IABC APAC announces winners of Communicator of the Year Awards 2025

Communications network RAIYN has been launched in Dubai, led by Mazen Nahawi, Founder and CEO of CARMA and RAIYN, alongside four firm principals: Ahmad Itani, Founder and Chief Advisor, Cicero & Bernay; Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner, Brazen MENA; Sean Trainor, Chief Executive, Salient Communication Group; and Tarek Esper, Managing Director, SOCIALEYEZ.

The network brings together the four firms under a single accountable structure, designed to support organisations across MENA and beyond, aiming to strengthen their reputations, make better decisions, and deliver impactful outcomes.

Commenting on the launch, Mazen said, "The people of this region, nationals and expats, are best suited to speak on its behalf. That is the belief on which RAIYN is built. We have brought together the best practitioners in the region, combining creativity, sector expertise, AI mastery and cultural depth. Communications needs a new dawn. That dawn begins with trust. RAIYN is a promise to bring people together, to build respect and to put trust at the centre of everything our industry does."

RAIYN  brings together more than 700 professionals across strategic advisory, creative, digital and intelligence, and operates within News Group International (NGI). 

Pullman Singapore Hill Street has appointed Xavier Boey as Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications.

He will be responsible for leading the hotel’s marketing and communications efforts across corporate communications, media relations, brand positioning, digital marketing, reputation management, and events.

Xavier brings hospitality marketing experience from Marina Bay Sands and Pan Pacific Singapore, where he worked on integrated marketing campaigns. 

Arushi Maheshwari has been appointed Director of Communications, Asia at Live Nation.

Based in Singapore, she oversees a suite of communications activities, including strategic communications, crisis communications and press engagement. Arushi brings more than 13 years of communications experience from various organisations, including Netflix, BookMyShow, and Grab.