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.”

FleishmanHillard has announced the launch of its Global Executive Advisory, a network of senior counselors designed to help C-suite leaders manage risk and opportunity in the face of global volatility, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing stakeholder scrutiny.
Comprised of more than 50 senior advisors across APAC, EMEA, and the U.S., the Global Executive Advisory provides integrated advisory across financial communications, crisis and issues, ESG and responsible business, talent and transformation, public affairs, and brand impact.

Rachel Catanach, Head of the Global Executive Advisory, shared that while these are deeply uncertain times, FleishmanHillard’s stake in the ground is clear: strategic communication is a key driver for companies wanting decision advantage despite the dilemmas they face.

“Whether it be navigating geopolitics, supply chain arbitrage, identifying new cross-industry partners, communicating new pricing or embedding AI into all operations, the winners and losers in times of uncertainty are often defined by the quality of their communication," she said.

"In navigating uncertainty, the most grounded leaders focus on what aspects of their operations are immutable: the constants - people, purpose, values - that act as anchors - and then look to innovate and find a third way for those areas requiring a pivot. From an organizational perspective, that means focusing on your people and providing as much assurance as possible even if you can’t provide all the answers. That requires honesty, vulnerability and discipline. Share what decisions are being made, what’s on hold and why. Under-promise and over-deliver. That builds trust.”

Startup-focused strategic marketing and communications consultancy, UnMute, has welcomed Maybelyne Ng as Director of Client Relations and Strategy.

In her new appointment, Maybelyne leads the delivery of marketing and communications strategies for the consultancy's clients in Hong Kong and Singapore. She brings with her 16 years of APAC experience, including serving in senior roles at firms including CBRE, Colliers and Benoy. 

Darren Boey, UnMute’s founder, first collaborated with Maybelyne in 2021 during a pro-bono mentorship initiative under the APACD’s Sustainable Communications Program. “Even back then, her remarkable efficiency, clarity of thought, and unshakable calm left a strong impression,” he said. “She’s been on my ‘one to work with’ list ever since.”

With this appointment, Darren's focus shifts towards strategic growth and new business development. “This is a big level-up for us," he commented. "Maybelyne enhances our ability to deliver results with precision, while also helping lay the groundwork for what comes next."