Leon Communications has announced its expansion to offer corporate affairs advisory services. Building on the firm's existing capabilities in critical issues, crisis management, litigation, and disputes comms, the new function offers specialist strategic counsel to companies in the face of geopolitical headwinds, economic competition, and mitigate risk in Asia.
The new corporate affairs practice is led by Praveen Randhawa, who currently serves as a Senior Advisor with the firm. As part of her new responsibilities, she advises business leaders on issues including market entry, government and regulatory affairs, stakeholder engagement, and internal communications.

"The increasingly complex and volatile geopolitical environment calls for more than just an effective corporate communications function. It demands a strategic corporate affairs capability to position and protect reputation, secure the license to operate and anticipate what’s next," said Praveen. "I’m thrilled to lead this next chapter of Leon’s growth and work alongside our clients to navigate uncertainty with confidence, turn challenges into competitive advantages and strengthen their strategic position in a rapidly changing world."

Additionally, Leon Communications has introduced two series of its executive communications training workshops. The first series focusses on comms skills for business executives and covers essential media interview skills, panel discussions, messaging, and crisis management essentials. The second is targeted at comms leads and covers corp comms toolkit and strategic media relations. 

Commenting on the launch, Tim Williamson, Managing Director of Leon Communications, said: "Everything that we do is built around really getting to know our clients bringing senior level counsel, local experience and expertise and hands on execution, to help them be successful and manage their reputation in Asia. Our team has a breadth and depth of experience in corporate affairs in this region that brings that same ethos to corporate affairs and executive training so that we’re really moving the needle for clients."

Oman's luxury resort, Jumeirah Muscat Bay, has appointed Rhiannon Callaghan as Associate Director of Marketing.

In her new role, she leads the hotel’s marketing and communications strategy, driving local and international PR efforts to position the resort as a premier luxury destination in Oman. Rhiannon focuses on elevating the resort’s brand visibility, developing campaigns with impact, and strengthening Jumeirah’s connection with both regional and global audiences.

She brings experience across luxury hospitality brands to the role, most recently served as Multi-Property Director of Marketing & PR for Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf, and Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek, where she grew the cluster’s digital and PR presence through campaigns, strategic partnerships, and digital transformation initiatives.

Before Marriott, Rhiannon led marketing and communications at W Muscat, spearheading activations including The Drop SS24 and W Studio, while forging partnerships with global brands such as Red Bull and Kiko Milano. Her direction also brought high-profile international talent, including Hugel, Francis Mercier, and Stephan Jolk, to the Oman market.

“It’s an honour to join Jumeirah Muscat Bay, one of the most breathtaking destinations in the region. I’m thrilled to be part of a brand that embodies modern Arabian luxury and genuine hospitality, and I look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections between our resort, our guests, and the beauty of Oman,” said Rhiannon on her appointment.

Global advisory firm, DGA Group, has announced a planned leadership transition as the firm prepares for its next stage of growth.
Prem Kumar (pictured) has been appointed President, expanding his responsibilities across DGA’s global platform. He currently leads DGA’s Middle East & North Africa practice and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. Before joining Albright Stonebridge Group in 2015, he served on the National Security Council at the White House, and with the U.S. State Department in Washington and abroad, after beginning his career at Morgan Stanley in New York.

This leadership appointment was made in preparation after Edward Reilly, who has been leading DGA since its founding in 2021 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated his intention to retire as CEO in the first half of 2026. He will then serve as Non-Executive Chairman, remaining actively engaged in supporting the firm’s leadership and long-term strategy.

“Nearly five years since our founding, DGA has established a strong global platform and a proven model for helping clients navigate the intersection of policy, markets, and communications,” said Edward. “As we prepare for the firm’s next chapter, I have full confidence in our leadership team and in Prem’s ability to guide DGA’s continued success.”

Prem added, “I am honored to take on this expanded role and to work alongside Ed, our leadership team, and colleagues around the world as we build on DGA’s strong foundation. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional value to clients through our integrated, expert-led approach.”