Sandpiper appoints Michael Rinaman to lead global strategy practice

The Sandpiper Group (“Sandpiper”), one of the largest independent communications, public affairs, and research groups headquartered in Asia Pacific has appointed Michael Rinaman as managing director, strategy.

Based in Hong Kong, Rinaman will lead the development and growth of the firm’s Strategy practice globally, while integrating with its digital communications and research and insights offerings.

Rinaman brings global experience consulting executives on reputation strategy using data-driven planning approaches across corporate communications, consumer communications, internal communications, and crisis & issues management. His experience covers a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, technology, financial services, energy, consumer brands, and government.

Named to PRovoke’s Innovator 25 list for Asia Pacific in 2023, Rinaman joins Sandpiper from FleishmanHillard where he was managing director for research and analytics in Asia Pacific and led the organisation’s impact measurement offering globally.

The appointment extends Sandpiper’s commitment to providing clients with insights-rich strategies in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and globally, and comes just one year after the firm’s launch of Sandpiper Research & Insights in 2023.

Says Emma Smith, chief executive officer, Sandpiper: “Michael’s embrace of communications innovation and vast experience across the region and globally will make him an indispensable asset to our clients. As reputation and communications strategy evolves, Sandpiper is continually investing to help our clients navigate change. The growth of our Strategy practice will complement both our expanding Digital and Research & Insights offerings, while also feeding into more impactful work for our clients across all capabilities.”

Says Rinaman: “The need for data-validated strategies is evolving at a rapid pace across the globe and especially in Asia Pacific. To be able to join Sandpiper, which is consistently investing in the capabilities that communicators need for the future, gives me the opportunity to embrace that change and focus on combining intuition and insight for the sake of more successful client strategy. I am excited to join a team of such talented consultants, advisors, and communicators.”