From left: Deepanshi Tandon, Head of Brand, Edelman UAE; Lauren Brush, Head of Health, Edelman UAE; Chase Burns, Head of Crisis & Risk, Edelman UAE. Edelman has announced new leadership appointments across its UAE team in an effort to reinforce its specialist capabilities in Health, Crisis & Risk, and Brand. These internal moves promotions aim to reflect Edelman’s ongoing investment in integrated, sector-led communications and the strength of its senior talent across the region.
Lauren Brush has assumed the role of Head of Health, bringing a track record of advising high-profile global stakeholders, including the Saudi Ministry of Health and leading U.S.-based medical associations. Her work spans pandemic response, BRCA testing, and the launch of the UAE’s first-ever telemedicine portal. Already a key advisor on Edelman’s partnership with M42 and its expansive portfolio, Brush will now lead the development of the firm’s health offer in the region, helping clients navigate an increasingly high-impact and rapidly shifting sector.
Chase Burns has been appointed Head of Crisis & Risk, expanding his role within Edelman’s Corporate Practice. He currently leads the work for the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Hub71 and ATRC. With more than 15 years of experience both in-house and advising clients through high-stakes, reputationally sensitive situations across aviation, advanced technology and sovereign investment, Burns has overseen responses to aircraft groundings, geopolitical attacks, and pandemic-related disruptions. As scrutiny intensifies and exposure to misinformation and disinformation, operational disruption, and geopolitical risks grows, Burns will lead the development of Edelman’s integrated crisis and risk advisory services in the region, helping clients anticipate, navigate and recover from complex situations, while also representing the region within Edelman’s global crisis leadership team.
Lastly, Deepanshi Tandon has been appointed Head of Brand for Edelman UAE. In her role, she will lead the Brand practice, building on Edelman’s expertise in creating earned-first, trusted brands that drive influence and shape culture. She brings more than 15 years of experience and has led several global brands across markets and sectors, spearheading strategic, creative, and culturally resonant work. Tandon currently leads work for clients such as PepsiCo and Nissan Middle East and has played a central role in shaping brand reputation strategies and leading integrated, multi-channel campaigns that drive cultural relevance and impact.
On the appointments, Omar Qirem, CEO, Edelman Middle East, said: “These leadership updates reflect both our investment in specialist talent and our commitment to developing leadership from within. Lauren, Chase and Deepanshi bring a powerful combination of subject matter expertise, client trust, and integrated thinking that will be instrumental to our next chapter of growth in the region.”
The global communications firm operates wholly owned offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh as part of Edelman’s broader Middle East network.
