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OMD Predicts 2014 to focus on trends in marketing

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The 2014 edition of the OMD Predicts conference will focus on the aggregation of the three most fundamental trends transforming the practice of marketing. The sixth in the series of events designed to help marketers and media professionals future-proof their strategies, OMD Predicts will explore the way innovation, content and technology are reshaping marketing. Scheduled to take place on November 10, 2014, the conference will be held at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Music Hall and is expected to gather more than 250 delegates.

OMD Predicts will bring international and regional experts to share insights and best practice to help marketers embrace and capitalise on the trends of content, technology and innovation – the three threads that are profoundly altering the way brands communicate with consumers. Guy Hearn, Chief Innovation Officer, Omnicom Media Group APAC, will discuss how showcasing media creativity in brands’ communications will separate the leaders from the followers. He will also highlight how to harness the innovation process and how it impacts advertisers, agencies and the media.

Content is becoming less the context for brand messaging and increasingly the message itself. In keeping with this, Shawn Amos, Founder and CEO of Freshwire, will focus on how brand storytelling and content marketing is evolving to add value to both brands and consumers, particularly in the context of evolving and emerging technologies.

Technology, perhaps the most transformational trend of all, will be the topic of a session presented by Whetson’s Founder, Thimon De Jong. Drawing from his experience on human behaviours, Thimon will explore the three most significant technological shifts that will alter not only brand communications but also business models.

“Planning for the future is never an easy task, but with OMD Predicts, we are aiming to establish a solid foundation from which one can start,” says Nadim Samara, Managing Director, OMD UAE & Lower Gulf. “Thanks to the knowledge and vision shared by this year’s speakers, future-proofing communication strategies will become a lot more achievable and fruitful. Rather than anxiety, this knowledge will allow us to look to the future with agility, anticipation, excitement and confidence.”

Sherry Tenorio moves on from Arabian Woman

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Sherry Tenorio is moving on from her position as Senior Editor of Arabian Woman magazine. With publication of the magazine to be put on hold, Sherry will now be involved with a host of publications, taking on the role of Editor-in-Chief for Post magazine, a newly-launched lifestyle magazine dedicated to the diplomatic community in the UAE and Qatar, where she will oversee the editorial management of the publication. In addition to this, Sherry will take charge of luxury lifestyle and fashion title, Velvet magazine as the Resident Editor for fashion and beauty, and will contribute relevant content. Finally, as Co-Founder and Editor of online fashion and lifestyle portal, La Moda Dubai, Sherry will continue to be involved in editorial planning, writing, styling shoots and marketing.

“I’ve learned so much from my stint at Arabian Woman,” says Sherry. “I met a lot of amazing people, went to different and beautiful places, and experienced new things – I’m very grateful for having had the privilege of working for the magazine. But as they say, life goes on. It’s time for me to face new challenges and grow further; I’m terrified but excited to witness what happens next! I’m sure I will embrace the challenge and do well at Post, Velvet and La Moda.”

Heather McDonald joins Linktia

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Heather McDonald has joined content production group Linktia as Partner and Business Development Manager. Having been in Dubai since 2008, Heather has worked with Alchemy Films, first as a Producer and most recently as General Manager. In her new role, Heather will oversee Linktia’s business development, with a focus on building long term relationships with new and existing clients.

“Having worked as the General Manager for Alchemy Films for the past six years, the transition to Linktia provides a fantastic career growth opportunity,” says Heather. “Linktia is a group of market leading companies and dynamic individuals, with brands including Alchemy Films, Aperto Middle East, arabianEye, Bareface, Corbis, Magnet and The Studio. To work with such an interesting range of industries and promote brands like these is a thrilling position to be in!”

Lindsay Judge joins Gulf News Magazines

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Lindsay Judge has joined Gulf News Magazines as Group Fashion Editor. Lindsay was most recently with ITP Publishing where she was Fashion and Beauty Editor for Ahlan!, looking after all fashion and beauty content both online and in print. In her new role, Lindsay will oversee the fashion content for Gulf News Magazines, including Aquarius, alpha., Friday and Watch Time, as well as supplements.

“It’s great to be working with so many exciting titles,” says Lindsay. “I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to work across such a broad spectrum of magazines.”

Surena Chande joins La Femme

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Surena Chande has been appointed as the new Digital Content Writer for La Femme magazine’s online platform. Remaining with the Pinpoint Media Group team, Surena moves across from Good Taste magazine where she was a Writer for the past year, overseeing the content and production for style and home as well as contributing to the events, travel and food sections. In her new position, Surena will produce fresh and exciting content for the La Femme website, in addition to managing La Femme’s social media pages.

“Digital journalism has been a path that I have been eager to pursue since university,” says Surena. “So I’m very excited to embark on this new journey with a magazine brand as respected as La Femme.”

Yahoo restructure reaches Dubai office

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As part of Yahoo’s global efforts to ‘streamline operations’, a number of workforce reductions were implemented within its Dubai office last week, although the exact number is yet to be confirmed.

With the closure of operations in Cairo approximately one year ago, Yahoo continues to downsize it presence in the region. This latest report of restructure follows on from Yahoo’s announcement earlier this month of its plans to close its office in Amman, Jordan, by the end of 2014. While Yahoo Maktoob’s operations will now be supported from regional offices in Dubai and other locations, Yahoo’s Dubai office – which first opened in 2010 – appears to be the last remaining outpost for Yahoo in the Middle East.