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Jayant Dey joins BNC Publishing

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Jayant Dey has joined the team at BNC Publishing as Group Sales Manager. Having spent five years in advertising sales with ITP Publishing Group across Logistics Middle East, Scata Awards and the Logistics Conference, Jayant will now be instrumental in launching an upcoming logistics magazine in the UAE – set to go out in the regional market in the near future – as well as working with other products at BNC Publishing.

“I am extremely passionate about the logistics industry, as it’s the backbone of any business house,” says Jayant. “So the opportunity and the challenge to launch a logistics magazine with BNC Publishing is very exciting.”

New CNN art and culture series to launch

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CNN International is launching CNN Ones to Watch – a major new feature show debuting globally on CNN – which will delve into a range of colourful and diverse artistic and cultural fields to showcase future talent. Each month, CNN Ones to Watch will focus on a particular discipline – from modern dance to classical music, filmmaking to architecture and sculpture – as a recognised master of their craft identifies ‘ones to watch’ and explains why their careers are on an upward trajectory. Through this narrative, the master in each show will guide viewers into their art form, how its evolving and what new talent needs to accomplish.

Launching on October 10, 2014, CNN Ones To Watch will air across all CNN platforms – with the programme running on CNN International global feeds and on CNN en Espanol. In addition, vignettes from the programme will air on CNN US.

The series – sponsored by Cartier – will also have a number of digital elements to complement the on–air programming. Alongside video content from CNN Ones to Watch, a dedicated microsite will include interactive and social features, such as behind–the–scenes Instagrams and Vines from contributors.

“CNN Ones to Watch is one of the most extensive and exciting feature shows to appear on CNN International,” says Mike McCarthy, Senior Vice President and General Manager, CNN International. “Its broad remit will take viewers on a global journey to explore a diverse mix of arts and culture through the eyes of a master in their field and give the inside track on who could be tomorrow’s Carlos Acosta, Spike Lee or Rem Hoolhaas. The first episode will really set the standards with first class contributors and elements that will give viewers a real insight into the world of portraiture.”

Alka Winter promoted at FRHI Hotels & Resorts

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Alka Winter has been promoted to Regional Director MEAI of FRHI Hotels & Resorts – a consolidation of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. Prior to this appointment, Alka was Area Director, Public Relations for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, providing PR support for the Fairmont hotels in the UAE, including the Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Fairmont The Palm, whilst executing large scale PR campaigns. In her new position, Alka will be providing real-time strategic support and guidance for the PR efforts across the 19 Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel hotels in the Middle East, Africa and India, as well as elevating the FRHI brand within the public domain. This also includes the development of PR plans announcing new hotel openings and positioning FRHI’s growth strategy.

“I’m very excited about being part of a dynamic regional team who are specialists in their respective fields, ranging from design and construction, development, spa, food and beverage, as well as sales and marketing to name a few,” says Alka. “What I am most passionate about is lending my expertise to the region and working with the PR teams on property, helping to bring their ideas to fruition and introducing it to a global audience where appropriate. I have over 10 years of experience in public relations with most of those in hospitality, so I hope I can pass on some of my experiences and best practices to help achieve great results.”

Weber Shandwick named Global Agency of the Year

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Weber Shandwick has been named 2014 Global Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report. Honourees of the title are selected by the publication’s Editors, based on information gathered during the Agency Report Card and regional awards processes. In addition to being named 2014 Agency of the Year by The Holmes Report regionally in both North America and Asia Pacific, Weber Shandwick’s global outperformance of the market and its innovative digital capabilities including Mediaco – Weber Shandwick’s content publishing and distribution offering – has been highlighted, as well as the strong growth of its Middle East and North African operations.

“This award is a testament to Weber Shandwick’s collaborative culture and innovative work across our global network,” says Andy Polansky, CEO, Weber Shandwick. “We appreciate the strong support of our teams and client partners around the world.”

Ziad Hasbani, CEO of Weber Shandwick MENA adds, “We have been investing heavily in our MENA operation and it’s gratifying that the fruits of our efforts are now being recognised by global industry experts. We are proud of the longevity of our heritage in the region, but it’s the future that matters. Just as Weber Shandwick globally is evolving, we too are undergoing a transformation, which will ensure that we continue to stay ahead of the regional communication trends and place centre-stage the recognition that creativity and digital offerings are now key.”

Hotel News Middle East magazine launches

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BNC Publishing has debuted Hotel News Middle East magazine across the UAE. Launched this week alongside the Hotel Show in Dubai, the publication is geared towards discerning hoteliers and will act as a vital resource for industry professionals seeking reliable, current information about the region’s burgeoning hospitality space. Covering the latest industry news and analysis, information about new products, trends and services, 6,850 copies of Hotel News Middle East will be circulated across the GCC monthly, with the majority concentrated in the UAE and KSA. The publication will be distributed on a complimentary basis to hospitality industry professionals, reaching key opinion leaders across the GCC.

“The initial response we have received from the market has been exceptional,” says Diarmuid O’Malley, Group Publishing Director, BNC Publishing. “Between myself and a few of my colleagues at BNC Publishing, we have over 50 years of experience publishing hospitality-centric mediums. Our initial warm reception and our long-term vision both rely on our relationships with our readers, valued contributors and commercial partners.”

Architectural Digest to launch in the Middle East

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Architectural Digest is set to launch in the Middle East in Spring 2015, announced today by Jonathan Newhouse, Chairman and Chief Executive of Condé Nast International. Published under license agreement with Arab Publishing Partners (APP), a division of ITP Publishing Group, this will be the eleventh edition of the magazine available globally.

“Architectural Digest is hugely respected as the international authority on decoration and design,” says Jonathan Newhouse, Chairman and Chief Executive, Condé Nast International. “It is exciting to bring this publication to the Middle East.”

Ali Akawi, Managing Director of APP and ITP Consumer adds, “The GCC has some of the fastest growing cities in the world, with ambitions to create entirely new modern landscapes and ‘cities within cities’ in the next ten years. Architecture and design will be key to fulfilling this vision and the recent expansion in the number of commissioned projects – both residential and commercial – is evidence that there is now a need for individuality and unique brands. Architectural Digest Middle East will showcase global and regional unique design to both inspire and educate its readers.”

Architectural Digest currently has editions in the USA, Germany, France, Mexico, Latin America, Russia, Spain, China and India, with a global readership of over 6.8 million a month.

Women’s Health ME announces Next Fitness Star

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Women’s Health Middle East, in association with the National Health Insurance Company – Daman and their ActiveLife initiative, has announced the winner of the region’s first campaign for the Next Fitness Star. In a search for the UAE’s ultimate fitness personality, the title has been awarded to Heba Abel Gawad, who was selected by readers from among five finalists during a two-month online voting campaign and workout series. Heba, 32, from Egypt and Spain, is a former two-time Olympic athlete, NeuroPilates instructor and fitness educator who specialises in targeting the brain and nervous system to get the most out of the body. Heba is starring in her own fitness DVD, which will be given away with the next issue of Women’s Health Middle East – out on October 1, 2014.

“We are so thrilled to announce Heba as Women’s Health Middle East’s Next Fitness Star!” says Yi-Hwa Hanna, Editor-in-Chief, Women’s Health Middle East. “All of the finalists were amazing candidates and it was an exciting and tough competition, but we can’t wait to share Heba’s incredible workout with the region. She’s an inspiration.”

Heba, the Next Fitness Star winner adds, “This competition has been an amazing opportunity for me to be a part of, and I feel very grateful and supported by everyone who voted for me. It’s a great honour to be part of the movement in the Middle East to promote a healthy lifestyle, and it’s been really great meeting the four other finalists who are all stars.”

Hospitality Business Middle East launches redesign

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CPI Media Group has announced a fresh new look and expanded editorial scope for Hospitality Business Middle East magazine. Renamed HBME, the magazine will diversify its editorial focus from the business of hotels to the business of tourism across the GCC.

HBME will now report on the business of hospitality as both a pillar of Arabic culture and a vital economic driver, whilst including greater analysis on the factors driving hotel performance – from destination development to global political, social and economic trends. Specific attention will be paid to the hotel, F&B, aviation, cruise, leisure and corporate tourism markets, with the same data, commentary and industry interviews readers have enjoyed over the previous 29 editions of the title.

The structure of the magazine will comprise of the following –

  • Data: The latest benchmarking, analysis and performance metrics in collaboration with partners STR Global, Colliers International, EY and UNWTO among others
  • Procurement: Product news from the industry’s top brands and in-depth supplier profiles each month
  • Design and Technology: The latest innovations in IT, architecture and interiors, and how they are being utilised in the hospitality industry
  • Development and Investment: With emphasis on the pre-opening stage of a hospitality asset
  • Analysis: In-depth on market feasibility and the impact of new social and economic trends
  • Operations: Behind the scenes with business leaders and operational and corporate managers
  • Trend Talk: Submitted content from HBME’s editorial contributors and industry analysts

“The hospitality industry contributes 10 percent towards global GDP and in the Middle East the World Travel and Tourism Council predicts an 89 percent increase in annual travel and tourism revenues over the coming decade,” says Melanie Mingas, Editor, HBME. “This exponential growth will benefit both the leisure and business sectors, which are predicted to see a 100 percent increase in activity and revenues over the same period. Infrastructure and accommodation investments will hit $3trillion in the Middle East and the region’s airlines will buy 870 aircraft by 2027. So it’s vital that, as a central reference point for the hospitality industry, HBME is poised to cover these developments and their impact on GCC hotel performance.”