Dubai Airports, operator of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), has appointed Current Global MENAT as its retained public relations agency following a competitive pitch process. The move strengthens its integrated marketing and communications strategy under the Middle East Communications Network (MCN).The appointment consolidates PR efforts across MCN agencies?ÇöJack Morton, MRM, and Magna?Çöalready supporting Dubai Airports. Current Global will now lead strategic storytelling and media engagement as part of a unified team delivering cross-channel brand communications.?Ç£As Dubai Airports evolves into a hospitality-driven organisation, we are embracing a more agile, digital-first communications approach,?Ç¥ said Michelle Lee, VP Brand & Communications, Dubai Airports. ?Ç£Current Global?ÇÖs appointment reflects our commitment to impactful, integrated storytelling with earned media at its core.?Ç¥The partnership comes at a pivotal moment for Dubai Airports, ahead of the 19th edition of the Dubai Airshow at DWC and record-breaking annual passenger figures expected later this year. The organisation is also focusing internally on enhancing employee experience and rolling out a refreshed corporate strategy.Peter Jacob, Managing Director, Current Global MENAT, stated: ?Ç£Dubai Airports is more than a global aviation leader?Çöit?ÇÖs a gateway to the Dubai story. We?ÇÖre proud to support their mission and collaborate with the outstanding MCN team.?Ç¥Echoing the sentiment, Ghassan Harfouche, CEO of MCN MENAT and President of McCann Worldgroup APAC, added: ?Ç£This partnership exemplifies our vision of delivering seamless, connected solutions through agency collaboration to elevate iconic brands like Dubai Airports.?Ç¥Current Global?ÇÖs regional portfolio includes clients such as Dubai Tourism, Bugatti, Kraft Heinz, Global Village, and Bentley.

Victor John Platon has been elevated to the position of Director of Communications and Public Relations at the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, a prestigious non-profit organisation based in Manila. Platon brings over 15 years of experience in marketing communications (marcomms) to his new role, having previously served as the Head of Communications and Public Relations at the Foundation. His career spans various key positions in organisations like Children?ÇÖs Hour Philippines and McCann Worldgroup Philippines, where he contributed significantly to the advancement of public relations and marketing strategies.Under his leadership, the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation continues to honour transformative leadership and selfless service throughout Asia. The Foundation, named after the seventh President of the Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay, has been bestowing the renowned Ramon Magsaysay Award since 1958 to individuals and organisations who demonstrate "greatness of spirit and transformative leadership" in addressing critical issues across Asia. These awards have been given to over 300 individuals and organisations from diverse fields such as public health, governance, education, human rights, and the arts, making it Asia's premier prize.Platon's appointment comes at a time when the Foundation is expanding its communication strategies to reach a broader audience and strengthen its impact across the region. His expertise will be crucial in enhancing the Foundation's outreach and engagement initiatives, particularly in promoting stories of remarkable change and achievements among the awardees. As the Foundation looks ahead to its upcoming events and initiatives, including its 2024 activities aimed at supporting sustainable development goals, Platon's leadership is expected to play a vital role in shaping its future direction and visibility on a global stage.(Image courtesy: mrvictorjohnplaton.wordpress.com)

Publicis Groupe has appointed Nannette LaFond-Dufour as Chief Impact Officer. In this newly created global role, Nannette will be responsible for driving immediate impact across the Groupe?ÇÖs long-term ESG commitments. These include Publicis?ÇÖ ambitious SBTI-approved climate goals, its concrete diversity, equity and inclusion action plans, as well as its flagship initiatives like the Working with Cancer pledge and the Women?ÇÖs Forum for the Economy & Society. A leading industry figure over the course of her 30-year career, Nannette joins Publicis from McCann Worldgroup where she was Chief Client Officer and McCann?ÇÖs inaugural Chief Sustainability Officer, responsible for driving sustainability goals across its global environmental footprint. Nannette will head a centralized team in cultivating and partnering with the Groupe?ÇÖs ESG community around the world. Together, they will design and deploy a consistent strategy on impact, with clear and measurable KPIs, to enhance and expand Publicis?ÇÖ existing initiatives and implement new ones, at the service of its teams and its clients. Her appointment underscores Publicis?ÇÖ ongoing commitment to creating positive change through environmental and societal impact. Consistently ranked first in the industry by leading ESG rating agencies, in the past year Publicis was the only holding company in the sector to appear in the S&P Yearbook, which evaluates the sustainability efforts of global businesses. Through the Working with Cancer Pledge, over the last 18 months the Groupe has also rallied more than 1500 of the world?ÇÖs most iconic companies to commit to erasing the stigma of cancer in the workplace. Nannette will join the Groupe?ÇÖs Management Committee and report directly to Arthur Sadoun, Chairman & CEO. She will work hand in hand with Agathe Bousquet, President of Publicis France and Directoire+ sponsor for ESG. ?Ç£With the Directoire+ we are delighted to welcome Nannette to the Groupe?Ç¥ said Arthur Sadoun. ?Ç£Thanks to our transformation, we have been outperforming the industry on every business and financial KPI for the past four years. But we know that for our growth to be truly sustainable, on every front, it also needs to be responsible. That?ÇÖs why we have also worked to lead the way through our best-in-class ESG initiatives. With Nannette on board and her proven expertise in delivering impactful change with some of the world?ÇÖs biggest companies, we are confident we can take our ESG agenda even further, faster, for the good of our people, our clients, and our planet. ?Ç£ "I deeply admire the work that Publicis has done to transform itself, demonstrating both the ability to anticipate the future, and do the hard work required to prepare for it through tangible environmental and societal commitments. At this moment when evolution is the mandate on every front, I look forward to joining such a visionary, courageous and agile team" added Nannette LaFond-Dufour.