Richard Baker, publisher of MEED magazine (Middle East Economic Digest) and MEED projects, has been named Rising Star of 2005 by the influential UK-based publication Management Today.
Baker heads up offices in Dubai and London for the Emap weekly magazine and online business opportunity tracker. He was selected by human resources directors from several major blue-chip companies as well as the global training consultancy Development Dimensions International (DDI).
He said: “In the publishing world, there is traditionally a lot of autonomy, so it was gratifying to be recognised, as well as to get some constructive feedback from the experts.”
Journalism is traditionally one of the sectors where mentoring and coaching play a huge role in the development of employees, and these qualities continue to be key in good leaders.
Baker added: “With increasing numbers of people employed in the creative sector – whether it is advertising, online business, or even publishing – in major cities such as London and Dubai, it is encouraging to see these sectors measured alongside finance and industry.”
Management Today (MT) is one of Britain’s leading business magazine, with a recognised lean towards business thinking and leadership issues.
The judges commented: “Richard has a very good balance of people skills and analytical skills, which is difficult to find. He challenges assumptions and he wants to get people engaged in the process of change.”
