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Jad Chababi promoted at J3

J3, part of UM MENA has promoted Jad Chababi to the role of General Manager of Africa, Middle East and Turkey (AMET). Having joined J3 in 2014, Jad most recently held the role of Regional Business Director, where he worked on the strategic and tactical development of the Johnson & Johnson brand across the region. In his new role, he will lead the rollout of the J3 partnership in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey to drive business across the region and help the creation of a solid organisational structure in all markets. He will also focus on upgrading the product offering across the region to ensure performance consistency while maintaining a strong position across the region.

“Jad Chababi has played a pivotal role in our partnership with Johnson & Johnson in the MENA region and we look forward to seeing this being successfully extended in newer markets,” says Joe Nicolas, Regional Managing Director, UM MENAT. “Due to his impeccable business acumen and senior marketing expertise, Jad has successfully provided significant value creation opportunities for Johnson & Johnson, positioning them as a market leader and enhancing our competitive position as an agency in this region.”

Dubai Lynx names 2016 jury

 The Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity has named the 56 international jurors set to judge entries from across the Middle East and North Africa region at the 10th Dubai Lynx. The panel includes; Daniel Andrade, Group Creative Director, EMEA, The Zoo, Google, EMEA; Russel Place, Managing Director, UM, UK and Nick Emery, Global CEO, Mindshare, Global and will convene to appraise over 2,000 entries and determine winners of the coveted Lynx trophies, which will be presented at an awards ceremony on March 9, 2016.

More information and the full list of jurors can be found at www.dubailynx.com

UM MENA partners with EVRYTHNG

UM MENA has partnered with EVRYTHNG through its innovation and technology division UM Labs.  EVRYTHNG is an Internet of Things (IoT) Smart Products Platform that connects any consumer product to the Web using connectivity technologies or networking protocols, and manages real-time smart product data to drive applications. The partnership with the IoT Smart Products Platform will transform how clients’ products talk to its consumers, bringing innovation and a multitude of engagement with the consumer, data divinity and a better understanding of post purchase wants.

UM Labs aims to accelerate the adoption of ‘The Next Thing In Media’ through a showcase of technology partnerships, and is uniquely positioned in a global media agency, the Labs’ aim from this first media and IoT partnership in the region with EVRYTHNG is to bring more innovation to UM MENA’s partners by creating the most vibrant and efficient media space.

“Innovation in technology is making it possible for everyday products to generate data and play a direct role delivering digital services and applications to consumers,” says Niall Murphy, Founder and CEO, EVRYTHNG. “We’re thrilled to be working with UM Labs to bring these innovation capabilities to brands.”

UM appoints Regional Strategy & Content Director

UM MENA has appointed Antoine De Trogoff as Regional Strategy and Content Director. In his previous role, Antoine was with Mediacom International in the UK, where he ran two major global accounts – Shell and Dassault Systemes – as well as heading up the Content Partnership division. In Antoine’s new position, he will be responsible for the setup of UM Studios, the branded content division of UM MENA, and the strategic lead on L’Oreal brands.

“The last few years have seen numerous changes in our industry with the role of content completely challenging our business, it is such an exciting time to join the region and support UM’s growth and I am thrilled to be part of such a vibrant agency,” says Antoine. “Many agencies will claim outstanding strategic thinking but we have the opportunity to be different and demonstrate we are at the forefront of developments in the sector with unique skills and resources.”

Tom Hardstaff joins UM MENA

Tom Hardstaff has joined the UM team as Regional Strategy Director. Having moved over from Mediacom in the UK, Tom has worked on international brands such as Volkswagen, TUI, Kenwood and DeLonghi. In his new position, Tom’s main responsibility is to support the Coke team with strategic direction, ensuring the brand’s continued innovative growth in the MENA region. Tom’s current focus is the development and implementation of the MENA Coke workshops, which will be pulling together the local markets to align vital output and drive the brand forward.

“The challenges Coca Cola face in the MENA region differs to that of other international markets,” says Tom. “But, with an innovative agency approach to our strategic direction, we have the opportunity to deliver remarkable, engaging consumer campaigns and ultimately reposition Coke as the number one drinks brand in the region.”

New Regional Investment Director for UM

Universal McCann (UM), has announced the appointment of Ziad Chalhoub as its new Regional Investment Director. He will be based at UM’s Hive H.Q. in Tecom and will report to Rizk Naifeh, Executive Vice-President of MCN Media. Chalhoub’s remit will see him overseeing all media trading in the GCC and the Levant for UM’s and Magna brands. Ziad has worked on the region’s largest multinational accounts for blue-chip brands including PepsiCo, Du, Kingdom Holding and Beiersdorf, among others.

 

“In a fragmenting and evolving media marketplace, UM is more than ever committed to securing its market-leading position and competitive edge by recruiting the very best talent that the region has to offer,” said Rizk Naifeh, Executive Vice-President of MCN Media. “Ziad’s appointment is tangible proof of UM’s continual quest for excellence and he will be a valued member of the UM team.”