterpart as it will be aimed at both men and women, covering a variety of subjects including new restaurants and bars, events and attractions, and shopping and style.