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Sandpiper Group Strengthens Strategic Communications Capabilities with Two Senior Appointments in Singapore
December 2025
16 December 2025 – The Sandpiper Group (“Sandpiper”), the largest independent communications, public affairs, and research group with offices and operations across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, has announced two senior appointments to further strengthen its fast-growing practices in sustainability communications and China outbound advisory.
Gemma Kyle joins Sandpiper as an Associate Director in its Singapore office. Gemma will play a key role in Sandpiper’s Corporate and Energy, Environment and ESG (E3) practices, applying her communications and sustainability expertise to help clients navigate highly-charged issues and complex regulatory environments. She will also support the continued growth of Sandpiper’s Government and Public Affairs offering in Singapore, advising clients on policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement. With more than a decade of regional experience, Gemma joins Sandpiper from APCO, where she co-led the Corporate Reputation practice in Southeast Asia. She has worked with corporates, non-profits and governments to shape policy dialogues, mitigate reputational risks and protect their licence to operate.
Jiao Tan also joins as an Associate Director in Sandpiper’s Singapore office. Jiao will play a key role in the firm’s Corporate practice and lead its efforts across Southeast Asia to support Chinese companies expanding into international markets. A bilingual communications specialist with over 15 years of experience across China and Southeast Asia, Jiao brings a nuanced understanding of the media, stakeholder, and policy dynamics in both regions. She advises clients across a wide range of areas, including corporate communications, thought leadership, stakeholder engagement, crisis and issues management, and employer branding. Her experience has helped organisations align communications with strategic growth priorities and build trust with key stakeholders across various markets.
Emma Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Sandpiper, said: “We are delighted to welcome two highly experienced strategic communications professionals to our growing team. Their regional expertise, sector insights, and diverse perspectives further strengthen our ability to help clients navigate today’s increasingly complex communications landscape. Their appointments reflect our ongoing investment in building integrated capabilities across key growth areas, including public affairs and China outbound.”
Gemma Kyle, Associate Director, Sandpiper, said: “As organisations navigate a period of profound geopolitical complexity, it’s an exciting time to join Sandpiper’s growing team. Our combination of regional insight, senior counsel and multidisciplinary capabilities positions us well to support clients in managing risks and seizing emerging opportunities as the landscape continues to shift.”
Jiao Tan, Associate Director, Sandpiper, said: “I’m excited to join Sandpiper at a time when going global has become a strategic priority for Chinese companies across sectors. Supporting them in evolving from simply being seen in new markets to becoming trusted and respected brands is both meaningful and rewarding. With Sandpiper’s growing presence across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, a seasoned team, and integrated capabilities across public affairs, research, strategic communications, financial communications, and digital, we are well positioned to help Chinese companies succeed on the global stage.”
Alongside significant growth and expansion, over the past 24 months, Sandpiper has been named Global Corporate Agency of the Year by PRovoke, Asia Pacific Agency of the Year by PRovoke, Asia Pacific Agency of the Year by PRWeek, Asia Pacific Agency of the Year by the PRCA, and Asia Pacific Agency of the Year by Public Affairs Asia, as well as Asia Pacific Corporate and Financial Agency of the Year by PRovoke, Asia Pacific ESG and Sustainability Specialist Agency of the Year, and Asia Pacific Specialist Agency of the Year by PRWeek for Sandpiper Research & Insights.
For more information, please contact:
COO
kelly.johnston@sandpipercomms.com
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