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CNN to launch The Silk Road series

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CNN is set to launch a new series uncovering the cultural traditions and commercial trading synonymous with The Silk Road trading route – The Silk Road: Past, Present, Future. Each month, CNN International correspondent Sumnima Udas will visit a different country along The Silk Road, uncovering stories of innovation, culture and business. The format of the 30–minute show will combine the modern world with historical context to bring the region alive.

A dedicated microsite for the series will be hosted on CNN.com featuring video from the show and a host of bespoke content about the topics, cultures and business practices covered in the series. CNN’s audience will also have the opportunity to engage with the series through accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

“’The Silk Road: Past, Present, Future’ is where rich, historic cultural context meets modern business and trading against the backdrop of visually stunning landscapes and destinations,” says Ellana Lee, Senior Vice President, CNN International. “Part business show, part travelogue – this series will be an important part of CNN International’s output.”

For further information, contact Kimberly Lobo at kimberly.lobo@ketchum-raad.com / +971 (0)4 425 8979

MEPRA announces Visionary Award shortlist

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The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) has named the nominees for its 2015 Visionary Award. Winners of the award, which recognises leaders for their impact and thought leadership over the previous year, will be announced on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at the MEPRA Leadership Majlis in Abu Dhabi.

Nominees have been split across three categories – Government/Not-For-Profit, Communications Agency and Corporate – and include Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi, Executive Director, Emirates Driving Association, Atul Dhawan, CEO, Sakshi Advertising & PR and Ala’a Eraiqat, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

For further information, visit www.mepra.org

Dentsu Aegis acquires John Brown Media

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Dentsu Aegis Network has acquired John Brown Media. The agency’s experience in creating and publishing content is hoped to enhance the network’s existing content capabilities, to create a differentiated and innovative integrated content offering for clients worldwide.

Established in 1987, John Brown Media is headquartered in London and has offices in South Africa, Hong Kong, Boston and Dubai. The company provides clients with services including print and digital publishing, content management, website strategy and film production. Following the acquisition, it will retain its brand identity and operate as an external entity from Dentsu Aegis Network MENA. John Brown Media will now also work with iProspect, the network’s digital performance agency, as well as Carat’s content partnerships team in order to integrate publishing capabilities into Dentsu Aegis’ offering in the region.

“By adding a specialist content agency to the network, we are proving just how much the lines have become blurred between agency disciplines,” says Michael Nederlof, CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network, MENA. “Quality content is increasingly rewarded within the media eco-systen, particularly within search, and we are very excited to work with John Brown to create differentiated and specialised content solutions for our clients.”

Grow promotes Dylan Fitz-Gerald

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Grow Digital Services have promoted Dylan Fitz-Gerald to User Psychology Specialist. Formally an intern with the company, Dylan joined fresh from the University of Reading, where he graduated with a Bsc (Hons) in Psychology.

In his new role, Dylan will contribute his knowledge of user psychology to enhance the effectiveness of all websites and online marketing campaigns deployed by Grow. He will also contribute to the company’s workplace culture, as well as its rebranding.

“I have always been extremely interested in the role that psychology plays within the commercial and economic landscape, “ says Dylan. “My experience with Grow has truly given me the opportunity to exercise and refine these skills in a fast-paced environment. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the fascinating and every-evolving industry that is digital marketing.”

GroupM welcomes Filip Jabbour

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Global media investment management operation GroupM, part of WPP, has welcomed Filip Jabbour to the role of Middle East North Africa (MENA) CEO. Having most recently worked with Spark in the US as Executive Vice President, Filip brings 19 years of international experience in media advertising with him to his new role.

GroupM has just officially opened its offices in the UAE, with the primary goal of maximising the performance of WPP’s communications agencies, operating as both a parent company and collaborator to offer an intelligent application of insights to its clients. As MENA CEO to the company, Fillip will be responsible for leading all operations and driving growth in the region, as well as developing strategy and accelerating the growth of the groups regional media agencies: Mindshare, MED, MediaCom, and BPG Maxus.

“The opportunity to join the world’s leading media investment management group to lead development in the exciting and fast-growing MENA market is thrilling,” says Filip. “GroupM agencies operating in MENA are distinguished by their winning track records, and I am keen to accelerate their pace by harnessing the absolute best digital, technology, data and content solutions available.”

Ogilvy promotes Daniel Mercado

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Ogilvy Public Relations has promoted Daniel Mercado to the role of Associate Account Director. Having worked for Ogilvy for over four years, most recently as Senior Account Manager, Daniel brings over eight years of PR and Marketing experience working with multinational private, government and nonprofit entities to his new role.

As Associate Account Director, he will drive corporate, technology and consumer PR campaigns across the MENA region.

twofour54 welcomes ET Bil Arabi to its studios

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twofour54’s studios in Abu Dhabi are now the home of entertainment show ET Bil Arabi. The show comprises breaking news stories, exclusive set visits, first looks at upcoming film and television projects, as well as candid one-on-one interviews with some of the Arab World’s most famous talents and celebrities.

Brought to the Middle East by pan-Arab broadcaster, MBC Group, the show is the region’s version of Entertainment Tonight (ET) and will be produced in Arabic by twofour54’s campus partner Charisma Group. This is the group’s second locally-produced format, joining ET Canada, which has just launched its 10th season. ET Bil Arabi is shown on MBC4, from Sunday to Thursday, with a 90-minute compile on Saturdays and it reaches nearly 300 million viewers across 21 countries in the region.

“We have attracted several major international and regional productions to shoot in the Emirate over the last few years,” says Jamal Al Awadhi, Head of Commercial, twofour54 Film and TV Services. “The production of this popular entertainment show at our studios reinforces Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a world-class production hub and a centre for Arabic broadcast content.”