Sandpiper, a leading independent communications, public affairs, and research group in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, has named Simon Buckby as Managing Director of its global Government & Public Affairs division, based in Singapore. Craig Wilkie joins as Director, focusing on strategic content, policy, and intelligence.
Buckby brings over 30 years of experience in strategic communications and government advisory, with a strong track record in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the UK. His background includes roles at the Financial Times, BBC News, and advising Prime Minister Tony Blair. He also founded and sold a successful strategic communications consultancy in London. His recent experience includes advising the Public Investment Fund, the Future Investment Initiative, and the Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia.
Wilkie has 20 years of experience in communications, strategy, and consulting, including speechwriting for national leaders and strategic projects for governments and major brands like Samsung and BMW. He has extensive experience in the Middle East and Asia, notably contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 chairmanship.
Buckby and Wilkie, alongside Sandpiper's global network, will support clients in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape, focusing on sectors like finance, healthcare, technology, and energy.
These appointments follow Sandpiper's significant growth and recognition, including multiple agency of the year awards from PRovoke Media, PRWeek, PRCA, and Public Affairs Asia.
Emma Smith, CEO of Sandpiper, emphasized the value Buckby and Wilkie's expertise will bring to the firm's Government & Public Affairs practice.
Buckby aims to expand Sandpiper's Government & Public Affairs capabilities during a period of geopolitical change.
Wilkie will focus on enhancing the strategic intelligence and thought leadership content provided to clients.
