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Tarek Solimane joins Alstom

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Alstom, the French multinational corporation which holds interests in electricity generation and rail transport markets, has appointed Tarek Solimane as NME Regional Communication Director. Previously Head of Communications for the press office and regional development at UBIFRANCE Agency in Dubai, Tarek’s focus was on the design and implementation of integrated communication strategies for French companies seeking development in the MENA region, and successfully launched the first UBIFRANCE Coporate Communications and press office in the GCC in 2008. In his new role, Tarek’s key responsibilities include developing Alstom’s image in the region and supporting the various businesses with their communications, including press relations.

“I am both happy and honoured to have joined the communication department of Alstom Group for the Near and Middle East,” says Tarek. “I look forward to being a part of the team during this time of growth for the region.”

Chanelle Tourish joins Time Out Dubai

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Chanelle Tourish has been appointed as the Nightlife, Arts & Culture Editor for Time Out Dubai. Chanelle joins the team at ITP from Virtuozity magazine, where she held the position of Associate Editor for the last year and a half. In addition to this, Chanelle brings a range of experience to her new role having worked across print media in the UAE, UK and Ireland.

Dubai One to shut down production

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While the official announcement is due to be made after the Eid holiday, it is now known that Dubai One is preparing to shut down TV production and lay off 80 percent of its staff. Launched in 2004, the English language TV station is run by government owned Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI).

The remaining staff will be transferred to Arabic language channels, and although Dubai One will remain on air, its content will be syndicated from elsewhere. Shows that will be taken off the air include in-house business news show, Emirates 24/7; daytime chat show, Studio One and entertainment programme, Out and About.

Gemma Jones to step down at Gulf News Magazines

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Gemma Jones is to step down as Fashion Stylist for Gulf News Magazines at the beginning of next month. The resident Fashion Stylist for two and a half years, Gemma’s role includes shooting across three titles – Alpha, Aquarius and Friday magazine, shooting everything from women’s, men’s and children’s fashion to still life and writing fashion columns. With plans to remain in Dubai on a freelance basis, Gemma has projects already in place with luxury clients to extend her editorial and commercial portfolio, and can be found at www.gemmamjones.com.

“It has been a difficult decision to make as I have had a great time working at Gulf New Magazines, but ultimately I need to move on to more career-driven projects,” says Gemma. “Having been part of the redesign on both monthly titles – Alpha and Aquarius – I will of course miss the teams and shooting for them greatly.”

Dentsu Aegis Network to offer ICUC

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Dentsu Aegis Network has further consolidated its presence in the communications space by offering social media moderation and management specialist ICUC in the UAE. Founded in 2002, ICUC provides content moderation, community management and reporting insights to support brands’ media strategies in the digital space.

“The social media world is evolving and changing daily, and a brand can no longer have a social media presence without needing protection,” says Audrey Soler, Business Development Manager, ICUC. “With the launch of ICUC in the UAE, we can help brands moderate and monitor their social conversation in both Arabic and English. Social networks, blogs and video-sharing sites like YouTube are great vectors in the region but this is just one aspect of social strategy. Whilst brands need to engage with their consumers 24/7 through strong social customer care, managing online reputation by keeping negative social content at bay is equally important. With 12 years of experience in online risk mitigation, ICUC delivers peace of mind and insurance for our clients and their social presence.”

Michael Nederlof, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network MENA adds, “There is an ideal match between ICUC’s real-time social media services and our clients’ growing needs across the social media landscape. Brands will now understand consumer opinions and monitor product campaigns and competitors in real-time, to make better business decisions and maximise return-on-investment.”

Olivia Cantillon joins Hello! Middle East

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Olivia Cantillon has joined the Hello! Middle East team as Writer & Stylist. Starting this week, Olivia takes on her new position from the UK, where she was previously Deputy Fashion Editor for Star magazine. In her new role, Olivia will be working across the title on fashion and beauty, interviews and celebrity stories.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Hello! Middle East team and starting a wonderful new chapter,” says Olivia. “Working for such an incredible title is a total honour and I am so looking forward to the exciting challenge ahead.”

Patrick Fourniol joins Al-Futtaim Motors

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Patrick Fourniol has been appointed as Head of Marketing for Toyota at Al-Futtaim Motors. Patrick joins the team from Renault Germany, where he was Marketing Director for Renault since 2011, and prior to this held the position of VP Marketing Communications Worldwide. He brings extensive industry experience to his new role and the Toyota brand, having served four years at Toyota Marketing Europe as Regional Senior Manager Toyota Sales Operations until 2007.

“Toyota is a brand and company I know quite well and love working for, and is certainly the leading brand in the automotive world,” says Patrick. “I was impressed with Al-Futtaim Motors for both the size of its operation and its clear and ambitious vision.Toyota, Al-Futtaim group and the UAE as a country represent a promising platform for growth. Contributing to their further success is very exciting and rewarding for a passionate marketer like me.”

David Kingsmill-Moore joins Capital MSL Middle East

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David Kingsmill-Moore has joined Capital MSL Middle East as its new Regional Director & Head of Financial Services. Formerly Managing Director of Fleishman-Hillard ME, David brings with him over 14 years of global agency, in-house and secondee experience across an extensive range of sectors in the US, UK, European, Australian and African markets.

Suzan Kazzi joins Al-Futtaim Motors

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Suzan Kazzi has joined Al-Futtaim Motors as Communications Manager. Prior to this, Suzan was with advertising and marketing agency, Gmasco, where she overlooked Al Futtaim Motor’s PR activities regarding Toyota, Lexus and Hino. In the last two and half years, Suzan has worked exclusively on Toyota, managing the press launches of Toyota’s 2013, 2014 and 2015 line up in the UAE. Suzan will now develop and deploy Al-Futtaim Motors’ corporate communication strategy related to Toyota, Lexus and Hino for all internal and external stakeholders. Gmasco continue to represent Al-Futtaim Motors as an external agency.

“This is an exciting move for me,” says Suzan. “I am very familiar with Toyota, Lexus and Hino as I have been working on some of them for over three years from the agency side. I feel privileged to be able to develop and strengthen the business relationship with local and international stakeholders and further contribute to the success of Al-Futtaim Motors.”