Simon Hailes leads Edelman Smithfield in the Middle East with a focus on UAE & KSA. He specializes in advising financial services companies, central banks, stock exchanges, private capital, asset managers and listed entities on all forms of reputation management ranging from media engagement to investor relations, executive positioning and issues handling. He has led communications for some of the largest capital market transactions in the region.
Simon brings over two decades of experience in high profile media relations roles spanning financial services, broadcasting and government.
For central banks, Simon has supported the Bank of Mauritius in leading their country’s successful exit from the Financial Action Task Force's 'grey-list’, and previously served on a Bank of England committee to implement major benchmark interest rate reforms. He currently advises the international financial center Abu Dhabi Global Market.
Simon joined Edelman Smithfield from Barclays in London where, as Director of Group Media Relations, he led the bank’s efforts to rebuild trust after the financial crisis, advised the Group CEO and ran financial reporting, strategic communications, executive media engagement and proactive campaigns. He also led on a variety of issues including regulatory and litigation matters, ESG, Brexit, COVID-19 response, and the bank’s successful defense against an activist investor.
Prior to working in financial PR, Simon was the Chief Press Officer for the British Broadcasting Corporation, and also for the UK Government Housing and Communities Department serving six cabinet ministers.