EFFAT/CPC

Construction Products Holding Company (CPC) has signed an MOU with Effat University for Girls in Jeddah, to provide practical training for its students in various fields of the company’s operations. The program, developed by the business development department of CPC, under the supervision of Faysal Alaquil, director of business development and administrative affairs, aims to introduce the students to the management and operations of CPC’s core businesses and subsidiaries, and give them a glimpse of what awaits them in the corporate world once they graduate. The MOU was signed between Alaquil on behalf of CPC, and by, Haifa Jamal Al Lail, president of Effat University. Alaquil said: “This cooperation is meant to enhance the learning experience of the students, and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge from experts in the industry. This agreement is just the beginning of more similar partnerships to be formed with other distinguished universities in the Kingdom.” He added that the training program focused on manufacturing building materials provided by CPC for Saudi universities is part of the company’s CSR initiatives.

SAMSUNG

Samsung launched a new Columbus range of digital cameras with dual LCD screens at a press conference in Jeddah last week. “Dual LCDs, one on the front and another on the back of the camera, deliver twice the fun of any other compact digital camera,” Gye Choon Cho, general manager of Samsung Electronics for Middle East & Africa, said. “The ST550, ST500 and ST1000 models in the range are the latest additions to its camera portfolio. These compact devices are highlighted by innovative features, groundbreaking technology, ease of use and design,” he added. The ST1000 provides “unprecedented connectivity” as it incorporates geo-tagging, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi connectivity and DLNA compatibility, giving social networkers the ability to share their images while on the move and breaking the confines of uploading and sharing content in thee traditional way. Yaser Ahmed A. Anam, sales and marketing director of Ahmed Abdulwahed Co., Samsung’s local distributor, said demand for digital cameras were on the increase and the new range had great potential in the Saudi market.

ALJ/AUTOSTAR

General Automotive Company (Autostar) has signed an agreement with Abdul Latif Jameel Co. (Toyota) for the supply of 4,700 Toyota 2010 model vehicles of various types. The agreement was signed on behalf of Autostar by Abdul Rahman Al-Eid, GM, and Ghaleb Yamani, CM, corporate sales for ALJ at a ceremony held at Autostar premises in Jeddah, in the presence of Najib Al-Issa, chairman of Al-Issa Group, automotive sector, Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, president of ALJ “Toyota”, and Faisal Abdullah, VP. Al-Issa said: “The auto market in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a recovery after the crisis that has befallen this sector, which was a reflection of the global economic crisis. Autostar looks forward through this agreement to enhance its business by meeting its customers’ needs and providing the best cars at competitive prices.” The agreement is the largest deal signed between Autostar and ALJ (Toyota) over the past 10 years since they started their cooperation.” Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation between Toyota and Autostar.

PROCTER & GAMBLE

During an economic crisis, one thing that changes noticeably is consumer behavior. Even if people haven’t been affected directly, they become more cautious with their spending and shopping habits, just in case anything does happen to them personally. A few consumers adopting this stance is unlikely to do too much damage to businesses or FMCG companies, but when a significant proportion of the population adopt and adapt new spending behaviors then not only can it damage and bring down whole businesses it can also negatively affect whole economies, according to Yassin Attas, external relations director, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Arabian Peninsula. But what does being values-led really mean? In fact, it means two very important things: The first — and the one that rings true with every consumer is the idea of the product, service, brand and company’s “value”. Consumers want to feel that they are buying into a brand name — or even company name — that consumers, customers and colleagues can trust. The second, which is probably most important to consumers (certainly more so during the economic crisis), is that this product or service represents value for money. After all, realistically, people are driven to make purchase choices based on their personal assessment of whether what they’re buying is actually worth the money.

SPLASH

A Splash fashion show was held in Dubai in which 30 international models took part recently. In a bid to enthrall the customers the catwalk donned a dramatic show with models sporting props of the likes of warrior helmets, space swords, space masks and the works. The drama and the décor added to give the show a perfect futuristic infinity feel. The Media/VIP exclusive fashion show was preceded by two special previews held especially for Splash’s customers. Over 2,000 customers were selected from a pool of 10,000 plus participants who registered for the contest to win invites for the Splash Fashion Show. This was the first time in the UAE that a fashion brand has thrown open its doors to customers to experience a fashion show. Raza Beig, CEO, Splash, said: “Splash decided to open the show to its customers this season and it has been the most exciting couple of weeks for us. Our customers’ support has just cemented our belief in the fact that customers are driven by trends and are interested in what Splash has to offer.” The themes that outlined the Fashion Show collection were “Warrior Supremacy” and the “Star Wars Space Mission”.

ACIG

Allied Cooperative Insurance Group (ACIG) has announced that “Propaganda” will be an advertising agent and marketing consultant for future work in the Kingdom. ACIG had to choose from three largest advertising agencies where Propaganda was selected to be the one that ACIG seeks. Such step comes as an initiative strategy to enhance the image of ACIG in Saudi Arabia and to clarify their plans in the Saudi market very soon. The contract was signed by Omar bin Zuhair Hafiz, ACIG CEO, Abdullah bin Salem Bakhashab, Propaganda CEO. Those present were Sultan Hisham Bahabri, ACIG marketing and sales executive vice president, and Zine bin Peah, assistant director of marketing in addition to Ghassan Khairallah, propaganda GM.

GHI

Gulf Healthcare International (GHI), owned by the private equity funds managed by Global Private Equity Group Global Capital Management (GCM), has appointed Wayne Stewart Hidge as finance director. Wayne brings over 32 years of corporate experience to the organization. He is a trained accountant, with in-depth experience of managing financial and commercial functions in UK and US public companies, as well as experience of start-up companies gained across Middle East, Africa and Europe. Shailesh Dash, MD, GCM, a fully owned subsidiary of Global Investment House, said: “With Wayne in the management team, we aim to accelerate the consolidation of the GHI and the implementation of its strategic agenda.” GHI owns the Medsol brand of pathological labs as well as private clinics in Kuwait and the UAE. The company’s charter is to use international best practices in management, and provide high quality and specialized health care to the people of the region. Based in Dubai, GHI has expanded aggressively in both the UAE and Kuwait in the past couple of years and is now in the process of establishing its presence in Saudi Arabia.

TITAN

To add a touch of style and sophistication to the festival celebrations, Titan, the world’s fifth largest watch manufacturer, has introduced Orion, an all-new collection of chronograph, multifunction and retrograde watches. Ajoy Chawla, VP, Titan & Retail, Titan Industries Ltd., said: “This festive season Titan celebrates its Orion collection, specifically designed for the discerning customer who has a formal yet bold expression of style. In many ways, it personifies the ambition, capability and classy lifestyle of its owner.” Orion is inspired by the astral wonders of the universe and is designed for today’s man. The celestial gems in the Orion collection celebrate intelligence and masculinity. The collection consists of 32 smart formal watches. A star item in the Orion collection is Alpha, a chronograph that measures up to 1/20th of a second. This unique timepiece has a multilayered round dial and three sub dials recording seconds, minutes and hours.