DIFC Registers Akamai Financial Markets Executive Search

Recruitment firm spots gap in the market

Akamai Financial Markets Executive Search (Akamai), has been registered by the DIFC is targeting new and expanding client business in the Middle East.

Mike Brennan, CEO of Akamai, said it had been planning its strategic entry into the region for some time. The operation will be headed by Russell Adam, Head of Akamai’s EMEA Investment & Wealth Management Practice, who has been appointed Managing Director, GCC and will report to Mr Brennan.

 “As with our recent entry into Japan and Singapore our team analysed the markets and found no well­ capitalised international competitor of any significant critical mass offering our range of services,” said Mr Brennan.

Besides offering specialist executive search services, Akamai will also offer a range of high­ value bespoke business intelligence products unique to the region, designed to help clients strengthen their market position.

“Many of our clients are seeking to either enter the region or increase the size of their operations hence they are looking to partner with an international firm such as ourselves who can identify international talent on their behalf,” added Mr Brennan.

Nasser Al Shaali, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said: “Akamai is a respected and influential force globally and their presence will raise the recruitment bar regionally and internationally.”

Akamai’s strengths are its significant global capability, market knowledge, office network and research and consulting teams – making it ideally placed to identify and access talent globally.

“The GCC and particularly Dubai is a key part of our international strategy and our entry has received high levels of client sponsorship,” said Mr Brennan. “Our goal is to build the region’s leading financial markets executive search firm which in turn will form an integral part of our overall international offering to clients.”