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Government Relations Executive Search Specialists in Abu Dhabi

Hanson Search is a global executive search and talent advisory firm with 20 years of experience placing transformative leaders in roles that sit at the intersection of business, policy, and public affairs. We specialise in senior-level government relations recruitment — from Heads of Public Affairs to Directors of External Engagement — supporting organisations operating in highly regulated sectors across Abu Dhabi, the wider UAE, and internationally.

We work with sovereign wealth funds, family offices, global corporates, and advisory firms to build leadership teams that can engage confidently with government entities and regulators. With offices in London, Paris, Dubai, and  the US, we bring a global network and a deep understanding of the regional policy landscape.

Roles We Recruit For

  • Head of Government Affairs

  • Director of External Relations

  • Public Affairs Lead

  • Regulatory Affairs Director

  • Policy & Advocacy Specialist

  • UAE Government Liaison Officer

  • Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager

We place permanent, interim, and fractional leaders depending on your organisation’s needs

Why Choose Hanson Search for Government Relations Executive Search?

In today’s dynamic policy environment, government relations leadership is not just about compliance — it’s about influence, foresight, and strategic alignment with the direction of national development plans. In Abu Dhabi, where businesses regularly engage with government-linked entities, free zones, and federal authorities, the right hire can make all the difference.

Our dedicated team of executive search consultants bring a blend of industry knowledge and executive search expertise. We understand the nuances of hiring in the UAE, from Emiratisation policies to stakeholder complexity, and our processes help clients attract leaders who can navigate these challenges with credibility and impact.

We specialise in hiring professionals who:

  • Shape and influence legislation and regulation

  • Lead external and government affairs functions

  • Develop public policy positions and thought leadership

  • Build and sustain relationships with key government officials

  • Monitor regulatory changes and advise C-suite stakeholders

  • Represent organisations in federal, municipal, and sectoral forums

Abu Dhabi Government Relations

Work With a Specialist Team

Our Abu Dhabi executive search consultants are trusted advisors to organisations seeking best-in-class public affairs and government relations talent. From first brief to final placement, we deliver a tailored, insight-driven process grounded in discretion, quality, and speed.

Get in touch with our expert search team today and explore some of our recent insights on hiring trends and leadership in government affairs, or meet the team driving our search capability across the UAE.

Get in touch









    Introducing
    Our Experts
    With a network spanning the UK, Europe, USA, and the Middle East, our team of recruitment consultants are experts in sourcing the best talent globally.

    Meet the team

    • Global CEO, Regional Head of MENA

      Alice Weightman

      Alice Weightman: CEO, Global Executive Search Leader, and UAE Market Expert: Alice Weightman is the Founder and CEO of Hanson...

    • UK & Europe Managing Partner, Global Head of Public Affairs

      Janie Emmerson

      Janie Emmerson: Janie leads Hanson Search’s UK & European based teams. From the London office, she guides and supports their...

    • Principal consultant, Sales & Marketing

      Nils Gerardin

      Nils Gerardin: Nils Geradin is a seasoned executive search and recruitment consultant with nearly ten years of experience placing senior-level...

    • Advisor, MENA

      Felice Hurst

      Felice Hurst: With nearly twenty years of experience in search and recruitment, and a decade of experience working in MENA,...

    • Managing Partner, Global Head of Corporate Affairs

      Katie Simpson

      Katie Simpson: Having previously spent 10 years in communications, Katie brings real industry insights into the hiring process. Taking her...

    • Partner, Global Head of Healthcare & Communications

      Amy Hayer

      Amy Hayer: Amy brings over 15 years of experience in executive search, with a focus on healthcare communications and international...

    • Partner, European Head of Public Affairs and Communications

      Barbara Ozanon

      Barbara Ozanon: With over a decade of experience in recruitment, executive search, and headhunting, Barbara Ozanon leads Hanson Search’s European...

    • Managing Consultant, Public Affairs & Policy, UK & USA

      Peter Ferguson

      Peter Ferguson: As a Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice, Peter advises and supports some of the world’s most...

    • PA to CEO & Business Support

      Sam White

      Sam White: Sam joined Hanson Search in 2016 as an internal recruiter, bringing prior experience as an independent headhunter. Today,...

    • Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion

      Robyn Field

      Robyn Field: As Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion, Robyn is responsible for all business and administrative operations at Hanson...

    • Senior Consultant, Head of Digital

      Daisy Hughes

      Daisy Hughes: Daisy brings nearly a decade of recruitment experience to her role at Hanson Search, where she leads the...

    • Consultant, MENA

      Lexi Smith-Muller

      Lexi Smith-Muller: Lexi has over 10 years’ experience of recruitment & talent acquisition, and over 6 years’ experience working in...

    • Principal Consultant, Communications & Marketing

      Helena Ranger

      Helena Ranger: Helena is the Principal Consultant leading the Consumer division across PR and Marketing. She plays a pivotal role...

    • Advisor

      Nicholas Watkins

      Nicholas Watkins: Nicholas has over 30 years of business leadership experience that combines successful careers in the media, leisure and...

    • Senior Consultant, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability

      Allyson Kurian

      Allyson Kurian: Allyson is a specialist in corporate affairs and sustainability communications, working at the mid-to-senior end of the market,...

    • Senior Consultant, Communications, Europe

      Camille Chevallier

      Camille Chevallier: Having started her career as a comms professional, Camille spent 20 years in senior roles within leading agencies...

    • Business Support

      Mirjana R.Dejanovska

      Mirjana Dejanovska: Mirjana is Talent Strategist & Customer Success Manager at our sister company, The Work Crowd. Mirjana joined Hanson...

    • Internal Recruitment & Operations Lead

      Katie Cubbon

      Katie Cubbon: Katie manages internal recruitment at Hanson Search, while also overseeing office management and business operations. With experience across...

    • Researcher

      Arlena Butt

      Arlena Butt: Arlena is a valued researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the team across Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, Health and...

    • Researcher

      Kristina Ugrin

      Kristina Ugrin: With more than 10 years’ experience in the UAE and Europe, in recruitment consultancy, event management and in-house...

    • Partner, Global Head of Sustainability

      Johnny Goldsmith

      Johnny Goldsmith: Johnny leads the global Sustainability & ESG practice at Hanson Search. He has over 8 years’ experience in...

    • Senior Consultant, Corporate & Financial Communications, UK & USA

      Rachel L’Estrange

      Rachel L’Estrange: After spending six years in Corporate PR and Marketing, Rachel made the move into recruiting for the industry...

    • Business Support

      Ivana Stevanovska

      Ivana Stevanovska: Ivana is Community and Marketing Executive at our sister company, The Work Crowd. As well as being highly...

    • Head of Interim Communications

      Ben Mitchell

      Ben Mitchell: Head of Interim Communications Ben is Head of Interim Communications and works across both Hanson Search and our...

    • Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment Services

      Madeleine Weightman

      Madeleine Weightman: Madeleine is Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment and co-Founder of The Work Crowd, the sister company...

    • Search Director, MENA

      Amanda Dowie

      Amanda Dowie Amanda Dowie is an accomplished executive search specialist with over 20 years of global recruitment experience, including more...

    • Researcher

      Fani Mateska

      Fani Mateska: With over four years’ experience in recruitment consultancy, Fani joined Hanson Search in July 2025, bringing expertise from...
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