Edelman Smithfield has strengthened its Middle East leadership bench with a series of senior promotions and a strategic appointment, signalling its continued investment in regional talent and client advisory capabilities.
Dhanya Issac Takes Charge as Regional Managing Director
At the centre of the reshuffle, Dhanya Issac has been promoted to Managing Director for the Middle East. She will continue to lead the firm’s capital markets advisory practice while expanding her role across the broader financial communications platform.
Issac advises sovereign entities, financial institutions, listed companies and global investors. Her work spans IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and investor relations. Moreover, she leads the Dubai office and plays a key role in mentoring regional talent and strengthening integrated advisory services.
Tarek Zahnan Elevated to Senior Director
In parallel, Tarek Zahnan has been promoted to Senior Director. Since joining Edelman in 2022, Zahnan has led strategic advisory for Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), enhancing its global positioning.
With over two decades of experience across financial communications, media and journalism, Zahnan will continue to drive high-impact mandates. He will also support key client engagements across the region.
Pia Pennyfather Joins from Barclays
Further strengthening its senior bench, the firm has appointed Pia Pennyfather as Director in the Middle East practice. She joins from Barclays in London and brings deep expertise in investment banking, fintech and investor relations.
Previously, she also worked with the Bank of England. In her new role, she will lead strategic client mandates and provide senior counsel across markets.
Leadership Signals Long-Term Regional Commitment
Commenting on the appointments, Alex Simmons, Head of EMEA at Edelman Smithfield, said the firm has consistently invested in both talent and clients across the Middle East over the past five years. He added that Issac’s elevation, along with Zahnan’s promotion and Pennyfather’s appointment, reflects the firm’s long-term commitment to the region.
Meanwhile, Simon Hailes, Head of Middle East, highlighted that the firm has achieved record growth. He emphasised that a strong team culture and high-calibre talent have helped position the firm as a trusted financial communications advisor.
Focus on Local Talent and Regional Expansion
Notably, the firm continues to invest in local capability building. It has onboarded emerging Emirati and Saudi professionals and supports structured mentoring initiatives under the UAE’s media talent development programmes.
Currently, the 40-member Edelman Smithfield team operates across key hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh. It also works closely with Edelman’s wider regional network of over 200 professionals, supporting sovereign and financial institutions as well as global investors.
