Julia Barilla steps up as Acting Head of Media and Content

talabat has welcomed Ahmed Mahsoub as Regional Communications Manager, based in Dubai. In his new role, he will support regional external and corporate communications across talabat’s operating markets, including the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq.

Ahmed joins from Weber Shandwick MENAT in Dubai, where he most recently served as Senior Manager for Client Experience. Prior to relocating to the UAE, he was based in Cairo, Egypt, where he held several communications and public relations roles with organisations including Cemex Egypt, NI Capital, and POD Egypt.

Commenting on his appointment, Chama Moumile, Regional Director of Communications at talabat, said, "We are pleased to welcome Ahmed to talabat’s regional communications team. As we continue to grow across the MENA region, strong and thoughtful storytelling is more important than ever. Ahmed brings valuable regional experience and a deep understanding of the media landscape, which will help further strengthen talabat’s voice and engagement across our markets."

Ahmed said, "I’m excited to join talabat at a time when the brand continues to grow and deepen its connection with customers and communities across the region. I look forward to further strengthening the company’s storytelling, building meaningful media partnerships, and highlighting the innovation and impact that define talabat across our markets". 

APAC strategic communications consultancy, The PR Group (PRG), has strengthened its partnership with Australian AI healthcare company, Heidi, expanding its remit across APAC. The agency has been working with Heidi since its early scale-up phase, including leading global communications for the company's funding round in 2025.

Under the expanded remit, PRG will now lead communications across Southeast Asia and North Asia from its Singapore hub, while continuing support in Australia and New Zealand. The scope includes strategic communications, executive profiling, earned media, reputation and issues management, and narrative positioning to support global expansion and growth.

CEO of The PR Group, Caroline Shawyer, said:

"We've worked with Heidi since its early days, and it's been a privilege to support the company at every stage of its growth. As the business has scaled, so has the complexity of its communications. This expanded regional remit reflects the trust built between our teams."

"In an environment of constant scrutiny, AI disruption, and an evolving news cycle, reputation can’t be managed reactively. It needs to be built, protected, and governed at the highest level. That’s where we see strategic communications adding value, embedded in leadership and enabling board-level decision-making. PRG is well equipped to support high-growth companies through reputation milestones, including market entry, stakeholder engagement, and trust-building."

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking has elevated Kathryn Ward to Director, Communications, Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, she oversees external and internal communications, media relations, and content strategy for the region.

Kathryn moved in-house to the financial services firm in 2024. Prior to that, she served roles agency-side at FleishmanHillard, BCW and Kreab.