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We Are Social launches new report 

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Global creative agency network, We Are Social has launched a new report known as Braving the Backlash. Created by its UK office, the report aims to offer practical advice on how brands can approach sensitive issues in their marketing while properly managing hate speech and negativity online. Braving the Backlash explains why all brands need an anti-hate policy, how to create one, and where to display it. The report also introduces a new ‘Three Rs Model’ to help brands and community managers successfully categorise and respond to hate speech online.

“Diversity has become a core issue at the heart of our industry, as brands and advertisers increasingly look to speak out on societal causes which resonate with them,” says Nathan McDonald, Co-Founder and CEO, We Are Social. “However, there is still a clear lack of understanding as to how these conversations  – and indeed, campaigns – can be properly managed online without those involved having to fear backlash from certain groups online. This report aims to help to address some of these concerns, and offers brands and marketers a roadmap on how to effectively tackle negativity head on. It’s something we as a group are incredibly proud to stand behind.”

APO Group launches enhanced news monitoring service 

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Media relations consultancy for the MENA region, APO Group has launched a new version of their media monitoring service for press releases. The new service aims to provide all wire customers with a complimentary bespoke monitoring report which collates media clippings from websites, print publications and social media while delivering insights on media sentiment and journalistic engagement.

“Our enhanced media monitoring service reflects our commitment to exploring new ways of delivering superior media intelligence to our customers,” says Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and CEO, APO Group. “For us, distributing press releases across a specific region is not merely about pushing corporate news to journalists. It is about supporting our clients in establishing market presence and enhancing target audience engagement. To help them achieve this, we strongly believe it is crucial to provide them with as much information as possible about the success of their campaigns.”

MSL Group opens office in Turkey

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Dubai-based communications and engagement company, MSL Group Middle East, part of Publicis Groupe, has expanded into Turkey. Being its 107th office worldwide, the new office will be a part of a strong integrated offering in Turkey that will feature the capabilities and expertise from Publicis Istanbul, Publicis Healthcare, Leo Burnett, Starcom and Zenith. The new office will see the appointment of Mehin Öner as CEO, making Istanbul the 34th branch in the MSL network led by a woman.

“The move links the PR capabilities in Turkey to MSL’s global practice and sectors as well as best-in-class strategic counsel, creative services and best practices that MSL provides around the world,” says Mehin Öner, CEO, MSL Group, Turkey. “By working as part of the MSL global network, and closely with our local Publicis sister agencies, we offer our clients a distinct strategic, data-driven and holistic solution that meets their broadest communication and business needs.”

Guillaume Herbette, Global CEO, MSL Group, continues, “The addition of Istanbul is strategically important to our global network as it is situated at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, all where the MSL network is exceptionally strong.  We have been eager to move into the Turkey market for some time now. Clients across our global network will benefit from our presence in Turkey where we now have a solid on-the-ground team with a deep understanding of the local marketplace and strong relationships, community ties and social connections.”

 

Omnia expands into Jordan

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UAE-based digital agency, Omnia has launched its Jordan office as part of its expansion plans. Located in Amman, the new office is in response to the growing demand for Omnia’s digital expertise and will act as a digital development hub for the company’s growing roster of digital clients which, at present includes the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Emirates NBD, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and ACWA Power.
“Given the breadth and scale of digital consultancy and transformation work that we regularly undertake and deliver on behalf of some of the region’s, and world’s, biggest brands, we are committed to attracting and developing world-class talent,” says Adam Booth, Managing Director, Omnia. “Our new Jordanian office and the talented Arabic speaking team that comprise it – coupled with our regular investment in the latest industry tools – reinforce our ability to successfully deliver a range of digital services that not only positively impact our clients’ businesses but transform them for the better.”

Memac Ogilvy opens new Cairo Office

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Memac Ogilvy has embarked on a major reshuffle of its Egypt operations, starting with the launch of a new Cairo office in Technology City. The new office marks the first stage of a renewed commitment to modernising its services in Egypt and the company aims to bring its new operating system and restructure to its Cairo team.

“Egypt has long been an important market for us, and we’re proud of the influential history we have here, from the launch of the New Suez Canal, to the Egypt Post, to Cairo’s Ministry of Finance,” says Edmond Moutran, Chief Executive Officer, Memac Ogilvy. “Today, the nation is going through significant growth measures, which is vastly important from a social, economic, and cultural perspective. This is an era we are committed to playing a key role in. Our 20-year history in the country allowed us to recognise the opportunities that exist, and we intend on contributing through our talented resources, services, and operations.”

Ogilvy to launch Marketing Technology Center of Excellence

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Ogilvy will deliver its Marketing Center of Excellence through its Memac Ogilvy offices across the MENA region. The new offering aims to bring out the company’s range of MarTech solutions while providing offices and clients with a skilled and highly competitive hub model.

“We’ve steadily grown our capabilities in the area of deep digital in recent years, in line with Next Chapter,” says Patou Nuytemans, CEO, Memac Ogilvy, Chief Digital Officer, Ogilvy EMEA. “In order for clients to become truly digital, they require partners with not only strategic and creative digital skills, but also deep expertise in technology. That’s what the Center of Excellence is all about. We are thrilled to be able to offer it here in the MENA region, where clients are increasingly showing great desire to innovate and transform digitally.”

Publicis Groupe introduces Marcel

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Publicis Groupe has unveiled Marcel in the Middle East. Named after the Founder of Publicis Group, Marcel is an artificial intelligence powered innovation that aims to transform the organisation from a holding company to a platform, creating the first truly borderless and frictionless enterprise workforce. Marcel connects Publicis Group’s 80,000 employees and will completely reinvent the way they work.

“We have broken the divide between data, creativity and technology – we are breaking the barriers between talent and opportunity with Marcel,” says Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO, Publicis Groupe. “Marcel is the proof of our commitment to our people, our clients and our industry. We will be a force for good, by leading the change.”

JPd PR opens London office

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Dubai-based public relations and social media agency, JPd PR has launched its London office as the first stage of its global expansion plans. Having launched in Dubai in 2016, JPd PR has opened its new office to reach out to key clients and help them design and execute campaigns and communication tactics. The agency’s key clients include Telr, Carlton Hotels and Suites, Bebuzzd and Fiona Environs – they will also work towards gaining more clients and awareness across the globe.

“Having launched in 2016, JPd PR has reached great horizons in the GCC market,” says James Pass, Director, JPd PR. “London is just a stepping stone into the global market, and we look forward to making many more such announcements, this year. We forecast exciting times ahead and envision growth for the agency.”

 

Instinctif introduces new practice

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International business communications consultancy, Instinctif Partners Middle East has launched a new content and creative practice. The new practice will offer support in developing and producing creative content across platforms and events, while also extending into content development, creative consultancy and corporate reporting. It will also see the appointment of Abdul Mateen to the role of Graphic Designer. With 15 years of experience in the advertising and media industry, Abdul most recently worked with Fineline Advertising Agency as Arabic Graphic Designer. In addition, with over 16 years of experience in Europe and the Middle East, most recently working with Group 7 Properties, Pablo Aldav has been appointed to the role of Consultant.

“Our new Content & Creative practice caters to the growing demand for high-quality content in the Middle East market, especially to support Investor Relations and Financial Communications,” says Samantha Bartel, Managing Partner, Instinctif Partners Middle East. “Through the medium of storytelling and imaginatively using a range of platforms and channels, we can deliver the right communications strategy to effectively connect with audiences and deliver a compelling investment case.

 

phocal Media launches new image collection

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Dubai-based photo platform, phocal Media has launched a new image collection that aims to illustrate the recent changes in attitudes in Saudi Arabia regarding women driving. A regionally-authentic visual media specialist, phocal Media is best known for its arabianEye collection that covers the Arab world. The company also works with a portfolio of strategic international partners including Alamy, Reuters and Magnum Photos.

“We’ve been gathering market feedback for some time, and it became clear from our creative partners that some fresh perspectives and faces were needed for client projects,” says Greg Aslangul, Managing Director, phocal Media. “The changes in Saudi Arabia have resulted in a shift in content needs for the region, and we wanted to adapt our content to reflect this.”