Edelman Kenya Announces Corazon Sefu Wandimi As New Managing Director

Corazon Sefu Wandimi takes the reins as the new MD at Edelman Kenya as part of the firm’s plans to strengthen local connections through global best practice.

Edelman Africa, the leading pan-African communications consultancy,continues to cement its footprint in East Africa, its Kenya office has announced the appointment of a new managing director: Corazon Sefu Wandimi.

Edelman is the largest global communications firm with 66 offices worldwide and more than 6000 employees across the world, with its Kenya branch being one of the newest additions.

A long-standing partner of Edelman in the region, Wandimi’s strong profile in the public relations and communications sector has made her a natural fit for the position. Having worked with some of
the world’s largest brands, including Coca-Cola, VISA and MTV, as well as fast growing African brands
such as Open Capital, DPO Group and Zuku, Wandimi brings a wealth of experience and a significant
network of contacts to her new role.

Jordan Rittenberry, Chairman for Edelman Middle East and Africa (MEA) and CEO of Edelman Africa
said: “Corazon has driven forward some of the region’s most high-profile work which aligns perfectly
with Edelman Kenya’s position and vision for growth.”

“Her deep, long-term partnerships within the local market will allow Edelman Kenya to connect with clients, letting us entrench ourselves in the region as a valued local partner,” he said.

Wandimi will be taking over the role from Portia Gibbs, who has been integral to the office’s growth
since its inception in February 2020. Under Gibbs’ leadership, Edelman Kenya has established itself
as a competitor and partner in the local market, underpinned by a strong team of excellent local
talent.

As Edelman brought its African and Middle Eastern operations under a single banner in January
2021, Gibbs will be taking on a broader MEA role leading the technology sector for the region. She
will continue to provide counsel to Wandimi to ensure a smooth transition in the coming months.
“I am honoured to have experienced the expansive growth of this brilliant team in such a short time frame. I know they will continue to impress under Corazon’s guidance, as Edelman Kenya enters its next phase of development,” said Gibbs.
As part of its bid to increase its level of local integration, Edelman Kenya will leverage its local
market knowledge – coupled with the global firm’s scale, operating models and best practices – to
provide further strategic counsel to local and international clients.
Wandimi said she is thrilled to be part of the next stage of Edelman Kenya’s growth journey.
“We want to ensure this business is a long-term contributor to the growth of the East Africa region,
bringing global standards of excellence to our clients in Kenya, and enabling them to make a real
impact here,” she said.

Edelman Africa is continuing to expand across the continent, developing deep relationships and
partnerships as the leading pan-African communications consultancy.
According to Rittenberry, the firm will be expanding into West Africa in the coming year, bringing
together six offices across the MEA region that play an increasingly important role in the Edelman
global strategy.