Edelman acquires Kenya-based communications consultancy

Nairobi-based management consultancy Gina Din Corporate Communications (GDCC) has been acquired by global communications firm Edelman, building on a strong relationship established between the two firms previously. Edelman plans to have a team of 100 professionals now serving the Kenya market.

GDCC is a communications advisory firm that has been operational in Kenya and across East Africa for more than two decades. Over the years, the firm has grown into one of the top integrated public relations and communications consultancies across the region, supporting a number of high profile clients with their brand strategy.

Edelman and GDCC have been collaborating in the Kenyan market for three years now, a relationship that has now been consolidated through the acquisition. The market for branding and communications is growing increasingly competitive in East Africa, and Edelman will use its new Kenya office to engage in this vibrant environment.

The new 100-strong team will also offer a base for Edelman to operate across other prominent African markets. The firm has previously worked across 30 countries in Africa in recent years, and will now be looking to consolidate its position. Jordan Rittenberry, chief executive of Edelman Africa will lead the new team in Kenya, alongside managing the South Africa operation. 

He has been with the firm for 13 years. GDCC founder Gina Din-Kariuki, meanwhile, will take over as an Africa-wide for Edelman. “Like Edelman, Gina Din Corporate Communications is a family-run business and, as such, is firmly rooted in its values. The relationship we have fostered with Edelman over the course of the past three years is one based on our mutual belief in the power of collaboration to deliver top-quality services that meet our clients' needs, so taking this relationship to the next level is a natural progression for us,” she commented.

President & chief executive of Edelman for the EMEA region Ed Williams added, “We have acquired our trusted local market partner in Nairobi to expand our operations and offer to clients – global and domestic. The combination of high-calibre local talent, alongside our global specialists, and operating scale will be a compelling offer. I am very excited by what we can all do together.”

Rittenberry meanwhile said, “Africa has the world’s youngest population, fastest-growing middle class and highest rate of urbanisation, and we believe there is significant opportunity ahead of us. Our entry into Kenya is a natural next step in realising our ambition in Africa and we have our sights set on further growth into West Africa soon.”