LONDON—Rishi Bhattacharya, the chair of Edelman's global energy sector practice, is leaving the firm to take on a similar role at Instinctif Partners.

Bhattacharya, who spent nine years at Edelman and was also the firm's Europe/CIS MD for energy and industrials, becomes MD of corporate affairs at Instinctif, where he will continue to focus on energy and industrial clients.

Bhattacharya's move comes as Edelman distances itself from some types of energy sector clients, following a review led by Europe/CIS CEO Michael Stewart. The firm says it will no longer work for coal producers and climate change deniers, after ending its relationship with the American Petroleum Institute at the start of this year.

"His ability to provide strategic counsel at the highest levels, whilst delivering high quality, high impact corporate reputation programmes across international and national marketplaces is second to none," said Tim Fallon, Instinctif Partners managing partner of corporate affairs. "As Instinctif Partners continues to grow rapidly, I’ve no doubt Rishi will become a significant hire."

A former ITV political correspondent, Bhattacharya joined Edelman in 2006.