The Brandberries

Unlock the art and science of Marketing Communication with HIMEL’s Vibha Thusu , Overseas MarCom Leader, as she shares invaluable insights on collaborative synergy, customer empowerment, authentic storytelling, data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and the challenges of delivering omnichannel communications experience. Don't miss out on this exclusive interview, where we delve deep into the strategic marketing communications and global outreach success.

We’re very excited to announce that Seif Hakim, Program Manager at AUC Venture Lab is joining our squad of regular contributors. Seif Hakim a multi-faceted professional with six years of experience spanning across communications, public relations, marketing, and startup ecosystem development. Armed with a BSc in Economics, he started his career with a fervent passion for innovation and strategic thinking. Commencing as an Account Executive in 2019, Hakim spearheaded communication strategies and managed the public image of prestigious entities such as McDonald's Egypt, the 2019 & 2020 PSA CIB Women's World Championship, and the CIB Egyptian Squash Open 2019 at the iconic Pyramids of Giza. His responsibilities encompassed media exposure, developing communication strategies, and media handling. In 2020, as a Senior Account Executive, Hakim led a team of junior executives, producing business development proposals across diverse sectors including real estate, sports, and health-tech before transitioning into entrepreneurship. Hakim first joined AUC Venture Lab in 2021, assuming the role of Senior Marketing Communications Coordinator before moving to the role of Senior Program Coordinator in 2022, where he coached entrepreneurs on implementing evidence-based entrepreneurship tools to validate and launch their innovations. In his subsequent role as an Account Officer at V-Lab since 2023, he developed tailored business content aimed at empowering startups in crafting effective business models and leveraging growth-hacking techniques while establishing connections with various stakeholders to facilitate startup growth. In 2024, he assumed the role of Design Thinking Programs manager where he supports idea-stage startups and early-stage founders through different initiatives.

In a strategic move to continue its success in Saudi Arabia, Snap Inc. announced today the appointment of Abdulla Alhammadi as Managing Director in KSA.

OMD Worldwide, a leading media network in the region and the world, has announced the promotion of the Managing Director of its Egyptian operation, Tarek Jaffar, to Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

We’re very excited to announce that Darien Harris, Founding Partner of JansenHarris, is joining our squad of regular contributors. For more than twenty-five years, Darien has lived and breathed branding. Initially studying Art and Design in South Africa, then holding senior design positions at both Landor and HKLM, Darien now champions the global, multicultural approach that is very much a cornerstone of JansenHarris. Since co-founding the business in 2010, Darien’s extensive brand-building experience has included partnerships with Abu Dhabi Airport, Accor, Costa Coffee, Marriott International, Jack Daniel’s, Siemens, The Emirates Group, The Macallan, and The Ritz-Carlton. Darien heads up a multi-disciplined team, leading with courage and integrity. Together their work has been recognised with over 50 regional and international design awards.

OTB, the international fashion and luxury group which owns the Diesel, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni and Viktor&Rolf brands, the Staff International and Brave Kid companies, and holds a stake in the Amiri brand, and Chalhoub Group, the leading partner and creator of luxury experiences in the Middle East with a portfolio of ten owned brands and over 450 international brands, signed a strategic joint venture agreement to significantly expand the presence of OTB’s luxury brands in the region.

This Father’s Day, Canon Inc. launched a campaign celebrating the dads behind the lens who rarely get to be in the picture. The series showcases universal moments in children’s lives and hints at the often-hidden parent behind the scenes.

General Motors Africa & Middle East continues its path to transform mobility in the region, while also providing world class cars, trucks and SUVs. Effective July 1st, 2024, Furrukh Jawaid will join GM to lead its Marketing effort across its vehicle brands Chevrolet & GMC, consolidating GM’s growth plans and spearheading the next phase in GM’s quest to transform the customer experience in the region through his track record focused on innovation.

Ahella El Saban, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Exits MENA, and Dr. Dag Bennett, Director of the Ehrenberg Centre for Research in Marketing at London South Bank University, shared with us a very interesting perspective on Arab Women, Luxury Handbags, And The Power of User-Generated Content.

MassiveMusic Dubai, the Middle East’s leading sonic identity and music agency, won gold and silver accolades – for the second consecutive year – for best use of audio branding at the 2024 Transform Awards Middle East and Africa.