Global communications firm Edelman is to split its United Arab Emirates’ operation into two separate units as part of a re-structure across the Middle East and Africa.
Tod Donhauser, managing director of Edelman South Africa , has relocated to oversee the two separate brand and reputation businesses from the agency’s regional hub in Dubai.
The organisation’s restructure follows its acquisition of Dubai-based independent agency DABO & Co for an undisclosed sum last year. The merger brought the UAE headcount to roughly 160 people.
Former DABO, and then Edelman DABO, managing director Jason Leavy will now take over the brand element, while corporate head Jacob Drake will take on a similar role for reputation.
Meanwhile, Nicola McAlpine, who was previously general manager of Edelman UAE, has transferred to a global client lead role in New York.
DABO founders Camilla and Lucy d’Abo are to round out the Edelman UAE executive committee.
Robert Holdheim, chief executive of Edelman South Asia, Middle East and Africa, said, “This reorganisation represents the culmination of a long-term plan for the transformation of our UAE business The establishment of this structure will enable us to absorb new capabilities and talent, integrate these with our existing offering, and make our model more client centric.”