Ayushi Kisani has taken on a new role at AKA Communications in the UAE, as Junior Account Manager. Ayushi joins the team, managing clients across the GCC region, including Metafoodies Group (Alba, Himitsu, Bisou, Alba Street), Maya Collection (MayaBay Dubai), Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, and Junk Smash Burger.

Ayushi specialises in crafting content and securing strategic media placements for food & beverage sectors, as well as upscale travel & wellness brands. She has led PR campaigns for past clients such as Bungalo34, Cathay Pacific, COYA Dubai, Galaxy Bar, Jamavar Dubai, Joe & the Juice, Roberto’s and Salmon Guru. Other highlights include Sushi Art x Chef Gregoire Berger’s Omakase menu, the Bungalo34 x Ferragamo collaboration, and COYA Dubai’s 10-year anniversary celebration in partnership with Ounass.

“We are delighted to welcome Ayushi Kisani to our growing Dubai-based public relations team," commented Antony Rettie, Founder, AKA Communications. 

"With her strong track record in strategic media relations and innovative content creation, we are confident that she will be instrumental in enhancing our client communications and furthering our mission to tell compelling stories that resonate with our audiences. We are excited to see the fresh perspectives and expertise she will bring to the team and look forward to achieving new successes together.”

Ayushi moved from Umami Comms, and before that, she worked at Action Global Communications.

History Will Be Kind (HWBK) has promoted Edwina Brook (Eddie) to the newly created role of Managing Director.

In her new position, Eddie will steward and build the brand as the agency moves into its second decade in market.

Eddie has amassed more than 15 years’ integrated consulting experience across sectors, disciplines and channels, including influencer, social impact, executive training, generative AI and search.

The appointment will see her work closely with Founder and CEO, EJ Granleese to optimise HWBK's broader offer as part of the Deepend Group.

EJ said: “HWBK has always been about the people - building the right team with the right values and empowering them to do the best work of their lives. Promoting Eddie to MD is a natural evolution – she has been a true business partner from the get-go and has been integral to our success to date. She is a fiercely focused, smart, empathetic and strategic leader with a truly outstanding track record. She brings the smarts, creativity, impressive cross-sector consulting clout and future-focus we need, and we’re lucky to have her steering the ship.” 

Eddie said it is a privilege to step into the new role and help lead the agency into its next chapter: "History has never been static - constant iteration, evolution and a determination to lead - not follow - has been fundamental to our approach. In a market where the speed of change is accelerating, the skillsets we need, the way we approach complex business challenges and our strategies need to change too.  

“We have always embraced a growth mindset, and I’m more excited than ever about the opportunity to elevate our unique proposition while building our incredible team, working in partnership with EJ and our Group partners.”

PR and communications strategist, Pardis Mahdavi, has launched a new agency.

Based in Sydney, BYOND specialises in lifestyle, beauty, food and beverage, and travel and tourism.

With a background working across OLE HENRIKSEN, ASICS, Sportscraft, Crown Resorts, Coco & Eve, Chargrill Charlie’s, Ferrero Rocher, Lululemon and Veneziano Coffee Roasters, Pardis said she brings a strategic and considered approach to PR, media relations, influencer partnerships, events, and content creation: “At BYOND, we don’t just chase headlines or quick wins, our focus is on enduring influence, shaping reputations and delivering brand moments that hold meaning.”