Dubai Holding hires former agency pro

Sarah Barakat has moved into an in-house role as Senior Manager - Corporate Communications at Dubai Holding. She joined the group after more than five years with FGS Global, most recently as Associate Director specialising in financial and corporate communications. Sarah also brings agency experience from Hill & Knowlton and Brunswick Group.
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DUNE
Industry Updates

DUNE | 23 to become M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Middle East

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.”

Sodali
Moves

Sodali & Co brings in a Senior Director

Sodali & Co has named Jessica Gee as Senior Director, Crisis Communications and Special Situations. She joined after finishing up at Queensland Hydro, most recently as Social Performance and Stakeholder Engagement Manager.

Prior to that, Jessica spent close to seven years at Shell, where she held senior leadership roles.
Alice
Moves

Alice Hsueh starts role as MarComms Specialist

Alice Hsueh has joined commercial law firm, Russell McVeagh, as Marketing and Communications Specialist. She was previously at the New Zealand Law Society, most recently as Senior Communications Advisor. Prior to that, Alice spent time at PRINZ - Public Relations Institute of New Zealand.