Leila Shaddadi is an associate vice president in Edelman’s Global Advisory business. With over six years’ experience in both Houses of the Oireachtas, and three years in the higher education sector, she brings significant political, legislative, and industry knowledge to several European and global clients. Ms. Shaddadi has specific experience working with global consumer brands, the retail and tech sector including Mars, Danone, Airbnb, and Primark, advising them on key policy changes which may impact their business, using her diverse political network to advocate on their behalf, and helping them to develop new ways of thinking as they communicate their purpose and brand.
In addition to her role on the advisory team, Ms. Shaddadi also serves as diversity, equity and inclusion lead for the Dublin office and serves as chair of the EMEA DEI Council. Her role is to act as a sounding board for both the EMEA Excom team, the EMEA senior leadership team, and the Global DEI team, and to work in collaboration with these groups to advise and shape on action to tackle racism and race inequality. Outside of EGA, Ms. Shaddadi is also passionate about equipping and supporting women to succeed in industry, politics, and business. As chair of the Digital Business Ireland, Women in eBusiness Committee, she works in tandem with the membership to ensure they are equipped for policy and legislative changes which will impact their businesses and provides learning and networking opportunities for women working in the digital sector.