Edelman Smithfield, the specialist financial communications arm of the world’s largest integrated communications agency Edelman, has moved its Middle East expansion to the next level with the appointment of an experienced capital markets specialist to head its Dubai operation.
Dhanya Issac joined the firm in January as Edelman Smithfield’s Head of Dubai, building on a successful 17-year career in Dubai based agencies specialising in banking and finance communications and special situations, including leading Anghami’s SPAC listing on Nasdaq New York, the reverse listing of SHUAA on the Dubai Financial Market, and other special situations, as well as spearheading award-winning integrated campaigns for Visa in the GCC and North Africa regions.
She joins Edelman Smithfield Middle East at a time of major growth. In under two years since inception the practice has flourished into a multi-million-dollar revenue business with an impressive and diverse client portfolio including major global and regional banks, sovereign wealth funds, private equity, leading crypto firms, fintechs, a stock exchange, a central bank and an international financial centre.
In 2023, Edelman Smithfield Middle East will continue to invest in specialist talent in Investor Relations, M&A, ESG, Restructuring and Special Situations across three offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, as a wholly integrated part of Edelman Middle East’s 170 strong team, and the global Edelman Smithfield network of 250 specialists.
Commenting on Dhanya’s appointment, Simon Hailes, Head of Edelman Smithfield Middle East, said: “Dhanya joins us at an incredible time to be working in financial communications with the growing depth and sophistication of capital markets taking place in the Middle East, COP28 coming to Dubai and the world’s largest global investors increasing their footprint here. She brings a wealth of talent, capital markets know-how and trusted relationships with CEOs and communications leaders to the firm and is the ideal person to lead our growing Dubai team. Clients increasingly want access to specialist financial expertise along with the full impact that Edelman can bring to help them build trust and credibility. They will enjoy even greater service thanks to top talent like Dhanya choosing to join Edelman Smithfield.”
Dhanya Issac, said: "I am excited to join Edelman Smithfield and lead a dynamic team of financial communications professionals. The Middle East region, particularly the capital markets and financial services sectors, is in the midst of a transformative period of growth and development, with a flurry of deal-making in the form of IPOs and mergers and acquisitions on the horizon, as well as a broader push by companies of all sizes to do more ESG-focused work. There could not be a better time to bring our capabilities and industry expertise to bear and deliver great strategic work and impact for clients across the region.”
ENDS
About Edelman Smithfield
Edelman Smithfield is a financial communications boutique that specialises in the financial markets and strategic situations, serving clients in the United States, Canada, EMEA, APAC and beyond. We offer a deep, globally connected and talented bench of approximately 250 financial market specialists across more than 25 cities and 15 countries. Edelman Smithfield advises senior leaders and management teams navigating complex matters that impact reputation and valuation and has deep expertise in serving and communicating to the financial markets. In the Middle East Edelman Smithfield has established teams in Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Dubai, and also supports clients both across GCC markets and globally for cross-border situations.