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ITP Live, the new digital division of ITP Media Group, has signed 26 personalities to its newly established social influencer agency. The eclectic mix of individuals includes designers, YouTube stars, business thought leaders, models, beauty ambassadors, fashionistas, an Olympian and a 15-year old sneaker aficionado.  It is said to combine an audience of more than 5.6 million followers.

Ali Akawi, CEO of ITP Media Group said: “Our announcement heralds a new dawn not just for social influencers but the GCC media industry as a whole. We are today laying the foundations for an entirely new industry that will reshape the media landscape...”

Perceived as the new big thing, influencer marketing is now a global industry with professional operating standards and best practice guidelines.  Akawi, who firmly believes in the power and strength of influencers, asserted that ITP Live is bringing these standards to the region in order to properly establish and develop the industry here. “Influencer marketing is not a short term trend, so there needs to be a more structured approach, better understanding of positioning among the influencers, and more accurate reporting for brands. The industry will only be viable in the long term if we establish it correctly from the outset and that is what we are doing.”

Alia Fawad, Director, ITP Live noted: “We have been extremely selective when it comes to our initial signings as we wanted a wide range of content covered and individuals with proven levels of engagement.  We have both influencers with high reach and those who are micro-influencers in their specific fields. Both are equally significant when it comes to communicating our clients’ messages to the right audience.”

ITP Live’s social influencer agency operates across the GCC and has already started working with brands including DTCM and P&G.  March will see ITP Live hold its first influencer event, and the agency’s website will launch as more talent is signed.