Grayling appoints Julio Romo to lead Middle East, Turkey & Africa Digital Hub

Dubai, 13th January 2014 - Grayling a leading global communications firm, announced today the appointment of Julio Romo as Head of Digital within Grayling's thriving Middle East and Turkey operations. The hire is part of a series of initiatives that are underway to spur Grayling's development as a digitally-enabled, global public relations consultancy with insights, ideas and rapid access to multi-channel solutions.

Romo is a talented digital strategist and international communications expert, widely acclaimed for his social media expertise. He has over 15 years' consultancy experience delivering insight, consultancy and training to clients operating in a range of sectors in markets around the world. His past clients have ranged from The Diamond Trading Company and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to the King

Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority. Grayling Middle East, Turkey and Africa has flourished in the last few years with significant client wins such as Qatar Foundation, Volkswagen, Hilton and PayPal. Julio's across the board experience has enabled him to develop seamless integrated campaigns for international clients, including many from the Middle East, which has helped them engage better with audiences through traditional and digital channels. Julio has been a Council and Board member of the UK's Chartered Institute of Public Relations. He has also served on the institute's influential social media advisory board.

Romo will be based in Grayling's Dubai office and will report to Loretta Ahmed CEO of Middle East, Turkey and Africa. In the newly created position, Romo will lead a team of digital media and creative design and production consultants that will bring fresh and dynamic campaigns to clients from across the region, breaking the mould in their digital media engagement strategies.

“Julio is a pioneering leader in the field of digital and his appointment represents a strategic move for Grayling. We are witnessing a huge surge in demands for digital PR and marketing activities amongst our Middle East client base. Building digital and investing further in the skills and expertise of our consultants is a core part of our development strategy in this region.” said Grayling Middle East, Turkey and Africa CEO, Loretta Ahmed.

Grayling Middle East, Turkey and Africa has flourished in the last few years with significant client wins such as Qatar Foundation, Volkswagen, Hilton and PayPal. The region now boasts over 60 consultants across four key offices in United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkey.