Elie Azzi has stepped down as CEO of Edelman Saudi Arabia. Since joining the firm in early 2024, Azzi has played a key role in strengthening Edelman’s presence in the Kingdom, initially serving as General Manager before his elevation to CEO. Under his leadership, the firm continued to expand its strategic advisory services and local team to meet the growing demands of the Saudi market.
“We thank Elie for his contributions and dedication to our clients and teams in Saudi Arabia,” said a spokesperson for Edelman. “The Kingdom remains a critical priority for Edelman, and we are committed to continuing our momentum and supporting the transformative goals of Vision 2030.”
To ensure a seamless transition, Alex Salem, Chief Operating Officer for Edelman Saudi Arabia, will lead the firm’s operations in the Kingdom on an interim basis. Salem, a veteran communications strategist, will oversee the Riyadh office’s growth and client delivery while the firm finalizes its long-term leadership strategy for the market.
Edelman remains dedicated to its “Earned First” philosophy in the Middle East, focusing on building trust and driving impactful communications for both government entities and private sector partners across the region.
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