FTI Consulting names MD to strengthen strategic comms in SEA

FTI Consulting has appointed Kainoa Blaisdell as managing director within the strategic communications segment, part of the firm’s global financial communications and special situations practice.

Blaisdell rejoins FTI Consulting from Sandpiper where he was APAC financial practice lead. Previously managing director in FTI's strategic communications practice, Blaisdell returns to guide the firm's growth in Southeast Asia during a period of increasing demand for sophisticated corporate and event-driven communications.

His remit spans corporate messaging, reputation management, and advisory services for private markets, with a particular focus on transactions, restructurings, litigation, and crisis communications. Blaisdell will also focus on supporting the further build-out of FTI's capabilities and senior advisory bench, as well as for various event-driven mandates in the region. This comes as the industry is seeing a significant uptick in demand from the private market space for sophisticated stakeholder engagements in Asia Pacific.

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Other roles he's held in the past include vice president of Teneo, senior researcher, head of Asia Pacific content at Preqin and financial journalist at Mergermarket, according to his LinkedIn.

In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Blaisdell said that the unique strength of FTI's multidisciplinary platform is what drew him back to the firm. "In the current market, where clients operate in an increasingly uncertain and complex business environment, good advice cannot be given in a vacuum," he said.

Additionally, FTI is one of the few places where strategic communications sits alongside other market-leading practices in corporate finance, forensic and litigation consulting, technology and economic consulting. "Having access to that level of technical depth across the firm allows us to provide clients with a 360-degree advisory offering that other firms simply cannot match. Rejoining as a managing director is a natural step to leverage this global infrastructure during a very active time for the firm," he shared.

Across Asia Pacific, businesses are facing increasingly complex and high-stakes challenges, creating a shift in demand toward more specialised advisory services. Rather than relying on generalist communications support, clients are seeking experts who can navigate the intersection of law, finance, technology, and reputation.

"In an increasingly high-stakes, multi-stakeholder environment, a well-crafted message and tactical execution are no longer enough. It must be underpinned by ever more rigorous technical analysis and sector-specific knowledge. This is where you can really bring value to client relationships and help shape better outcomes," he explained.

Commenting on his appointment, Tom Evrard, senior managing director and head of Southeast Asia strategic communications at FTI said that he is delighted to bring Blaisdell back into the firm.

"Blaisdell’s return reinforces our commitment to continue expanding our advisory offering and providing world-class counsel to clients facing transformational events across the Asia Pacific region," added Evrard.

The appointment signals FTI’s push to deepen its strategic communications practice in Southeast Asia, reflecting growing demand for consultancy services that integrate corporate storytelling, crisis preparedness, and reputation management. It also follows a series of senior hires in the firm, including Joshua Baca, who joined as senior managing director within the strategic communications segment earlier this year.

Baca, who is based in the US, has more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of government, business and reputation. In his role at FTI Consulting, he will advise on stakeholder engagement and advocacy campaigns to help client organisations manage change, mitigate risk and advance business opportunities.

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