Edelman bolsters Southeast Asia public and government affairs with new hires

 HAVAS Red has launched EchoWeave, a global specialisation designed to help brands master generative engine optimisation (GEO). Spearheaded by the agency's Australia and UK teams, the development gives communicators and marketers capabilities to understand, measure and elevate brand visibility as AI becomes the primary tool for how people search, compare and decide. 

EchoWeave delivers:

• Multi-model competitor insights: Compare a brand’s visibility against competitors across AI search platforms in a single, comprehensive view.
• Visibility insights: Track how brand visibility shifts over time and adjust strategy as AI models evolve.
• Citation and source analysis: Discover which sources AI models rely on most and understand how a brand can become one of their trusted references.
• Content scoring: Evaluate a brand’s existing content for AI relevance and optimise it to perform effectively at the prompt level.
• Gap analysis: Identify the specific topics and prompt areas where a brand is underperforming and take clear corrective action.

Steve Fontanot, Commercial Managing Director, APAC, HAVAS Red, said LLMs are redefining brand discovery: "EchoWeave gives communications leaders the clarity and intelligence they need to ensure their strongest stories are understood, trusted and elevated within AI-driven environments."

Rachael Sansom, CEO, HAVAS Red Europe and UK, added: “The same question is coming from every CMO and communications leader we speak to: ‘How do we ensure our brand is accurately understood by AI?'

“EchoWeave gives leaders a clear, data-driven path to turn that challenge into a practical plan they can act on today.”  

Meanne Dizerens-Lau has joined the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) as Head of the Corporate Communications Division. 

In this role, Meanne provides strategic leadership across all aspects of internal and external communications, leads the development of corporate publications and digital content, and drives media relations and branding initiatives. She also aims to enhance public transparency, safeguard the organisation’s reputation, and ensure that TWGHs’ services in medical and healthcare, education, community welfare and traditional practices foster public trust and sustain donor support.

Meanne brings over two decades of experience across Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shenzhen, with a portfolio that includes senior roles at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and Marriott International. Most recently, she led marketing and branding for the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.

Gambit Communications has welcomed Bassel Barakat as Senior Director, in a strategic role overseeing key clients in the independent agency’s portfolio.

Bassel brings 12 years of experience to his new role, including senior positions on both the agency and brand sides. He has built and led communications strategies that span brand reputation across B2G, B2B, and B2C, with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia.
 
In his most recent role, Bassel led external comms at Deloitte Middle East, working closely with a network of external and internal stakeholders, handling integrated campaigns, thought leadership, and crisis management. Prior to that, he held several senior roles at global and regional communications agencies, where he served clients such as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Ferrari, Saudi Esports Federation, Saudi Football Federation, Saudi Ministry of Sports, Coca-Cola, Marriott International and Honeywell.
 
Jamal Almawed, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Gambit Communications, said: “Bassel’s career trajectory speaks for itself. His work has been recognised by industry bodies and titles like MEPRA, SABRE Awards and Campaign Middle East, making him the right person to take on this strategic role. We’re excited to have his expertise in our team, as we continue to grow in our ‘Gambit 3.0’ phase of expansion.”