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Sonam Basantani steps down at Gulf News

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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

LIGHTBLUE welcomes Megan Kemp

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Megan Kemp has joined Dubai-based experiential agency LIGHTBLUE as Account Manager. Having been shortlisted for Best Youth Marketing campaign in the Effie MENA 2014 Awards, Megan previously worked at Iris Middle East as Account Executive, working across FMCG and retail accounts.

In her new role, Megan will oversee key accounts including Sirocco, Emirates Leisure Retail, PlayStation and Virgin Megastore.

“I am delighted to be part of an innovative team in a rapidly expanding experiential agency in Dubai,” says Megan.

For further information, contact Megan Kemp at megan.kemp@lightblueww.com / +971 (0)55 340 2938

Hill+Knowlton Strategies launches H+K HER

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Hill+Knowlton Strategies has launched H+K HER programme to support female employees. The programme is designed to provide information, inspiration and support to female employees as they develop throughout their careers.

MeetHER showcases women in business and SpeakHER is a drive to increase the visibility of female talent in the industry. The mentorship programme for women in the consultancy consists of both female and male mentors from across H+K.

“We are proud that our leadership teams in both the UK and broader EMEA region are evenly split between men and women, but we recognise there is more to be done,” says Lars Erik Grønntun, Chairman & CEO, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, Hill+Knowlton Strategies. “We are committed to ensuring that there is equal gender representation in the creation and recognition of the work we produce for our clients, and that our people are empowered to meet that challenge.”

In addition to the launch of the H+K HER programme, H+K is also proud to be working alongside the Dazed Group to present Female Firsts; an initiative which launched at Cannes Lions 2015 and champions female directors in the film industry.

Laura Coughlin promoted to Deputy Editor

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Laura Coughlin has been appointed as the new Deputy Editor for both What’s On magazine and the digital version, WhatsOn.ae. Having joined Motivate Publishing 12 months ago, Laura previously worked across both titles as Features Writer.

In her new role, Laura will work alongside the title’s senior editors, designers and writers to create engaging and brilliant content covering subjects that range from music to restaurant reviews and adventure to new activities in UAE. Laura will also focus on making WhatsOn.ae the number one go-to online portal for breaking news, upcoming events, and the latest in food and fitness in the UAE.

“I am extremely proud to be part of the What’s On team,” says Laura. “We will continue to bring practical, interesting and exciting content to ensure our readers love the emirates as much as we do.”

For further information, contact Laura Coughlin at laura@motivate.ae / +971 (0)4 427 3097

Poppy Regan joins MO4 Network

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Poppy Regan has joined MO4 Network as a Junior Account Manager. Poppy previously worked at Z7 Communications, supporting the team in communicating the clients’ messages via social media platforms and traditional PR methods.

In her new role, Poppy will manage some of MO4 Network’s top lifestyle accounts. She will also be spearheading engaging and successful creative activations.

“Poppy’s versatile background and creative capacity made her the ideal candidate for MO4 Network’s PR division,” says Gabriela Asquith, Managing PR Director, MO4 Network. “She is always in the know of emerging international trends, which ensures our clients’ campaigns are making an impact throughout the region.”

For further information, contact Poppy Regan at Poppy@mo4group.com / +971 (0)52 244 0641

XPRESS promotes Mazhar Farooqui

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Mazhar Farooqui has been promoted to the role of Editor of XPRESS Dubai and XPRESS Abu Dhabi, part of Al Nisr Media.Having previously worked as Deputy Editor across the publications, Mazhar will now be responsible for managing the publications, as well as content-creation and ensuring that the magazines contain an enterprising mix of news, human interest/community stories and lifestyle/entertainment features.

“I was part of the team that launched XPRESS, so it’s a great honour to be heading the publications now,” says Mazhar.

For further information, contact Mazhar Farooqui at mfarooqui@xpress4me.com / +971 (0)4 406 7846

Shane Mcginley wins Journalistic Excellence Award

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Shane McGinley, Executive Editor, Arabian Business has been selected as one of 22 global recipients of the Citi Journalistic Excellence Award, 2015. This is the first time journalists from the Middle East have competed for the award, and Shane represented the UAE along with Triska Hamid, a London-based freelancer who contributes to Abu Dhabi-based Newspaper, The National. The Citi Journalistic Excellent Award is sponsored by Citigroup, and judged by a professional jury of experts in finance, economics and business journalism. Each recipient of the award was chosen from hundreds of international journalists, invited to apply and partake in a competition and selection process, with those who were successful being invited to attend the International Journalists Seminar at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York.

“It was an amazing experience to be able to attend the Columbia University campus, even just for 10 days,” says Shane. “With journalists from all over the world, it was great to hear their stories and experiences as well as the different challenges journalists face each day.”

For further information, contact Shane McGinley at shane.mcginley@itp.com / +971 (0)4 444 3631

Ketchum Raad welcomes Ashraf Shakah

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Ashraf Shakah has joined Ketchum Raad Middle East as Managing Director. Ashraf most recently held the position of Business Director at BPG Cohn & Wolfe, and has previously held leadership roles with ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller in the UAE and Jordan. Ashraf brings over 18 years of experience to his new role, where he will be based in Dubai and responsible for managing Ketchum Raad’s teams across the Middle East.

“Ashraf’s considerable experience in the region aligns very well with our client needs and our plans for continued growth,” says John Higgins, Senior Partner and CEO, Ketchum International.

Ashraf adds “It is exciting to join Ketchum Raad Middle East, the agency at the forefront of the communications industry in a region that is going through rapid change, as it helps governments, businesses and people in the Middle East realise their aspirations for more positive perceptions. I’m already impressed by the team’s determination to seize these opportunities, and I’m looking forward to helping them accelerate that journey.”

For further information, contact Dhaliya Zankawi at dhaliya.zankawi@ketchum-raad.com / +971 (0)4 425 8977