Fleishman-Hillard one of the world's leading international communications agencies, today announced the appointment of Annalise Coady as Managing Director for Fleishman-Hillard Middle East, with responsibility for growing the company's regional business.

Coady is the co-chair of Fleishman-Hillard's Global Technology Practice and a renowned expert in providing strategic counsel on global campaigns for some of the world's leading companies. She has established digital practices in London and San Francisco, two of the company's larger offices.

"Annalise has been an asset to Fleishman-Hillard for 6 years and brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge that will greatly benefit the Middle East operation. As a member of the Senior Team she will play a key role in expanding the Middle East platform as we move to strengthen client support, implement our growth strategies and anticipate future opportunities and challenges," said Fleishman-Hillard's Regional President for UK, Middle East and Africa, Kevin Bell.

Commenting on her appointment Coady said, "It is a great honour to be based out of a historically-rich and booming region. We've had a presence here for a number of years now and our team has grown rapidly to service government, regional and global clients. We are planning further expansion in the coming months to cater for our clients' needs, particularly in digital and social media."

"Our Middle East teams are increasingly asked to deliver digital strategies and tactics for both internal and external communications," Coady said. "Our wealth of digital knowledge and expertise helps us to provide guidance to our clients to help them reach their customers and stakeholders through new channels."

According to 'Arab Media Outlook', more than half of the region's population are under the age of 25 and social networking is becoming the most popular online activity, and one of the top methods of communicating across the Middle East.

"Fleishman-Hillard is well placed to help leading regional organizations take advantage of this growing trend in social media and digital communications to build a stronger connection between their brand and customers, enhance customer support and drive sales, through integrated campaigns," Coady added.

Annalise's distinguished career at Fleishman-Hillard has seen her manage a portfolio of leading global brands including AT&T, Avaya, Chevron, Emerson, Huawei Technologies, Intel, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Motorola, RIM, Tata Consultancy Services and Visa. Most recently Coady ran the company's San Francisco office, following four years as a Board Director in London leading the EMEA technology practice.

Prior to working with Fleishman-Hillard, Coady worked in a variety of roles in the client and agency environments. She graduated with an honours degree in materials science and engineering from Leeds University and early in her career was a journalist before working as a senior information officer in the British Government's Office of Science and Technology.