Iain Dey to take over as Managing Director of Edelman Smithfield as part of leadership changes that give expanded roles to John Kiely and Alex Simmons.
Edelman UK is preparing the ground for a new wave of growth and investment in its financial communications offering with a three-pronged leadership change.
Iain Dey is to take over the leadership of Edelman Smithfield, the fast-growing financial PR and strategic communications team within Edelman’s Corporate Affairs business.
Iain, the former business editor of The Sunday Times, joined Edelman Smithfield in July 2018 as Head of Special Projects. He has become one of the most trusted strategic advisors in Edelman’s UK business and has been instrumental in driving opportunities and growth across the firm.
From his new position as Managing Director of Edelman Smithfield, Iain will be tasked with taking the business to its next phase of growth.
Iain succeeds John Kiely, who is moving to an expanded role as Chairman of Edelman’s Corporate Affairs practice. John, who co-founded Smithfield as an independent business in 1998, has become a key member of Edelman’s UK leadership team since Edelman acquired Smithfield in 2015.
John has overseen a period of continuous year-on-year revenue growth, benefiting from the global reach of Edelman. He will continue to work with clients, while supporting the broader growth of the business and providing counsel to the senior leadership team.
Alex Simmons, who currently serves on Edelman’s global Financial Communications leadership group, will take on the role of EMEA Head of Capital Markets and will focus on building the profile of the firm’s work on cross-border transactions with colleagues across the region.
In December, Andy Wilde, who was previously the European Head of Financial Services was promoted to the role of Global Chair, Financial Services.
Hugh Taggart, General Manager Corporate Affairs, said: “The leadership changes reflect the continued success and growing influence of the Edelman Smithfield offer within the firm. “Under John’s leadership, the team has cemented its market leading asset management/FS position, expanded its capital markets proposition while integrating seamlessly with colleagues across corporate affairs.
“In handing over the leadership to Iain, we are redoubling our efforts to attack the capital markets space. Since his arrival from the Sunday Times, Iain has made an enormous impact on the business with his leadership, creativity and deal making capabilities. As the business continues to invest behind its global financial communications capabilities, Iain’s profile in the domestic market will serve to accelerate our growth.”
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