Hanover Communications, the international strategic communications consultancy, has announced the elevation of Samantha Gregson Donnelly to the role of Managing Director, Middle East. The appointment reflects the firm’s continued focus on strengthening its leadership presence and expanding its footprint across the region.
Donnelly has been with Hanover for more than six years and most recently led the consultancy’s Corporate Practice in the Middle East. During her tenure, she has played a key role in advising senior executives, government stakeholders, and corporate leaders across the GCC on reputation management, crisis communications, strategic positioning, and executive communications.
A graduate of the University of Cambridge, Donnelly brings nearly two decades of experience spanning journalism and strategic communications. Before joining Hanover, she spent eight years at Sky News in London, where she held roles including television producer and chief planning producer for the broadcaster’s World News programme. Her experience included overseeing major international news coverage and high-profile interviews with political and business leaders from around the world.
She succeeds Jonty Summers as part of a planned leadership transition and will oversee Hanover’s next phase of growth across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Middle East region.
Commenting on the appointment, Charles Lewington, Interim Managing Partner, Hanover Communications, said: “Samantha has played a central role in the growth and success of Hanover Middle East over the past six years and is exceptionally well placed to lead the business into its next phase. She brings strong client relationships, strategic counsel experience and deep regional understanding, alongside a clear commitment to our clients, people and long-term growth across the Middle East.”
Commenting on her appointment, Samantha Gregson Donnelly said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of Managing Director for Hanover Middle East at an important moment for both the business and the wider region. Over the past six years, we have built a strong team and trusted client relationships across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, advising organisations on some of the region’s most high-profile and complex communications challenges. I would also like to thank Jonty for his stellar leadership, mentorship and continued support over the past six years, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations already established across the region.”
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