AW Rostamani Group (AWR Group), a privately-owned family business conglomerate in the Middle East, has appointed Sara O’Hara as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.With over 18 years of experience in corporate communications, O’Hara brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Prior to joining AWR Group, she served as SVP – Group Communications at Al Ghurair, where she oversaw a wide range of communications functions across seven major industry sectors.O’Hara has a proven track record of building strong and enduring brands. She has worked with various regional and global companies, including Barclays Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, and AXA, to develop effective communication strategies that address their unique challenges and opportunities.As Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at AWR Group, O’Hara will play a crucial role in shaping the brand’s future. She is committed to leveraging her experience to develop initiatives that will ensure the brand’s continued success and growth.Commenting on her appointment, O’Hara said: “I am delighted to have joined AWR Group and look forward to contributing to its success. I am confident that my experience in building purposeful and lasting brands will be valuable in this role.”O’Hara added: “The UAE’s marketing landscape is evolving rapidly, and I believe AWR Group is well-positioned to be a leader in this new era. I am excited to play a part in shaping the brand’s future and ensuring its continued success for generations to come.”

SAP has announced the appointment of Julia Madden as the new Head of Communications for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, based out of Singapore. This strategic move comes as SAP continues to strengthen its communications and public relations efforts in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region.Julia Madden, who joined SAP in 2021 as the Head of External Communications for SAP Australia and New Zealand, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Prior to her tenure at SAP, Madden held significant public relations positions at Barclays Bank in London. Her extensive background in communications and her proven track record at SAP make her an ideal choice for this leadership position.SAP's decision to elevate Madden reflects the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing its presence and impact across Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. This appointment aligns with SAP's broader strategic initiatives, which include significant cloud revenue growth and key partnerships aimed at driving digital transformation in the region. For instance, in Q1 2024, SAP reported a 35% increase in cloud revenue in the Asia-Pacific and Japan, underscoring the region's importance to the company's global strategy?.In her new role, Madden will focus on advancing SAP's communication strategies, leveraging her expertise to support the company's objectives in digital transformation and innovation. This appointment also coincides with SAP's broader efforts to foster economic and social impact in the region through collaborations with organisations like the ASEAN Foundation. Such partnerships aim to empower youth and underrepresented communities by providing digital skills training and promoting sustainable development?.Julia Madden's promotion is a testament to her leadership and the critical role of effective communication in SAP's mission to support businesses in their cloud transformation journeys across Southeast Asia and beyond.