Edelman has appointed Michael Hughes as Account Director, with a secondment into Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). He began the role in January 2026 and is based in Abu Dhabi.In his current position, Hughes is seconded into ATRC to manage and support communications activities for Venture One across its portfolio. The move marks a return to agency leadership for Hughes, who brings over two decades of global experience across strategic marketing, communications and project management.Prior to joining Edelman, Hughes served as Communications Planning Manager at ADNOC Group, where he transitioned from consultant to full-time hire. His responsibilities included overseeing communications project management, operating models, business processes and change management initiatives across the group.Hughes has previously held senior roles at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, The Corporate Office UAE, and ME3, and has worked extensively across the Middle East on marketing, communications and large-scale project execution.His appointment strengthens Edelman’s leadership bench in the region, particularly across government, energy and technology-linked mandates.