Christiane Schulz elevated to Chief Operating Officer for Edelman Asia Pacific

Edelman has appointed Christiane Schulz as Chief Operating Officer for Asia Pacific (APAC). Schulz moves from her current role as CEO of Edelman Germany. She will report to Rakesh Thukral, Edelman’s CEO for APAC, and focus on enhancing operational excellence and client growth across the region.

Schulz joined Edelman in 2019 to lead its German operations and has been successful in expanding the firm’s presence, strengthening its market position and driving business growth. Under her leadership, Edelman Germany has grown, diversified its client portfolio, and enhanced its capabilities in key sectors. She has also been instrumental in fostering a collaborative, people-first culture and driving innovation across the business.

Thukral said: “Christiane’s deep understanding of working in a diverse environment and a dynamic region like EMEA will be invaluable as we work on strengthening our APAC business. She brings a wealth of experience in leading large teams and building trusted, long-term client partnerships. I look forward to working closely with her to further enhance our operations and accelerate growth across the region.”

AJ Hesselink, President and CEO, Edelman EMEA, added: “We are incredibly grateful for Christiane’s leadership and the impact she has made in Germany. She has been an exceptional leader for her team and a trusted counsellor to many of our clients. Her contributions have not only strengthened our position in Germany but have also shaped the broader region. I am delighted to see her step into this new role, where she will bring her talents to an even wider stage.”

Schulz said: “I’m honoured to take on this new challenge and excited to work alongside our talented teams across Asia Pacific. Edelman has a strong foundation in the region, with deep regional expertise and client relationships, presenting incredible opportunities for growth. I look forward to continuing to elevate our work and helping our clients navigate today’s complexities to drive meaningful impact.”

As Schulz transitions into her new role, Nils Giese will succeed her as CEO of Edelman Germany, ensuring continuity and continued growth in the market.

Both appointments will take effect on April 1.