Meanne Dizerens-Lau appointed Head of Corporate Communications

Gambit Communications has welcomed Bassel Barakat as Senior Director, in a strategic role overseeing key clients in the independent agency’s portfolio.

Bassel brings 12 years of experience to his new role, including senior positions on both the agency and brand sides. He has built and led communications strategies that span brand reputation across B2G, B2B, and B2C, with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia.
 
In his most recent role, Bassel led external comms at Deloitte Middle East, working closely with a network of external and internal stakeholders, handling integrated campaigns, thought leadership, and crisis management. Prior to that, he held several senior roles at global and regional communications agencies, where he served clients such as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Ferrari, Saudi Esports Federation, Saudi Football Federation, Saudi Ministry of Sports, Coca-Cola, Marriott International and Honeywell.
 
Jamal Almawed, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Gambit Communications, said: “Bassel’s career trajectory speaks for itself. His work has been recognised by industry bodies and titles like MEPRA, SABRE Awards and Campaign Middle East, making him the right person to take on this strategic role. We’re excited to have his expertise in our team, as we continue to grow in our ‘Gambit 3.0’ phase of expansion.”

Falencia Naoenz has joined Apple as its Public Relations Manager, based in Indonesia. In this role, she oversees communications for Mac and iPad in the region, driving awareness and understanding through storytelling across media and creator ecosystems, spanning product launches, always-on PR, and campaigns.

Falencia brings close to a decade of experience, having held roles at FleishmanHillard and most recently at Xiaomi Indonesia, where she served as Public Relations Manager.

 
 

Sedgwick Communications has welcomed Jess Phillips as Communications Consultant, as the business continues to grow its strategic communications capabilities across public relations, social media and influencer marketing, and more.

She joins with over seven years of agency experience in Sydney and London, across a range of sectors, including FMCG, lifestyle, wellness, retail, financial services and travel.

Sedgwick Communications Managing Director and Founder, Laura Sedgwick, said Jess had already made a strong and positive impression in her first days with the agency.

“Jess has a natural enthusiasm and curiosity about how we can continue to elevate brands and tell stories that matter, which is exactly what matters in a boutique agency with a diverse client portfolio. As we expand, we’re excited to have someone who will not only strengthen our team, but also help us build even greater momentum across the business in Australia and New Zealand.”

Jess added: "Sedgwick Communications stood out to me for its strong client work, purpose-led campaigns, collaborative culture and breadth of industries it works across. I’m excited to join the team at such a dynamic time for the agency, and look forward to continuing the great work already being done whilst elevating my skillset along the way.”