Oliver Williams leads Strategic Communications team of FTI Consulting

FTI Consulting has promoted company leader Oliver Williams as the new head of its Strategic Communications division in the Middle East.

In his new role, Oliver Williams will lead the division’s business strategy in the Middle East, oversee its service offerings and client portfolio, lead practice development, and spearhead further expansion plans in the Middle East.

One of FTI Consulting’s five divisions, the Strategic Communications team supports clients with financial communications, corporate reputation, public affairs and crisis management, among others.

The Strategic Communications team in the region has grown strongly in recent years, on the back of major engagements including Parkin’s record-breaking IPO on the Dubai Financial Market and Modern Mills Company’s historic IPO on the main market of the Saudi Exchange.

“The Middle East is clearly an increasingly critical nexus for business. The sense of opportunity is palpable, and I’m excited to build on the work of our local team, as we take our business to the next level,” said Williams.

“At the heart of our strategy is a vision to marry our local expertise with our international capabilities and footprint, to not only support those companies who are already in the Gulf Cooperation Council market or entering it, but also the growing number of regional leaders who are expanding internationally.”

Williams has been with FTI Consulting since 2008, holding leadership positions in the firm’s London and Washington D.C. offices. He has advised organisations on a variety of cross-border communications challenges, including complex integrated advocacy campaigns, regulatory and legislative uncertainty, securing investment and building credibility through third-party stakeholder engagement.

Commenting on the appointment, Mark McCall, Global Leader of the Strategic Communications division at FTI Consulting, said: “Oliver brings tremendous value and experience to our rapidly growing team in the region. His appointment will strengthen collaboration across our global network, and we look forward to leveraging his expertise to further solidify our position as a leading global consulting firm.”

Vikas Papriwal, Senior Managing Director and Head of FTI Consulting in the Middle East, added: “The Middle East is evolving and developing at an exciting pace and with this clients’ communications needs and challenges evolve too. Oliver’s solid track record and experience will be of great benefit to our client base across our core geographies as they navigate these communications needs.”