Edelman Smithfield has announced a series of senior leadership changes across its Middle East operations, reinforcing the firm’s focus on strengthening regional expertise and enhancing strategic advisory capabilities for clients.
As part of the leadership updates, Dhanya Issac has been elevated to Managing Director, Edelman Smithfield Middle East. In her broader regional role, she will continue overseeing the company’s Capital Markets advisory business while further expanding its financial communications and strategic advisory capabilities across the region.
Issac advises sovereign entities, financial institutions, listed organisations, and international investors on areas including reputation management, stakeholder engagement, IPO communications, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, capital raising, and transaction communications. She will also continue leading the Dubai office and mentoring regional talent development initiatives.
Additionally, Tarek Zahnan has been promoted to Senior Director. In his expanded role, he will focus on delivering strategic communications counsel and integrated support across key client mandates. Since joining the firm in 2022, Zahnan has overseen strategic communications for Abu Dhabi Global Market, helping strengthen its global market positioning.
Further strengthening the leadership team, Pia Pennyfather has joined the Middle East practice as Director from Barclays in London. With expertise spanning investment banking, investor relations, fintech, and central banking experience at the Bank of England, she will advise on major client mandates across the region.
“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,” said Alex Simmons.
The company has also announced promotions across its Edelman and Smithfield teams, recognising contributions toward client growth and regional expansion.
“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,” said Simon Hailes.
The 40-member Edelman Smithfield Middle East team operates across key regional markets including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh, supporting sovereign entities, financial institutions, and global organisations through its wider regional network of communications professionals.
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