Appointments

Middle East Communications Network (MCN) has announced the appointment of as CEO of media agency UM MENAT. Nicolas has been with UM for more than nine years. Starting as the regional head of research, and then as head of strategy, his efforts were focused on building the agency’s capabilities in insight generation and data-driven planning. In 2013, he assumed the role of head of product and became the driving force behind the successful rollout and integration of UM’s product offerings of social, digital, branded content, technology and creative solutions.

In his current assignment as the regional managing director, Nicolas has been championing consistency in service offering across all UM markets, strengthening the local leadership and upgrading the agency’s capabilities in support of client business growth.

Shadi Kandil, CEO of MediaBrands MENAT, said: “Joe’s experience and contribution in making UM a leading agency and his authentic team-player attitude make him an extraordinary leader, well-positioned to take UM into its next phase of development.”

JOE NICOLAS

MCN has also announced the appointment of

as CEO of Magna in MENA. With 17 years of experience in various leadership positions, Massoud has been the regional managing director at Magna, MCN’s fastest growing media agency, for the past 10 years.

Shadi Kandil, CEO of MediaBrands MENAT, said in his announcement: “Bassem is an exemplary, roll-up-the-sleeves leader who is passionate about building long-term client relationships. His strategic grasp of the communication process and his advocacy for building a strong team with diverse capabilities put him at the right place to lead Magna forward in its journey for growth and transformation”.

Before joining Magna, Massoud worked with top regional brands including Procter & Gamble, Mars, GSK, Nakheel and Almarai.

MASSOUD BASSEM

Buzzeff MEA is pleased to welcome

as ad ops and publishers director for the MEA region. Hanley brings 10 years’ experience in business development, entrepreneurship and operations management. She’ll help to strengthen operations, leveraging the demand side through higher execution standards while optimising the supply that matches business needs.

KELLIE HANLEY

Jensen Matthews PR has appointed

as account executive, part of its team development planned for 2019. Kumar, a recent journalism graduate, has produced written and

ANAMIKA SUNIL KUMAR

visual content for a children’s magazine. Recently she switched to PR to challenge herself in the media industry.

“I strongly hold the belief that delivering the voices and stories of every unique client is of an enormous value to me, and I am excited to be part of the journey,” said Kumar. Active Digital Marketing Communications recently announced senior promotions for two long-term employees.

and

LAUREN BRUSH STANISLAVA BURIANEK

have been promoted to associate account directors with different focus areas playing to their strengths and areas of interest. These promotions are in line with the agency’s growth plans and projections.

Sawsan Ghanem, managing partner at Active DMC, said: “Lauren and Stanislava are ready for their extended leadership roles that include driving agency business growth and servicing clients’ diverse communication needs across the Middle East. I believe the road to successful growth and expansion is to focus on nurturing the talent from within and supporting leadership opportunities.”

Over more than four years at Active DMC, Burianek has shown a passion for handling technology, banking and finance clients. Brush joined Active DMC over a year and a half ago with a solid background of nearly 10 years in PR and communications, three of which were in the region. She leads a diverse portfolio of clients from within the healthcare, technology and energy industries, and was named PRCA MENA’s Rising Star of the Year in 2018. APO Group, a media relations consultancy and press release distribution service covering Africa and the Middle East, has announced the appointment of

as CEO. Founder and owner of APO Group Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, will become chairman. His focus will be on delivering high-level counsel for APO Group clients and developing his own investment fund dedicated to Africa.

Reina has more than 25 years of senior management experience and a strong history of providing leadership and delivering growth.

REINA LIONEL