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Alex Agishev joins Arabian Radio Network

Alex Agishev has joined the Arabian Radio Network (ARN) team as Head of Programming at Virgin Radio Dubai 104.4. For the past year, Alex has been working with Multi Media Holding (MMH) in Moscow, Russia, and prior to this he spent 24 years in Australia, working as On Air Presenter, Producer and Program and Music Director for Nova Entertainment, Australian Radio Network and Southern Cross Austereo.

“This is a dream gig, as I get to combine my spirit of adventure with my love of sunshine, alongside radio,” says Alex. “The UAE is one of the fastest growing radio markets in the world and Virgin Radio Dubai is leading the way, through innovative content and digital penetration.”

Steve Smith, COO of Arabian Radio Network adds, “We have big plans to grow Virgin’s already dominant position in the UAE, and Alex’s 25 years of industry experience coupled with his vision and zest will help ensure that we continue to turn radio on its head.”

Deep Karani joins Motivate

Deep Karani has joined the Motivate team as Sales Manager for Open Skies magazine. In his previous position, Deep was Head of Business Development at SourceGulf.com, a B2B platform for the Middle East industrial sector. Deep’s new role will consist of collaborating with the Open Skies team to continue magazine growth, with Deep being primarily responsible for generating revenue through advertising sales.

“After over five years of working for B2B publications in the UAE, I believe Open Skies has presented itself as the perfect channel for me to explore the other side of the media industry,” says Deep. “I am extremely excited to be a part of Motivate, and I am confident this opportunity will add to my career growth and personal development.”

Sacha Shaw joins Continental Multimedia

Sacha Shaw has joined the Continental Multimedia (CMM) team as Editor of READ magazine and Stylist and Writer for Ego. Previously, Sacha worked as Beauty and Style Editor for Spafaery, and prior to this as a freelance stylist in the UK, working with companies including OK! Magazine, Heat, Boohoo.com, Style magazine and American Crew. In her new roles, Sacha will focus on continuing to make READ an interesting and informative publication for commuters, as well as styling shoots for the monthly Ego magazine and writing about new high-end fashion designers.

“I am very excited to be taking on this new challenge in my career,” says Sacha. “This is such a great company that I am proud to be a part of, and I look forward to getting started on the all the great plans we have for the magazines.”

Nick Tapley joins MediaCom MENA

Nick Tapley has joined the MediaCom MENA team as Director of Innovation. With over 13 years of media experience, Nick previously worked as Head of Branded Entertainment – Fuse, at OMD Dubai, and his work has been recognised with a number of awards including Dubai Lynx, MENA Cristals, GEMA Effies, Festival of Media and a Global M&M Award.

“This is the start of something new for both the agency and myself so it’s a real privilege to be part of the team and I’m incredibly excited about the future,” says Nick. “MediaCom MENA are growing at a frantic pace, with great clients and truly talented people, so I can’t wait to get started.”

Nick Barron, CEO of MediaCom MENA added, “I’ve known Nick for some time and am really excited to have him join the team. I have always maintained that MENA should be at the vanguard of media globally and Nick will help us continue to drive the quality of our connections planning for our clients. He will be a great addition to our growing team.”

Danae Mercer joins Motivate

Danae Mercer has joined the Motivate team as Features Editor. Most recently, Danae worked as a freelance journalist in London, contributing to a range of features across titles that included USA TodayThe GuardianThe IndependentThe TelegraphMarie Claire and THE. Simultaneously, Danae was Account Manager for financial and corporate PR firm Kwittken & Company, where she managed highly technical international accounts. In her new position, Danae will work primarily on Jumeirah, with a focus on lifestyle and luxury.

“I’m excited,” says Danae. “It’s the first time I’ve seen sun in what feels like years (thank you, London), the office has a great environment and the magazine has a fantastic legacy combined with serious future potential. How can I argue with that?”

Rima Taha joins Strategies International

Rima Taha has joined the Strategies International team as Public Relations Manager. Previously Public Relations Manager at Rawaj International, Rima has handled international brands such as Galeries Lafayette, Gilan Jewellery House, and Estée Lauder, as well as regional brands including Yas Island, Ajmal Purfumes and Si Fashion Gallery. In her new role, Rima will be handling Institut Esthederm, MGI Luxury Group (Concord and Movado watches) and Simone Perele.

“With almost six years of experience in the PR industry, I’m very excited about my new position and I look forward to being an effective member at such an esteemed company,” says Rima. “I will be handling a group of high-end brands, as well as a new cosmetic and skincare brand that will be launching this year in our market, so watch this space!”

Robert Chilton promoted to Senior Editor

Robert Chilton has been promoted to Senior Editor of What’s On Dubai and What’s On Abu Dhabi. Previously Deputy Editor, Robert will continue to direct the What’s On team, in addition to editing, writing, conducting interviews, reviewing restaurants and maintaining his Thursday morning slot on the Catboy and Geordiebird Breakfast Show on Dubai 92.

“Today is my one year anniversary of moving to Dubai to join What’s On,” says Robert. “I’ve loved every minute of my 365 days here and I’m chuffed to become Senior Editor of What’s On Dubai and What’s On Abu Dhabi – two great magazines for two great cities.”

DJ Bliss is newest Contributor on Yahoo! Maktoob

Marwan Parham Al-Awadi, aka DJ Bliss, has been officially announced as a Guest Contributor on Yahoo! Maktoob. In his new role, the Emirati DJ and TV personality will be talking about what’s hot and what’s not in the local and international entertainment scene.

“I’m grateful that Yahoo! Maktoob chose me as their contributor,” says Marwan. “I do several things at the moment from being a Presenter for Dubai One TV’s That’s Entertainment, to DJing, producing, and supporting local talents. These have given me a lot of exposure in the entertainment industry and allowed me to develop good relationships with local and international personalities. My page on Yahoo! Maktoob will be a platform for me to share all the most exciting news and information I gather, so please keep watching this space for more updates and thank you so much for all the support!”

Maryan Abdinur joins Aziza Communications

Maryan Abdinur has joined Aziza Communications as PR Assistant. Maryan has previously worked on The Big Issue, Malawi, a street newspaper dedicated to fostering small enterprise and reporting on issues affecting lower income groups. In her new role, Maryan will oversee social media for all client accounts as well as support the PR team with daily workflow.

“I’m really excited to be working with such a prestigious group of clients, all in the fashion, beauty and luxury lifestyle sector, which is where my passion lies,” says Maryan. “I have always been naturally drawn to communications, and I know this role will let me develop exponentially. I am looking forward to assisting the Aziza Communications team in delivering even greater results to our clients, year-on-year.”

Nada Kabbani joins ELLE

Nada Kabbani has joined the ELLE Arabia team as Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor for ELLE Arabia online. Previously Fashion Director for OK’s Red Carpet magazine, Nada most recently spent time freelancing, largely as the Fashion and Beauty Editor for Arabia.com. 

“Moving forward with my career, a beautiful opportunity was opened with ELLE Arabia,” says Nada. “It was a dream to work for such a global and successful name, so I made sure to put all my efforts into the challenge, and I was assigned as Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor for ELLE Arabia online.”