Edelman Smithfield strengthens Middle East leadership team with senior promotions and appointments

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 4 May 2026 – Edelman Smithfield has announced a series of senior promotions and appointments across its Middle East business, reflecting its focus on building talent and leadership in the region. These moves underscore the firm’s commitment to developing senior expertise and strengthening its capabilities across key client accounts.

Dhanya Issac

Dhanya Issac has been promoted to Managing Director, Edelman Smithfield Middle East. In this expanded regional role, she will continue 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 has 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 will continue to drive high-impact client counsel and deliver integrated support across priority mandates.

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