From left, Jonathan Mulligan, Senior Advisor - Strategic Communicatons; and Sadeq Al Fardan, Partner, Middle East and North Africa, Northstar InsightsNorthStar Insights, a political risk and strategic communications consultancy, has appointed Sadeq Al Fardan as Partner and Jonathan (Jonny) Mulligan as Senior Advisor to its senior global advisory council.
Al Fardan brings more than 18 years of experience across senior agency, in-house, and government roles, with deep expertise in strategic communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement.
His career spans leadership positions at Ogilvy, Grayling, Hill+Knowlton, and PwC, complemented by a distinguished tenure with the EU Delegation to the State of Qatar: a rare combination of corporate, government and multilateral experience that gives him a broad perspective on how institutions communicate in complex environments.
As Partner, Al Fardan will lead NorthStar Insights’ strategic communications practice across the Gulf and broader MENA region. Based in the GCC and travelling extensively across the Middle East, he gives the firm deep regional connectivity at the most senior levels.
Commenting on Al Fardan’s appointment, Arth Malani, Founder and CEO of NorthStar Insights, said, “Sadeq is exactly the kind of partner we set out to attract when we founded this firm someone who combines deep expertise with the conviction that the region deserves a better advisory model. His track record across Ogilvy, Hill+Knowlton, PwC, and the EU Delegation speaks for itself, but what sets him apart is his ability to operate at the intersection of business, policy, and strategic narrative — precisely the territory where we live. We didn’t build NorthStar Insights to replicate what already exists. We built it to prove that senior-led, regionally embedded advisory can deliver better outcomes. Sadeq’s decision to join us is a powerful validation of that vision.”
Al Fardan said, “I am delighted to be joining NorthStar Insights as a Partner at what I believe is a defining moment for the Gulf region. What drew me here is the firm’s conviction that now is the time to build something genuinely new — a senior-led approach to advisory and strategic communications, delivered with the rigour the moment demands and energised by an ambitious team with a long-term view. The opportunity ahead is significant, and I look forward to helping shape it alongside Arth and the wider NorthStar team.”
Meanwhile, Mulligan will support NorthStar’s growing work with investors, corporates and governments while continuing his role at Martello partners.
Mulligan has held senior roles with leading global consultancies including Edelman and Brunswick, where he ran complex, multi-market mandates and led cross-functional teams across energy, renewables, technology and carbon markets.
Mulligan began his career as a political adviser in Westminster and Brussels and has since built an accomplished career as an advisor to companies and global investors including Microsoft, Sony, Saudi Aramco, Mubadala, Unilever, Ovo, Cepsa and Abu Dhabi Ports, as well as the governments of the UK and UAE.
Commenting on Mulligan’s appointment, Malani added, “Jonny’s depth across capital markets and sustainability, combined with his long-standing work in the Gulf, Europe and North America strengthens our senior-led model. His global experience and understanding of the regional nuances are demonstrated with his work with investors, sovereign funds and global brands. Jonny will help our clients navigate complex shifts in capital markets, investor engagement, carbon and climate at a time of rapid change in the GCC and beyond.”
Jonny Mulligan said, “I’m incredibly grateful to have had a career where I have worked with some great organisations and learnt from a broad range of colleagues and experiences which has shaped my global view. I am very impressed with how smart, sharp and the values that drive the NorthStar team and the work they are delivering for their clients. I look forward to working closely with the team and bringing the insights and learnings to contribute to the success and growth of clients”.
