Key promotions and hire at Edelman Smithfield Middle East

Edelman Smithfield has announced a series of senior promotions and appointments across its Middle East business.

The firm has promoted Dhanya Issac (pictured left) to Managing Director, Edelman Smithfield Middle East. In this expanded regional role, she continues to lead the firm’s capital markets advisory offering, while playing a broader role in strengthening Edelman Smithfield’s financial communications and strategic advisory platform across the Middle East.

Dhanya provides senior counsel to sovereign entities, financial institutions, listed companies and global investors on reputation, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications across public and private markets. Her work spans IPOs, M&As, capital raising, investor relations, transaction communications and special situations. She also leads Edelman Smithfield’s Dubai office and will continue to support the development of regional talent and integrated client advisory across the business.

Tarek Zahnan (pictured centre) has also been promoted to Senior Director, reflecting his expanded leadership remit across Edelman Smithfield’s Middle East business. Since joining Edelman in 2022, he has led strategic advisory for ADGM, overseeing communications support for Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre and playing a central role in strengthening ADGM’s global profile. With more than two decades of experience spanning financial communications, media and journalism, Tarek continues to drive high-impact client counsel and deliver integrated support across priority mandates.

Alongside internal promotions, Edelman Smithfield has appointed Pia Pennyfather (pictured right) as Director within its Middle East practice, joining from Barclays in London. She brings expertise in investment banking, investor relations, fintech, and central banks, having previously served at the Bank of England.

Alex Simmons, Head of EMEA, Edelman Smithfield, said, “Over the past five years, we’ve made a sustained investment in our people and in the clients we serve across the Middle East, building a platform with deep sector expertise and the senior counsel the market increasingly demands. Dhanya’s promotion to Managing Director is a natural next step as we continue to strengthen regional leadership. Together with Tarek’s promotion and Pia’s appointment, these moves reinforce our long-term commitment to the region and ensure we keep investing in the capabilities our clients need.”

Simon Hailes, Head of Edelman Smithfield Middle East, said, “With expert talent of the highest calibre, Edelman Smithfield has achieved record growth in the Middle East - becoming a trusted financial communications advisor to clients and building momentum through a strong team culture. These promotions and appointments reflect the depth of our bench and our focus on the region: developing talent from within, bringing in international expertise, and supporting the next generation of communications professionals as we expand our presence.”