Edelman is pleased to announce the appointment of Pankaj Suri as Senior People Business Partner, Middle East, effective June 2025.
Based in the UAE, Pankaj will serve as the strategic lead of the People function across the Middle East, helping to drive Edelman’s people strategy in line with business priorities and market growth.
Pankaj moves into the role from his current position as Executive Vice President, People Partner for India, Australia, and APAC Lines of Business. His experience navigating complex, multi-market environments, coupled with a deep understanding of Edelman’s operations and culture, will be instrumental in delivering a cohesive and impactful People experience across the region.
On his new role, Pankaj said: “I’m honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Edelman in the Middle East. This region is full of energy, ambition, and talent, and I’m excited to work alongside our teams and leaders to continue building a people experience that is inclusive, dynamic, and aligned with the incredible momentum of our business.”
Pankaj will report to Nigel Miller, Edelman’s Chief People Officer, EMEA & Strategic Projects.
Starting next month, he will focus on driving greater regional coordination, deepening local partnerships, and enhancing the employee experience through innovation, collaboration, and alignment with Edelman’s global standards.
On the appointment, Omar Qirem, CEO, Edelman Middle East said “We’re excited to welcome Pankaj to the Middle East. His deep institutional knowledge, strong business acumen, and people-first mindset will be invaluable as we continue to invest in our people, culture, and growth plans for the region.”
This appointment reflects Edelman’s continued commitment to investing in its People function and advancing a workplace culture rooted in trust, opportunity, and inclusivity.
Edelman’s people-first philosophy has seen the UAE business certified as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years and recognized for its holistic approach to employee wellbeing, ranging from meaningful mental health support and time allocated for volunteering, to financial contributions toward causes chosen by team members. This commitment also extends to flexibility, with initiatives like the global Work from Anywhere policy enabling employees to work from different locations for up to four weeks per year, supporting personal needs while promoting a modern, adaptable work experience.
Edelman’s deep-rooted commitment to the Middle East goes beyond business. It was the first agency in the region to appoint an Emirati Chairman and has since built strategic partnerships in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai to support Emirati female entrepreneurs. Through the Emirati Media Talent Pledge, the firm is also actively mentoring the next generation of talent and contributing to the development of the regional media ecosystem.