Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Edelman today announced Kenana Dahlan as the new head of its Saudi Arabia business, strengthening its senior advisory offering in the Kingdom.
Dahlan joins Edelman with a decade of experience working in strategic communications. Her previous roles include in-house positions at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), significant development projects, and experience counselling senior ministers and chief executive officers.
She joins fellow Saudi national Sarah Algethami in signing with the firm. Algethami, based in Riyadh, was previously Bloomberg’s financial reporter and has joined as part of Edelman’s growing regional financial communications practice.
Kenana Dahlan said: “I passionately believe the incredible social and economic transformation that the Kingdom is undertaking must be effectively communicated. I look forward to building upon Edelman Saudi Arabia’s strong client roster and leading a strong team, which includes several young Saudi nationals.”
Omar Qirem, CEO, Edelman Middle East, said: “I have known Kenana for nearly ten years, and I am delighted that she has decided to join Edelman. Her insights and experience with in-house and advisory roles will see a step-change in the counsel we offer clients in the country.”
Dahlan’s appointment follows the announcement last month of three other senior hires in the Middle East – Simon Hailes and Mazar Masud joined from Barclays Bank and Kekst CNC, respectively, while Sarah Algethami joined from Bloomberg.
The firm currently operates three wholly-owned offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh with a network of affiliates across the Middle East and Africa.