Katch International has won the PR account to manage French clothing brand IKKS in the UAE. Headquartered in Cholet, the IKKS brand designs are available for men, women and children in over 150 boutiques in France and other European countries, and with stores currently located in two Dubai malls.
EDGAR Middle East has announced the launch of its online platform, www.EDGARdaily.com. With Neil Churchill as Online Editor, the digital arm of the men’s luxury lifestyle magazine will provide daily content on all the things people have come to recognise about the brand – from in-depth reportage features and exclusive interviews, to style tips and regular reviews of the latest cars, bars, spas and travel destinations.
“We are thrilled to have launched EDGARdaily.com,” says Matthew Priest, Editor-in-Chief, EDGAR Middle East.“The website not only allows us to provide our readers additional value along side the monthly magazine, but it also shows our commitment to the digital growth of the men’s lifestyle sector that the region is crying out for.”
The findings of the third annual Ketchum Leadership Communications Monitor (KLCM) have been released. The global study polled 6,509 people in 13 countries for their views on effective leadership, effective communication and the link between the two.
Signalling the rise of a new ‘feminine’ model for leadership communication, the research found that female leaders globally came out comfortably ahead on all of the top-five most crucial traits for effective leadership. In the UAE, these global findings are mirrored in all cases except ‘leading by example’. Female leaders were voted higher in key leadership attributes; communicating in an open and transparent way (61% female leaders vs. 39% male leaders), bringing out the best in others (56% vs. 44%), and admitting mistakes (61% vs. 39%). The trend has not yet overturned the feeling that male leaders are better in a crisis with handling controversial issues or crises calmly (42% vs. 58%) in the UAE – showing a wider gap than the global average of 48% vs. 52%. However, and most likely due to the historical, political and cultural landscape in the UAE, 63% rate male leaders (higher than the global average of 54%) as most likely to navigate us through challenging times over the next five years.
“This is not to say that all future leaders should be women, and that men have no place in leadership,” says Rod Cartwright, Partner and Director, Ketchum’s Global Corporate and Public Affairs Practice. “Rather, our findings reveal vitally important lessons for leaders of both genders, as they continue to grapple with the ongoing leadership crisis.”
Nicola Gregson, Managing Director of Ketchum-Raad Middle East adds, “This research is finally putting to rest the flawed assumption that women need to come across as aggressive, vocal or dominant leaders to make their mark. Given that many perceive this region as having mainly male dominated leadership, it is interesting to see the UAE following a global trend citing the future of leadership communication as more ‘feminine’. We are seeing the birth and acceptance of a new model of leadership communication based on transparency, collaboration, genuine dialogue, clear values and the alignment of words and deeds; a model being followed far more consistently by female leaders.”
KLCM also indicates that the global leadership ‘crisis’ persists as consumers continue to be disillusioned with their leaders. Looking at leaders across sectors, only 22% of those surveyed feel leaders are demonstrating effective leadership – down from 25% last year. However, faith in business leaders is growing in the UAE, with 31% of responders (up from 28% in 2013) choosing business leaders as demonstrating the most effective leadership – higher than any other sector leaders. About half (45%) feel that business leaders are effective communicators, higher than the global average of 35%. In total, 88% of responders in the UAE have the same or more confidence in business leaders than in 2013.
Additionally, in line with global findings, 47% of responders in the UAE have named trustworthiness as the most important attribute for corporations, more so than financial strength (28%) and corporate social responsibility (27%).
Now in its third year, the KLCM study of 2014 has underlined the importance of the Good Leader Formula: Credible Leadership = Open Communication + Decisive Action + Personal Presence.
Entourage Marketing & Events has launched a campaign to help marketing students better understand the media industry in the UAE, and explain the practical uses of theories studied at university. The campaign, which will extend to universities across the UAE, will highlight and explore the opportunities of integrated communications in the Middle East. Entourage launched the campaign following a concern over the large gap between the expectations of students, the curriculums they study and what the Middle East industry really requires.
“It is extremely important that we help these students understand what the market expects of them, and to involve them in the industry even before they graduate,” says Mohammed Tayem, Managing Director, Entourage Marketing & Event. “The aim of this campaign is to provide a better understanding of the market, which helps students, but also helps us in the industry when students understand not only their role as marketeers, but how the different marketing tools work together.”
Hania Nashef, Assistant Professor at the American University of Sharjah adds, “I have indeed noticed that many of our students aren’t completely aware of what the market needs. For example, many of them underestimate the need for bilinguals and strong Arabic copywriters, although we reinforce it as professors. To have a professional working in the industry bring the picture into focus will be beneficial to our students, and it will create a solid foundation for fresh graduates.”
Strategies International has won the account to represent NARS Cosmetics in the Middle East. Established in 1994 by François Nars in New York, NARS Cosmetics is currently available in over 18 countries worldwide, and Strategies International will be the first agency to handle the cosmetic company’s public relations in the region.
“We are thrilled to represent NARS,” says Emilie Loivet Moussawer, PR Director, Strategies International. “As the brand celebrates 20 years of audacious beauty this year, we look forward to bringing NARS to the Middle East.
The winners of the 7th annual VIVA Beauty Awards have been announced following the ceremony which was held on Thursday May 22 at the JW Marriot Marquis Dubai. Hosted by TV presenter and entrepreneur Zahirah Variawa, this year saw 23 VIVA Beauty Awards categories presented across prestige and mass market products.
In the prestige market, the night’s highest accolades went to Chanel, a winner in two categories: Best Foundation – Chanel Perfection Lumiére Velvet Smooth-Effect Make-up, and Best Perfume – Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum. Other winners in the Prestige market included: Best Mascara – Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara; Best Nail Varnish – Essie Nail Colour; Best Anti-Ageing Product – Clarins Double Serum; Best Hair Product – L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Masque; Best Face Moisturiser – Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30; Best Lipstick – Christian Dior Rouge Dior, and Best Body Product – Kiehl’s Créme de Corps.
In the mass market, the awards were split into the following categories: Best Perfume – L’Occitane Magnolia & Mure; Best Mascara – Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara; Best Nail Varnish – OPI Nail Lacquer; Best Anti-Ageing Product – Pond’s Age Miracle BB + Cream; Best Hair Product – TRESemmé Salon Silk Conditioner; Best Face Moisturiser – Olay Total Effects Day Cream; Best Lipstick – Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipstick; Best Body Product – The Body Shop Shea Body Butter; Best Hair Salon – JetSet, and Best Nail Salon – N.bar.
For the Editor’s Choice Awards, Chanel took home yet another win with Chanel Allure Eau De Toilette named as the Editor’s Choice Cult Classic. In addition to this, the Editor’s Choice for Most Innovative Product went to Philips ActiveCare Jojoba Straightener, and the Editor’s Seal of Approval was awarded to Max Factor Whipped Creme Foundation.
Jenny Fajutag has been appointed as Marketing and Communications Manager for the Taj Palace Hotel Dubai. Jenny joins the Deira-based hotel from the Jumeirah Group where she was Marketing and PR Communication Executive, and in her new role, she will be promoting the Taj Palace Hotel as an active supporter of local events as well as a business and leisure hotel of choice for regional and international visitors.
“While services and operations are essential selling points, the image of the hotel is vital to ensure good publicity and sales,” says Ahmed Badawy, Acting General Manager, Taj Palace Hotel Dubai. “As a result, we are delighted to enlist the skills of Jenny in marketing the Taj Palace Hotel Dubai.”
The winners of the Ahlan! Awards Abu Dhabi 2014 were announced yesterday during an awards party held at 01NE Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The annual celebration presented 16 awards to Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after attractions, businesses and personalities, and were selected by Ahlan! readers through nominations which were split into two phases, initially voting for a longlist and nominating again to compile the shortlist.
The winners of the Ahlan! Awards Abu Dhabi 2014 included: Best Hotel – Emirates Palace; Best Fine Dining – Zuma, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi; Best Visitor Attraction – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; Best Shopping Mall – Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi; Best Brunch – Friday Marina Brunch, Intercontinental, Abu Dhabi; Best Sporting Event – Abu Dhabi F1; Best Spa – Anantara Spa, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara; Best Music Event – The Rolling Stones (February 2014); Best Ladies Night – Jazz Bar & Dining, Hilton Abu Dhabi; Best Radio DJ – Kris Fade (The Kris Fade Show, Virgin Radio Dubai); Best Bar – Jazz Bar & Dining, Hilton Abu Dhabi; Best Club DJ – DJ Rabih Karam (aka DJ Angelo); Best Nightclub – 01NE, Yas Island; Best Personality – Kris Fade, Virgin Radio Dubai and Publisher’s Recognition Award – Harmeek Singh, PLAN B.
In2 Consulting has signed new lifestyle PR account, Desert River. Formed in 2004 by Dutch nationals Claudia van der Werf and Michiel Schröeder, Desert River specialises in the distribution of European lifestyle brands including Fatboy, Blofield and Driade. They are also involved in event rentals.
“We are very happy to be working with the young and dynamic team at Desert River and to build on their success in the market,” says Anne Bleeker, Managing Director, In2 Consulting. “They represent amazing, high quality and fun brands and we know we will be able to do some great work for their brand.”
Digital Media Services (DMS), which serves as the digital arm of Choueiri Group, recently announced its exclusive partnership with Screen-it By Strategies the Dubai-based rich media and digital brand experience specialists. The tie-up focuses on offering DMS’ clients outstanding creative and executive expertise in crafting rich media campaigns.
Screen-it By Strategies features a French distinguished approach to modern designing, producing and launching advertising campaigns with exclusive interactive movie clips and films, which are aimed at captivating audiences and increase their engagement with brands.
“Our partnership with Screen-it By Strategies will enable our clients to develop highly creative and compelling ways to connect with the quality audiences they desire,” says Michel Malkoun, Chief Operating Officer, DMS. “Rich media and interactivity maximise the potential of your brand’s valuable advertising investment and Screen-it By Strategies possess an unrivalled ability to design highly-impactful and engaging brand experiences.”