M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has announced the strategic acquisition of DUNE | 23. The agency will now serve as the Middle East arm of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, further strengthening its sport and entertainment offering. Founded in 2023 by Jamie Hosie (pictured, left) and Lloyd McMillan (pictured, right), DUNE | 23 delivers end-to-end marketing solutions - from communications and commercial strategy to activation across social media, PR, influencers, experiential, community engagement and media buying.

Scott Feasey, CEO, M+C Saatchi Middle East, commented: “This acquisition is a pivotal step in advancing our regional growth trajectory and strengthening our leadership in a space where brand and culture converge. DUNE | 23 brings specialist expertise, a proven track record, and a team uniquely attuned to creating lasting impact through passion and fandom. By integrating their capabilities and insight into our ecosystem, we’re scaling our ability to lead in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets for sport and entertainment.”

Robin Clarke, Global CEO, M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment (pictured, centre), added: “Our expansion into the Middle East is driven by increasing demand from clients and the rich number of opportunities that the region represents for our business. What co-founders Jamie and Lloyd have built in the region in such a short space of time makes me incredibly excited for our future together. The alchemy of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment’s global legacy and DUNE | 23’s local repute will make M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment a powerhouse in a region that is fast becoming one of the world’s leading hubs for sport and entertainment.”

Lloyd McMillan, Founder DUNE | 23, stated: “The M+C Saatchi name is synonymous with creative excellence, and the Middle East operation is no exception. Joining M+C Saatchi Middle East marks a defining moment for us. One that broadens our reach, deepens our capabilities, and positions us to deliver even greater impact on behalf of our clients.”

Fellow DUNE | 23 Founder, Jamie Hosie, added: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built in such a short time, a homegrown agency shaped by ambition, driven by creativity, and grounded in a deep understanding of the region. Now, we carry that momentum into a global network built to scale bold ideas. Together, we’re ready to shape the next chapter of sport and entertainment in the region along with the people and purpose that have guided us from day one.”

Pead has won the Supreme Award at the 51 ^st annual PRINZ Awards to celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand's PR and communications sector.

Around 180 PR professionals gathered for the event, with over 75 awards handed out across a range of categories.

Five campaigns went head-to-head to take away the final award of the evening, the Supreme Award, with Pead ultimately unveiled as the winner for their campaign, Restoring Mana: The World’s Largest Haka for Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.

The judges noted that their campaign brought all of New Zealand and the world on an exciting journey to create positive change, describing it as joyful, insightful, creative and a truly inclusive communications campaign.

Chief Judges, Nikki Wright APR FPRINZ and Andrew Pirie FPRINZ, said: "This bold, nation-building campaign showcased some of the best qualities of public relations as it harnessed the power of haka to unite New Zealanders and reclaim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the World’s Largest Haka. It aptly combined cultural pride with a charitable purpose."

The night also saw Special PR taking home gold in the Telum Media-sponsored Best Use of Media Relations category, for their campaign, KFC Gravy Train.

The full list of winners can be found here.

PRCA APAC is conducting a virtual training session on the 18th of June 2025, from 2 to 4 PM SGT.

Led by Manuela Moollan, Founder of Walk The Talk Consultancy and its Director, Riddhima Bhatnagar, the session is designed to equip communications professionals with the language, strategy and substance of sustainability storytelling.

Click  here to register.