LONDON — Edelman Smithfield, the specialist financial services and capital markets practice within Edelman, has made a number of changes to its senior management team.

Managing director Iain Dey, a former Sunday Times business editor who joined Edelman in 2018 and took on the MD role a year ago, is leaving the business and is replaced by Andy Wilde (pictured), who was named global chair of Edelman’s financial services offering in 2020 and retains that role. Dey’s next move is not yet known.

In addition, EMEA head of capital markets Alex Simmons, who has led the firm’s efforts in M&A and special situations, becomes executive director at Edelman Smithfield. John Kiely, who co-founded Smithfield before its acquisition by Edelman in 2015, continues as chairman of Edelman Smithfield and its corporate affairs practice in the UK.

Hugh Taggart, co-CEO of Edelman UK and global crisis chair said: “We are thrilled that Andy will be taking over as managing director. In both Andy and Alex we have two incredibly accomplished and well-respected leaders and client advisors. As the firm continues its investment in its financial communications capabilities globally, having leadership who hold dual roles will allow us drive integration across our entire network and grow our client portfolio in both our domestic and global markets.

"We thank Iain for his hard work and commitment to growing the Edelman Smithfield business and wish him the best in his next role.”

Wilde added: “I’m excited to take on the responsibility of continuing to grow Edelman Smithfield, in partnership with Alex. It is a business with incredible momentum built around an exceptionally talented group of people. I’m very confident that we will continue to grow in this space, building out our roster of both listed and unlisted clients. Private markets investment and ESG consultancy are particularly strong growth areas for us but, with the global economic picture brightening, banks, insurers, asset managers and fintechs all want to communicate their market opportunity.”