Rasmal Ventures, a multi-strategy investment platform and Qatar's first independent homegrown VC firm, has appointed Narrative One as its strategic communications partner, mandating the specialist investment communications firm to lead its media relations and public positioning.The engagement sees Narrative One embedded as the communications function for Rasmal Ventures, supporting the firm's growing presence beyond the Gulf and globally.The appointment reflects Rasmal Ventures's position at the centre of an accelerating capital corridor between Qatar, the Gulf and the rest of the world — a market dynamic that demands communications infrastructure built for investment audiences, not general business press. Narrative One's focus on the investment sector and its expertise were central to the selection.“We believe that great companies are built on great execution, but they break through on great storytelling — and helping our founders master that is one of the most underrated ways we add value as investors at Rasmal Ventures. We needed a partner that can operate at the same speed we do and Narrative One stood out immediately.” said Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje, Partner, Rasmal VenturesTarek Fouad, CEO, Narrative One, added: “Rasmal is building something genuinely important — Qatar's first investment platform for cross-border venture investment at a moment when the capital corridor between the Gulf and key global markets is becoming one of the defining stories in global private markets. We are proud to be their communications partner and to help tell that story to the audiences that matter.”

Words Matter, a strategic communications and Public Relations agency, and Goosebumps Network, a full-service integrated marketing and brand solutions agency, have announced a strategic alliance aimed at delivering end-to-end brand-building solutions that seamlessly integrate reputation management, storytelling, public relations, creative communications, digital marketing, and experiential brand engagement.The partnership combines Words Matter's strength in building reputation, shaping narratives and fostering stakeholder trust through strategic communications and public relations with Goosebumps Network's expertise in creating impactful brand experiences through integrated marketing, creative storytelling and audience engagement. Goosebumps Network’s extensive experience in agriculture and rural outreach further enhances the alliance's ability to help organisations engage stakeholders across both urban and rural markets. As brands navigate an increasingly fragmented communications landscape, the alliance seeks to bridge the gap between earned influence and audience engagement by offering clients a unified approach that combines strategic narrative-building with impactful marketing execution. The collaboration will enable organisations across sectors to access a broader spectrum of services under a single strategic frameworkAshish J. Banka, Founder and CEO, Goosebumps Network, said: "Audiences no longer distinguish between a brand's communications, marketing and experiences - they see one brand. The most effective brand-building happens when communication and marketing work together, creating seamless engagement across every touchpoint. This partnership brings together complementary strengths in reputation-building, creativity and audience engagement to help organisations build stronger connections, deliver impactful brand experiences and create lasting value."Noopurr R Chablani, Founder and Image Strategist, Words Matter, added: "Today's brands require a lot more than visibility; they need credibility, consistency and meaningful engagements. As organisations communicate with every stakeholder group simultaneously, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that every interaction reflects a clear and cohesive narrative. This alliance brings together strategic communications and marketing expertise to help brands create more consistent, credible and influential narratives." Together, Words Matter and Goosebumps Network will help organisations align communications and marketing efforts to build reputation, strengthen engagement and support growth.

ON PURPOSE, a creative communications consultancy focused on social change, has been appointed as the communications partner for the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF), one of India's premier film festivals and an Oscar®-qualifying platform for short films. The mandate will be managed by the consultancy’s Bengaluru office and marks a significant addition to its growing culture and communities portfolio in the city.Founded in 2010, BISFF has emerged as one of the country’s most respected platforms for short-form cinema, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and industry leaders from across the world. Founded by Anand Varadaraj (Producer, Actor) and mentored by acclaimed theatre personality, actor, and filmmaker Prakash Belawadi, the festival is recognised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an official Oscar-qualifying festival, placing it among a select group of global festivals that serve as a pathway to the Academy Awards.As part of the engagement, ON PURPOSE will support BISFF with strategic communications, media relations, and storytelling aimed at expanding the festival’s visibility and reinforcing Bengaluru’s position as a vibrant cultural hub.The BISFF mandate builds on ON PURPOSE's growing portfolio in Bengaluru across culture and communities. The consultancy has previously partnered with initiatives including Manotsava, the national mental health festival by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, NIMHANS, and NCBS; Janaagraha, a leading civic participation organisation; and BLR Hubba, UnboxingBLR's city-wide arts and culture festival. Together, these partnerships reflect ON PURPOSE's growing presence in shaping conversations around culture, community, and contemporary urban life in Bengaluru.Commenting on the partnership, Girish Balachandran, Founder and Managing Director, ON PURPOSE, said, “Bengaluru’s identity extends far beyond technology and innovation. It is also home to a thriving cultural ecosystem shaped by artists, filmmakers, creators, and communities. BISFF has played a pivotal role in putting Bengaluru on the global cinema map, and we are excited to support the festival in telling its story to wider audiences. This partnership also reflects our growing commitment to the culture and community space in the city.”Anand Varadaraj, Founder and Artistic Director, Bengaluru International Short Film Festival (BISFF), said, “Over the last 15 years, BISFF has grown into a globally recognised platform for short-form cinema, connecting filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals from around the world. As we continue to expand our reach and strengthen Bengaluru’s position on the global film map, we are delighted to partner with ON PURPOSE to help amplify our story and engage wider audiences with the power of short films.”

V Spark Communications, one of India’s leading public relations agencies, today announced it is rebranding as Fizz PR, effective immediately. The new name and identity reflect the agency’s evolution from a Delhi NCR focused PR firm into a full-spectrum communications partner for ambitious brands across India and international markets, with the same leadership, team, and client relationships that have driven its growth to date. The agency’s new digital home, www.fizzpr.com, goes live today. “We didn’t just want a new name; we wanted a name that captures how we actually work. Great PR isn’t quiet. It’s the spark that gets people talking, the fizz that makes a brand impossible to ignore. That’s the energy we bring to every campaign, and now our name says it too,” said Kanika Chhabra, Founder of Fizz PR. The rebrand is a response to how much the agency and the industry  have changed. Attention is no longer earned through press releases alone; it is earned across media, digital, social, and creator ecosystems simultaneously and increasingly across borders. Over the past several years, V Spark’s work had already outgrown its name: campaigns spanning multiple Indian metros, cross-border narratives for global clients, and integrated programs that go well beyond traditional media relations. Leadership described the move as a graduation, not a reset. “This isn’t a reset,it’s a graduation. Everything that made V Spark a trusted partner stays exactly the same. We’re just showing up with a name and a look that finally match the energy we bring to our clients’ brands,” Chhabra added. The new identity is built on the convictions that have guided the agency from the start: earning attention rather than renting it, with every campaign starting from what genuinely deserves to be heard; acting as an extension of the client’s team rather than a vendor at arm’s length; treating media, digital, social, and international channels as one integrated narrative, since that is how audiences actually experience a brand; and using energy as a strategy — momentum and speed designed to make brands impossible to ignore. Fizz PR retains the full expertise that built V Spark’s reputation as a top PR agency in Delhi NCR, spanning Technology & SaaS PR, Startup & Growth PR, Healthcare & Pharma PR, Consumer & Lifestyle PR, Real Estate & Infrastructure PR, IPO PR, Government Relations,and Celebrity & Personal PR, delivered for clients across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, and beyond. Alongside the new name, the agency is formally expanding into International PRhelping Indian brands build media presence overseas and supporting global companies entering the Indian market. It is a natural next step for a team that has already spent years managing cross-border narratives for clients. Nothing changes in terms of who clients work with day to day; what changes is the ambition, with Fizz PR positioning itself as a more contemporary, integrated communications partner built for how brands actually earn attention today. Fizz PR will continue to operate from its Delhi NCR base while expanding its footprint across key Indian markets and internationally. The agency’s existing case studies, client results, and team will migrate to the new brand, with more details available on the newly launched website.

Eaton has promoted Shikha Pahwa Mangol to the role of Global Public Relations & Corporate Communications Leader, expanding her responsibilities after leading communications across India and Southeast Asia.Mangol has been with Eaton for over five years. Since 2023, she has served as Head of Corporate Communications, India and Southeast Asia, overseeing strategic communications, media relations, executive visibility, crisis communications, internal communications and digital strategy across nine countries in the region.Prior to that, she held the roles of External Communications Lead and Senior Consultant, Corporate Communications at Eaton, focusing on public relations, corporate communications and CSR initiatives.Before rejoining Eaton in 2018, Mangol was Senior Manager, Corporate Communications at Cybage Software, where she led corporate communications and digital marketing. Earlier, she served as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Wavesa and held communications roles at MSLGROUP India, Blue Lotus Communications and Adfactors PR.

The Australian Telecommunications Alliance has appointed Greg Spears as its new Head of Communications and Media.Spears joins the industry body after more than seven years at NBN Co, where he most recently served as Executive Manager, Corporate Media. During his tenure, he led corporate media engagement and communications initiatives for Australia's national broadband network operator.Before joining NBN Co, Spears held communications roles at Telstra, Vodafone and Stockland, building extensive experience across the telecommunications and corporate sectors.Earlier in his career, he spent three years with Lewis PR, where he worked on communications programmes for technology clients.At the Australian Telecommunications Alliance, Spears will oversee the organisation's communications and media strategy, supporting its engagement with government, industry stakeholders and the broader public on issues affecting Australia's telecommunications sector.His appointment comes as the telecommunications industry continues to navigate evolving policy, infrastructure investment and digital connectivity priorities, placing greater emphasis on strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.

Luxury lifestyle hotel Artyzen Singapore has appointed Gilbert Ong as its new Director of Marketing Communications.In his new role, Ong will oversee the hotel's integrated marketing communications, including brand strategy, public relations, digital marketing, partnerships and related initiatives aimed at supporting commercial growth. He joins Artyzen Singapore from Wyndham Singapore Hotel, where he was responsible for strategic campaigns, marketing communications, public relations and brand development.Ong brings more than 25 years of experience spanning corporate communications, hospitality marketing and brand management across the hospitality, maritime and broader corporate sectors. His career includes senior marketing communications positions within Singapore's hospitality industry, including previous roles with Millennium Hotels and Resorts.The appointment comes as Artyzen Singapore continues to strengthen its positioning in the city's competitive luxury hospitality market. The hotel is part of the Artyzen Hospitality Group, which operates lifestyle and luxury properties across Asia and is backed by Hong Kong-listed Shun Tak Holdings. Located on Cuscaden Road, the property combines contemporary design with wellness, dining and cultural experiences targeted at both international travellers and local guests.With Ong leading marketing communications, Artyzen Singapore is expected to further expand its brand storytelling, media relations and partnership efforts.

Raymond Limited has appointed Shalini Singh as Head of Corporate Communications for the Raymond Group, reinforcing its focus on strategic communications, corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement.In her new role, Singh will lead the group's corporate communications function, overseeing internal and external communications, strategic messaging, media relations, executive communications, social media strategy, crisis communications, financial communications and reputation management across Raymond and its group companies.She joins Raymond after leading her independent advisory firm, Stewardship with Purpose, since late 2024, where she advised organisations on corporate communications, sustainability, leadership positioning and reputation strategy.Prior to launching her consultancy, Singh served as Senior Strategic Advisor at NorthStar Insights, providing counsel to senior executives and boards on communications and corporate reputation. She has also been associated with Board Stewardship as a fellow, focusing on governance, sustainability, corporate social responsibility and board effectiveness.Beyond her corporate roles, Singh is a member of the advisory board of the International Institute of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, where she contributes to initiatives promoting responsible business practices and sustainability leadership.Her appointment follows a career spanning corporate communications, sustainability, public affairs and brand reputation across multiple sectors. She has also completed executive education programmes in Strategic Thinking and Innovation from the Indian School of Business and in Business Administration and Management from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.Raymond's appointment of Singh comes as the diversified group continues to strengthen its corporate identity following its recent strategic restructuring, including the demerger of its lifestyle business. The company is sharpening its focus on stakeholder engagement, leadership communications and corporate brand building as it expands across lifestyle, real estate and engineering businesses.

KFin Technologies Limited, a leading provider of technology-driven financial services and investor solutions, today announced that Hanisha Vadlamani, Chief Brand Officer & Head of Corporate Communications, has assumed the additional responsibility of Head of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).In this expanded capacity, Hanisha will integrate KFintech's social impact agenda with her existing responsibilities overseeing brand strategy, corporate communications, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement. The enhanced mandate reflects KFintech's focus on aligning brand narrative, communications, and social impact under a unified leadership framework, reinforcing the company's commitment to building a trusted, purpose-led, and future-ready organization.A seasoned communications and brand leader with over 15 years of experience, Hanisha has been instrumental in shaping KFintech's brand evolution and market positioning since joining the company in 2021. She has successfully led integrated marketing programmes, thought leadership initiatives, investor engagement campaigns, and strategic brand-building efforts across domestic and international markets.Commenting on her new responsibility, Hanisha Vadlamani, Chief Brand Officer – Head of Corporate Communications and CSR, KFin Technologies Limited, said:"KFintech's growth journey has always been driven by trust, innovation, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Assuming the role of Head of CSR presents a tremendous opportunity to create a lasting, measurable social impact while strategically positioning our brand in strict alignment with our CSR policy. I look forward to working closely with our teams to deliver meaningful change, reinforce our core values, and ensure our sustainability initiatives drive long-term value for all stakeholders."Prior to KFintech, Hanisha held leadership roles across brand management, marketing, and corporate communications at leading organizations including Facebook, Reliance Communications, and CallHealth.

India’s leading health and hygiene solutions company, Eureka Forbes Ltd has recently onboarded Concept Public Relations Ltd, one of India’s leading integrated communications consultancies, as their communications partner. As part of this strategic collaboration, Concept PR will drive Eureka Forbes' integrated communications strategy, managing the company's overall corporate and brand communications portfolio.This mandate marks a significant win for Concept PR, reinforcing its expertise in managing complex, multi-layered communications across large conglomerates and delivering integrated strategies spanning traditional PR and digital ecosystems.Under this mandate, the agency will support reputation management, strategic media relations, thought leadership, executive profiling, stakeholder engagement, and communication initiatives across Eureka Forbes' key business segments, including water purification, air purification, and vacuum-cleaning solutions.Anurag Kumar, Chief Growth Officer, Eureka Forbes Limited, said on the collaboration, “We are pleased to onboard Concept PR as our communications partner. As we continue to strengthen our presence across categories and drive innovation-led growth, strategic communication will play a critical role in amplifying our brand story and business vision. The agency’s deep expertise in corporate reputation management and integrated communications will help us further enhance our engagement with key stakeholders and reinforce Eureka Forbes' position as a trusted household brand.”Suhas Tadas, Senior Vice President, Concept PR, added, “This is a significant and strategic mandate for us. With a strategic PR approach, we look forward to building a strong, cohesive narrative for the Group and its leadership, amplifying their vision, innovation, and market leadership across platforms.”The partnership aims to further strengthen Eureka Forbes' corporate reputation, amplify its innovation-led growth narrative, and enhance stakeholder engagement across traditional and digital media platforms.With its extensive expertise in corporate communications and brand reputation management, Concept PR will work closely with Eureka Forbes to build compelling narratives that reinforce the company's leadership position in the health and hygiene category.

BigEndian Semiconductors has appointed Abhishek Lakhera as its Marketing Communications Manager. In this role, Lakhera will lead the company's marketing communications efforts as it advances its work in indigenous Vision AI chip development.Lakhera has relocated to Bengaluru for the role, marking a new phase in his career after working across communications, marketing, public relations, and content.Before joining BigEndian Semiconductors, Lakhera served as Communications Manager at Versuni, where he worked for nearly one and a half years. Prior to that, he spent over four years at Jajabor Brand Consultancy as Business Unit Lead for Venture Capital & Emerging Tech, leading communications initiatives in the startup and technology ecosystem.Earlier in his career, Lakhera worked as an independent content writer, creating research driven content for corporate clients across websites, blogs, and reports. He also gained experience through internships at Value 360 Communications and News Trust of India, where he developed a foundation in public relations, media writing, and editorial content.Sharing the update on LinkedIn, Lakhera said he chose the move to step outside his comfort zone and embrace new challenges. He added that joining BigEndian Semiconductors presented an opportunity to work on areas he had not explored before and contribute to the company's growth journey in the semiconductor space.

9Yards Communications has appointed Tala Abu Taha as its new Chief Growth Officer, reinforcing the strategic communications firm's ambitions to expand its regional and international presence.In her new role, Abu Taha will lead the company's growth strategy across key markets, supporting the continued development of its offices in London, Cairo and New York, while deepening relationships with clients and strengthening strategic partnerships.She will also be responsible for enhancing the firm's service offerings to meet the evolving communications and advisory needs of both public- and private-sector organisations across regional and global markets.Abu Taha joins 9Yards Communications with more than 25 years of experience in public relations, public affairs, strategic communications and business development. Over the course of her career, she has held senior leadership positions at regional and international communications consultancies, helping organisations expand their market presence and deliver integrated communications strategies.Her professional background includes serving as Communications Director for Qatar Foundation through BLJ Worldwide, where she led strategic communications initiatives for one of the region's leading education and research organisations. She has also worked in public diplomacy, governance and international development with Aktis Strategy in the UK and Coffey International in the United States, advising governments, institutions and development partners on stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.Her appointment comes as the Middle East's communications sector continues to grow, driven by increasing investment in economic diversification, tourism, technology and major international events. Agencies across the region are expanding their capabilities in strategic advisory, public affairs, corporate reputation and integrated communications to meet rising demand from government entities and multinational businesses.Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, 9Yards Communications provides strategic communications, public relations, corporate reputation, crisis communications and integrated marketing services to clients across the public and private sectors, with an expanding international footprint spanning Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Blue Buzz, a leading reputation and brand advisory firm, has been appointed as the strategic communications partner for Vembu Technologies, an Indian software company building innovative, cost-effective infrastructure solutions for businesses and service providers across the globe.The mandate places Blue Buzz at the centre of Vembu Technologies' communications strategy in India, with a remit spanning media relations, corporate storytelling, executive thought leadership and reputation advisory. The objective is clear: to build a communications programme that reflects the depth of Vembu's engineering capabilities and strengthens its standing with businesses, partners and the broader technology ecosystem.Vembu Technologies has spent over two decades developing enterprise software built for the complexity of modern IT environments. Its flagship platforms, BDRShield and XDRShield, deliver comprehensive backup, disaster recovery, cyber resilience, and endpoint detection and response capabilities to organisations across more than 100 countries. The company's solutions serve customers across IT services, BFSI, healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail, telecom, logistics and the public sector.The partnership comes at a time when cyber resilience and infrastructure modernisation have moved from IT conversations to boardroom priorities. For Vembu Technologies, which has built its reputation on engineering-first thinking and product reliability, this moment calls for communications that match the quality and intent of the work being done.Sekar Vembu, Founder & CEO, Vembu Technologies, said, "As we continue to expand our presence and strengthen our engagement with customers, partners and the broader technology ecosystem, strategic communications will play an increasingly important role in our growth journey. We are pleased to partner with Blue Buzz and look forward to leveraging their expertise to communicate our vision, product innovation and commitment to helping organisations build resilient IT environments."Neha K Bisht, Founder & CEO, Blue Buzz, added, "What drew us to Vembu Technologies was the clarity of conviction behind what they build. This is a company that has been solving real infrastructure problems for businesses across 100 countries, quietly and consistently, without making noise for the sake of it. Our role is to ensure that the credibility they have earned translates into visibility and trust with the stakeholders who matter. That is the kind of communications brief we are built for."The mandate reinforces Blue Buzz's focus on partnering with innovation-led organisations that are building something worth talking about, and ensuring the story is told with the rigour and authenticity it deserves.

Global independent marketing and communications agency FINN Partners has expanded its Asia-Pacific presence by acquiring Australian financial and corporate communications consultancy Honner, marking its entry into the Australian market and strengthening its financial services capabilities across the region.The deal adds Honner's 25-member Sydney team to FINN Partners' global network, increasing the firm's worldwide footprint to 37 offices and expanding its APAC workforce to around 250 professionals.As part of the integration, Philippa Honner, founder of Honner, will join FINN Partners as Managing Partner and APAC Financial Services Practice Lead. In her new role, she will spearhead the growth of the agency's financial services practice across Asia-Pacific while strengthening its presence in Australia. She will also join FINN's APAC leadership team, collaborating with regional leaders across Greater China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand.The acquisition reflects FINN Partners' strategy to deepen its presence in one of the region's fastest-growing financial markets. The agency said Australia's expanding role in both traditional financial services and emerging digital finance made it a strategically important market as Asia's financial ecosystem continues to evolve.Howard Solomon, Founding Managing Partner and APAC Lead at FINN Partners, said Australia had long been a priority market for the firm."Australia represents a significant growth opportunity for FINN in Asia-Pacific. Bringing Honner into the network enhances our expertise in financial services communications and provides greater scale to support both regional and international clients operating in the market. We are delighted to welcome Philippa and her team as we continue building our presence across APAC," he said.Peter Finn, CEO and Founding Partner of FINN Partners, said the acquisition builds on the firm's recent expansion strategy in the region."This follows the momentum generated by our acquisition of RICE Communications last year. Our APAC business now contributes nearly 10 per cent of FINN's global revenue. With Honner joining the network, our Asia-Pacific operations now generate approximately US$19 million in fees, further strengthening our ability to support clients seamlessly across the Americas, EMEA and APAC," he said.Philippa Honner described the move as a significant milestone for both the agency and its clients."Joining FINN Partners provides an exceptional platform to accelerate our ambition of becoming the leading communications consultancy for corporate and financial services brands across Asia-Pacific. We look forward to collaborating with colleagues throughout the region and delivering integrated, market-specific communications strategies that help clients navigate increasingly complex regional business environments," she said.Following the acquisition, the Australian firm will operate under the brand "Honner, A FINN Partners Company," with all Honner employees joining FINN Partners as part of the integration.

Jajabor Brand Consultancy (JBC) has won the PR mandate for FlixBus India, the Indian arm of Flix, Europe’s largest intercity mobility platform, to manage its end-to-end communications in the country. Under the mandate, JBC will lead FlixBus India’s public relations, media strategy, reputation management, executive visibility, and brand narrative, supporting the company's next phase of growth in the country. The partnership comes at a pivotal moment as FlixBus India deepens its operational footprint and establishes itself as a leading player in the country's intercity mobility sector.Surya Khurana, Managing Director, FlixBus India, said: “India's intercity travel sector is undergoing a significant transformation, yet there remains a considerable gap in awareness around safe, technology-enabled, and sustainable mobility solutions. As we continue expanding our network and bringing the FlixBus experience to more Indian travellers, it is important for us to build stronger conversations around what modern intercity travel can look like. We were looking for a communications partner that understands both the Indian market and our long-term vision for the category. Jajabor brings a strong understanding of reputation building and strategic storytelling, and we look forward to working together to support our growth journey in India.”Prerana Mundhra, Manager, Public Affairs, FlixBus India said: "India is one of FlixBus' most strategic growth markets globally, and as we continue expanding our network and connecting more cities across the country, clear and consistent communication remains an important part of our growth journey. We have built a strong foundation for stakeholder engagement and brand storytelling, and Jajabor's experience in strategic communications will help us scale these efforts further. We look forward to working together to support our communications objectives and strengthen conversations around the future of intercity travel in India." Commenting on the partnership, Upasna Dash, Founder & CEO, Jajabor Brand Consultancy, said: “We are very excited to partner with FlixBus India and help build awareness, trust, and preference for a brand that is redefining how people travel between cities. As the intercity mobility sector evolves, there is a strong opportunity to shape conversations around safer, more reliable, and sustainable travel. At Jajabor, we believe communications should do more than generate visibility—it should drive tangible business outcomes, whether that means accelerating market adoption, strengthening stakeholder trust, influencing perception, or supporting growth objectives.” Founded in 2017 by Dash, JBC has over the past nearly nine years built a reputation for communications that drive measurable business outcomes, working with 200+ brands across startups, Fortune 500 companies, and leading venture capital firms, entirely without external funding. The FlixBus India mandate adds to a growing portfolio of high-impact clients across mobility, technology, and sustainability. JBC's scope covers proactive media relations, thought leadership programming for senior leadership, reputation management, and crisis preparedness, positioning FlixBus India as not just a mobility brand, but a credible voice in conversations around safe and sustainable intercity travel in India. 

New marketing strategy and go-to-market (GTM) consultancy CoInside (pronounced coincide) has officially launched in Singapore, offering a diagnosis-first approach to help businesses identify and address the root causes of their growth and market expansion challenges.The consultancy was founded by Vanessa Ng, formerly Head of Marketing at Lendela, and Szecindyo (Chin) Chewandi, who previously served as Head of Marketing Communications and was a Chief of Staff candidate at Golden Equator. Together, the founders bring expertise spanning growth strategy, commercial communications and GTM execution across startups and established organisations.Rather than positioning itself as a traditional marketing agency, CoInside focuses on businesses that are struggling to determine the most effective path forward, whether that means hiring in-house talent, engaging an agency, or adopting another solution. The consultancy begins with a diagnostic assessment to uncover the underlying business challenges before recommending execution strategies.Its services are organised around three core areas: developing compelling commercial narratives to strengthen brand positioning and accelerate sales conversations, designing growth and distribution strategies, and identifying opportunities for revenue expansion.Vanessa Ng said many organisations confuse activity with meaningful progress, often investing significant time and resources in solving the wrong problems."Businesses can spend months executing well against an issue that was never the real challenge. By the time they recognise the disconnect, they've lost valuable time alongside financial resources. The initial brief is rarely the true brief, and uncovering the underlying issue is what ultimately separates marketing that simply looks impressive from marketing that delivers measurable business results," she said.Chin Chewandi noted that unclear strategic thinking often results in overly complex messaging that fails to resonate with customers."When the thinking isn't clear, organisations tend to say more instead of communicating better, creating what we call 'polished confusion'. Our role is to clarify the strategy first, so the messaging becomes sharper, products are easier to understand, sales conversations move faster, and internal teams become better aligned," he said.With the launch, CoInside aims to support companies seeking greater clarity in their commercial strategy and go-to-market execution before committing to long-term marketing investments.

Communications veteran Mrinall Dey, who has spent three decades across journalism and corporate communications, has launched Brevanta Communications, a new strategic communications consultancy, along with Suman Nath, positioning the firm as a senior-led advisory focused on reputation management, corporate storytelling and strategic counsel for business leaders. Announcing the venture in a LinkedIn post, Dey said the decision was driven not by a desire to add another public relations agency to the market, but to address what he believes is a growing gap between companies with compelling stories and their ability to communicate them effectively."Companies with genuinely good stories are being told badly—or not told at all—because the people managing their narrative are three levels removed from anyone who's ever sat in a newsroom or a boardroom," Dey wrote.He described Brevanta Communications as an agency designed to eliminate those layers by placing experienced communications professionals directly alongside business leaders during critical reputation and strategic communications decisions.The consultancy aims to work closely with founders, CXOs, board members and chief communications officers, offering senior-level counsel on corporate reputation, crisis communications, executive positioning and strategic storytelling.According to Dey, the agency's philosophy is rooted in combining newsroom instincts with boardroom experience to help organisations communicate with greater credibility and impact. He also indicated that he plans to share practical insights on reputation management, crisis communications and the evolving communications landscape through his LinkedIn platform.Dey brings extensive experience spanning journalism, corporate communications and agency consulting. Over the course of his career, he has advised companies across sectors on corporate reputation, crisis management and stakeholder engagement. His professional background includes leadership roles in corporate communications and public affairs, and he has worked with several leading brands during high-profile reputation and business transformation initiatives. The launch comes at a time when India's public relations and corporate communications industry is undergoing rapid transformation. The growing influence of artificial intelligence, increasing emphasis on executive thought leadership, digital-first stakeholder engagement, and rising expectations around corporate transparency are prompting organisations to seek more strategic, senior-led communications advisory rather than traditional media relations alone. Industry observers note that businesses are increasingly looking for communications partners capable of integrating reputation management with business strategy and crisis preparedness.Brevanta Communications has already begun supporting clients across sectors, with the firm's name appearing as communications advisor on several recent corporate announcements, including those from fintech company MobiKwik.

Burson Group, the global communications agency purpose-built to create value for its clients through reputation, and VML, the top-tier creative company merging brand experience, customer experience and commerce, took home the PR Lions Grand Prix in Crisis Communications & Issues Management at the 2026 Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. The winning campaign, The KitKat Heist, delivered a real-time crisis response that transformed a supply chain disaster into a global cultural moment.The KitKat Heist, created by VML and brought to life in partnership with Burson, also earned four additional Gold Lions across PR: Social Engagement, PR: Real-Time Response, Social & Creator: Real-Time Response and Media: Consumer Goods. And it won three Silver Lions in Social & Creator: Innovative Engagement of Community, Media: Use of Social Platforms and Direct: Real-Time Response.“Crisis communications has long been the discipline of caution, protecting reputation, minimizing damage, staying safe,” said Dana Tahir, PR Lions Jury President, Cannes Lions 2026, and CEO, HAVAS Red Middle East and Egypt. “But this year's work rewrote those rules entirely. KitKat didn't just manage a crisis — they transformed it into a cultural moment, proving that creative bravery and crisis counsel can coexist.”When a 12-tonne theft threatened KitKat's Easter, the agencies turned a crisis into a brand-building opportunity. Bypassing defensive corporate messaging, they injected KitKat's playful spirit into initial communications. The news release and statements were crafted to be meme-able and shareable: immediate conversation starters that fueled global discussion but also shaped it. It gave the media permission to have fun with the story while reporting facts."Crisis communications has always been one of PR's most demanding disciplines. It's tested in real time, under pressure and usually with the temptation to prioritize caution over creativity,” said Taj Reid, Global Chief Creative Officer, Burson. “We couldn't be more honored to have partnered with our colleagues at VML to help rewrite that playbook, turning a crisis into a break-out moment for a client who knows exactly what creative bravery can deliver. This work proved that when creative, social and PR are truly in lockstep, the result isn't just a campaign - it’s a cultural moment."“The KitKat Heist has been an incredibly special project that brought together creative ideation, social and PR orchestration all in real time,” said Ryan McManus, Chief Executive Officer at VML UK. “We reacted to a brief that came from the real world and enlisted what seems like the whole of the internet to help track down stolen KitKats and help solve the ongoing investigation. We are so proud of our teams at VML UK and our partners at Burson who helped bring it to life. And of course our longstanding clients KitKat for their creativity and trust in us."

Kevin Davidson, award-winning advisor to healthcare executives, has joined global advisory and advocacy firm APCO as a senior director in its Health practice and will be based out of New York and Boston.Davidson brings more than 25 years of experience helping executives across the health sector navigate moments of inflection, define corporate strategy and deliver high-stakes communications and stakeholder engagement, further strengthening APCO’s globally integrated health advisory capabilities.Davidson has a proven track record of supporting emerging biotechnology companies to raise capital and scale, as well as globally recognized brands navigate pivotal moments such as mergers and acquisitions, regulatory milestones, product launches and corporate repositioning efforts. Known for his ability to translate complex science into compelling narratives, Davidson has consistently driven business outcomes, built trust and influenced key stakeholders across U.S. and global markets.Mathew Shearman, Global chair of APCO’s Health practice, welcomed Davidson to the team, stating: “Healthcare leaders are relying on seasoned counselors to help them navigate a market undergoing immense transformation. Kevin is deeply respected in boardrooms and C-Suites for his judgment and ability to orchestrate corporate campaigns that solidify reputation in an increasingly dynamic stakeholder environment. His addition adds to a powerhouse health advisory team helping clients drive meaningful health and business results worldwide.”“Kevin brings a rare combination of strategic insight, deep healthcare expertise and trusted counsel to organizations navigating their most critical moments,” said Brian Ellner, managing director of APCO’s New York office. “His ability to align corporate strategy with clear, compelling communications will be invaluable to our clients as they manage complexity, seize new opportunities and build lasting trust with stakeholders.”“I am excited to join APCO at a time of significant change across the global healthcare sector,” said Davidson. “Organizations are being asked to communicate with greater clarity, move faster and build trust with a broader set of stakeholders. APCO’s integrated, global approach to advisory work is uniquely positioned to meet that need, and I look forward to helping clients navigate these moments and achieve meaningful business and health outcomes.”The deepening bench of health experts at APCO underscores the firm’s commitment to providing world-class health advisory services—leveraging its globally integrated network of experts to help clients navigate the complex and interconnected challenges of the healthcare sector. With decades of global market presence and a proven network of experts around the world, APCO sits at the center of the issues shaping business, policy, reputation and society—helping organizations navigate complexity, build common ground and create lasting impact.

AI chipmaker Nvidia has named Anna Soellner, formerly Vice President of Communications at Reddit, as its new Head of Corporate Communications, strengthening its leadership team as the company continues to expand its influence in the global artificial intelligence sector.Soellner joins Nvidia after spending more than eight years at Reddit, where she led the company's communications strategy during a period of rapid growth, including its 2024 initial public offering (IPO). Her appointment was first reported by Axios.Before joining Reddit in 2016, Soellner held senior communications and public affairs roles at the Motion Picture Association, alongside positions in government, international development and public policy. She also serves on the board of Internews.Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Soellner said she was honoured to help tell the story of "one of the world's most consequential companies" while working alongside Nvidia's communications and marketing teams.In her new role, she will report to Mylene Mangalindan, who leads Nvidia's global communications function.At Reddit, Soellner played a key role in building the company's communications organisation from the ground up and helped strengthen its corporate reputation during nearly a decade of expansion and transformation. When announcing her departure in 2025, Reddit credited her with establishing the communications team and making a significant contribution to the company's public profile.The appointment comes as Nvidia continues to attract global attention, driven by soaring demand for its AI chips and its growing role in shaping conversations around artificial intelligence, technology policy and international competition.

Global communications consultancy Ruder Finn Era has appointed Huong (Hailee) Le as Managing Director for Vietnam, strengthening its leadership team as the firm expands its strategic advisory services in the country.Based in Hanoi, Le will oversee the agency's Vietnam operations and lead its growth in one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing markets.Le joins Ruder Finn Era from Pioneer Consulting, where she spent more than 13 years, most recently serving as Managing Partner. During her career, she has advised domestic and international organisations on corporate communications, brand and reputation management, market entry strategies and thought leadership initiatives. Her client portfolio includes McKinsey & Company, Traveloka and Mambu.Anthony Larmon, Managing Director, Southeast Asia at Ruder Finn Era, said the appointment reflects the firm's commitment to providing experienced, market-based leadership as demand for strategic communications grows in Vietnam. He noted that the country's strong economic growth and increasing multinational investment are creating greater demand for AI-enabled communications expertise delivered by local consultants.Le said communications is entering a new phase where technology and client expectations are evolving rapidly. She added that while artificial intelligence can improve efficiency and insights, its value depends on combining advanced technology with local market knowledge, human expertise and trusted client relationships. She said she looks forward to helping organisations in Vietnam navigate this changing communications landscape.

Global healthcare communications firm Real Chemistry has acquired Singapore-based Spurwing Communications, marking the launch of its first strategic Asia-Pacific hub as it expands its presence across the region.The acquisition strengthens Real Chemistry's footprint in APAC, a market the company says is becoming increasingly important for healthcare innovation and access to new therapies. The combined business aims to deliver more integrated, data-driven and locally relevant communications services to healthcare clients across the region.Kath Harrison, Group President, International Growth at Real Chemistry, said the deal would enhance the company's ability to help clients create measurable business impact through connected engagement strategies tailored to diverse APAC markets.Founded in Singapore, Spurwing Communications has worked with pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organisations and multinational brands throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Following the acquisition, founder-CEO Emma Thompson will continue to lead the business in the newly created role of President, APAC Growth, reporting to Harrison.Thompson said joining Real Chemistry would allow the agency to broaden its services while retaining its regional expertise and senior advisory approach. She added that the company plans to expand its APAC operations and introduce additional capabilities, including analytics and artificial intelligence, while continuing to support existing clients.Real Chemistry CEO Shankar Narayanan described the acquisition as a key milestone in the company's global growth strategy. He said expanding in APAC would strengthen the firm's ability to support clients across the full commercialisation journey, from strategic planning to stakeholder engagement, in one of the world's fastest-growing healthcare markets.

Current Asia has appointed Aurelien Labonne as its new chief executive officer, marking a leadership shift as the agency doubles down on AI, data and performance-led marketing.Labonne, who joined the agency six months ago as managing director, has been credited with reshaping Current Asia’s operating model to meet growing client demand for measurable business results. Under his leadership, the agency has rolled out advanced AI workflows to streamline operations and make client campaigns more data-driven and automated. Key initiatives include the launch of Generative Engine Optimization, or GEO, to help brands appear in AI search results on platforms such as ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews. The agency has also introduced “90-Day Pipeline Sprints” focused on fast sales lead generation.“Aurelien joined at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth. He quickly updated our methodology, team structure and processes, and laid the foundation for sustainable growth,” said David Ketchum, founder of Current Asia. “Some significant client wins demonstrate the effectiveness of his approach.”Labonne brings international experience across four continents and a background in scaling digital businesses. He previously served as head of eCommerce and product management at Australian retailer The Iconic, where he led revenue growth from $14 million to more than $110 million. He also co-founded talent marketplace The Right Fit, growing it to over $4 million in revenue before exiting.“My goal is to level up Current Asia into a leading edge technology and data-driven platform that leverages the skills and experience of our team of strategists, and content, media, data and CRM experts,” Labonne said. “Ultimately our agency success is measured by our clients’ business success.”Current Asia said the appointment reflects a broader industry shift, with clients increasingly under pressure to prove direct business impact from marketing investments.

Australian member-owned organisation The NRMA has appointed Neeley Williams as Senior Brand Communications Manager, strengthening its communications leadership as the organisation continues to expand its mobility, tourism and member services portfolio.Williams joins The NRMA after serving as Communications Lead for Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea at The Coca-Cola Company, where she led strategic communications across multiple markets for one of the world's largest beverage companies.She announced the move via LinkedIn, marking the latest step in a communications career spanning both in-house and agency leadership roles.Before joining Coca-Cola, Williams built her expertise in corporate communications and public relations at Sefiani Communications Group and Hill+Knowlton Strategies, advising clients across consumer, corporate and brand communications.In her new role at The NRMA, Williams will oversee senior brand communications initiatives, supporting the organisation's marketing, reputation and stakeholder engagement efforts.Founded more than a century ago, The NRMA has evolved from a roadside assistance provider into one of Australia's largest member-owned organisations, with businesses spanning roadside assistance, insurance partnerships, electric vehicle charging, holiday parks, travel, hospitality and tourism. The organisation has also been investing in sustainable mobility solutions and EV infrastructure as Australia accelerates its transition towards cleaner transport.Williams' appointment comes as organisations increasingly seek communications leaders with experience across both multinational brands and agency environments to help navigate evolving stakeholder expectations, integrated brand storytelling and reputation management.

Confiance Communications, an integrated Communications Firm known for driving media advocacy and building investor and stakeholder trust for high-growth businesses, has secured the PR mandate for Mannlich, a men's skincare brand. Founded by Pritam Kudev, a seasoned marketer, Mannlich was born from a simple but consistent observation: that men have real skin concerns, and the products available to them have never genuinely addressed this problem. Mannlich was established to bridge this gap. The brand's product range spans body care, face care, and intimate hygiene care. Every product is proprietary, paraben-free, and sulphate-free, with formulations developed to EU standards. As its strategic Communications partner, Confiance will work closely with Mannlich to shape a cohesive brand narrative that brings together its EU-standard formulation philosophy, dermatologist-validated product range, and early market traction across metro and Tier 1 India. The focus will be on building a strong and consistent presence across men's grooming, lifestyle, and business media, positioning Mannlich as a category-defining entrant in India's evolving men's personal care landscape. As the brand continues to expand its product portfolio and deepen its presence across D2C platforms, Confiance will also develop a sustained thought leadership programme for Pritam Kudev, establishing him as a credible voice on men's self-care, D2C brand-building, and the evolving Indian grooming consumer. Alongside, efforts will be directed towards strengthening Mannlich's visibility within investor and startup ecosystems through credible, narrative-led storytelling that reflects both scale and long-term ambition.Speaking on the partnership, Bushra Ismail, Founder & Chief Strategist, Confiance Communications, said, “Men's grooming is one of the fastest-growing conversations in Indian consumer retail right now, and yet, the category is still largely telling the wrong story. It has been built around identity and aspiration, around beards and fragrances, while quietly, millions of Indian men have been navigating real skin problems with products that were never designed for them. At Confiance, we see this as a significant storytelling opportunity. Our role will be to shape a narrative that not only establishes Mannlich's formulation credibility, but places it at the centre of a larger conversation about what men's skincare in India can and should be.”Adding to this, Pritam Kudev, Founder, Mannlich, said, “As Mannlich scales across platforms and geographies, it is critical that our brand story keeps pace with our growth. We have built something that the Indian male consumer has genuinely responded to, and now the priority is to ensure that the credibility behind every product decision we have made is visible to consumers, investors, and the broader ecosystem. Confiance's understanding of the D2C and consumer brand landscape, and their track record of building category narratives for brands at exactly this stage of growth, is what makes this the right partnership for us.”Confiance Communications is one of India's most trusted and result-oriented PR firms, headquartered in Gurugram. It has a remarkable record of establishing media footprints for over 300 organisations in India and abroad. With an unparalleled ability to captivate key stakeholders, Confiance establishes a powerful connection with target audiences, industry peers, and the investor community. Its impressive clientele includes prominent names such as The Quorum Club, Lenskart, Turkiye Tourism, Positive Moves, Beyond Appliances, JetSetGo, CashKaro, Leo Capital, Salad Days, The Ocean Cleanup, Transition VC, Granite Asia, Kuku, Euronics, Libertario, PlanetSpark, ProcMart, Vetic, and Khyaal, to name a few. This partnership marks a continuation of Confiance's growing focus on building category-defining narratives for India's emerging consumer brands. As more founders look to translate product credibility into sustained media and investor visibility, Confiance's work across the D2C and consumer landscape positions the firm as a trusted partner for brands at this critical inflection point.

Strategic communications consultancy NorthStar Insights has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Mohammed AlMaskati as Partner, based in Riyadh, and Seth Gagahina as Director in Dubai, as the firm expands its footprint across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC.The appointments support NorthStar's growth strategy in the region, enhancing its capabilities in strategic communications, corporate reputation and integrated creative communications as demand rises for senior advisory services across the Gulf.AlMaskati joins the consultancy following a stint as Managing Director at Hanover Communications in Riyadh, where he led the agency's expansion in Saudi Arabia. Before that, he held senior leadership roles at BCW, including Vice President, Regional Operations, building extensive experience in corporate affairs, stakeholder engagement and reputation management across the Kingdom and the GCC.As Partner, he will lead NorthStar's strategic advisory offering in Saudi Arabia, helping organisations navigate increasingly complex communications and reputation challenges.Meanwhile, Seth Gagahina joins as Director, bringing expertise in creative strategy and visual storytelling. She will continue to lead Carrot Brand while working with NorthStar to expand its integrated communications offering across the GCC.Her portfolio includes campaigns for regional and international brands such as Groupon, Checkout.com, Dusit Thani, New Balance and AirAsia, spanning both the MENA and Asia-Pacific markets.Announcing the appointments, Arth Malani, Founder and CEO of NorthStar Insights, said Saudi Arabia's transformation is reshaping expectations around strategic communications."Saudi Arabia's ambitions are now global and the bar for how the Kingdom's organisations communicate has moved sharply higher. That demands senior counsel with the relationships, judgement and creative range to match," he said."Mohammed is one of the most respected communications leaders in the GCC, and his appointment as Partner reflects where we are investing. Combined with Seth's creative leadership, we are strengthening our Dubai office to deliver integrated communications at the standard of an in-house team."AlMaskati said the pace of change in Saudi Arabia requires communications advisers with deep local understanding."Saudi Arabia's story is being written at a pace and scale few markets have seen, and getting that story right requires counsel that understands both the institutions shaping this moment and the audiences judging it. NorthStar's model of combining senior strategic advice with strong creative capability is exactly what this market needs."Gagahina added that strategic communications today increasingly require a blend of stakeholder engagement and compelling creative execution."In today's fast-changing business environment, navigating risk requires clarity in communication. I'm excited to work with the NorthStar team to help clients combine strategic counsel with impactful visual storytelling that strengthens reputation and market confidence."The appointments come as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda continues to drive demand for specialist communications advisory, with agencies increasingly investing in senior talent capable of delivering integrated services across corporate affairs, branding, creative strategy and reputation management.

Omnicom Public Relations (OPR) has appointed Shouvik Prasanna Mukherjee as Head of Creative, Asia Pacific, expanding its regional creative leadership as the global communications network sharpens its focus on culture-led, integrated campaigns.Mukherjee announced the appointment in a LinkedIn post, revealing that he will lead creative strategy across Omnicom PR's three flagship agency brands in the region—FleishmanHillard, Golin, Ketchum and Weber Shandwick—working to elevate creative excellence across the network."New role, same obsession: making work that matters," Mukherjee wrote."Head of Creative, Asia Pacific for Omnicom Public Relations—leading creative across FleishmanHillard, Golin, Ketchum, and Weber Shandwick in the region."Reflecting on the move, Mukherjee noted the contrast between his career building challenger brands and his new role within one of the world's largest communications networks."I've spent my career helping build challenger brands. Ironic, then, to end up with the biggest agency, by some distance!"He added that his focus remains unchanged despite the broader remit."At Golin, we became consistently the most awarded PR agency in APAC. Now the scoreboard's bigger, the stakes are higher, and the ambition hasn't moved a bit: be the best in class, drive excellence by design and shape culture."Mukherjee joins the regional leadership role after serving as Head of Creative at Golin Asia Pacific, where he played a key role in the agency's creative transformation and award-winning campaigns across the region. During his tenure, Golin emerged as one of Asia-Pacific's most decorated PR agencies at leading international award shows, reflecting the industry's growing emphasis on creativity as a driver of business impact.His appointment comes as Omnicom Public Relations continues to strengthen collaboration across its agency brands, enabling clients to access integrated expertise spanning corporate reputation, brand marketing, digital communications, influencer engagement and creative storytelling.The move also reflects a broader trend within the communications industry, where global PR networks are investing in dedicated creative leadership to compete more directly with advertising agencies and creative consultancies. As earned media, social platforms, creators and AI reshape brand communications, agencies are increasingly expected to deliver culturally relevant, idea-led campaigns that drive measurable business outcomes.With Mukherjee now leading creative across OPR's Asia-Pacific operations, the network is expected to further integrate creative capabilities across FleishmanHillard, Golin, Ketchum and Weber Shandwick, supporting clients with campaigns designed to influence culture and strengthen brand reputation across the region.

Metamorph Communications, an integrated communications firm, today announced the launch of its ‘IPO Accelerator’ Communications Practice, a dedicated offering designed to help emerging businesses prepare for the communications demands of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and life as a publicly listed company. As India's capital markets continue to witness strong participation from technology startups, new-age businesses and high-growth enterprises, companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of strategic communications in building investor trust, enhancing corporate credibility and maintaining stakeholder confidence throughout the IPO journey. The IPO Accelerator Communications Practice has been created to support companies at every stage of the listing lifecycle from pre-IPO positioning and corporate storytelling to media engagement, executive visibility, investor communications and post-listing reputation management. "Our goal is to help businesses enter the public markets with credibility, clarity and confidence," said Satyandre Yadav, Founder and CEO, Metamorph Communications. "An IPO is much more than a fundraising milestone; it is a defining moment that places a company under constant public scrutiny. Strong communication plays a critical role in shaping stakeholder perception before, during and after listing. Through our IPO Accelerator Communications Practice, we aim to become a trusted communications partner for companies preparing for this important transition." Metamorph Communications will work closely with founders, management teams, investor relations professionals, merchant bankers, legal advisors and other ecosystem partners to ensure communications remain aligned with regulatory requirements while effectively engaging key stakeholders. The practice is designed for venture-backed startups, technology companies, family-owned enterprises, unicorns, SMEs, and businesses preparing for public listings in India and international markets. With extensive experience in corporate communications, technology, financial services and emerging sectors including AI, fintech, digital assets and Web3, Metamorph Communications has supported companies through high-growth phases, funding announcements, strategic partnerships, leadership positioning and corporate reputation building. The launch of the IPO Accelerator Communications Practice reflects the firm's continued commitment to expanding its strategic communications capabilities and helping ambitious companies successfully navigate their journey to the public markets.

Global communications agency Burson has marked its second anniversary by celebrating employees across its Middle East network, highlighting the agency's continued expansion and growing role in shaping strategic communications across the region.Teams across Burson's offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Cairo came together to celebrate the milestone, recognising the people behind some of the agency's most significant campaigns, client wins and integrated communications projects. Colleagues across Qatar, Bahrain and Jeddah also joined the anniversary celebrations.Reflecting on the milestone, Fouad Bou Mansour, CEO, Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT), Burson, said the anniversary was as much about the agency's people as it was about its evolution."Celebrating two years of Burson with our teams across the region was a great reminder of what makes this business special: our people," Bou Mansour said in a LinkedIn post."But while our name may be a mere two years young, our reputation is shored up by decades of hyper-local experience and a vast global presence."He also thanked teams across the region for their contribution to the agency's growth."Thank you to everyone across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Cairo, Qatar, Bahrain and Jeddah for your dedication and collaboration. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together and even more excited for what's ahead."Burson was launched globally in July 2024 following the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton under WPP, creating one of the world's largest communications consultancies. The combined agency brought together decades of expertise in corporate communications, public affairs, brand marketing, digital communications, crisis management and integrated campaigns.Since its launch, Burson has continued to strengthen its presence across the Middle East, supporting clients across sectors including government, technology, healthcare, finance, energy, tourism and consumer brands. The agency has also been investing in AI-enabled communications, data-driven insights and integrated advisory services as organisations increasingly seek strategic partners capable of navigating complex stakeholder environments.The second anniversary comes at a time when the communications industry is undergoing significant transformation, with agencies expanding beyond traditional media relations into reputation management, executive advisory, creator engagement and AI-powered communications.For Burson, the milestone underscores its ambition to combine global scale with deep local market expertise as it continues to grow its presence across the MENAT region.

As the communications industry shifts from traditional media relations to reputation-building, creator ecosystems and strategic advisory, independent consultancy WordsWork is positioning itself for its next chapter with a renewed focus on culture-led storytelling and integrated communications.WordsWork founder Neha Mathur Rastogi told Adgully that the agency's latest evolution is about preparing the business for the future of communications rather than simply introducing a new visual identity."Communications today is no longer just about securing visibility. Brands are looking for partners who can help shape narratives, build trust and create meaningful cultural relevance. Our evolution reflects that shift and where we see the industry heading," Rastogi said.Founded in 2009, the New Delhi-headquartered consultancy has grown from a boutique PR firm into an independent communications agency serving more than 300 clients across sports, luxury, lifestyle, corporate and public diplomacy. Over the years, the agency has built specialist expertise in managing communications for sports federations, professional leagues, global sporting events, premium consumer brands and international organisations.As client expectations evolve, WordsWork is broadening its focus beyond media relations to encompass strategic advisory, creator engagement, executive positioning, experiential storytelling and long-term reputation management."Our business has evolved alongside the industries we serve, but our commitment to impactful storytelling and strong relationships remains constant. We want to build an agency that's not only relevant today but prepared for what's next," Rastogi said.Supporting this new direction is a refreshed brand identity created by award-winning creative director Aaquib Wani, whose portfolio spans some of India's leading entertainment, sports and cultural brands.Rather than functioning as a cosmetic redesign, the identity is intended to represent the agency's three core practice areas: Sports, Brands and Public Diplomacy. The logo features three converging lines that form a stylised "W", symbolising collaboration, movement and the interconnected nature of modern communications."We've admired Aaquib's work for a long time because it sits at the intersection of many worlds we also work in: from sports to premium brands. Bringing his creative thinking into our own evolution felt like the right fit," Rastogi noted.Explaining the creative approach, Wani said the design was inspired by the agency's long-standing strengths while reflecting its ambitions for the future."The logo is rooted in WordsWork's three pillars of strength. Through simple lines, movement and structure, we wanted to create an identity that feels dynamic, confident and contemporary while reflecting the credibility and energy that define the brand," he said.The agency's repositioning comes at a time when communications consultancies are increasingly competing with creative, digital and strategy firms for a larger role in brand-building. Clients are looking for integrated partners capable of navigating fragmented media ecosystems, creator economies, executive thought leadership and rapidly evolving digital platforms.WordsWork believes this changing landscape presents an opportunity for independent agencies that can combine agility with specialist expertise.Looking ahead, the consultancy plans to deepen its capabilities across premium communications, strategic advisory and culture-led storytelling while expanding collaborations across India and international markets.With offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, supported by affiliate partners across Asia, the GCC, Europe and the US, WordsWork is positioning itself as a communications consultancy built for an era where influence is driven as much by credibility, communities and culture as by media visibility.

We. Communications has expanded its Asia-Pacific leadership team with the appointment of Arif Rajab (pictured left) as Managing Director, Corporate Advisors, and the promotion of Brian Keenan (pictured right) to Managing Director, AI & Data Advisors, as the agency deepens its strategic advisory capabilities across the region.The appointments reflect growing demand from organisations for integrated counsel spanning corporate reputation, business transformation and AI adoption amid an increasingly complex communications landscape.Rajab joins We. Communications from Weber Shandwick, where he spent a decade leading integrated communications and corporate advisory programmes across Asia-Pacific. Most recently, he served as General Manager for Weber Shandwick Singapore.Based in Singapore, Rajab will lead We.'s Corporate Advisors practice across Asia-Pacific, providing strategic counsel on corporate communications, reputation management, stakeholder engagement and brand strategy."I am excited to be joining We. at a time when reputation has become one of the most important drivers of trust, resilience and growth," Rajab said."There is a clear need for corporate and brand advisory that is anticipatory, integrated and commercially relevant. I look forward to strengthening our reputation strategy and resilience capabilities to help clients across Singapore and the region."Meanwhile, Brian Keenan has been promoted to lead the agency's newly established AI & Data Advisors practice, following five years with We. Communications. Previously Executive Vice President and International Head of Insights & Analytics, Keenan has led several of the agency's research and analytics initiatives, including its Future of Communications APAC report.In his new role, he will advise organisations on integrating artificial intelligence and data strategies into business and communications functions, helping clients translate AI investments into measurable business outcomes."AI is the defining business question of this decade," Keenan said."For most organisations, the opportunity still outweighs the practical benefit. We created AI & Data Advisors to help leadership teams bridge that gap with pragmatic, business-focused advice that turns AI ambition into measurable impact."Nitin Mantri, President, APAC, We. Communications, said the appointments reinforce the agency's commitment to helping clients navigate an increasingly dynamic business environment."Clients are facing increasingly complex corporate communications challenges that demand integrated strategic counsel. Arif and Brian bring deep regional experience and trusted advisory expertise that will strengthen how we help organisations navigate reputation, stakeholder expectations and business transformation across Asia-Pacific."Both executives will report to Mantri and join We. Communications' APAC leadership team as well as its global advisory network.The appointments come as communications agencies continue to expand advisory services beyond traditional public relations, with increasing emphasis on AI strategy, corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement and business transformation.

Dubai-headquartered luxury communications agency Maison Ellyse has expanded its international footprint with the launch of its first full-scale European office in Paris, alongside the appointment of Sabrina Saad as PR and Communications Director, Paris.The move marks a strategic milestone for the agency, which has established a presence across the GCC, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. The Paris office is designed to strengthen Maison Ellyse's cross-market luxury communications offering, creating a bridge between European fashion and luxury brands and the rapidly growing Middle East market.The new office will provide services spanning media relations, influencer and talent management, celebrity partnerships, brand collaborations, event communications and strategic PR. It will also support GCC-based luxury brands seeking greater visibility in France and Switzerland through media engagement, retail activations and partnership opportunities, while helping European brands expand their presence across the Gulf region.“This is not simply a new office. It is a commitment, to our clients, to the markets we are entering and to the vision we have held since the very first day we opened our doors. To our existing clients — this means greater reach, deeper access and expanded capability across the markets that matter most to your global ambitions. To the French and Swiss markets — we look forward to building something meaningful together,” announced the agency in its LinkedIn page.Leading the Paris operation is Sabrina Saad, who brings more than a decade of luxury communications experience from agencies including KCD and Karla Otto. Throughout her career, she has worked with global brands such as Valentino, Ashi Studio, Gianvito Rossi, Delvaux and Nike.In her new role, Saad will work closely with Founder and CEO Elvira Jain and Global Group Director Tina Mateen to establish Maison Ellyse's European operations and grow its client portfolio across the region."Paris felt like the right next step, not just strategically, but personally," said Elvira Jain, Founder and CEO of Maison Ellyse."We have been working across both markets for some time and the connection between our GCC world and the French luxury landscape has always been a natural one. Having a proper home here allows us to serve that connection with the attention and commitment it deserves."Tina Mateen, Global Group Director, said the expansion reflects the agency's long-term international growth strategy."Paris is a natural next step for us. We have spent years building the relationships and the reputation that make this move meaningful. Having Sabrina lead this chapter gives us enormous confidence—she is exactly the right person for this moment."The Paris launch comes as luxury brands increasingly seek integrated communications strategies spanning Europe and the Middle East, with demand rising for cross-border PR, influencer marketing and brand partnerships as fashion, beauty and luxury businesses accelerate global expansion.

Jivraj9 Tea Group, one of Gujarat’s trusted tea brands, has appointed Primex Media Services Pvt. Ltd. as its strategic public relations and communications partner. The mandate will focus on strengthening the brand’s public narrative, expanding media visibility and building stronger category presence across Gujarat and national platforms.Through this partnership, Primex Media will support Jivraj9 Tea Group in building a consistent PR roadmap across brand communication, leadership profiling, product-led storytelling, industry engagement and consumer culture-led narratives.The next phase of communication will focus on converting this market trust into stronger media authority and wider public reputation. The PR approach will include focused media relations, participation in relevant FMCG and consumer-behaviour stories, leadership-led conversations and high-impact intellectual properties around Gujarat’s chai culture.As part of the communication roadmap, Primex Media will work with the brand to develop stories around Gujarat’s relationship with chai, quality and blending discipline, evolving tea consumption habits, modern formats and the brand’s growth journey. The agency will also help create media-ready narratives and targeted outreach across business, FMCG, marketing, lifestyle, regional and digital media platforms.Speaking on the appointment, Viren Shah, Chairman, Jivraj9 Tea Group, said, “Group has built strong consumer trust over the years. As the brand enters its next phase of growth, we believe communication has to go beyond product visibility and reflect our larger story around taste, quality, legacy and modern chai culture. Primex Media’s understanding of regional and national media ecosystems will help us strengthen this narrative with consistency.”Commenting on the mandate win, Nitesh Desai, Founder & CEO, Primex Media Services Pvt. Ltd., said, “Jivraj9 Tea Group represents a powerful Gujarat story - a trusted tea brand with strong consumer connect and meaningful growth potential. Our focus will be to build a sustained reputation engine for the brand through strategic storytelling, media relations, leadership visibility and category-led PR. We believe Jivraj9 Tea Group has the opportunity to become one of the most visible voices in Gujarat’s tea and FMCG ecosystem.”Primex Media’s scope will include strategic PR planning, media relations, leadership profiling, industry story participation, product and category-led communication, regional and national media outreach, content-led brand communication and the development of high-impact PR properties around tea culture and consumer behaviour.

Gloocal Communications Pvt. Ltd. has announced the elevation of Nikita A. Kamdar as Vice President – Public Relations & Client Servicing, reinforcing the agency's commitment to strengthening its leadership team and further enhancing its integrated communications capabilities.Having been associated with Gloocal Communications since its inception and bringing over 20 years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, brand strategy and reputation management, Nikita has been one of the driving forces behind the agency's growth journey. Her unwavering dedication, strategic vision and commitment to excellence have played a significant role in establishing Gloocal Communications as a trusted communications partner across multiple sectors.Over the years, Nikita has successfully conceptualised, managed and delivered more than 300 communication mandates spanning healthcare, pharmaceuticals, wellness, lifestyle, consumer brands, CSR, education, hospitality and corporate sectors. Her diverse portfolio includes hospital and product launches, media relations, press conferences, corporate announcements, crisis communication, executive profiling, thought leadership, reputation management, brand building and long-term strategic communication programmes. She has successfully handled communication mandates for renowned organisations including Gleneagles Hospital, Motherhood Hospital, Wockhardt Hospital, The Esthetic Clinic, The Gold Leafing Studio, theatre productions, art exhibitions and several leading and emerging brands.In her new role, Nikita will lead Gloocal Communications' Public Relations & Client Servicing vertical, with a focus on strengthening client partnerships, mentoring future leaders, expanding integrated communication solutions and driving sustainable business growth.Nikita A. Kamdar, Vice President – Public Relations & Client Servicing, Gloocal Communications, said,"I am deeply grateful to our leadership, Bhaskar Tare and Parag Dhurke, for their unwavering trust, guidance and encouragement throughout my journey. Being associated with Gloocal Communications since its inception has been both inspiring and rewarding. This new responsibility motivates me to continue delivering strategic communication solutions that create meaningful impact for our clients while nurturing a culture of collaboration, creativity and excellence within our team. I dedicate this achievement to every colleague who has been part of this incredible journey, and I look forward to contributing towards the agency's continued growth and vision."Bhaskar Tare, Director, Gloocal Communications Pvt. Ltd., said,"Nikita has been one of the strongest pillars of Gloocal Communications since the very beginning. Her dedication, consistency and ability to deliver exceptional results have significantly contributed to the company's growth over the years. More importantly, she has built an environment where teamwork, trust and ownership thrive. We are fortunate to have a leader like Nikita whose passion and commitment continue to inspire the entire organisation. I am confident she will excel in her new role and play a pivotal role in achieving our vision of building one of India's finest healthcare and integrated communications consultancies."Parag Dhurke, Director, Gloocal Communications Pvt. Ltd., said, "Every successful organisation grows because of the strength of its people. Nikita's journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance and leadership. She has consistently gone beyond delivering successful campaigns by mentoring teams, building strong client relationships and creating a positive work culture that encourages excellence. Her elevation is a well-deserved recognition of her invaluable contribution, and we are confident that under her leadership, our Public Relations & Client Servicing vertical will continue to reach new milestones."

IHG Hotels & Resorts has promoted Charlene Tan to Director, Corporate Affairs, Southeast Asia & Korea, expanding her leadership responsibilities as the global hospitality company continues to grow its presence across the region.Based in Singapore, Tan will lead IHG's corporate affairs strategy across Southeast Asia and South Korea, overseeing corporate communications, public affairs, employee engagement and community impact initiatives. The promotion follows more than five years with IHG, where she most recently served as Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, Southeast Asia & Korea. In her previous role, Tan led corporate affairs across 10 markets, partnering with the regional leadership team on reputation management, internal communications and strategic storytelling. She also oversaw communications programmes covering sustainability, talent and social impact, while managing regional communications teams and external public relations agencies. Among her key achievements at IHG, Tan launched the company's first Southeast Asia Communities Report in 2024 and later expanded the initiative with the inaugural East Asia and Pacific Communities Report in 2025. She also introduced IHG's first structured mentoring programme for its global communications function and led the rollout of the company's public affairs strategy across Southeast Asia and Korea. Tan brings more than 17 years of communications and marketing experience to the role. Before joining IHG in 2020, she served as PR and Communications Lead for Vrbo at Expedia Group. Earlier in her career, she spent six years at Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in global marketing communications roles, and also held marketing positions at Far East Organisation and City Developments.Her appointment comes as IHG continues to expand its footprint across Southeast Asia and Korea. The hospitality group currently operates hundreds of hotels across the wider East Asia and Pacific region and has been accelerating brand growth through new signings and openings, including luxury, lifestyle and mainstream brands across key markets. Recent developments include the launch of new brands, strategic hotel signings and investments in digital capabilities to support guest experiences and regional growth.

Serena Menon has joined Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios as Head of Communications for the Asia Pacific region.Sharing the update on LinkedIn, Menon said she will work with teams across India, Japan and Southeast Asia as part of her new role, leading communications for the businesses across the region.Prior to this appointment, Menon spent more than seven years at Netflix, where she most recently served as Director, Public Relations, India. During her tenure, she also held leadership roles including Director, Photo & AV Studio, Asia Pacific, India Lead, Photo & AV Studio, and Manager, Visual Communications, India.Before joining Netflix, Menon was Managing Editor and Associate Editor at ELLE Magazine. Earlier in her career, she held editorial positions at Hindustan Times, including Assistant Editor, Principal Correspondent, Senior Staff Writer and Staff Writer, covering entertainment, lifestyle and culture.

Uma K. is serving as Director II, Corporate Communications at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), where she is part of the organisation's corporate communications leadership.Prior to joining MCMC, Uma was Account Director at Commas PR Sdn Bhd. Earlier, she worked as a freelance Public Relations Consultant with Daraz and also held the role of Senior Manager, Public Relations and Communications at Starbucks Coffee Malaysia.She spent nearly five years at REDHILL, where she progressed from Senior Account Executive to Communications Manager. During her tenure, she managed regional and Malaysian communications programmes for clients across sectors, led strategic communications initiatives, supported crisis communications, media relations, influencer campaigns, and new business pitches.Before REDHILL, Uma was Communications Officer at WWF, where she worked on awareness campaigns related to wildlife conservation and communications for the Wildlife Witness App. She also held the role of Community Manager and Content Copy Writer at Gushcloud Malaysia, overseeing digital campaigns and content strategy for multiple consumer brands.Earlier in her career, Uma worked as a Customer Service Executive at Aramex and began her communications journey as a PR Executive at Alpha Access PR, supporting communications for clients including BMW Malaysia, CIMB Bank and Standard Chartered Malaysia.In a recent LinkedIn post, Uma shared, "Grateful to be part of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission as Director II, Corporate Communications. Looking forward to the opportunities, collaborations, and learning journey ahead."

Aanchal Wadhwa has joined Jindal Stainless as Lead External Communications.Wadhwa shared the update on LinkedIn, stating that she will focus on shaping the company's corporate narrative, strengthening leadership visibility, supporting stakeholder engagement, and highlighting stories around innovation, values and long term vision.Prior to joining Jindal Stainless, Wadhwa served as Head of PR and Communications at Eastman Auto & Power Limited, where she led strategic communications across the automotive and power sectors, including media relations, strategic content, integrated outreach campaigns and leadership communications.Earlier, she was Associate Communications Director at Explore HONOR, managing product and brand communications, media relations, crisis communications and product launch initiatives.Before that, Wadhwa spent over four years at realme India in corporate communications roles, where she led CEO profiling, corporate communications, media engagement and crisis communications.Her previous experience also includes roles at Ruder Finn, Burson and Clea PR, working across technology, automotive, consumer, luxury and lifestyle brands.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited has appointed Ashwarya Varma as Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications.The company announced the appointment on LinkedIn, welcoming Varma to its corporate communications team. According to the company, she brings over six years of experience in corporate communications, having worked on communication initiatives, brand-building efforts and stakeholder engagement.In her new role, Varma will support corporate communication initiatives, contribute to strengthening the company's brand visibility and corporate reputation, and work on communication programmes across the organisation.Sharing the update on LinkedIn, Varma said she was excited to begin a new chapter with Alembic Pharmaceuticals and looked forward to learning, contributing and growing with the organisation. She also thanked members of the communications and HR teams for supporting her onboarding.The appointment further strengthens Alembic Pharmaceuticals' corporate communications team as the company continues its focus on brand and stakeholder engagement.

Julianna Richter will step down as Global CEO of Ogilvy PR at the end of July, concluding a six-year tenure that saw the agency strengthen its earned-media capabilities and deliver sustained business growth.Richter confirmed her departure in a LinkedIn post, while an internal memo from Jon Cook said she is leaving to pursue an opportunity outside WPP. The company said a successor will be announced in the coming weeks.Richter joined Ogilvy in January 2020 after spending nearly two decades at Edelman and a period at advisory firm Waypoint Partners. Recruited by then Global CEO Andy Main, she took charge of the PR business following the departure of Stuart Smith, with a mandate to modernise the agency's communications offering.During her leadership, Richter repositioned Ogilvy PR around an earned-first model that integrated public relations, social media and influencer marketing. She said the business achieved double-digit growth over the period.Beyond leading Ogilvy PR, Richter also served as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for WPP Open X, the bespoke agency model created for The Coca-Cola Company. Over the past year, she additionally led a cross-functional initiative to unify WPP's influencer capabilities across its network.Her departure comes as WPP undergoes broader strategic changes under Chief Executive Officer Cindy Rose, whose Elevate28 strategy is focused on simplifying the business and restoring growth. The leadership change also follows a series of executive transitions across Ogilvy, including the planned retirement of Global Chief Operating Officer Kent Wertime, as the network continues to reshape its senior leadership.

Global communications firm has appointed Jo Osorio and Caroline Lovejoy as Interim Co-Chief Executive Officers for its Australian business, strengthening its leadership team during a transitional period.Osorio, a 14-year Edelman veteran, steps into the expanded leadership role while continuing as Chief of Staff for the Asia-Pacific region. She has built her career advising organisations on corporate communications, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, business transformation and complex issues, with particular expertise in sustainability and the energy transition.Lovejoy joins her as Interim Co-CEO, bringing a blend of agency and in-house communications experience. Her expertise spans consumer communications, earned media, influencer marketing, digital strategy, brand activations and events.Before joining Edelman, Lovejoy spent nine years at independent communications agency , where she progressed from General Manager to Managing Director, leading the firm's growth and client portfolio.The dual leadership appointments combine deep institutional knowledge with consumer communications expertise as Edelman continues to support clients across Australia.

The Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) today unveiled its SPRINT 2026 report, marking a decisive shift in how the Public Relations industry sees itself maturing in a new era dominated by AI. The Indian PR industry grew 11% in FY26 to reach ?3,230 crore, accounting for 12.6% of the Asia-Pacific market and it’s expected to reach ?4500 crore by 2030. The moderation from a decade-long CAGR of 12% signals a maturing industry, one where who is buying and why now matter more than headline growth.  The most striking shift is that Government's share of top client categories has nearly tripled since 2022 to 2026, from 4% to 11%, even as private corporates that long the industry's mainstay, slipped from 48% to 42% over the same period. Start-ups have nearly quadrupled their share, from 6% to 22% over the same period. Overall, start-ups, education and ed-tech, Government and FMCG are the strongest sectoral gainers. The role of Public Relations is also becoming increasingly strategic and central to organizations. 46% of communicators now say Public Relations plays a direct role in driving business outcomes, and more than 40% report that CEOs are actively seeking external strategic counsel from their communications advisors.  “PRCAI SPRINT 2026 reveals that there is no longer a single story defining the Indian PR industry. There are several, and they are diverging rapidly. As expectations from communications continue to evolve, the profession must sharpen its strategic capabilities, adopt emerging technologies responsibly, and reinforce its role as a trusted business partner. The findings of SPRINT reflect this shift with remarkable clarity. What emerges most distinctly is that the profession is not facing a single challenge. Rather, it is undergoing a broader transformation that touches skills, structures, and self-perception alike,” said Kunal Kishore, President, PRCAI. The survey is conducted by Ipsos, a global market research and advisory company and PRCAI in collaboration with Astrum Reputation Advisory, India’s first research-based strategic communications consulting firm for narrative and storytelling, capturing insights from 143 respondents, covering senior decision-makers from consultancies and corporate communication teams, and mid to senior level industry professionals. The report’s findings suggest key shifts underway in the PR industry: reputation is now valued as a driver of business rather than a value add; AI is fragmenting into divergent strategies rather than a single playbook; the rules of brand discovery are being rewritten by Large Language Models (LLMs), with earned media, regional PR and influencers all growing in significance; and the profession's client base, operating model and talent are being reshaped. Reputation Moves from Problem-Solver to Business DriverThe evidence behind reputation's business value is compelling: 96% of corporate communication respondents agree PR helps build investor confidence, an equal share credit it with customer loyalty, 92% believe it aids strong stakeholder relations, 83% say it increases crisis resilience, and 75% concur it drives long-term revenues. As the boundary between PR and broader marketing dissolves, PR's share of marketing budgets has risen from 12% in FY25 to 14% in FY26, with 58% saying PR's role is expanding into marketing-performance outcomes and 53% saying it is gaining share from ad and digital agencies. Same AI, Different Plays: PR Firms of Different Sizes Are Making Entirely Different BetsAcross ten distinct functions where AI is now deployed in Indian PR, research and intelligence gathering leads at 77%, ahead of written content creation (73%), note-taking and meeting summarisation (66%), and visual content, ideation and content versioning (55% each).  The deeper story is in how differently firms invest: 90% of mid-sized firms name training and upskilling their top AI priority; 78% of emerging firms prioritise AI-enhanced creative tools and 65% third-party platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot; while 68% of giant and large firms prioritise AI-driven data analytics and 73% prioritise upskilling. Overall, AI investment as a share of revenue has tripled, from 2% three years ago to 7% in 2026, and is projected to reach 10% within three years. The industry is clear-eyed about the risks. Fake-news incidents reported by corporate communicators nearly doubled, from 28% in 2024-25 to 46% in 2025-26; 80% now flag AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes as a top reputational risk, and 61% warn AI is commoditising creativity. 85% expect AI-governance frameworks to become mandatory, not as a constraint, but as the route to resolving the transparency crisis AI itself has created. The next competitive advantage, the report suggests, lies in the disciplined integration of AI with human judgement. Earned Media's Golden Age: LLMs, Regional Media and Influencers Rewrite the PlaybookLarge Language Models have become the new gatekeepers of brand discovery: 83% agree earned media is gaining importance because LLMs prioritise credible, third-party sources over paid placements, and 70% say Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is becoming a distinct PR strategy.  Regional India is no longer peripheral with regional PR's share of total industry revenue rising from 10% three years ago to 19% in 2026, projected to reach 25%, and 65% of corporate communicators naming Tier-2 cities as the primary growth engine.  Influencer marketing has matured into an accountability-first discipline, its revenue share doubling from 8% to 16% and projected to reach 22%, even as 98% of respondents demand greater verification and regulation of influencer content. The blurring of paid and earned is creating a parallel credibility crisis and 66% respondents agree that positioning paid content as earned is weakening audience trust. The Measurement ParadoxMeasurement remains the industry’s most stubborn contradiction. 92% of corporate communicators agree the Public Relations industry needs a clear, standardised measurement system, yet only 46% of corporate communication respondents allocate a separate budget for it, a gap that continues to limit Public Relations’ ability to prove its full business value.  The metrics themselves are shifting. While, share of voice remains the most widely used metric (84%), followed by social listening and sentiment analysis (57%) and engagement rates (54%), a new generation of metrics is rising fast. 50% of respondents now use brand reputation and trust scores, 41% use return on objective, and 27% use discoverability inside AI and LLM search, an early sign that whether a brand surfaces in an AI answer is becoming a measurable PR outcome. When asked what PRCAI should build next, 83% of consultancy heads and 75% of corporate communicators put measurement standards at the top of the list. The Uni-Skilled PR Professional Is Obsolete; Right Sizing Teams is keyAs client mandates broaden, the single-skill professional is being left behind. 77% of respondents agree being ‘uni-skilled’ is no longer sufficient for a PR professional.  53% of PR consultancy and HR heads, and 75% of corporate communicators, now actively prefer lean, dedicated teams aligned to their business needs, a step towards right-sizing and building talented and flatter team structures to balance sound strategy with exemplary execution. Overall industry attrition stands at 15.2%, a marginal improvement from 16% two years ago, though 63% of consultancy and HR heads report rising difficulty retaining entry and mid-level talent. “The Public Relations industry in India is at an inflection point. While the sector delivered double-digit growth of 11% in FY2026, the moderation from its decade-long CAGR of 12% reflects a maturing industry, in line with global trends. The findings of PRCAI SPRINT 2026 highlight the growing role of PR as a strategic business enabler rather than just a communications or crisis management function. Nearly half of respondents believe PR directly drives business outcomes, while over 40% say CEOs are increasingly seeking strategic counsel from communications advisors. As AI reshapes the industry and trust becomes more critical than ever, PRCAI remains committed to advancing the profession through research, upskilling, and higher industry standards," concluded Deeptie Sethi, CEO, PRCAI.

CARMA, the global leader in media intelligence and communications research, has announced the launch of Noor, a personal AI analyst purpose-built for communications professionals.Established using CARMA's award-winning methodologies and trained by analysts to think like analysts, Noor is embedded directly within the CARMA platform, giving users immediate access to contextual, analyst-grade insight through natural conversation.The launch marks a significant milestone in CARMA's continued investment in AI-driven communications intelligence and reflects growing demand from organisations seeking faster, more actionable insight from increasingly complex media environments.Mazen Nahawi, Founder and CEO, CARMA, said: "The communications industry doesn't have an information problem. It has an interpretation problem. Every day, teams are faced with thousands of articles, posts and conversations, but the real challenge is understanding what matters and what action to take. Noor was built to solve that challenge. It combines CARMA's proven communications expertise with the speed of AI, giving professionals instant access to the same structured thinking our analysts use every day. The goal isn't to replace human judgement. It's to make it faster, stronger and more accessible."Gareth Craven, (pictured), Global Head of Product, CARMA, said: “We didn't set out to build another AI assistant. We set out to develop an analyst. Noor is designed to help communications professionals move beyond dashboards and data points to gain a deeper understanding of what is happening around their brand. By combining CARMA's proven methodologies with advanced AI capabilities, Noor delivers contextual answers, strategic recommendations and executive-ready reporting in seconds.The result is faster access to the kind of insight that traditionally required hours of manual analysis.”Unlike generic AI tools, Noor is built on CARMA's proven analytical framework and follows the same methodology used by the company's analyst teams. Every response is structured around four key principles: what happened, why it happened, what it means and what to do next.This approach transforms raw information into actionable insight, helping communications teams identify emerging opportunities, understand narrative shifts and respond to reputational risks with greater confidence.Importantly, every insight generated by Noor is fully traceable to the underlying data through CARMA's 'View on Insight' functionality. Users can verify findings, review source material and confidently defend recommendations shared with leadership teams.What Noor can provide: • Instant insights that explain what changed, why it changed and what action should be taken• Contextual analysis of themes, narratives, topics, sentiment and key messages across traditional and social media• Executive-ready reports including media analysis, crisis assessments, competitive reviews and strategic briefings• Multilingual intelligence with native Arabic capabilities across sentiment analysis, tagging, summaries and reporting• Flexible reporting that adapts to user requirements rather than relying on fixed templates• Integration of proprietary research, third-party datasets and additional intelligence sources into a unified analytical environmentCARMA’s methodology has been recognised with 31 AMEC Global Measurement and Evaluation Awards in 2025, it forms part of the company's broader Custom AI ecosystem, which is built around three core principles: shape, evolve and understand.Together, these principles enable organisations to shape AI around their own data environment, evolve alongside governance and regulatory requirements and better understand the media landscapes in which they operate.With operations spanning 23 offices worldwide, coverage across more than 105 languages and trusted partnerships with more than 3,500 organisations, CARMA continues to expand its capabilities to help communications professionals navigate an increasingly complex world with clarity and confidence.

PR Companion, the communications and PR arm of Ethane Web Technologies, has been appointed as the public relations partner for Riceberg Ventures, a global early-stage venture capital firm focused on deep tech investments. As part of the partnership, PR Companion will spearhead Riceberg Ventures’ end-to-end PR and communications. The mandate aims to strengthen Riceberg Ventures’ visibility across the startup, investor, and innovation ecosystem while amplifying its vision of backing breakthrough deeptech companies globally.Commenting on the partnership, Lalit Sharma, Founder & CEO, PR Companion and Ethane Web Technologies, said, “Having worked with startups and high-growth businesses for over 15 years, we understand the unique challenges they face in building credibility and gaining visibility while focusing on innovation. When we interacted with the team at Riceberg Ventures, we were genuinely impressed by their vision and the work they are doing to strengthen the global deeptech ecosystem. We believe they are building something truly meaningful. Through this partnership, our focus will be on ensuring their stories, investments, and impact reach the right audience, helping them build stronger visibility across the media and startup ecosystem.”Speaking on the association, Ankit Anand, Founding Partner, Riceberg Ventures, said, “For us, the first priority has always been doing meaningful work by backing founders solving some of the world’s toughest technology challenges. As we continue to grow, we realised that it’s equally important to communicate this work to the right stakeholders—founders, investors, partners, and the broader innovation ecosystem. Public relations is a powerful way to build that bridge. PR Companion's understanding of startups, technology, and strategic storytelling made them a natural choice for us. We look forward to working closely with the team to amplify our vision, create greater visibility for deeptech innovation, and contribute more meaningfully to the startup ecosystem.”PR Companion is actively growing its client portfolio across sectors, strengthening its integrated service offerings, and building a team positioned to deliver end-to-end communications solutions from strategy and media relations to reputation management and digital PR, as it charts an ambitious growth path ahead.

Pinterest has appointed Julie Henderson as Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, effective 13 July, as the social media platform strengthens its executive leadership team.Henderson will report directly to Claudine Cheever and work closely with Bill Ready. She will oversee the company's global communications function, spanning corporate, product, policy, financial, consumer, international and internal communications.A communications leader with more than 30 years of experience, Henderson joins Pinterest from Snap Inc., where she served as Chief Communications Officer and was a member of the executive team.During her tenure at Snap, she helped shape the company's evolution from a messaging platform into a diversified technology business, supporting the expansion of its advertising operations while advancing investments in augmented reality, artificial intelligence, developer technologies and new products. She also led communications around major public policy and regulatory issues, including online safety, youth wellbeing, privacy, platform regulation, competition policy and the responsible development of emerging technologies.Before joining Snap, Henderson was Chief Communications Officer at 21st Century Fox, where she led global communications during the company's acquisition by The Walt Disney Company. She previously served as Chief Communications Officer at News Corp, helping establish the company's corporate identity following its separation from 21st Century Fox.Earlier in her career, Henderson held senior communications and corporate strategy roles at News Corp and led the digital practice at MPRM Public Relations, advising technology startups, entrepreneurs and media companies navigating the rapid evolution of digital media.Announcing the appointment, Cheever said Henderson's experience would be instrumental as Pinterest continues to expand its global business."Julie is one of the most accomplished communications executives in the industry, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Pinterest," said Cheever."As we continue to scale our platform and deepen our impact for users and advertisers worldwide, her experience navigating complex policy landscapes, major business transformations and high-stakes narratives makes her exactly the right leader for this moment."Commenting on her appointment, Henderson said she was attracted by both Pinterest's business momentum and its future ambitions."I'm excited to be joining Pinterest at such an important time in the company's journey. What drew me to Pinterest was not only the strength of the business and the product, but also the people and the ambition for what comes next," she said."Pinterest has an incredible opportunity ahead, and I feel very fortunate to have the chance to help tell that story. I can't wait to get started."The appointment comes as Pinterest continues to expand its advertising business and invest in artificial intelligence-powered discovery, visual search and shopping experiences, with communications playing an increasingly strategic role in supporting the company's global growth, policy engagement and brand reputation.

The Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA), the apex and national industry body representing India's paper manufacturers, has retained Rite KnowledgeLabs as its digital and social media communications partner for the 3rd consecutive year for its flagship public awareness initiative, Paper Matters by IPMA.Launched in 2024, Paper Matters by IPMA was conceived as a citizen-centric social media and digital initiative to raise awareness of the role of paper in everyday life and encourage informed conversations about its use, highlighting its continued relevance in an increasingly digital era. Through its presence on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X, the program combines research-backed insights, evidence-based myth-busting content, educational videos, and community stories to engage audiences of all ages, especially younger Gen Z audiences. Commenting on the programme, Rohit Pandit, Secretary General, IPMA, said: "Since the past two years, we have been successful in creating positive, fact-based conversations about paper on behalf of the industry and addressing common myths through credible information. The programme has helped build awareness and encouraged constructive discussions about the role paper plays in our daily lives, from education and learning to packaging and communication.Our on-ground initiative, Paper Matters Travels, which has connected with NGOs, teachers, students from unaided schools, and specially-abled children has garnered an encouraging response. It reflects the paper industry's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement beyond business. We are happy with the outcomes and appreciate that a research-led, organically scaled public awareness programme has been able to generate meaningful engagement and awareness."A key highlight has been that over the last 12 months, the initiative has crossed one million YouTube video views and generated over 8,200 hours of viewing time through educational content, fact-based storytelling, videos, and digital outreach across multiple social media platforms. The programme has largely followed an organic, content-led approach, relying on research, insights, and sustained audience engagement rather than paid promotions, celebrity and influencer tie-ups to build awareness and credibility over time.Zahara Kanchwalla, Co-founder and CEO, Rite KnowledgeLabs, said: "We are grateful to IPMA for continuing to place its trust in us for this important public awareness initiative. Over the past two years, the programme has demonstrated that research-led content and authentic engagement can help create meaningful conversations around paper’s enduring role and its contribution to society. We look forward to supporting IPMA as it continues to build awareness, encourage informed dialogue, and take the Paper Matters initiative to a wider audience across India."

FTI Consulting, Inc. today announced a series of senior appointments to the Financial Communications and Special Situations practice within the firm’s Strategic Communications segment across Asia.Kainoa Blaisdell has rejoined FTI Consulting as a Managing Director, based in Singapore. He brings extensive experience advising leading companies and sponsors on complex cross-border capital markets transactions and fundraisings. His background also spans investment management, private markets research and financial journalism. At FTI Consulting, Mr. Blaisdell will advise companies in highly regulated, policy-driven sectors as they navigate high-stakes transactions, restructurings and crisis situations.Additionally, Justin Teh returns as Senior Director based in Singapore. Mr. Teh is a financial communications specialist with extensive experience advising on complex multi-stakeholder transactions, including M&A, IPOs, activism defence and restructurings. In his role at FTI Consulting, he will also support clients with strategic investor relations programmes and advise asset and wealth management firms across the region on issues management and corporate reputation strategies.In Hong Kong, Rita Fong was recently promoted to Managing Director. Ms. Fong leads financial communications engagements in Hong Kong and specialises in deal advisory, investor relations and crisis management for listed companies. Ms. Fong also advises clients on a wide range of M&A and special situations, including shareholder disputes, activism, proxy fights, hostile takeovers and restructurings.These appointments build on the arrival of Jason Leow in December 2025 as a Senior Managing Director. Based in Singapore, Mr. Leow has more than 25 years of experience in financial communications, C-suite advisory and stakeholder engagement across Asia, Europe and the United States.“These appointments and the promotion of Rita underscore our commitment to building the strongest financial communications and special situations bench in Asia,” said Tom Evrard, Head of Strategic Communications, Asia at FTI Consulting. “Kainoa and Justin both bring deep sector expertise and proven track records in advising clients through complex transactions and reputation challenges. Combined with Jason’s market leadership and Rita’s extensive transaction experience, we are exceptionally well-positioned to help clients navigate Asia’s highly dynamic transaction landscape. With increasing deal complexity, cross-border activity, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, clients need advisors who truly understand – and that is exactly what this team brings.”Mark McCall, Global Head of Strategic Communications at FTI Consulting, added: “In an environment of heightened deal activity, aggressive shareholder scrutiny and complex special situations, clients demand advisors who can move with precision, speed and deep market intelligence. This strengthened team in Asia significantly enhances our global M&A and activism offering, delivering seamless cross-border support and data-driven strategies that protect and create value for clients. As Asia remains a critical driver of global deal flow, this integrated capability ensures clients receive regionally nuanced counsel across the full transaction lifecycle.”

SBM Marketing Communications has rebranded to Lumitas, initiating a cross-border restructuring. The rebrand accelerates the firm's transition into an AI-powered marketing and technology service delivery provider spanning the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.The transition marks an analytical pivot away from traditional, siloed production models. It merges the agency's creative, PR, production, and technical operations into a single cross-border delivery unit. The restructure optimizes operational alignment between the agency's main regional hubs in Australia and its long-standing delivery engine in Chennai, India.Seamless Regional DeliveryBy formalizing its integrated Australia-Chennai infrastructure, Lumitas challenges standard industry practices. The agency will reject a conventional, low-cost "outsourced support" hub framework for its Chennai arm. Instead, the enterprise has implemented a unified, shared-work structure.Teams in Chennai, Sydney, and Melbourne operate on a single, shared system. This shared-work network enables real-time collaboration across multiple time zones. The agency leverages this framework to support enterprise brands requiring localized APAC campaigns. Client accounts include global tech leaders like Dell Technologies and TeamViewer.AI Scaling in Asian MarketsA core component of the restructure is a heavy capital investment in proprietary marketing tools and AI-enabled workflows. According to CEO James Hannan, the business shifted its technical foundation long before modifying its name.• Cross-Border Automation: Interconnected AI pipelines allow teams to instantly transition assets between regional markets.• Volume Capabilities: Enterprise clients receive localized, high-volume marketing materials with shorter turnaround times.• Consolidated Data: Unified operations remove typical communication silos between creative strategists and technical developers.Leveraging Half a Century of HeritageThe name Lumitas combines the Latin words lumen (light) and veritas (truth). This choice honors the company's 50-year heritage in commercial photography and storytelling while prioritizing modern data transparency.As marketing demands shift rapidly across Asia, Lumitas positions itself as a streamlined B2B agency option. By combining technical resources in India with strategy teams in Australia, the agency offers regional enterprises an efficient option for unified creative engineering.

Trading and investment platform Moomoo has expanded its communications leadership across Southeast Asia with the appointments of Yvette Lim and Kok Kuan Hui.Based in Singapore, Lim joins as Regional Head of Corporate Affairs, where she will oversee corporate communications, strategic partnerships and investor education initiatives across Southeast Asia.She most recently served as Fractional Chief Communications Officer at AI-native startup UseKase. Before that, she was Managing Director at FGS Global in Singapore, advising organisations across financial services, healthcare, private equity, and offshore, marine and energy sectors on corporate affairs, reputation management and strategic communications.Earlier in her career, Lim spent five years in Copenhagen with Saxo Bank as Head of Strategic Communications and PR, APAC, where she established the bank's Asia-Pacific communications function while leading global strategic communications initiatives.Commenting on her appointment, Lim said her experience at Saxo Bank reinforced her passion for helping organisations build trust in fast-evolving industries."Having spent five years with Saxo Bank in Copenhagen, I got to see and experience first-hand the dynamism of fintech firms in the field of trading and investing. What has stayed with me throughout my career is a passion for helping organisations in dynamic sectors build the trust, credibility and stakeholder relationships that enable sustainable growth," she said."Moomoo has already built a strong product and a meaningful presence across Southeast Asia. I'm excited to help build a corporate affairs function that strengthens its reputation, deepens its partnerships and supports the company's next phase of growth."Meanwhile, Moomoo has appointed Kok Kuan Hui as Communications Manager for Malaysia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she will lead the company's communications strategy in the market, overseeing media relations, executive profiling, thought leadership, corporate storytelling and investor education programmes.Kuan Hui brings more than six years of communications experience spanning financial services, technology and consumer brands. Prior to joining Moomoo, she held communications roles at Ariff Communications and GO Communications, advising clients on reputation management, media strategy, integrated communications campaigns and stakeholder engagement.Commenting on her new role, Kuan Hui said communications has an increasingly important role to play as investing becomes more accessible to retail audiences."As investing becomes increasingly accessible, the role of communications extends beyond awareness-building to helping people navigate markets and financial decisions with greater confidence and clarity," she said."I am excited by the opportunity to shape conversations around investing and contribute to a more informed investing community in Malaysia."She added: "Moomoo sits at the intersection of finance, technology and education—three areas that are reshaping how people engage with investing today. I look forward to strengthening the company's profile in Malaysia through meaningful storytelling, strong stakeholder relationships and impactful thought leadership initiatives."The appointments reinforce Moomoo's continued investment in corporate affairs and market communications as it expands its presence across Southeast Asia, with a growing emphasis on investor education, brand reputation and stakeholder engagement.

M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment appointed as global PR agency of record for HUGO BOSS’s brands BOSS and HUGO. The engagement will see M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment support the company’s brand communications team both globally, leveraging their expertise to help define overarching brand communications directives, as well as across key markets including the UK, US and DACH. The objective of this partnership is to deliver a unified and scalable communications strategy designed to further strengthen the brands' presence and cultural relevance among consumers, media and key passion audiences spanning fashion, sport, art, culture and digital customer engagement.The agency will work for BOSS and HUGO across key brand and business moments, from product and campaign launches, sporting partnerships, fashion shows, and global events to retail activations and store openings. It will also be part of strengthening the brands positioning at the intersection of fashion, sport, and culture and through earned media, strategic partnerships and high-impact editorial opportunities.The collaboration comes as BOSS and HUGO continue to build on a series of high-profile cultural partnerships and brand initiatives, including the Australian Open, BOSS Open, Laver Cup, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, The Open, Hahnenkamm Races and Art Basel Awards. James Foster, SVP Global Marketing at HUGO BOSS, said: "As we look to accelerate the next phase of growth for our brands, it was important to find an accomplished, like-minded partner that could bring together strategic thinking, cultural expertise and international scale. M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment demonstrated a deep understanding of our brands, our vision and the audiences we want to reach. Their experience across fashion, sport and culture, combined with a truly connected global approach, made them the ideal partner as we continue to strengthen the presence and perception of BOSS and HUGO worldwide."Laura Coller, UK CEO of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, said: "As two of the world’s most recognisable premium fashion and lifestyle brands, BOSS and HUGO represent a significant addition to our portfolio. We can’t wait to start our journey with the team and evolve and expand these iconic brands into new and exciting spaces together.”Robin Clarke, Global CEO of M+C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, said, “Leading both global and local responsibilities through one integrated international team is a key strength of ours, and we're excited to be part of bringing the vision of BOSS and HUGO to life in markets around the world."

Malaysian public relations agency Ariff Communications has retained its communications mandate for the Hong Kong Tourism Board in Malaysia, extending its partnership with the tourism body for a further two years until 2028.The renewal follows the agency's appointment in 2025 to strengthen Hong Kong's appeal among Malaysian travellers through integrated communications, media relations and influencer engagement.Founded in 2017, Ariff Communications has grown into a multidisciplinary PR and social media agency, serving clients across tourism, technology, automotive, finance, logistics, aviation, hospitality, food and beverage, and consumer sectors.Over the past year, the agency has led a series of destination marketing campaigns designed to boost awareness and travel consideration among Malaysian audiences. Its work has focused on themes including Muslim-friendly travel, family holidays, youth culture, photography, nightlife, value-driven experiences and seasonal campaigns such as Summer Viva and Halloween.According to Ariff Communications, these efforts helped contribute to a 6% year-on-year increase in visitor arrivals from Malaysia to Hong Kong in 2025 compared with 2024.Among the agency's notable campaigns was "Jelajah Hong Kong" (Tour Hong Kong), which recently received a travel industry award for its focus on engaging Muslim travellers through authentic storytelling and practical travel information. The campaign coincided with Hong Kong's strong performance in the 2026 Global Muslim Travel Index, where the destination ranked first as the Muslim-friendly Accessible Travel Destination (Non-OIC), while also securing second place in both the Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year (Non-OIC) and Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destination (Non-OIC) categories.Commenting on the renewed partnership, Aisya Hashim said the account reflects the agency's belief that strategic communications should make destinations feel relevant to different audiences."Our work with the Hong Kong Tourism Board has been especially meaningful because it reflects what we believe good communications should do: make a destination feel relevant to them," she said."The accolades received by the Hong Kong Tourism Board are also a testament to our work, which we are proud of, but they are also part of a wider body of work across Malaysian Muslim travellers, families, Gen Z explorers, value-conscious travellers and lifestyle audiences."The renewed mandate underscores Ariff Communications' continued emphasis on combining earned media, social storytelling and audience insights to help brands build meaningful connections across diverse consumer segments.The extension comes as the Hong Kong Tourism Board continues to expand its communications network across Asia and the Middle East. Earlier this year, the tourism body launched a search for a public relations and social media agency to oversee its Middle East communications for a one-year contract running from April 2026 to April 2027.HKTB is also seeking a public relations agency in the Philippines for a two-year term from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2028. The appointed agency will provide strategic communications, account management and creative services to strengthen Hong Kong's destination positioning and support visitor growth in the market.