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Integral-OMG publishes paper on mobile devices

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Integral-OMG, the research arm of Omnicom Media Group MENA, has partnered with specialist digital marketing agency Resolution and Google to produce a comprehensive mobile white paper, ‘Upward Mobility: Reflecting on the Growth of Mobile in MENA.’

Integral-OMG’s research shows that an average smartphone user in the region currently spends upwards of four hours per day on these devices. Google reports that consumers in the UAE have an average of three internet-enabled devices and that mobile devices account for 50 percent of YouTube viewership in Saudi Arabia. Advertisers are regarding it more and more as a valuable medium with plans for greater investments; by 2020, Omnicom Media Group estimates that 58 percent of all digital investments in the region will be on mobile.

‘Upward Mobility’ provides further insights on consumer behavior around the device, the emergence of the second screen in television consumption and the rise of the mobile transactions in the region. While there is a lag, both globally and regionally, between users’ adoption of the medium and that of advertisers and publishers, this gap is being bridged over time. The paper outlines what changes need to take place for all parties to realise the full potential of this ubiquitous platform.

“Our latest white paper takes a closer look at the state of mobile in the region and analyses the implications on the communications industry,” says Ziad Skaff, Regional Executive Director – Research and Insights, Omnicom Media Group MENA. “It not only goes beyond the top-line penetration and usage figures, but also explores the behaviours of users, advertisers and publishers. Mobile devices will continue to transform the way we target and communicate with consumers. In order to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the media, the mindset of the industry has to similarly evolve.”

Wassim Kabbara, Head of E-commerce, Retail and Local at Google MENA adds, “The region has one of the highest number of smartphone users in the world. With more than half of search queries and YouTube views coming from mobile, and 90 percent of users who are online daily on their devices, the opportunities are endless. One of our top priorities in MENA is to help businesses become mobile leaders in their own right, offer best practices and help them innovate through this medium beyond just advertising.”

Submissions close for Sharjah Govt Comms Award

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Sharjah Media Centre (SMC) has closed submissions for the second edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Award. The awards recognise the achievements of outstanding media and communications professionals across government institutions in the UAE. The award incentivises government communication professionals to implement best practices in their daily operations and proactively contribute with ideas for the improvement of their departments that in turn facilitate efficient communication with Sharjah’s residents. The submissions are currently being subjected to a preliminary evaluation process.

“The initial screening of submissions has begun and will conclude at the end of November,” says Asma Al Juwaied, Manager, Sharjah Government Communication Award 2014. “For this edition of the Award, SMC has commissioned a carefully selected team to oversee the quality of entries and ensure they comply to our stringent terms and conditions. In the second phase of the evaluation process, the selection committee will nominate three to five submissions from each category. The shortlisted entries will be presented to the jury panel for the final evaluation and selection of the ultimate winner in each category.”

This year’s Sharjah Government Communications Award has witnessed wide participation from ministries, federal institutions and local government entities, with many of the federal and local authorities submitting entries to more than one category.

The winners will be announced at an official ceremony that will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, during the first quarter of 2015.

Ben Kershaw joins Katch International

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Ben Kershaw has been appointed as Client Servicing Director for Katch International. Ben brings to his new position over eight years of experience in the UAE, including Head of Sales for the Middle East at PR Newswire, Sales and Marketing Manager at White Label, and most recently the Marketing and Sales Manager for Cavalli Club, Restaurant & Lounge. In his new position, as well as being the main point of communication between the team and clients, Ben will also help build strategic partnerships between clients and external companies, enhancing their activities under the agency’s portfolio that includes public relations, social media, events, design and conceptual development.

“Having the dual perspective of being both a client and now a member of Katch International, I can think of no more enigmatic and creative team to be joining,” says Ben. “I look forward to breaking the traditional mold of marketing activities in the UAE and growing our portfolio into new industries and fields in the future.”

CNC and Capital MSL to merge

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CNC – Communications and Network Consulting – and Capital MSL, have announced their intention to merge. The combined consultancy will adopt the CNC name and offer clients a stronger international network and broader advisory capabilities. This step will considerably strengthen the overall group offering, as well as add a prominent Middle East and emerging markets presence – including offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai – to CNC’s network.

The new CNC will begin operations on January 1, 2015, with 11 offices in eight countries working on more than 200 mandates globally. It will continue to offer a broad range of integrated strategic communications services, including financial and corporate communications, reputation management, crisis and issues management, internal and change communications and public affairs. As part of the MSLGROUP network, the combined operation will leverage the skills of strategic and financial communications sister consultancies, such as Kekst & Company in the US and JKL in the Nordic region, in addition to expanding its presence in Asia and Latin America.

Richard Campbell, Founder and CEO of Capital MSL and Roland Klein, currently Managing Partner of CNC London, will be joint Managing Partners in London as well as overseeing the growth in the Middle East. Claire Maloney and Nick Bastin, both shareholders and Managing Director’s of Capital MSL, will become Partners in the new firm, alongside the existing 10 Partners in the CNC Group.

“Since Publicis Groupe’s acquisition of CNC in 2012, it was clear that not only did we advise clients around similar issues, but that we also had the same vision for the future,” says Richard Campbell, Founder and CEO, Capital MSL. “It makes strong strategic sense to combine the two networks to create an impressive international organisation of real scale, serving our clients as their most trusted advisor. After a successful and highly enjoyable thirteen years of growth as Capital MSL, we are convinced that this is the right step for our colleagues and clients, helping them to realise their own ambitions on a more international stage and in a more complex communications environment.”

Rana Jamaleddine joins Strategies International

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Rana Jamaleddine has joined Strategies International as PR Manager. With a wide range of experience in luxury PR, Rana was most recently Assistant PR Manager, Media and Online at Swarovski Professional, handling the Middle Eastern market. In her new role, Rana will manage Acqua Di Parma, Bioderma, Maurice Lacroix and Beauté Prestige International – which includes fragrances by ELIE SAAB, narciso rodriguez, Issey Miyake and Alaia.

“I am extremely thrilled to be working with such a diverse and dynamic team,” says Rana. “I look forward to representing these world renowned and prestigious brands.”

Fergus McGloin joins Edelman UAE

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Fergus McGloin has joined Edelman as a Senior Account Executive on the Health team. Originally from Ireland, Fergus has previously worked in roles for Coca-Cola Ireland and British Telecom. Most recently, he spent two years in the UK as Account Manager for a full service healthcare marketing agency, where he managed the accounts for Colgate-Palmolive UK and NHS England.

“I’m delighted to join Edelman UAE’s Healthcare practice,” says Fergus. “I am new to the region and excited to get to know the markets and build my career here. The health industry is thriving in the Middle East and PR is an integral component of its growth; which is exciting to be part of.”