NorthStar Insights appoints Sadeq Al Fardan as leader of Strategic Communications wing
NorthStar Insights has strengthened its leadership team in the Middle East with Sadeq Al Fardan, who has been appointed as partner and practice leader.
Sadeq Al Fardan brings over 18 years of experience in government advisory and communications to the firm, gained in agency, in-house, and government roles. He specializes in strategic communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement.
His career spans leadership positions at Ogilvy, Grayling, Hill+Knowlton, and Big Four firm PwC, complemented by a tenure with the EU Delegation to the State of Qatar.
“Sadeq is exactly the kind of partner we set out to attract: 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,” said Arth Malani, Founder and CEO of NorthStar Insights.
Founded in 2025 and headquartered in Dubai with offices in London and Singapore, NorthStar Insights has grown rapidly to a team operating across seven markets. The boutique firm advises corporates, governments, investors and family offices on policy, political and reputational risk and strategic communications.
As partner, Al Fardan will lead the firm’s Strategic Communications practice across the Gulf and broader MENA 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,” he said.
“The opportunity ahead is significant at what I believe is a defining moment for the Gulf region, and I look forward to helping shape it alongside the team.”
The appointment of Al Fardan follows a string of high-profile additions to the NorthStar Insights team, including Senior Advisors Ahmed Kamel and Nesrine Halima.
