The Team
Jane Barraclough
Founder & Managing Director
Jane Barraclough
Founder & Managing Director
Jane is a brand marketeer with over 30 years of experience. She is the owner and founder of Phoenix Media & Publishing FZ LLC and founder of Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life Magazine, published in Abu Dhabi for the last seven years. Jane started her career in London with an award-winning advertising agency where she created national brand campaigns for high-profile FMCGs, destination, and lifestyle brands. Key clients included Carlsberg-Tetley, Lavazza and Tesco. She also spent three years working for the broadcaster, Sky UK, as a key member of the brand marketing team.
Jane moved to the Middle East in 2005 and has over 10 years of experience in publishing and communications across the region. Phoenix Media & Publications has now become a leading UAE publisher with print and multi-digital platforms.
Her passion is for travel with her ambition to visit every country in the world, she loves Abu Dhabi which she calls her home. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, photography and many sports.
Jane moved to the Middle East in 2005 and has over 10 years of experience in publishing and communications across the region. Phoenix Media & Publications has now become a leading UAE publisher with print and multi-digital platforms.
Her passion is for travel with her ambition to visit every country in the world, she loves Abu Dhabi which she calls her home. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, photography and many sports.
- Email:[email protected]
Derek A Issacs
Managing Editor
Derek A Issacs
Managing Editor
A London trained copywriter with 17 plus years of copywriting and editing experience under his belt, Derek is a veteran of the Middle East having lived and worked in several countries in the region for no less than 25 years and counting. His extensive work-life so far has seen him be editor of several business, education and luxury lifestyle titles, as well as even owning a luxury lifestyle men’s magazine in Beirut. He has delivered copywriting for many top-tier brand names from slogans to jingles, and everything in between, across the region and has been published in the UK.
In his role at Phoenix Media & Publications, Derek is a tour de force where ideas and words are concerned and applies all his knowledge and experience to deliver campaigns that exceed the expectations of our clients time and time again.
Up at the crack of dawn to get in his gym workouts, needless to say Derek is a bundle of energy, bursting into song at any given moment and expects the team to join in. And from time to time, he thinks its fun to have everybody do jumping jacks with him to instil more energy into the day, he says. Not all agree.
In his role at Phoenix Media & Publications, Derek is a tour de force where ideas and words are concerned and applies all his knowledge and experience to deliver campaigns that exceed the expectations of our clients time and time again.
Up at the crack of dawn to get in his gym workouts, needless to say Derek is a bundle of energy, bursting into song at any given moment and expects the team to join in. And from time to time, he thinks its fun to have everybody do jumping jacks with him to instil more energy into the day, he says. Not all agree.
- Email:[email protected]
Caroline D'Almeida
Digital Editor
Caroline D'Almeida
Digital Editor
Having worked across copywriting, content, news and more, one can safely assume Caroline’s love of words. With a background in Mass Communication, she has worked across India and UAE markets for over six years now. With experience in various fields such as video scripting and production, podcasts, graphics, and more, she has worked towards building a diverse set of skills that are highly relevant in today's digital age.
Bringing that dynamism to her role at Phoenix Media & Publications, Caroline can be counted on for everything. Literally. From creative conceptualisation to social media, embellished features for clients to heartfelt human-interest stories, print or digital, there’s a new challenge to tackle on a daily basis!
As CFO (Chief Fun Officer), you can regularly find Caroline persuading (read: actively coercing) the team into offsites, potlucks, and occasion-themed dress codes. When she isn’t going on about sustainable practices at work, she’s usually scouring the internet for discounts and value deals on everything. On a personal note, she loves spending her free time cooking or curling up with a good read. A Sharjah girl new to the capital, she hopes to discover the pulse of the emirate.
Bringing that dynamism to her role at Phoenix Media & Publications, Caroline can be counted on for everything. Literally. From creative conceptualisation to social media, embellished features for clients to heartfelt human-interest stories, print or digital, there’s a new challenge to tackle on a daily basis!
As CFO (Chief Fun Officer), you can regularly find Caroline persuading (read: actively coercing) the team into offsites, potlucks, and occasion-themed dress codes. When she isn’t going on about sustainable practices at work, she’s usually scouring the internet for discounts and value deals on everything. On a personal note, she loves spending her free time cooking or curling up with a good read. A Sharjah girl new to the capital, she hopes to discover the pulse of the emirate.
Shane Reynolds
Features Editor
Shane Reynolds
Features Editor
Shane Reynolds is an experienced journalist who has spent 10 full years working in the fast-paced environment of the media. Working as deputy editor for the Roscommon People (c.60000 readers) between 2011-2015 in his home country in Ireland, he oversaw the extensive sports, property, entertainment and advertorial sections, but his main duties centred around sports writing - where he compiled his own weekly sports page. He also wrote in a freelance capacity for many of Ireland's top national titles.
In later years, he decided to travel and immigrate to the UAE where he worked in education for seven years at prestigious international institutions. Craving a return to journalism, he joined the team at Yalla, adding his expertise to the very talented team already there.
In his spare time, Shane can be seen spinning sets across the capital enticing residents to hit the dance floor and when the mood takes him, he asks the same of his colleagues in the office. Everybody dance now...you know how it goes!
In later years, he decided to travel and immigrate to the UAE where he worked in education for seven years at prestigious international institutions. Craving a return to journalism, he joined the team at Yalla, adding his expertise to the very talented team already there.
In his spare time, Shane can be seen spinning sets across the capital enticing residents to hit the dance floor and when the mood takes him, he asks the same of his colleagues in the office. Everybody dance now...you know how it goes!
Keya Roy
Art Director
Keya Roy
Art Director
Keya graduated from the prestigious Maryland Institute College of Art, in the United States and started her design career in New York City over 20 years ago. She secured the role of Creative Director in the Dow Jones company, where she managed a global team of designers, spanning Hong Kong, New York and London working with products such as The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. The creative force behind numerous successful global marketing campaigns, which included Time Square billboards, advertising and social media marketing, Keya managed the creative direction of corporate events and conferences across the globe and ensured a consistent brand voice and visual language throughout the company. After a successful corporate career she moved to Abu Dhabi with her neuroscientist husband and daughter. Her love for design enticed her to launch a freelance career. She now works for various clients which include Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi as well as Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life magazine.
Keya was approached by Jane Barraclough of Phoenix Media & Publications with the idea of creating a brand new luxury life-style magazine for the UAE. Working closely with Jane and Derek, she designed the complete look and feel of Yalla — Abu Dhabi Life print magazine. She takes great pleasure in Art Directing and designing the magazine each month.
Keya loves all things arts and culture. She frequents art galleries and takes in concerts and shows whenever she can. She also loves to travel the globe and take in nature. From camping in the Arabian desert to hiking in the Redwood forests in the US to swimming with elephants in Thailand, Keya feels the force as a huge Star Wars fan and loves science fiction.
Keya was approached by Jane Barraclough of Phoenix Media & Publications with the idea of creating a brand new luxury life-style magazine for the UAE. Working closely with Jane and Derek, she designed the complete look and feel of Yalla — Abu Dhabi Life print magazine. She takes great pleasure in Art Directing and designing the magazine each month.
Keya loves all things arts and culture. She frequents art galleries and takes in concerts and shows whenever she can. She also loves to travel the globe and take in nature. From camping in the Arabian desert to hiking in the Redwood forests in the US to swimming with elephants in Thailand, Keya feels the force as a huge Star Wars fan and loves science fiction.
Tanveer Hussain
Senior Digital, Web & SEO Wizard
Tanveer Hussain
Senior Digital, Web & SEO Wizard
Tanveer is our tech-savvy, resident digital expert who is completely in love with the web and all its wonders. With a background in Business Management, he has extensive experience developing a digital presence for government bodies and multiple brands across Pakistan and the UAE. After 10 years of experience in Digital Marketing, Web Development and SEO, managing brands and publications is now second nature to him.
Given the name 'Digital, Web and SEO wizard' by everybody in the office, Tanveer's role at Phoenix Media revolves around developing UI/ UX, running digital campaigns and optimising content to make it rank. His daily routine involves working on digital strategies, analysing reports, identifying trends and all-round troubleshooting.
When not talking about digital advances, you'll find Tanveer nerding over history. Not much of a talker at first, his weekends are all about roaming the streets of the UAE and exploring multi-cultural cuisines while snapping all the beauty around.
Given the name 'Digital, Web and SEO wizard' by everybody in the office, Tanveer's role at Phoenix Media revolves around developing UI/ UX, running digital campaigns and optimising content to make it rank. His daily routine involves working on digital strategies, analysing reports, identifying trends and all-round troubleshooting.
When not talking about digital advances, you'll find Tanveer nerding over history. Not much of a talker at first, his weekends are all about roaming the streets of the UAE and exploring multi-cultural cuisines while snapping all the beauty around.
Jeandy Soriano
Digital Executive
Jeandy Soriano
Digital Executive
Jeandy's journey into the digital world began early on in her career when she discovered her fascination with the intersection of technology and communication. She quickly gained expertise in digital marketing, content creation and social media management. Over the years, Jeandy has continued to hone her skills and expand her knowledge, keeping up with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
As part of her role at Phoenix Media and Publications FZ LLC, Jeandy is responsible for ensuring articles meet the mark on the company's various websites and overseeing all of the company’s social media channels to ensure they are performing at the optimal level and driving traffic. In addition to her digital responsibilities, Jeandy works closely with clients, helping them to achieve their business objectives through tailored digital marketing solutions.
When Jeandy isn't busy dominating the digital media world, she's out there living her best life, taking on new adventures and creating hilarious vlogs to document all fun and happy memories! Whether she's bungee jumping off a bridge or exploring a new city, Jeandy always finds a way to inject humour and excitement into every moment.
As part of her role at Phoenix Media and Publications FZ LLC, Jeandy is responsible for ensuring articles meet the mark on the company's various websites and overseeing all of the company’s social media channels to ensure they are performing at the optimal level and driving traffic. In addition to her digital responsibilities, Jeandy works closely with clients, helping them to achieve their business objectives through tailored digital marketing solutions.
When Jeandy isn't busy dominating the digital media world, she's out there living her best life, taking on new adventures and creating hilarious vlogs to document all fun and happy memories! Whether she's bungee jumping off a bridge or exploring a new city, Jeandy always finds a way to inject humour and excitement into every moment.
Jobelle Marie Ramos
Digital Administrative Officer
Jobelle Marie Ramos
Digital Administrative Officer
Jobelle, a dynamic professional with nearly a decade of experience in the UAE, is deeply immersed in the world of media and advertising. With a great interest in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), she is continually enhancing her studies in order to hone her expertise further.
Within Phoenix Media & Publications, Jobelle is instrumental in disseminating content across digital platforms, ensuring a strong presence on the company's website and social media channels. She nurtures relationships with partner clients, offering personalised support to meet their unique needs.
During her leisure time, Jobelle indulges in a diverse range of interests that mirror her vibrant personality. A passionate aficionado of literature and art, she finds solace in the pages of books and the strokes of her paintbrush, immersing herself in the creative realms of painting and storytelling.
Within Phoenix Media & Publications, Jobelle is instrumental in disseminating content across digital platforms, ensuring a strong presence on the company's website and social media channels. She nurtures relationships with partner clients, offering personalised support to meet their unique needs.
During her leisure time, Jobelle indulges in a diverse range of interests that mirror her vibrant personality. A passionate aficionado of literature and art, she finds solace in the pages of books and the strokes of her paintbrush, immersing herself in the creative realms of painting and storytelling.
Joan Bautista
Admin & Distributions
Joan Bautista
Admin & Distributions
Joan has been working as an Administrative Officer for over 12 years in the UAE and has a background in Finance & Management. Utilising her organisation and time management skills to keep things running efficiently gives her a great deal of satisfaction. And her love for this career is what keeps her going!
Her role at Phoenix Media & Publications as an Admin & Distribution officer involves providing office support to the entire team as well as individual members. Suffice it to say, she is vital for the smooth running of the organisation. Tremendously organised, professional and passionate, she enjoys making processes more efficient.
In her free time, she enjoys watching TV series, movies, and going to the park with her family. For Joan, it's all about escaping into a new world of your favourite show, series, or movie without having the slightest care in the world for just a few hours. In her opinion, it's the best way to unwind after a long and relaxing day.
Her role at Phoenix Media & Publications as an Admin & Distribution officer involves providing office support to the entire team as well as individual members. Suffice it to say, she is vital for the smooth running of the organisation. Tremendously organised, professional and passionate, she enjoys making processes more efficient.
In her free time, she enjoys watching TV series, movies, and going to the park with her family. For Joan, it's all about escaping into a new world of your favourite show, series, or movie without having the slightest care in the world for just a few hours. In her opinion, it's the best way to unwind after a long and relaxing day.
- Email:[email protected]