Instinctif Partners, one of the leading strategic reputation advisory firms in the MENA region, is opening a new office in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, from which it plans to further expand into the exciting Abu Dhabi market. Instinctif Partners has more than 12 years of experience in the Middle East and North Africa, with a team of over 60 consultants across Dubai and Riyadh. Instinctif Partners is renowned for supporting some of the most influential private and public sector clients with reputation management, IPO communications, investor relations, corporate reporting, ESG and sustainability, and public affairs.“We are honoured to have advised clients in the region for over a decade from our local offices in Dubai and Riyadh, and now look forward to building on this success with our newly launched Abu Dhabi office. We’re looking forward to working even more closely with government clients and corporates, listed across all UAE exchanges,” said Samantha Bartel, MENA CEO at Instinctif Partners.“I am delighted to expand our capabilities in the MENA region with the opening of a third regional office in Abu Dhabi,” said Julian Walker, Group CEO at Instinctif Partners. “Our Abu Dhabi office will enable us to support clients seamlessly across several sectors and industries in the capital through exceptional client service, deepening our footprint in this dynamic region. This commitment to meeting our clients where they are, is reflected in the quality of our work and caliber of our team.”Jim Donaldson, Non-Executive Chair at Instinctif Partners, further emphasized: “Abu Dhabi is of strategic importance to our growth in the Middle East. Our new office will strengthen our in-market capabilities, adding depth to the insights we provide our clients. Instinctif Partners’ growth is tied to the success of our clients, which is why we take a client-first approach globally.”Late last year, Instinctif Partners launched its MENA Public Policy practice, to act as a bridge between the public and private sectors and advise governments on their ambitious development agendas. “This latest strategic phase of our growth ambition for the region has been long in the planning,” adds Bartel. “Fresh from our winning Large Consultancy of the Year at the PRCA MENA Awards 2024, we are reinforcing our sustained impact and commitment to excellence.”

Instinctif Partners, a leading strategic reputation advisor in the MENA region, has appointed Ikram Al-Yacoub as Managing Partner and Head of Saudi Arabia. This move underscores the firm's commitment to an integrated advisory approach as it navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of the Kingdom.Ikram Al-Yacoub, a seasoned C-suite advisor with extensive experience in strategic and financial communications, is set to play a pivotal role in driving Instinctif's growth initiatives. Her expertise will enhance the firm's ability to deliver valuable client advice, deepen stakeholder engagement, and foster strategic partnerships across critical sectors in Saudi Arabia.Samantha Bartel, CEO MENA of Instinctif Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating: "We are delighted to welcome Ikram to our team. Having advised clients in Saudi Arabia for over a decade, we are excited to build on our successful momentum with her leadership. With Ikram's strong relationships and stewardship, we will continue to provide best-in-class reputation management services, including investor relations, corporate reporting, ESG, public policy, and crisis communications."In her new role, Al-Yacoub will collaborate closely with EMEA teams to identify opportunities and optimize Instinctif's approach, ensuring that client and partner needs in Saudi Arabia are effectively met.Al-Yacoub, a Saudi citizen, holds an MBA from City University London and a master's degree in International Political Economy of Resources from the Colorado School of Mines, where she focused on energy sustainability and the economic valuation of natural resources. Prior to joining Instinctif, she served as Managing Director and General Manager at Brunswick Group, where she spearheaded strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia, advising clients on financial communications, mergers and acquisitions, and public listings. Expressing her excitement about the new role, Al-Yacoub said: "It's an honor to join such a leading firm and enhance its capabilities. With the region experiencing unprecedented economic development and transformation, clients are seeking genuine partners with the expertise to help navigate complex challenges. Instinctif's unique proposition of localized, world-class capabilities positions us to excel in this environment."Ikram Al-Yacoub is also a member of the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) KSA Memberships and Events Committee, which aims to elevate the profile of investor relations in Saudi Arabia.Instinctif Partners boasts a prestigious client list across the region and internationally, and was recently awarded 'Large Consultancy of the Year, MENA in 2024' by PRCA MENA.

Global sustainability leader Anthesis has chosen Fight or Flight, a London-based communications agency, as its first corporate communications partner. The aim is to significantly raise awareness of Anthesis' work in the US and UK across business, technology, and broadcast media.Since its founding in 2013, Anthesis has grown into a force of 1,400 specialists across 23 countries. The company empowers businesses to navigate critical social issues like climate change, environmental protection, human rights, and diversity & inclusion. Their impressive client list includes names like Nestlé, Tesco, Target, and Microsoft.This partnership comes on the heels of a brand refresh marking Anthesis' 10th anniversary and a series of strategic acquisitions this year, including sustainability consultancy Given, reporting specialist BuzzWord, and global purpose strategy firm Revolt. Additionally, investment firm Carlyle acquired a majority stake in Anthesis last July.At Fight or Flight, senior director Tali Kramer, will lead the Anthesis account. Kramer joined the agency in late 2023 from Instinctif Partners to spearhead their corporate reputation services. She will be supported by sustainability lead Rachael Bolton."Following tremendous organic growth and key acquisitions," said Anthesis group CMO Kirsten Doddy, "Anthesis offers a comprehensive suite of services to drive transformation, restoration, and responsible business practices across an organization's value chain. This is the perfect time to supercharge our PR efforts."Doddy continued: "Fight or Flight impressed us with their media connections, storytelling expertise, and understanding of sustainability issues. Their proactive approach aligns with our own, and we're thrilled to partner with them at this crucial juncture for Anthesis."Kramer echoed Doddy's enthusiasm, stating, "We are eager to collaborate with Kirsten and the Anthesis team to share their incredible story and how they guide clients through complex sustainability challenges. The impact they have in driving leading companies towards sustainable practices is truly inspiring."Fight or Flight, founded in 2020 by former Weber Shandwick tech leaders, has experienced rapid growth. The 50-person agency, with offices in London and New York, saw its revenue increase by over 30% last year, exceeding £4.5 million in 2023. Their client portfolio includes AMEX GBT, LinkedIn, Expedia, Nokia, Sky, and Trainline.

The PRCA MENA Awards 2024 ceremony took place last night at Taj Hotel at business bay in Dubai, celebrating winners across 34 categories.Instinctif Partners MENA was honored with the prestigious title of Large Consultancy of the Year, underscoring their sustained impact and commitment to excellence. Current Global was crowned Small Consultancy of the Year, while Gambit Communications clinched the Medium Consultancy award, adding to the diversity and excellence within the regional PR landscape.Additionally, Atteline's Sophie Simpson was recognized as the PR Leader of the Year, acknowledging her exceptional leadership and contributions to the industry.Monika Fourneaux MPRCA, Head of EMEA at PRCA, hailed the evening as a testament to the region's outstanding communications talent. "The PRCA MENA Awards 2024 ceremony showcased the very best in regional communications," she remarked. "With a record-breaking number of entries, the competition was fierce, highlighting the PRCA MENA Awards as the gold standard in our industry. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!"Reflecting on the event, James Hewes, attending his first PRCA MENA Awards, expressed his admiration for the talent on display. "It's inspiring to witness the calibre of talent and innovation showcased at the PRCA MENA Awards," he remarked. "As we continue to navigate a rapidly evolving communications landscape, these awards serve as a testament to the creativity and dedication driving our industry forward."

Prosek Partners, an independent marketing and communications agency for financial and professional services, has expanded its international operations with the opening of its first office in the Middle East. The office, located in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the international financial centre of Abu Dhabi, will serve as Prosek’s regional hub as the firm looks to serve existing and prospective clients across the Gulf and wider MENA region.To lead the Middle East office and operations, Prosek has hired Diana Estupinan as Managing Director and Head of MENA. Diana joins from Instinctif Partners, where she served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Client Officer for the Middle East. She has extensive experience delivering high-impact, integrated PR and IR programs for financial services and capital markets clients, as well as leading operational growth strategies, including establishing Instinctif’s office in Saudi. At Prosek, Diana will be responsible for developing integrated communications and investor relations programs for local and international clients in the Middle East, as well as leading the firm’s business development, hiring and growth strategy in the region.“As the regional hub for institutional finance, Abu Dhabi is a logical next step in our global expansion plan,” said Jennifer Prosek, Managing Partner. “Since meeting Diana, I knew she was the perfect fit for us. Her entrepreneurial spirit, can-do attitude and industry know-how are exactly what we look for in our people. Her international experience combined with a deep local network and intimate understanding of the Middle Eastern market make her the ideal candidate to spearhead our growth in the region.”Diana will work closely with the firm’s London office, which boasts one of the largest financial services communications teams in the UK, to ensure a unified strategy across EMEA. Diana Estupinan, Managing Director and Head of MENA, said: “I’m delighted to join Prosek Partners and drive the firm’s growth and operations in the Middle East. The firm’s extensive client list of global financial and professional services firms is unrivalled, and the opportunity to build sophisticated communications strategies to support their growth in the region is vast. As one of the preeminent financial centres in the Middle East, ADGM is a prime location to serve these clients, and I look forward to getting started.”  Currently advising more than $66 trillion in client assets globally, Prosek Partners serves clients across financial and professional services, including M&A advisory, asset and wealth management, commercial and retail banking, investment banking, legal, financial technology, venture capital, insurance, cryptocurrency and more.Diana began her career at communications firm Hill+Knowlton in the UAE. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from Franklin University in Lugano, Switzerland and a BSc in Government and Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.