Edelman Kenya Appoints New Managing Director

Pan-African communications consultancy Edelman Africa has announced the appointment of a new managing director for its Kenya office: Corazon Sefu Wandimi.

Edelman is among the largest global communication firms with 66 offices and more than 6000 employees across the world, with its Kenya branch being one of the newest additions.

A long-standing partner of Edelman in the region, Wandimi’s strong profile in the public relations and communications sector made her a natural fit for the position. Having worked with some of the world’s largest brands, including Coca-Cola, VISA and MTV, as well as fast growing African brands such as Open Capital, DPO Group and Zuku, Wandimi brings a wealth of experience and a significant network of contacts to her new role.

Jordan Rittenberry, Chairman for Edelman Middle East and Africa (MEA) and CEO of Edelman Africa said: “Corazon has driven forward some of the region’s most high-profile work which aligns perfectly with Edelman Kenya’s position and vision for growth.”

“Her deep, long-term partnerships within the local market will allow Edelman Kenya to connect with clients, letting us entrench ourselves in the region as a valued local partner,” he said.

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Wandimi will be taking over the role from Portia Gibbs, who has been integral to the office’s growth since its inception in February 2020. Under Gibbs’ leadership, Edelman Kenya has established itself as a competitor and partner in the local market, underpinned by a strong team of excellent local talent.

As Edelman brought its African and Middle Eastern operations under a single banner in January 2021, Gibbs will be taking on a broader MEA role leading the technology sector for the region. She will continue to provide counsel to Wandimi to ensure a smooth transition in the coming months.

“I am honoured to have experienced the expansive growth of this brilliant team in such a short time frame. I know they will continue to impress under Corazon’s guidance, as Edelman Kenya enters its next phase of development,” said Gibbs.

As part of its bid to increase its level of local integration, Edelman Kenya will leverage its local market knowledge – coupled with the global firm’s scale, operating models and best practices – to provide further strategic counsel to local and international clients.

Wandimi said she is thrilled to be part of the next stage of Edelman Kenya’s growth journey.

“We want to ensure this business is a long-term contributor to the growth of the East Africa region, bringing global standards of excellence to our clients in Kenya, and enabling them to make a real impact here,” she said.

Edelman Africa is continuing to expand across the continent, developing deep relationships and partnerships as the leading pan-African communications consultancy.

According to Rittenberry, the firm will be expanding into West Africa in the coming year, bringing together six offices across the MEA region that play an increasingly important role in the Edelman global strategy.

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