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Ananke to partner with The Indian Trumpet

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Online magazine Ananke – www.anankemag.com – has partnered with The Indian Trumpet to explore new creative approaches in order to amplify its online engagement, with a focus on digital media and content creation.  The e-zine is a non-profit initiative that celebrates visionary women across the Middle East and beyond.

“Digital media is an empowering tool of engagement,” says Sabin Muzaffar, Executive Editor, Ananke. “By forming creative alliances, we can not only start meaningful debates on issues relating to women, but we can also explore new methods of engagement that can lead to sustainable social impact. Here at Ananke, we are thrilled to join with The Indian Trumpet to find new methods for creativity in the digital landscape.”

Brndstr launches Innbx

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Dubai-based tech start-up Brndstr has launched Innbx, a new mobile application, developed for creative agencies to manage and monitor several Instagram accounts and hash tags as part of social media campaigns. Innbx is a free application developed to enhance the way brands engage with users on Instagram, allowing people to manage multiple accounts, to categorise followers in to groups and to save social content directly to mobile phones. Innbx was unveiled at TechCrunch Disrupt in New York City.

“With the launch of Innbx, companies will now have an opportunity to take their marketing campaigns to the next level,” says Simon Hudson, CEO and Founder, Brndstr. “As posted content continues to grow, we believe users will find the ability to group content extremely useful.”

 

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.”

Leo Burnett wins at ADC Awards

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Leo Burnett was the most awarded agency at the 94th Art Directors Club (ADC) of New York Awards in Miami last night. The agency won a total of 32 awards including: The Tomorrow Award, The Designism Cube, 10 Silver, two Bronze and six Merit awards for its work from its global network of offices. Notably, Leo Burnett won the Network of the Year award, with Leo Burnett Dubai being named Agency of the Year, making it the first agency in the MENA region to have claimed the honour.

Leo Burnett Dubai was also presented with the prestigious Black Cube for Advertising, the best in show award, for it’s ‘Two for one’ campaign for du in the United Arab Emirates, headed up by Saad Yusuf, Group Communication Director, Leo Burnett, Dubai. This was the first time in the awards’ 94-year history that an agency from the region won the award, presented to entries in the Design, Digital and Advertising categories at the discretion of an unanimous jury.

“The ADC awards not only represent a great achievement for us but also represents many ‘firsts’ for us” says Saad. “The UAE’s first home-grown creative campaign, ‘du Tuesday’s’ global recognition over the past two years at international awards shows is reflective of a maturing UAE creative industry. These accolades couldn’t have been possible without the partnership of du, Ali Ali, Maged Nassar, DejaVu and our team at Leo Burnett Dubai.”

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.

ShortList UAE now live

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ShortList UAE officially launched its online platforms today, shortlistdubai.com and shortlistabudhabi.com, with its print publication to follow in September. Falling under the umbrella of Arab Publishing Partners (APP), part of ITP Publishing Group, the websites are headed up by Shortlist UAE Editor-in-Chief Eddie Taylor and Digital Editor Sarah Garden.

The websites include features on restaurants and cafes, bars and clubs, film and TV, events and attractions, as well as shopping and style – all relevant to their respective cities. Differing from Shortlist’s UK website, the UAE counterparts will be aimed at both women and men. Both websites will be updated regularly and will include searchable entertainment listings for each city.

 

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.”