Edelman Appoints Simon Jenkins as UK Head of Digital

Edelman, the global communications firm, today announced the appointment of Simon Jenkins as UK head of digital. 

Simon will build on Edelman’s long-standing focus on building trust, earning attention, and driving action through communications – with storytelling that moves at the speed of social, fuels engagement, and sparks movements in culture. Edelman’s digital campaigns bring together dedicated digital experts with its integrated services across strategy, creative, data and intelligence, and influencer. Notable highlights include the Cannes Grand Prix winning Eternal Run (ASICS), Hellmann’s Mayo Hack (Unilever), Buy Back Friday (IKEA), Wildlife Watch (Samsung) and Dreams Within (Microsoft Xbox). 

Simon will be responsible for optimising Edelman’s wide range of digital capabilities and expertise against client’s business challenges, bringing together social marketing, social listening and data analytics, interactive online experiences, and the latest AI technologies. Simon will supercharge Edelman’s digital offering across its London business, leading a team of digital specialists, focused on delivering advisory and activating impactful campaigns that give clients the means to succeed in a digital-first world. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, with a unique mix of agency, client and platform side experience to help build on Edelman’s long-standing focus on building trust, earning attention, and driving action with storytelling that moves at the speed of social. 

Prior to joining Edelman, Simon was based in the Middle East acting as vice president of social for the global beauty brand, Huda Beauty. He previously led the international creative strategy team at Snapchat, managing a large team of strategists and leading on accounts including Google and Amazon. He was global social media director for Havas, leading the Emirates Airlines account in Dubai.

Simon will work closely with Edelman’s UK chief creative officer Emma De La Fosse and Felicitas Olschewski, chief digital officer, EMEA to drive greater collaboration, integration and digital innovation across the agency teams and client portfolio. 

On his new role, Simon said, "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Edelman. Joining a communications agency with such a rich history is truly exciting and feels like a real milestone in my career. I have long admired the hugely creative work that's come out of Edelman's doors, so to have the chance to become part of the team is a great honour".

Ruth Warder, CEO UK and Ireland and EMEA brand chair, said, “In today’s world, it is essential that brands and businesses have the insights and tools they need to stay rooted in culture, connect with audiences in real-time, and deliver impactful, innovative experiences that drive action and build trust. In Simon we have a fantastic leader who will drive innovation and creative solutions for our clients.”

Felicitas Olschewski, chief digital officer, EMEA said, “Simon brings vast experience across consumer tech, social and activation, as well as a background in earned and creative thinking. He is ahead of trends, behaviours and experiential marketing, and equally understands the reputational side of the communications business. He will be integral to our focus on developing ideas that allow brands to reach beyond the screen to inspire action. It will be tremendous to have him on the team and see where he takes our team and clients next.”