HEAD OF EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

Client of Capstone Hill Search Limited

 Excellent writing and content creation skills across all formats a core requirement We are seeking a Manager, External Communications to join a significant globally listed business in Abu Dhabi, reporting to the Vice President of Communications and the CEO. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for managing and delivering the company's external communications strategy, protecting and enhancing corporate reputation across multiple channels, and leading a team of communications professionals. The ideal candidate will have built their career in business and financial media relations, either within the Gulf and Middle East directly, or in an EMEA-facing role with meaningful Middle East market responsibility, for example sitting in London with oversight of the Middle East market. Key Responsibilities: Lead the development and implementation of the external communications strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and brand guidelines Build and maintain strong relationships with regional and international business and financial media, securing tier-one coverage across priority markets Prepare and coach senior executives including CEO and CFO level for high-stakes media engagements, analyst briefings, interviews and press conferences Drive content creation across multiple formats including press releases, executive speeches, opinion editorials, podcasts and thought leadership platforms Support corporate and regulatory announcements in line with listed company requirements and communications protocols Lead crisis communications planning and response, ensuring emergency communications plans are always current Manage community affairs programmes and VIP visit coordination in line with corporate social responsibility objectives Oversee production of external publications, digital content and translations to ensure quality and consistency Manage external agency relationships and third party service providers You should have: A strong media relations background with emphasis on global business media, with sound relationships in the Gulf and Middle East or across EMEA with meaningful Middle East responsibility Experience in a listed company environment strongly preferred experience in energy, oil and gas or resources sectors is highly desirable and strong sector experience can offset the absence of listed environment experience Proven ability to prepare and coach very senior executives for high-profile media engagements Exceptional writing skills and strong content creation capability across all formats including digital, broadcast and print 12 or more years of experience in corporate communications covering media relations and PR in a large organisation English fluency essential Arabic language skills highly desirable Knowledge of UAE laws, regulations and local customs and protocol advantageous Personal Attributes: Exceptional writer with a natural instinct for corporate & financial storytelling Calm and credible in high-pressure media environments Strong executive presence and ability to influence at the most senior levels Detail oriented with strong editorial judgement Collaborative team leader with a hands-on approach to delivery This is a unique opportunity to: Lead external communications for one of Abu Dhabi's most prominent listed businesses at a pivotal moment in its growth Work at the interface of financial markets, government, media and corporate reputation Develop and coach senior executive spokespeople in one of the world's most dynamic business environments Build and lead a high performing external communications team Click 'Apply Now' to be considered for this role or share with someone who might be a great fit. Capstone Hill Search: Executive search and specialist recruitment across PR, communications, corporate affairs, digital, marketing, and stakeholder management, working globally across UK & Europe, North America, Middle East, Asa, and Australasia. Contact Person Jeremy Wrench CEO