Following a successful three-year stint as Publisher of ELLE Arabia, Valia Taha has now become a Business Partner at Patrimony Media and Publishing Fz LLC
Having joined the publishing house in November 2019 before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Valia has been the driving force behind the revamp of ELLE ARABIA, steering it through the most challenging time in human history to make it an example of the indomitable force of Arab women in the region. Commenting on the latest development and recalling the journey, Valia said: “The covid period was a blessing in disguise and an experimental phase for me. It was then that I restructured and revamped the magazine to follow the DNA of ELLE International – a title founded in 1945 by Elle's pioneering founder, Hélène Gordon-Lazareff. It has been a great journey of teamwork, dedication, and passion and I am thrilled to entertain exciting new opportunities that are being planned ahead
A graduate of the Lebanese American University (LAU) with a degree in business management, Valia brings with her over two decades of experience in the PR & Media industry of the Middle East. In 2004 she moved to Dubai from Lebanon and joined the Saudi Research & Marketing Group as a Director of Advertising and PR representing a portfolio of fifteen publications including titles such as Sayidaty Magazine, Ashraq Al Awsat, Hia Magazine, and others. From selling advertising space in leading glossy titles and newspapers, to taking the reins of an international women’s title and growing it to cater to the thriving role of women in Middle East, Valia has been the woman with the vision to shed light on ground-breaking stories that have led the narrative on the power of every woman to change the course of history, right from the heart of the Arab region
As Publisher & Business Partner, heading both editorial and commercial strategy, I look forward to working with clients, and agencies, to continue the successful transformation of the ELLE Arabia brand in the Middle East. I also look forward to growing the portfolio of titles under the umbrella and expanding our team,” said Valia. Under her leadership, ELLE Arabia has become a leading title for the voices of women, reporting on the front lines of sustainability, fashion, culture, business, art, cinema, and lifestyle. Touching on topics related to diversity and inclusion, breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries, every issue of the magazine is tailored to represent and inspire women from all walks of life who have a story to tell a story of resilience dreams and ambitions
Rany Ohanessian, CEO states: “I am thrilled to welcome Valia Taha as a business partner. She has demonstrated an undeniable passion for success and a deep understanding of issues pertaining to women in the region. Valia’s commitment to excellence is admirable and I have no doubt that she will lead our team into a promising future.” Upcoming projects under ELLE Arabia include the ELLE Style and Beauty Awards, in addition to tailor-made events for the post-pandemic era, and integrated digital and print campaigns that offer new opportunities for advertisers
