Head of APAC, Edelman Smithfield

About Us

Edelman Smithfield is a global financial communications firm with the power and scope of Edelman, the world’s largest integrated communications company. We work with some of the world's most high-profile and influential financial brands in asset management, banking, insurance, private equity, venture capital, real estate, crypto and fintech. This includes investment managers collectively responsible for about $20 trillion in assets and some of the largest banks and insurers in the US, EMEA, and Asia. Across our global network, Edelman Smithfield offers a deep and talented bench of approximately 250 financial market specialists.

Position Overview

The Regional Head, APAC for Edelman Smithfield will provide strategic and operational oversight for Edelman Smithfield’s business in the region, as well as serve as senior counsel for Edelman and Edelman Smithfield clients based in APAC or with interests in the region. As the Regional Head, you will work with the firm’s existing teams in Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur to deliver best in class counsel and work product for the firm’s clients, build integrated global and regional teams, attract and retain top talent from across APAC, and drive growth for Edelman and Edelman Smithfield across the region, including into new APAC markets. 

This role requires someone with deep expertise in financial services sector-specific communications. This includes deep experience running, managing and building strategic communications mandates for capital markets participants, such as banks, asset manager and private capital firms. In addition, the candidate should have a strong understanding of financial communications (M&A, shareholder activism, restructurings, etc.). 

This individual will possess a strong business and commercial mindset, leveraging IP, and maintaining a strategic view of capabilities in relation to changing client needs and market dynamics. In lockstep with others, this collaborative leader will evolve the Edelman Smithfield offering in APAC, create market differentiation, and sustain a competitive edge for the firm.

Responsibilities:

Client Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, serving as a trusted advisor and providing strategic counsel.

• Cultivate, win and grow multinational engagements for Edelman Smithfield.

• Lead high-level engagements for key clients, ensuring effective communication, leading to driving change and earning trust.

Strategy:

• Define and execute Edelman Smithfield’s business strategy for APAC in collaboration with regional leaders, aligning that approach with our client’s needs and with their business goals and target audiences.

• In partnership with the regional leaders across Edelman and Edelman Smithfield, oversee the regional portfolio of financial services and financial communications clients and drive innovation and expansion opportunities.

• Conduct research and analysis to identify key issues, trends, and challenges relevant to clients' industries and provide strategic recommendations and IP.

• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate Edelman Smithfield IP, perspectives and strategies with other Edelman solutions.

• Serve as a key, transformative leader within the Edelman Smithfield team globally.

• Identify and pursue opportunities to build awareness of Edelman Smithfield with an emphasis on building the financial services sector within APAC, in partnership with the market leaders.

Business Development and Thought Leadership:

• Actively contribute to business development efforts, collaborating with the regions to identify and pursue new opportunities.

• Enhance the company's reputation as a thought leader in financial services and financial communications trends through speaking engagements, industry conference participation, and publication of articles or whitepapers.

• Lead and oversee the implementation of key financial services and financial communications advisory services, marketing and IP initiatives.

• Advise, mentor and develop Edelman Smithfield team members in APAC.

• Spearhead initiatives to expand/launch marketing efforts and develop thought leadership.

Operations, Team Leadership and Management:

• Provide daily strategic counsel, guidance, and leadership to regional team members.

• Attract, engage and retain top talent for Edelman Smithfield in APAC.

• Communicate a compelling and inspiring vision of future possibilities and direction to team; create a climate that encourages entrepreneurial behavior, learning, and collaboration.

• Drive capability growth and business growth strategies across the region.

• Partner with Edelman Smithfield team members across the globe to better fuel the overarching growth of the firm.

• Ensure constant professional development of team, consistently holding self and team accountable for behavior and performance.

• Establish sense of community and ongoing knowledge sharing.

• Cultivate a culture of collaboration and One Edelman values.

• At least 15 years of relevant experience in Communications Marketing and/or related fields.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

• Proven experience developing, executing, and leading strategic communications programs for large financial services clients or in a capital markets context.
• Strong collaboration skills within a global/matrix environment.
• Strong track record of working with C-suite executives to identify communications issues and construct and implement effective strategies to accomplish business objectives.
• Sophisticated understanding of how financial media operates and how to manage company news through the media.
• Passion for seeking out business growth opportunities among existing and prospective clients.
• Track record of identifying and developing potential areas of growth and ability to consistently grow a meaningful share of revenue in a global environment.
• Sophisticated background in financial services and financial communications strategy, PR (reputation work for asset owners, asset managers, alternative asset managers, investment managers, private equity firms, , investment banks) and journalism.
• Demonstrate ability to attract, motivate, retain, empower, and coach staff, and possess the vision, insight, and confidence necessary to manage and inspire a team with a standard for excellence.
• Demonstrate a diverse financial communication and/or financial services PR background as a senior leader for an in-house media relations/communications department or a PR consultancy.
• Strong experience communicating with a broad array of stakeholders to advance an organization’s business and/or product ranging from investors, media, and other partners to regulators, employees and/or other businesses/organizations.
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment that is highly collaborative and team oriented
• Illustrate a strong desire to help pitch and win new business and lead client accounts on a day-to-day basis.
• Possess strong written, verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with P&Ls in an agency setting and a proven track record in management, leadership, and team building.