Edelman Smithfield has strengthened its Middle East leadership structure through a series of senior promotions and strategic appointments aimed at enhancing its regional financial communications and advisory capabilities.
As part of the leadership changes, Dhanya Issac has been elevated to the role of Managing Director, Edelman Smithfield Middle East. In her expanded position, she will continue leading the company’s Capital Markets advisory practice while taking on broader responsibilities across the firm’s regional financial communications and strategic advisory operations.
Issac advises sovereign wealth entities, listed firms, financial institutions, and international investors on stakeholder engagement, reputation management, investor relations, capital raising, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and special situations. She will also continue overseeing the Dubai office while supporting regional talent development and integrated advisory services.
The company has also promoted Tarek Zahnan to Senior Director, recognising his growing leadership responsibilities across the Middle East business. Since joining Edelman in 2022, Zahnan has spearheaded strategic advisory initiatives for ADGM, helping elevate the international profile of Abu Dhabi’s financial centre. With over 20 years of experience across journalism, media, and financial communications, he will continue providing strategic counsel across major client mandates.
Further strengthening its leadership bench, Edelman Smithfield has appointed Pia Pennyfather as Director within its Middle East practice. Joining from Barclays in London, Pennyfather brings expertise across investment banking, investor relations, fintech, and central banking, including prior experience at the Bank of England. She will oversee key client mandates and provide senior strategic counsel across the region.
The company has also recognised several team members across its Edelman and Smithfield divisions through additional promotions, reflecting their contribution to client growth and regional capability expansion.
Alex Simmons, Head of EMEA, Edelman Smithfield, said: “Over the past five years, we’ve made a sustained investment in our people and in the clients we serve across the Middle East, building a platform with deep sector expertise and the senior counsel the market increasingly demands. Dhanya’s promotion to Managing Director is a natural next step as we continue to strengthen regional leadership. Together with Tarek’s promotion and Pia’s appointment, these moves reinforce our long-term commitment to the region and ensure we keep investing in the capabilities our clients need.”
Simon Hailes, Head of Edelman Smithfield Middle East, said: “With expert talent of the highest calibre, Edelman Smithfield has achieved record growth in the Middle East—becoming a trusted financial communications advisor to clients and building momentum through a strong team culture. These promotions and appointments reflect the depth of our bench and our focus on the region: developing talent from within, bringing in international expertise, and supporting the next generation of communications professionals as we expand our presence.”
Edelman also reaffirmed its focus on nurturing local talent through the inclusion of emerging Emirati and Saudi professionals within the business. As a participant in the UAE’s Emirati Media Talent Pledge, the company continues to support communications talent development through mentoring initiatives and structured career programs.
The 40-member Edelman Smithfield team operates across major Middle East markets and forms part of Edelman’s wider regional network of more than 200 communications professionals, supporting sovereign entities and financial institutions across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, and beyond.
Read more: Edelman Smithfield ME Expands Leadership Team with Key Promotions and New Appointment
