SINGAPORE — Iain Twine has left Edelman after 14 years with the firm, most recently as vice chair of reputation across Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

The Australian corporate specialist, who joined Edelman London in 2005, has launched his own consultancy called Harrup Advisory. "I have a small book of clients, and will remain as a consultant to the Edelman Middle East business and some clients in Asia," he told the Holmes Report. 

Twine was named Edelman Middle East and Africa GM in 2008, helping to oversee considerable growth during his five years in the UAE. He relocated to Singapore in 2013 to lead Southeast Asia and Australasia, before taking on the vice chair role in 2017 when Edelman bifurcated its brand and reputation practices.

He becomes the second of the firm's two regional vice chairs to exit the business, after brand head Rupen Desai departed in January.

"In his 14 years with the firm, Iain helped to build a strong reputation practice spanning multiple geographies," said an Edelman spokesperson. "He transferred from Edelman UK to be our first employee in the Middle East establishing Edelman’s presence in the region. In his time leading Southeast Asia and Australia and latterly overseeing the reputation business across Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Iain worked across a number of clients in the areas of corporate, crisis and issues management.

"We are sorry to see Iain depart, but we’re pleased that we’ll continue working with him as a consultant, particularly on projects in the Middle East," added the spokesperson. "We would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank him for the significant contributions he has made to our firm and wish him every success in this new chapter of his career."

Twine's departure comes amid more changes in Edelman's Asia-Pacific offering. Yesterday, the Holmes Report revealed that Michelle Hutton is returning to Australia to lead that market and serve as regional chief growth officer.

'I have truly loved this place," said Twine. "I have been incredibly lucky to work for Richard [Edelman] and see how to get it done. I built a business for Edelman in the Middle East, and it was very rewarding. I want to hang up my own shingle and see how far we can go."