Acwa names VP, Corporate Communications and Sustainability

Paul Roeder has been appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of The Walt Disney Company, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer, Josh D’Amaro.

In this role, Paul leads Disney’s global communications and public relations strategy and operations and serves as the company’s lead spokesperson. His remit covers enterprise and business segment communications, regional communications teams across APAC, EMEA, and Latin America, as well as media relations, executive communications, internal communications, public affairs, and corporate social responsibility.

Paul is a 25-year Disney veteran, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Communications – Disney Entertainment Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and International. He has led communications for The Walt Disney Studios since 2010, overseeing the acquisitions of Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox, the launch of Disney+, and several film releases.

He joined Disney in 2001 via the ABC communications team and later held corporate communications roles from 2002 to 2010. 

Alwaleed Osman has returned to Brazen MENA as Senior Manager, PR and Business Development, based in Dubai. In this role, he leads strategic communications and growth initiatives across key markets, with a particular focus on business development in the UAE and KSA, and oversees a portfolio of clients spanning the hospitality, tourism, lifestyle, fashion, and FMCG sectors.

Prior to rejoining Brazen MENA, Alwaleed held communications roles at Action Global Communications and BPG Group. He is also currently active as Founder of EMCEE.ae.

Alwaleed said on his appointment, “I’m excited to be rejoining Brazen MENA at a time of strong regional momentum. There is a clear opportunity to drive more integrated, insight-led communications that not only build brand equity but directly support business growth across the region.” 

Small-group adventure operator, G Adventures, has announced the appointment of Maddy Schilg as Communications Manager for Australia and New Zealand as it aims to bolster its storytelling across the region.

Maddy joins the organisation with experience in the travel sector, most recently as PR Manager at Visit Sunshine Coast, where she led campaigns including the 'Robert Irwin Lookalike Contest' and the 'Sunshine Sickie'. Before that, she spent five years in London working across creative and travel PR agencies, including One Green Bean, with clients such as Tourism Australia, Qatar Tourism, and TUI.

G Adventures Managing Director, Sean Martin, said: "We're thrilled to have Maddy on board to help grow and strengthen our relationships with media, champion what makes G Adventures different, and keep building brand love across the region.

"Her genuine passion for G Adventures, understanding of the brand and experience delivering creative, standout travel PR campaigns made her the perfect person to help spread the word of G. Australia and New Zealand continue to be a hugely important and growing market for us, and these investments reflect the exciting future of adventure travel and more meaningful ways to explore the world."

Maddy said: "I'm elated to join a brand with such a strong commitment to making the world a better place. G Adventures is more than just a travel company, it is a global community, sharing a belief that travel should do good. Media are a key part of that community, and I'm excited to help grow relationships across the market and to spotlight the incredible human-led and community stories around the world."