Mukherji Sudarshana has joined Infineon Technologies as Manager, External Communications.She announced the move on LinkedIn, stating that she looks forward to advancing impactful storytelling, strengthening engagement, and supporting Infineon’s journey toward driving decarbonization and digitalization.Prior to joining Infineon Technologies, Sudarshana served as Manager PR & Events at L&T Semiconductor Technologies. Before that, she was Communications Specialist at Applied Materials.Earlier in her career, she worked as Lead Internal Comms at Livspace. She also held communications roles at Gutenberg Communications, where she served as Senior Account Executive, and at PRHUB Integrated Marketing Communications Pvt. Ltd. as Account Executive.

Ritvik Lamba has joined HCLTech as Associate Manager, Corporate Communications.Lamba announced the development on LinkedIn, where he shared that he is beginning a new chapter with the technology company.In his new role, he will be part of the corporate communications function at HCLTech.Before joining HCLTech, Lamba was associated with communications and media-related roles. He shared his excitement about taking on the new responsibility and expressed gratitude to those who have been part of his professional journey.Lamba also said that he looks forward to contributing to the organization and working with teams across the company.

Shangri-La Jeddah has appointed Lina Khan as Director of Marketing & Communications. In her new role, Lina will lead the hotel’s marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategy, supporting Shangri-La Jeddah’s continued growth as one of Jeddah’s leading luxury destinations.Originally from Jeddah, Lina brings a strong background across luxury hospitality, corporate communications, brand management, and lifestyle marketing. Her global perspective has been shaped by her MBA studies at the University of Dallas, academic experience in Italy and the United States, and consulting work with firms in the United States.Her career spans leading hospitality and corporate brands, including Nadec Foods, McDonald’s Saudi Arabia, Fairmont Riyadh, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, and Park Hyatt Jeddah. Across these roles, she has built expertise in integrated marketing, public relations, digital strategy, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement, and guest-focused storytelling.Lina has also led marketing plans for multiple food and beverage outlets, wedding fairs, luxury lifestyle activations, and high-end brand collaborations across fashion, beauty, automotive, jewelry, and fine dining. Her work includes collaborations and activations with globally recognized names such as Piaget, Lamborghini, Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown, and Pierre Hermé, as well as premium dining experiences during Riyadh Season.With a career shaped by luxury hospitality, corporate brand strategy, and lifestyle-led experiences, Lina brings a refined and well-rounded perspective to the role. Her interests in fashion, fine dining, lifestyle experiences, and sustainability further inform her approach to creating meaningful brand moments that feel relevant, elegant, and emotionally engaging.Reflecting on her new role, Lina shared: “I am delighted to join the Shangri-La Jeddah team and be part of a brand renowned for its exceptional hospitality and guest experiences. Having grown up in Jeddah, this opportunity is particularly meaningful, and I look forward to contributing to the hotel’s continued success while further strengthening its position as one of the city’s leading luxury destinations.”Her appointment comes at a time of continued momentum for Shangri-La Jeddah as the hotel further strengthens its position within the Kingdom’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape, building on its acclaimed dining experiences, exceptional service, and prime location on the Jeddah Waterfront.

H/Advisors has named Carina Davidson as Chief Executive Officer of its US operations, formalising her leadership role following a period as interim CEO and president.Davidson will oversee the firm's network of offices across New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and San Francisco. Her appointment follows an extensive leadership search that evaluated both internal and external candidates.A nearly three-decade veteran of the firm, Davidson has held a range of senior leadership positions and has played a key role in shaping the agency's corporate and financial communications practice. Her appointment comes shortly after the agency completed its transition from H/Advisors Abernathy to the H/Advisors brand, reflecting its closer integration within the global Havas communications network.Before joining the firm, Davidson worked at Edelman, where she specialised in crisis communications and public affairs. Throughout her career, she has advised boards, CEOs and senior executives on complex communications challenges, including mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, corporate reputation management and crisis response.Announcing the appointment, Stéphane Fouks, Executive Chairman of H/Advisors and Executive Vice President of Havas, said Davidson had demonstrated strong leadership while serving as interim CEO and had helped strengthen the firm's ability to deliver strategic counsel, data-driven insights and measurable business value to clients.H/Advisors has expanded significantly in recent years and now operates a global network of more than 1,500 professionals across over 40 offices spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.Davidson's appointment underscores the firm's continued focus on growth in the US market and its ambition to deepen its advisory capabilities across corporate, financial and strategic communications.

Hong Kong-headquartered marketing & PR firm PLUG has expanded into Singapore with the opening of a new office, strengthening its footprint across the Asia-Pacific region. The operation will be led by Jolin Ng, who joins as Managing Director.The move follows a soft launch in 2025 and marks the agency’s latest step in its regional growth strategy. The Singapore office will offer integrated communications services, including public relations, influencer marketing, social media management, and content creation.Ng brings more than 15 years of experience in strategic communications, having held senior positions at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, AKA Asia, and W Communications Singapore. She first joined PLUG’s Hong Kong office in 2018 and has worked closely with the agency across multiple markets.PLUG said the Singapore team has already secured a roster of clients that includes Stroke Support Station, Play Nation, Thekchen Choling Singapore, Airbnb, Driscoll’s, and Pizza Hut.Commenting on the expansion, Lara Jefferies, Founder and Managing Director of PLUG, said: “Expanding from Hong Kong to Singapore with Jolin, whom we've worked with for years, is a natural evolution. She brings deep experience in both cities, an analytical mind, fantastic connections, and an innate understanding of the PLUG culture and passion for our work.“With our expertise across both markets, we’re able to connect communities, unlock new collaborations, and help brands operate more fluidly across Asia.”

Ruder Finn Atteline, a global integrated marketing and communications consultancy and the MENA arm of the Ruder Finn group, has announced the launch of two customized offerings for the region: a dedicated Culture & Education practice, and RF Publicity specialist service. Both offerings have been designed to serve the region’s evolving communications needs while reflecting ongoing market shifts including, the rise of culture and education as drivers of transformation, growing demand for talent-led storytelling, live visibility, and audience connection. The agency’s Culture & Education practice will support cultural commissions, museums, universities, edtech platforms and knowledge institutions across MENA while emphasizing a strong focus on Saudi Arabia, where culture and education feed into the realization of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s wider transformation agenda. By pairing Ruder Finn’s global legacy in culture, education and institution-building, alongside Ruder Finn Atteline’s regional understanding, the intentionally designed practice will help clients build enduring reputations and cultural relevance. In tandem, Ruder Finn Atteline’s newly launched specialist service RF Publicity brings together talent publicity, project communications, and live event coverage in a single integrated offering that manages how people, projects and moments are seen across media and live environments. It includes red carpet media management, press junkets, interview hubs, premieres, experiential activations, and influencer-led visibility campaigns. The team leading this practice has been deliberately built from experience across global entertainment brands, talent-led campaigns and culturally significant regional moments. Radhika Mehta, EVP Growth and Operations, Ruder Finn Atteline, commented: "From shaping publicity for some of the world's biggest entertainment brands and managing red carpets at the industry's most-watched moments across the past 70-plus years, to driving global education platforms like What's Next for the next generation of communications professionals, it’s evident that Ruder Finn’s long-standing legacy speaks for itself. As part of the RF Group, Ruder Finn Atteline's opportunity to bring the first-ever ETP program to the Kingdom at the top of 2026 supported this global mission while also complementing the regional landscape. The introduction of RF Publicity, as well as our Culture & Education practice, will serve a similar function. However, they are not new capabilities for us. Both practices are decades of expertise being leveraged to help our clients build long-term sustained relevance.” As communications challenges across the region become more nuanced and more consequential, the launch of these two new offerings reflects Ruder Finn Atteline’s commitment to building specialist capabilities that are globally informed, regionally relevant and embedded in what the agency already does. Additionally, it maintains the agency’s upwards trajectory of growth milestones including a rebrand, expansion, and the launch of several service lines over the past year.

Method Communications has announced the appointment of Meghan Gardner as executive vice president, helping to lead the agency's work with enterprise technology companies. Based in Portland, Gardner brings more than 20 years of integrated communications experience advising CEOs and C-suite leaders at complex technology companies across AI, data, infrastructure, and B2B2C sectors."Meghan is the kind of advisor CEOs call when the stakes are high and the story is complicated," said David Parkinson, CEO of Method Communications. "She has a knack for taking dense, technical companies and helping the world understand why they matter. Our clients are operating in a more complicated environment than ever, and Meghan is built for it."Throughout her career, Gardner has guided leadership teams through regulatory scrutiny, leadership transitions, IPOs, and M&A, while elevating executives as trusted voices on innovation, security, and responsible AI. Her work has spanned stakeholder strategy across investors, policymakers, employees, and customers, with a focus on de-risked launches, improved analyst and investor sentiment, and policy-savvy narratives.Gardner joins Method from Mission North, where she spent more than five years, most recently as executive vice president. Before Mission North, she served as vice president at Matter Communications, leading work for technology clients out of the agency's Portland office. Gardner also held senior roles at Alipes, Proper Villains, Version 2.0 Communications, and LEWIS PR, building a track record across corporate positioning, issues and crisis response, executive visibility, and integrated earned and owned programs."Method has a reputation for doing the work that actually moves the needle for our clients, and that's what drew me in," said Gardner. "In the age of AI, enterprise tech leaders are juggling a mandate to 'do more with less' while leveling up their impact on every audience, in every channel. They need partners who can move fast, think clearly under pressure, and help them show up well in the moments that count. That's the work I love, and Method is built for it."A former automotive journalist, Gardner brings a reporter's instinct for narrative alongside her communications expertise. Her appointment continues Method's investment in senior specialist talent, following the recent additions of Lexy King as SVP and head of the Corporate Communications Specialist Group, and the launch of new specialist groups in Social & Influencer and AEO/GEO and Integrated Content.

Netflix has appointed Caitlin Conant as Head of US Policy Communications and External Affairs, strengthening its Washington presence as the streaming giant navigates an increasingly complex regulatory and public policy environment.According to an Axios report citing an internal company memo, Conant will report to Kelly Pakula, who leads corporate communications at Netflix. In her new role, she will be responsible for advancing the company's public affairs strategy, strengthening engagement with policymakers, media and key stakeholders, and helping build a more proactive presence in Washington.She will also oversee Netflix's external affairs function at both the national and local levels, including managing the team led by external affairs executive Stephanie Shih.Conant joins Netflix from Disney, where she spent the past four years as Vice President of Policy Communications and Public Affairs. Prior to Disney, she served as Political Director at CBS News and held communications roles for prominent Republican lawmakers, including former US Senators Rob Portman and Marco Rubio.The appointment comes as Netflix continues to expand its public policy and government affairs operations amid growing scrutiny of the streaming industry and evolving regulatory debates around media, technology and content platforms.Earlier, the company recruited veteran trade attorney Clete Willems as Chief Global Affairs Officer to oversee its global policy strategy.According to Axios, Conant will remain at Disney until June 19 before officially joining Netflix.The hire follows a series of senior communications appointments at Netflix. In December, the company named former Instacart communications leader Dani Dudeck as Chief Communications Officer, succeeding Rachel Whetstone, who departed the company the previous year.More recently, Netflix strengthened its international communications leadership by appointing Joy Albert to lead communications across the Asia-Pacific region and Flavia Vigio to head communications for Latin America.

Pope Leo has appointed Maria Montserrat Alvarado to head the Vatican’s communications department, making her the first lay woman to lead a major dicastery within the governance structure of the Roman Catholic Church.In the Catholic Church, a "lay woman" means a woman who is not a member of the clergy and does not belong to a religious order.Alvarado, currently President and Chief Operating Officer of US-based Catholic media network EWTN News, will assume the role on November 1, succeeding Paolo Ruffini, who is retiring after leading the department since its creation in 2015.The Dicastery for Communication oversees the Vatican’s media operations, including Vatican News, Vatican Radio, L’Osservatore Romano newspaper, the Holy See Press Office, the Vatican Publishing House and its film and photographic archives.Born in Mexico City and a US citizen since 2008, Alvarado's appointment marks a significant milestone in the Vatican’s efforts to expand the role of women in senior leadership positions. According to Vatican News, she is the first non-religious woman to be appointed prefect of a Vatican dicastery.In a statement, Alvarado described the appointment as “unexpected” and said she accepted it with “a sincere desire to serve the Holy Father as he begins his pontificate”.She also paid tribute to her predecessor, saying she was grateful to Ruffini for his leadership and looked forward to continuing the work of strengthening the dicastery’s mission to communicate the Church’s message globally.The appointment is seen as a continuation of reforms initiated by Pope Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, who sought to increase female representation within the Vatican hierarchy during his 12-year papacy. Francis appointed several women, including nuns Raffaella Petrini and Simona Brambilla, to senior governance roles while repeatedly calling for greater inclusion of women in Church leadership.Francis also modernised the Vatican’s communications strategy, making its messaging more accessible and less formal. Pope Leo has signalled his intention to continue evaluating and strengthening the Church’s communications efforts, recently calling on cardinals to reassess the effectiveness of ecclesiastical communication from a more mission-oriented perspective.Before becoming president of EWTN News in 2023, Alvarado served as a news anchor and held various leadership roles within the organisation. Her appointment comes at a time when the Vatican is increasingly focused on how it communicates with global audiences amid rapid changes in media consumption and digital engagement.

Anusuya Mitra has joined FINN Partners Greater China as Partner, where she will focus on growing the firm's Corporate Communications practice.Mitra announced the move on LinkedIn, marking a new chapter in a communications career that spans more than 17 years across Mumbai, Shanghai and Hong Kong.Prior to joining FINN Partners Greater China, she served as Regional Director, Corporate Communications at Sinclair Comms. She has also held communications and marketing roles at FedEx, Ketchum, Duhno Marketing, GTB and WE Communications.During her tenure at Ketchum, Mitra worked across a range of assignments involving corporate communications, media relations, website development and stakeholder engagement for clients and organisations including the New Development Bank, DuPont Nutrition & Health, TomTom and the Office of the President of Gabon.Earlier in her career, she held positions at Waggener Edstrom, Text 100 Public Relations and Adfactors PR, working across technology communications, media relations and client servicing.

Shahzad Bagwan has joined the corporate communications team at Tech Mahindra as Associate Manager.Bagwan shared the update on LinkedIn, expressing his enthusiasm about taking on the new role and contributing to the company's storytelling and communications initiatives.Prior to joining Tech Mahindra, he served as Corporate Communications Specialist at Eaton, where he worked on media relations, leadership visibility, thought leadership initiatives, integrated brand campaigns, and regional communication programmes.Before that, Bagwan was Corporate Communications Manager at Siemens, overseeing external communications across multiple business segments. His responsibilities included media relations, analyst engagement, crisis communication planning, journalist outreach, and the execution of press conferences and media events.Earlier in his career, he worked as Senior Executive at MSLGROUP India, managing public relations and media strategy for clients across the BFSI sector. He also held a communications role at Artha Energy Resources, supporting brand visibility and stakeholder engagement initiatives.Bagwan began his professional journey in journalism, working with Durga Das Publications and I-Tech Media, where he covered sectors including travel, hospitality, aviation, tourism, construction, EPC and power.

Steve Heywood has been appointed Senior Vice President, Global Head of Communications at Philips, a role he had been serving on an interim basis.Heywood shared the update on LinkedIn, stating that he will lead communications for the company while continuing to work alongside the global brand team.He has been with Philips for over two years and most recently served as Vice President, Global Head of External Relations. In that role, he was responsible for group external communications, including financial results, corporate media relations, sustainability communications and C-suite positioning.Prior to joining Philips, Heywood spent nearly nine years at Edelman in the Netherlands, where he held several leadership positions, including General Manager, Deputy General Manager, Head of Client Services and Director.Earlier in his career, he served as Head of Corporate Communications and Communications Manager at eBay in London. He has also held roles at Weber Shandwick, McDonald's, Solihull Council and the UK Ministry of Defence.

Manas Bhardwaj has joined Teamwork Arts as Head of Corporate Communications.Bhardwaj announced the development through a LinkedIn post, sharing that he has taken on the communications leadership role at the culture and events company.Prior to joining Teamwork Arts, Bhardwaj worked as a consultant in strategic communications, advising clients on reputation management, brand positioning, media visibility and stakeholder engagement.His career spans more than two decades across corporate communications, public relations and reputation management. Over the years, he has held leadership roles at V360 Group, Avian WE, The Mavericks, Cohn & Wolfe, The Storytellers, Genesis Burson-Marsteller, The PRactice, Vox PR and Integral PR.Throughout his career, Bhardwaj has worked across sectors including technology, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, consumer brands and telecommunications. His experience includes client servicing, media relations, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and team leadership.He has also overseen communications mandates for organisations across the healthcare, technology and consumer sectors, while contributing to business development and reputation-building initiatives.

PaRa Music has appointed media and marketing veteran Tipti Kheria as its new Vice President – Content, Partnerships, Brand & PR. Kheria formally announced her transition to the new-age music label through a LinkedIn post.“What drew me to PaRa Music is its bold vision of building a new-age music company that combines creativity, technology, and intellectual property to unlock the immense potential of India's diverse music ecosystem,” Kheria shared. “Looking forward to building, collaborating, and contributing to this exciting journey.”Kheria brings a robust track record of media leadership to PaRa Music, following a highly successful 11-year tenure at Radio City India. During her time with the major radio broadcaster, she rose to the rank of General Manager – Brand, Marketing & PR, where she anchored comprehensive brand strategy, public relations, and corporate communications frameworks.

Edelman has appointed Kenny Gold as its first Global Chief Creator Officer, underscoring the communications firm's growing investment in creator marketing as brands increasingly turn to influencers and digital creators to engage audiences.Gold joins from Deloitte Digital, where he served as Managing Director and Head of Social and Creator. In his new role, he will report to Tristan Roy, President of Integrated Solutions and Delivery, and lead Edelman Creator globally. He will also oversee efforts to further integrate creator marketing with the firm's social, paid media and performance marketing capabilities.The newly created position reflects the expanding role of creators in shaping consumer behaviour and online conversations. Edelman said it currently employs around 200 creator specialists worldwide.During his tenure at Deloitte Digital, Gold built and scaled the firm's social and creator practice, working with clients across both consumer and B2B sectors. Prior to that, he led social media initiatives at Grey Group, where he played a key role in developing Procter & Gamble's widely recognised #DistanceDance campaign with TikTok creator Charli D’Amelio during the Covid-19 pandemic.Gold has also contributed to industry research, co-authoring Deloitte's Creator Economy in 3D study and its annual State of Social report. He is a frequent speaker at major industry events, including Cannes Lions, SXSW and CES.Tristan Roy said: “Kenny has built and scaled creator businesses at the highest level. He is exactly the right leader to help accelerate Edelman’s global creator offering.”The appointment comes as agencies continue to strengthen their creator economy capabilities amid rising client demand for influencer-led and community-driven marketing strategies.

Hanover Communications has appointed Samantha Gregson Donnelly as Managing Director for the Middle East, marking a key leadership transition as the strategic communications consultancy continues to expand its presence across the region.Donnelly steps into the role after more than six years with Hanover, where she most recently led the firm’s Corporate Practice in the Middle East. A graduate of the University of Cambridge, she brings nearly two decades of experience spanning media and strategic communications, advising CEOs and senior executives across the Gulf on corporate reputation, crisis management, communications strategy and executive positioning.Before joining Hanover, Donnelly spent eight years at Sky News in London, serving as a television producer and later as chief planning producer for the broadcaster’s World News programme. During her tenure, she worked on major international news stories and high-profile interviews with political and business leaders from around the world.She succeeds Jonty Summers as part of a planned leadership transition and will oversee Hanover’s next phase of growth across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region.Charles Lewington, Interim Managing Partner at Hanover Communications, said Donnelly had been instrumental in the development of the firm’s Middle East business.“Samantha has played a central role in the growth and success of Hanover Middle East over the past six years and is exceptionally well placed to lead the business into its next phase,” Lewington said. “She brings strong client relationships, strategic counsel experience and deep regional understanding, alongside a clear commitment to our clients, people and long-term growth across the Middle East.”Donnelly described the appointment as an opportunity to build on the firm’s strong regional foundations.“It is a privilege to take on the role of Managing Director for Hanover Middle East at an important moment for both the business and the wider region,” she said. “Over the past six years, we have built a strong team and trusted client relationships across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, advising organisations on some of the region’s most high-profile and complex communications challenges.”She also acknowledged the contribution of her predecessor, adding that she looked forward to continuing the momentum established under Summers’ leadership.

Filtrona has appointed Dalvinder Jeet Kaur as Global Communications Manager, where she will lead the company's internal and external communications across nine locations worldwide.Kaur announced her new role in a LinkedIn post, describing the position's global scope as one of the key factors that attracted her to the opportunity. She said the experience had already proven to be an enriching one since joining the organisation.Her arrival coincided with the final stages of the launch of Filtrona's third Sustainability Report, a milestone that highlights the company's focus on innovation, responsible growth and long-term value creation. Kaur noted that periods of transformation provide communications professionals with an opportunity to navigate complexity, connect stakeholders and bring important business stories to life.In her new role, she will be responsible for strengthening Filtrona's communications efforts as the company continues to evolve through innovation, transformation and collaboration. She also indicated that a key focus would be amplifying stories around the organisation's expertise, people, partnerships and business progress.Kaur expressed gratitude to Filtrona's leadership and colleagues for their support and warm welcome, particularly acknowledging the Singapore-based team.Filtrona, a global supplier of speciality materials and components, has been increasing its focus on sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, with the latest sustainability report outlining the company's progress and long-term commitments in these areas.

Abhishek Bhate has joined Piramal Finance as Senior Manager – Brand and Corporate Communications.Bhate announced the development through a LinkedIn post, stating that he will be responsible for shaping brand and corporate communications at the company.Prior to joining Piramal Finance, Bhate was associated with Tata Capital, where he served as Lead Manager – PR & Corporate Communications (Marketing). Before that, he worked at Tata Motors Finance as Manager – Brand Marketing, PR and Corporate Communications.In his LinkedIn post, Bhate reflected on his tenure within the Tata Group, highlighting his involvement in strategic communications mandates and business initiatives, including Tata Capital’s IPO-related communications efforts.Bhate began his career as a national television journalist before transitioning into brand and corporate communications. Over the years, he has built experience across public relations, corporate communications and brand marketing.In his new role at Piramal Finance, Bhate will oversee brand and corporate communications initiatives for the company.

Spotify has appointed Aditi Shorewal as Head of PR and Communications for India.Shorewal joins the audio streaming platform from Tinder, where she served as Communications Lead for India and Korea, overseeing communications strategy across the two markets.She brings more than 15 years of experience spanning corporate communications, media relations, content marketing, journalism and digital strategy. Before Tinder, Shorewal was Head of Communications and Content Marketing at Eventbrite. She also spent three years at X (formerly Twitter), leading communications and social media marketing initiatives.Earlier in her career, she held roles at NDTV, Times Internet and The Times of India Group, working across social media, digital product development, reporting and editing. She has also worked with international communications firms 4media Group UK and TheNewsMarket.Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Shorewal said she was looking forward to working with creators, artists and partners to tell stories that "spark conversations, shape culture and connect people in India and beyond."The appointment comes as Spotify continues to strengthen its presence in India, one of the world's fastest-growing audio streaming markets, where podcasts, regional music and creator-led content are becoming increasingly important drivers of user engagement.

Global communications network IPREX has appointed Nicole Reaney as its new Asia Pacific President, marking the latest in a series of leadership changes across the organisation's global board.Reaney succeeds Anu Gupta of APRW, who has led the Asia Pacific region since January 2024 and became the first communications executive from Singapore to join the IPREX Global Board. The appointment was announced following IPREX's annual global conference in Singapore in May 2026 and comes alongside broader governance changes across the network. Heidi Otway, founder of SalterMitchell PR in the US, has assumed the role of Global President, while David Rudd of Rudd Resources has been named Americas Regional President. Reaney will continue as CEO of InsideOut PR, the Sydney-based agency she founded in 2005, while taking on responsibility for strengthening collaboration, visibility and business development opportunities across the Asia Pacific region. InsideOut PR has been part of the IPREX network for more than a decade and works across sectors including consumer, corporate, technology, finance, travel and lifestyle communications. "I'm thrilled to take on this role and help strengthen APAC region's visibility on a global front," Reaney said following the announcement. Her appointment comes at a time of expansion for IPREX, which has been growing its international footprint through new agency partnerships across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. The network now comprises more than 1,100 communications professionals operating across more than 100 markets worldwide, providing clients with local expertise backed by international reach.(Source: telummedia)

Balkrishna Industries (BKT) has appointed Yamini Gharge as Deputy General Manager, Media Planning and PR for its India operations.In her current role, Gharge leads the company’s media transformation and public relations mandate, focusing on brand visibility, corporate credibility, and stakeholder engagement across B2B and B2C categories.Based in Mumbai, she oversees integrated media strategy, corporate communications, media investments, and reputation management in line with BKT’s long-term growth objectives in India.Gharge brings over 18 years of experience across marketing, communications, and media leadership. Her expertise spans sectors including FMCG, consumer durables, retail, infrastructure, and manufacturing.Before joining BKT, she held senior leadership positions at media networks such as Mindshare (GroupM), Madison Media, and Wavemaker. Throughout her career, she has worked across media planning, communications, and content-led brand initiatives while leading teams and collaborating with business leaders on growth-focused strategies.

Global investment firm KKR has appointed Jinal Parekh as Assistant Vice President, Communications, Asia-Pacific, reinforcing its regional communications capabilities as it continues to expand its presence across key markets in the region.In her new role, Parekh will be part of KKR’s APAC communications team, supporting the firm's corporate reputation, media engagement and strategic communications initiatives across Asia-Pacific.A communications professional with more than a decade of experience, Parekh has worked across corporate communications, public relations and reputation management for organisations spanning private equity, venture capital, investment banking and other corporate sectors. Her expertise includes stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, brand positioning and strategic storytelling.Prior to joining KKR, Parekh led corporate communications and public relations at Welspun One. During her tenure, she played a key role in strengthening the company's external communications strategy and enhancing its brand visibility among stakeholders and investors.Over the course of her career, she has built extensive experience advising leadership teams on communication strategies, corporate reputation and business positioning in highly competitive markets.The appointment reflects the growing importance investment firms are placing on communications and stakeholder engagement as they navigate an increasingly dynamic business and regulatory environment across the Asia-Pacific region.

Prosek Partners has appointed Danielle O'Brien as Managing Director within its Investor Relations practice, further strengthening the firm's strategic communications and advisory capabilities.Based in New York, O'Brien will counsel corporate leadership teams on investor relations and special situations, including earnings communications, investor days, mergers and acquisitions, executive transitions, restructurings, and other critical business events.She joins Prosek from Edelman Smithfield, where she served as Executive Vice President, specializing in investor relations and special situations. Prior to that, she held investor relations roles at ICR and also worked at Credit Suisse.The appointment reflects Prosek's continued investment in expanding its investor relations offering. While traditionally focused on asset management and financial services, the practice has broadened its expertise in recent years to support clients across sectors including technology, healthcare, aerospace, and defense.Commenting on the appointment, Alex Jorgensen, Partner and Head of Investor Relations at Prosek, said O'Brien brings deep expertise in investor relations and special situations, along with a strong track record of helping leadership teams navigate complex, high-stakes business challenges.

Halter, the fast-growing agritech company developing virtual fencing and livestock management technology, has appointed Melia Rayner as its new Communications Manager as the company continues its international expansion across Australia, New Zealand and the United States.Rayner joins Halter after nearly six years at Australasian venture capital firm Blackbird, where she most recently served as Head of Communications. During her tenure, she helped shape the public profile of one of the region’s most influential startup investors, working across founder storytelling, media strategy, podcasts, events and community initiatives spanning more than 130 portfolio companies.Before joining Blackbird, Rayner worked agency-side at Character + Distinction, building experience across strategic communications and brand storytelling.Her appointment comes at a time of growing momentum for Halter, which has emerged as one of New Zealand’s most closely watched agritech startups. The company uses solar-powered smart collars and AI-driven software to enable farmers to move and monitor cattle without physical fences, a technology aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and animal welfare.Founded in Auckland in 2016 by Craig Piggott, Halter has attracted significant investor attention in recent years, including backing from Blackbird and other major venture capital firms. The startup has expanded rapidly across dairy and beef farming markets, positioning itself within a broader wave of agricultural technology companies using automation and artificial intelligence to modernise traditional farming systems.Rayner’s move also reflects a wider trend across the startup ecosystem, with communications executives increasingly playing a strategic role as high-growth technology companies face greater scrutiny from investors, regulators and the public over issues ranging from sustainability claims to AI adoption and workplace culture.At Blackbird, Rayner was known for championing founder-led storytelling and helping elevate the visibility of emerging startups across Australia and New Zealand’s technology sector. She also contributed extensively to Blackbird’s editorial and community initiatives, including founder profiles, investment narratives and startup ecosystem commentary.

Asawari Sathaye has taken on an expanded role at the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India as Senior Director, Communications and Access.Sathaye shared the update in a LinkedIn post, stating that she looks forward to making an “impactful contribution” in her new role.She had earlier joined OPPI as Director, Communications and Patient Advocacy.With over 18 years of experience, Sathaye has worked across corporate communications, media relations, public relations, brand communication, investor relations, market access, and sustainability.Before joining OPPI, she worked with companies including Shoppers Stop, Voltas Limited, and Tata Services Ltd, among others.

Steve Heywood has been appointed senior vice president and global head of communications at Philips. He joined the company two years ago as vice president and head of external relations, and most recently led the communications function on an interim basis.In his new role, Heywood will oversee the healthcare company’s reputation across investor, regulatory, stakeholder, internal, and external audiences.In a LinkedIn post, Heywood said, “Communications connects strategy, innovation and impact to strengthen trust and stakeholder confidence, ultimately supporting business performance. It's a fascinating moment to do this work as AI reshapes how we produce, discover and consume content. I'm proud of the contribution this team makes to help Philips deliver better care for more people.”Lian Vergeer-Langens will continue to lead the company’s brand function, with both teams set to work closely together.Heywood joined Philips in May 2024 after spending nearly a decade at Edelman in management roles, most recently as general manager of the firm’s operations in the Netherlands.Before that, he served as head of corporate communications for eBay in London and also held roles at Weber Shandwick and McDonald’s.

Media Mantra Founder and Director Udit P Pathak has announced that Rahul Mehta is no longer associated with the company.Pathak also stated that the position of CEO – India is currently vacant and that he will take over the responsibilities of India CEO in the interim.According to the statement, the company is not in a hurry to appoint a new leader and plans to focus on finding someone aligned with its long-term vision.Pathak added that the next two to three years will be important for the organisation amid changing industry dynamics. He also reiterated the company’s focus on building the next phase of growth with “clarity, strength, and purpose.”The statement concluded with Pathak wishing Rahul Mehta well for the future.

BMW Group Latin America corporate communications director Joao Veloso will leave the company on May 29 after nearly a decade with the automaker.According to the company, Veloso is departing to pursue opportunities outside BMW Group.Juan Bernardo Vázquez Mellado, who currently oversees BMW’s Latin America corporate communications operations, will take over the region’s communications responsibilities on an interim basis until a successor is appointed.Veloso joined BMW Group in 2016 as head of corporate communications for BMW Group Brazil. In that role, he managed external, internal, and media relations activities for the company’s Brazilian sales operations and production plants in Araquari and Manaus. He also led communications around the opening of the BMW Motorrad plant in Manaus.In 2022, Veloso was promoted to director of corporate communications for Latin America, overseeing communications strategy across 27 markets in the region. His responsibilities included supporting communications for BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad brands while working closely with regional and global leadership teams.In a statement, Kapsaskis thanked Veloso for his contributions, stating that he helped strengthen BMW Group’s reputation across Latin America and supported the company’s growth in the region.

Morphogenesis has appointed Bhumika Sharma as Head of Corporate Communications and Practice Development.Sharing the update, Sharma said she has joined Morphogenesis, the globally recognised architectural firm founded by Sonali and Manit Rastogi, and expressed interest in collaborating on stories and communication initiatives.In her new role, Sharma will lead corporate communications and practice development initiatives for the architecture and design firm as it continues to strengthen its brand and industry presence.Prior to joining Morphogenesis, Sharma served as Associate General Manager – Corporate Communications at Jaipur Rugs, where she worked on communication and brand initiatives in the design and interiors space.She also brings agency-side communications experience from PR Pundit Havas Red, where she handled leadership communication, press conferences and strategic public relations mandates across multiple brands. Earlier, she worked with Regional Public Relations Pvt Ltd in media and communications roles.With this appointment, Morphogenesis further strengthens its corporate communications leadership as it continues expanding its presence in architecture, urban planning and design.

Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) has announced the elevation of Melissa Mann (pictured) to Chief Public Policy Officer and the promotion of Jessica Taylor to Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. The appointments underscore the strategic importance of public policy and communications as Lumen advances its transformation and deepens its engagement with government and enterprise customers.“Melissa and Jessica are exceptional leaders who have helped shape Lumen’s voice, strengthen our stakeholder engagement, and advance our public policy priorities,” said Lumen CEO Kate Johnson. “Melissa has built a credible, effective public policy organization, and Jessica has played a critical role in sharpening our communications strategy and corporate narrative during a pivotal period for the company. These elevations reflect both the importance of these functions and our commitment to recognizing and elevating strong leaders who are driving meaningful impact across the business.”Mann has been a trusted leader at Lumen for nearly a decade, shaping the company’s public policy strategy and fostering strong relationships with legislators, regulators, and industry stakeholders. In her expanded role as Chief Public Policy Officer, she will continue leading Lumen’s global advocacy efforts in support of the company’s work with government and regulated industry customers, as well as the advancement of Lumen’s network, AI, and digital transformation initiatives.“I’m honored to step into this role and continue advancing policy work that supports Lumen, our industry and the communities we serve,” said Mann. “I’m proud of the strong relationships our team has built and the role we play in driving thoughtful advocacy that supports Lumen’s long-term growth.”Since joining Lumen, Taylor has led the company’s communications strategy across executive communications, media relations, corporate positioning, corporate events, and employee engagement. She will continue leading Lumen’s integrated communications organization, ensuring the company’s voice, brand and narrative remain clear, consistent, and aligned as Lumen advances its transformation.“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this team in a new capacity at such an important moment for Lumen,” said Taylor. “It has been deeply rewarding to help shape how we communicate our transformation across channels and with key stakeholders. I’m thankful for the trust of our leadership and for the communications team whose creativity, clarity and commitment make this work possible every day.”These elevations underscore Lumen’s commitment to strong leadership across critical corporate functions. Together, Mann and Taylor will play central roles in how Lumen engages stakeholders, advances its strategy, and continues to execute its transformation.

Vero has named Laura Spence as Senior Advisor, ASEAN, as the communications consultancy looks to strengthen regional business growth, client experience and leadership development across Southeast Asia.Spence brings more than 15 years of experience in integrated communications and corporate reputation management, having worked with global brands across the Asia-Pacific region. She is also recognised for campaigns that combine public relations with social impact and stakeholder advocacy, including the Cannes Lions-winning Dove campaign, #LetHerGrow, in Thailand.In her new role, Spence will work closely with teams across both Vero and Vero Advocacy, collaborating with business units throughout Southeast Asia.“I’m excited to step into this role and work alongside our incredible teams across Southeast Asia,” Spence said. “Vero’s growth trajectory is nothing short of impressive, and with that momentum comes the opportunity to raise the bar on the impact we create for our clients.”She added that strong communications work is built on “curiosity, kindness and trust”, highlighting the consultancy’s integrated strengths across communications, strategy, creative, influencer marketing and government relations.Umaporn Whittaker-Thompson, chief commercial officer, ASEAN, at Vero, described Spence as a trusted adviser with a strong ability to connect innovation, culture and commercial growth.“Our edge comes from the strength of our people and the quality of the counsel we give clients,” Whittaker-Thompson said, adding that Spence’s coaching and mentorship capabilities would help nurture the next generation of regional leaders.Meanwhile, Pongsiri Poorintanachote, managing partner at Vero Advocacy, said effective advocacy in Southeast Asia increasingly requires a blend of public affairs, narrative-building and stakeholder trust.“Laura’s experience in corporate affairs and change campaigns strengthens exactly that,” he said, noting that businesses operating in highly regulated markets require integrated approaches spanning reputation management, government relations and public trust.(Source: telummedia)

Archetype has promoted Sophie Payne to Head of Communications in Sydney, strengthening the agency’s leadership team as it expands its AI-forward communications offering across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.Payne joined Archetype in 2024 as Principal Consultant and will now lead the agency’s communications practice in Sydney, working with both global and local technology brands on strategic communications, reputation management and visibility programmes.In her new role, Payne will also focus on evolving Archetype’s communications capabilities as artificial intelligence increasingly reshapes how brands build authority, trust and audience engagement.She brings experience across both in-house and agency environments in Australia and the UK, with previous roles at Google, Babel PR and Nelson Bostock, which is now integrated into Accenture Song.The promotion comes as Archetype continues positioning itself as an “AI-forward” communications and marketing agency, combining strategic communications, behavioural science, creative services and AI-driven tools to support technology and B2B brands across APAC. The agency operates across major regional markets including Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Delhi, serving clients across sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, fintech, enterprise technology and climate tech. Archetype has increasingly expanded its integrated communications offering in Australia, particularly around strategic storytelling, executive visibility, crisis communications and AI-led brand engagement as competition intensifies across the technology communications sector.

Alpha Story has launched operations in Indonesia with a series of leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its regional expansion strategy and integrated communications capabilities.The agency has named Leighton Cosseboom as Country Lead for Indonesia, where he will oversee market growth, client development, commercial planning and go-to-market strategy.Cosseboom will also play a central role in expanding Alpha Story’s AI-powered communications model across PR, digital and content marketing, influencer programmes, media intelligence and integrated campaign services.Before joining Alpha Story, Cosseboom held senior marketing communications roles at DailyCo, ACV Capital and Dunkin Indonesia.Meanwhile, Daniel Michael has expanded his responsibilities as PR Lead while continuing in his existing role as Associate Director for Singapore and Malaysia.In the dual role, Michael will help shape the agency’s regional communications strategy while leading client programmes across corporate reputation, media relations, brand storytelling and integrated campaign management.His portfolio spans industries including automotive, artificial intelligence, lifestyle, property, corporate communications and technology. Michael previously joined Alpha Story as Senior Manager after earlier roles with Astro and MSL Group.The agency has also appointed Haviera Rahma as Senior Public Relations Consultant. In her role, Rahma will support media engagement and external communications programmes for clients across multiple sectors.Rahma brings experience in PR and digital marketing from several Indonesia-based agencies and previously worked as a journalist at Kompas Gramedia.(Source: Telum Media)

Farah Zuber is stepping down from her role as senior vice president, head of communications and business development, APAC at Weber Shandwick after two years with the agency.Zuber joined Weber Shandwick in 2024 as vice president and head of communications for the Asia-Pacific region before being elevated to her expanded leadership role in July 2025. In her position, she reported directly to Tyler Kim.Before joining Weber Shandwick, Zuber served as senior director at Redhill. She has also held communications roles at SPAG, Edelman and Arc Worldwide.Her departure comes during a period of broader leadership transition across the global communications industry.Recently, Susan Howe announced plans to retire in September after nearly three decades with Weber Shandwick. She will be succeeded by Karen Pugliese, who is set to take over as CEO from 1 September.At the same time, reports also indicated that Jim O’Leary will exit the agency to become CEO of Penta.Separately, Omnicom Public Relations recently unveiled a new regional leadership structure effective 1 July. Under the changes, Joanne Wong will lead APAC operations, while Hugh Taggart and Greg Power will oversee EMEA and Canada respectively.Taggart previously served as CEO EMEA at Weber Shandwick, while Power led Weber Shandwick Canada as president and CEO. Wong most recently held the role of APAC president at FleishmanHillard.The new structure will see the regional leaders reporting to Chris Foster as the network looks to strengthen integrated client support across markets and communications disciplines.

AB InBev India has promoted Bratin Roy to Vice President, Corporate Affairs.Roy has been associated with the company for several years and has worked across policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and corporate affairs functions. In his new role, he will oversee corporate affairs initiatives for the organisation in India.Before this elevation, Roy served in leadership roles within the company’s corporate and regulatory affairs division, contributing to policy engagement and industry partnerships.The appointment comes as companies across sectors continue to strengthen leadership teams focused on public policy, regulatory engagement, and strategic communications.

Stratfield Partners has announced its expansion into the Gulf region with the appointment of Suhail Shaikh as Partner, strengthening the firm’s presence across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC market.Headquartered in Mumbai, Stratfield Partners specialises in public affairs, government relations, regulatory advisory and strategic communications.Shaikh will lead the firm’s advisory operations from Saudi Arabia, overseeing engagements across Bahrain, the UAE and other Gulf markets. He brings nearly two decades of experience advising government bodies and enterprise organisations across the region on strategy, partnerships and stakeholder engagement.Announcing the appointment, Muneeb Ansari said the Gulf expansion had been a strategic priority for the firm.“Building a serious advisory presence in the Gulf has been a priority for us, and Suhail is exactly the kind of partner you want leading that effort. He brings two decades of experience across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, along with relationships that truly matter,” Ansari said.Shaikh said the region increasingly values senior-led and relationship-driven advisory models.“The Gulf has always been a market where relationships and credibility open more doors than credentials alone. Having spent two decades building both across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, joining Stratfield Partners feels like a natural next step,” he said.“The firm’s independent and outcome-focused approach aligns closely with what sophisticated clients in this region are looking for.”The move marks Stratfield Partners’ latest step in building a stronger international advisory footprint amid growing business and policy engagement between India and the Gulf region.

FGS Global, the strategic leadership advisory, has appointed Justin Dini as Partner and Global Co-Head of its Strategy & Reputation offering. Based in New York, Dini will co-lead the group alongside Sir Craig Oliver, based in London.The Strategy & Reputation offering helps leaders and organizations shape and build their reputations as they navigate an increasingly complex world. FGS Global guides leadership teams in anticipating, influencing, and driving outcomes that mitigate risk and support their business goals. The practice is grounded in insights and research and integrated into the full spectrum of policy, advocacy, and communications counsel the firm provides to clients globally. Dini and Oliver will drive the growth and expansion of the practice, incorporating AI-powered tools to expand the firm’s offering to board and C-suite relationships and supporting communications leaders as demands intensify.“Justin is a highly respected communications leader, with a track record of successfully navigating both challenges and opportunities at some of the world's most iconic companies," said Alex Geiser, Global CEO, FGS Global."We have long admired Justin as a leader in the field, and had the privilege of working alongside him as a client for many years," added Winnie Lerner, Partner and North America CEO, FGS Global. “Justin is an insightful, thoughtful strategist who understands the power of communications as a problem-solving tool for leadership teams. He will be a terrific addition to the team.” Dini joins FGS Global following eight years at Paramount Global, where he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Communications Officer. In that role, he led corporate communications through an extraordinary period of transformation, including the merger of Viacom and CBS, the company's rebrand as Paramount Global, the acquisition of Pluto TV and launch of Paramount+, and the eventual merger with Skydance. Prior to Paramount, Dini was Partner and Co-Head of the US Telecom, Media & Technology practice at Brunswick Group during his decade-long tenure at the firm. He began his career as a journalist, with work appearing in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Institutional Investor, and Adweek, before serving as Special Assistant for Communications to the New York City Comptroller."Companies are navigating an increasingly volatile geopolitical, media, and economic landscape, and corporate affairs and communications leaders are often at the apex of that work," said Dini. "The opportunity to support those leaders, drawing on my experience as a former CCO, external advisor, and journalist at a firm with the geographic, functional, and sector breadth of FGS is truly energizing. Having worked with the team as a client, I have seen firsthand how this firm operates when the stakes are highest, and I could not be more excited to join FGS."

Prius Communications has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of veteran industry professional Sanjay Sharma as Director – PR, In his new role, Sharma will oversee strategic public relations mandates across the group’s two key verticals — Prius Brand and Business Partners and Prius Healthcare — with a focus on media relations, corporate reputation, brand advisory, stakeholder engagement, and integrated PR strategy.Sharma brings with him over three decades of rich experience across advertising, corporate communications, marketing communications, brand management, media relations, and journalism. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), he has also had international exposure and is widely networked across the media, corporate, and public relations ecosystem.During his distinguished career, Sharma has held senior leadership and communications roles across several reputed organisations, including Indian Airlines/Air India, Dalmia Group, Jindal Group, Birla Group, The Hindustan Times Group, and ITV Network. His professional journey also includes his association with All India Radio as an English newsreader, reflecting his strong command over language, media understanding, and public messaging. His understanding and exposure in domains like civil aviation, aerospace, defence, real estate, infrastructure, education, and media makes him stand apart from the rest among others.Speaking on his new role, Sanjay Sharma, Director – PR, Prius Communications, said, “I am pleased to join Prius Communications at an important stage of its growth journey. Communication today is not only about visibility, but about building credibility, trust, and meaningful engagement with stakeholders. Prius has built strong capabilities across healthcare, corporate reputation, and brand communications, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and impact.”Welcoming him to the leadership team, Baldev Raj, Founder & CEO, Prius Brand and Business Partners, flagship of Prius Communications, and Chairman, Public Relation Council of India – Delhi Chapter, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Sharma to Prius Communications. His vast experience, deep media understanding, and strategic PR expertise will further strengthen our leadership team. As we continue to expand Prius Brand and Business Partners and Prius Healthcare, his guidance and counsel will add immense value to our clients, teams, and long-term growth vision.”With Sharma’s appointment, Prius Communications aims to further strengthen its senior leadership, enhance strategic PR counsel for clients, and deepen its engagement across media, corporate, healthcare, and reputation-led mandates.

Omnicom Public Relations Group (OPR) has unveiled a new regional leadership structure as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and strengthen integrated client delivery across global markets.Effective July 1, Joanne Wong (pictured) will take over as CEO of OPR APAC, while Hugh Taggart becomes CEO of OPR EMEA and Greg Power assumes the role of CEO for OPR Canada.The appointments bring together senior executives from across Omnicom’s communications portfolio. Taggart previously served as CEO EMEA at Weber Shandwick, while Power was president and CEO of Weber Shandwick Canada. Wong joins from FleishmanHillard, where she most recently served as APAC president.All three executives will report to Chris Foster, CEO of OPR, and oversee agency brands across their respective regions in collaboration with local leadership teams and global agency heads.According to the company, the new structure is intended to provide clients with more seamless and integrated support across markets, disciplines and agency networks.The move follows OPR’s recent efforts to simplify its global portfolio structure by creating a more coordinated governance model across its communications agencies, including Golin, Ketchum, Weber Shandwick and FleishmanHillard.“OPR is strengthening our market presence by bringing the OPR network together in a more coordinated and effective way,” Foster said.“Our agency brands each bring a unique value proposition and a commitment to client service excellence. By showing up as a cohesive, integrated partner, we preserve those distinctive capabilities while ensuring we deliver the seamless experience our clients expect.”The company said the US and UK operations will continue under their existing agency-led structures, while the new regional model will be introduced in phases across other markets. Additional country-level leadership appointments are expected in the coming months.The restructuring comes during a period of wider leadership transition within Weber Shandwick.Earlier this month, the agency announced that Susan Howe will retire in September after nearly three decades with the firm. She will be succeeded by Karen Pugliese, currently global president, who will officially assume the CEO role on September 1.Separately, Weber Shandwick North America CEO and global president Jim O'Leary is also set to exit the agency to join Penta as CEO.

HYROX has appointed Adam Gangemi as PR Manager for the Asia-Pacific region, as the fitness racing brand accelerates its expansion across key international markets.In his new role, Gangemi will lead marketing and communications efforts across APAC, focusing on brand awareness, race storytelling, participant-led narratives and regional partnerships as HYROX continues to deepen its presence across the region.Speaking about the appointment, Gangemi said one of HYROX’s biggest strengths lies in the diversity of stories emerging from every event.“What makes HYROX so special is that every race has a thousand different stories behind it, from adaptive athletes, to first-timers, to HYROX veterans. I’m looking forward to showcasing this powerful community, working with exciting partners, launching HYROX into new regions, and supporting the momentum already witnessed across APAC,” he said.HYROX has already hosted races across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea, with several markets hosting events across multiple cities.Gangemi said the next phase of growth will include emerging markets such as Indonesia and Malaysia, where the company has already announced upcoming races.“We have announced races in Indonesia and Malaysia, so I’m excited to see the reception those races receive,” he added.Based in Sydney, Gangemi joins HYROX after serving as Campaign Manager at TEAM LEWIS, where he worked across brand-building and communications mandates in Australia and the wider APAC region.Interestingly, HYROX was previously one of his clients during his tenure at the agency.“I loved helping brands grow their presence in Australia and APAC. HYROX was one of my clients, and it was exciting to support its journey into becoming the fitness powerhouse it is today across APAC,” Gangemi said.He added that he is particularly interested in spotlighting the personal stories emerging from the HYROX community, including adaptive athletes, senior participants and first-time competitors.“As the fitness industry continues to evolve, we want to show how HYROX remains at the centre of community and gives everyday gym-goers something to work towards,” he said.

MikeWorldWide has appointed Dave Aglar as chief integrated media & innovation officer, as the agency continues to expand its media, analytics and AI operations.Aglar joins MWW after nearly two decades at Weber Shandwick, where he worked across media, social, influencer and analytics functions.In the newly created role, Aglar will report to MWW founder and CEO Michael Kempner and oversee the agency’s integrated media, research, analytics and creative teams, along with its AI initiatives.The appointment follows MWW’s recent hiring of former FleishmanHillard executive Mike Sacks to strengthen its corporate reputation and advisory business. The agency has also acquired employee communications consultancy HudsonLake and consumer agency Berk Communications.According to the agency, Aglar will work on aligning media, research and creative capabilities across client accounts as brands navigate changing audience behaviour and evolving media consumption patterns.“Dave’s appointment reflects how we’re continuing to evolve MWW for the future, bringing together media, communications, technology, and intelligence in a more connected way,” Kempner said in a statement.Aglar said the opportunity to help shape the agency’s next phase of growth drew him to the role.Over the course of his career, Aglar has worked with brands including General Motors, Kenvue, Mars Incorporated, IBM, Unilever, Nestlé, Verizon, Novartis, PepsiCo and YouTube across consumer, healthcare, technology and corporate sectors.

Tribes Communication has elevated Tavleen Kaur to the role of Group Director – Creative Strategy.Kaur shared the announcement through a LinkedIn post, where she spoke about her journey with the company and her transition into the new role.In her post, Kaur said that her experience at Tribes Communication had been “enriching” and “award-winning,” while highlighting the creative collaborations and projects she has been part of during her tenure.Prior to her elevation, Kaur served as Senior Director – Creative Strategy at the agency.She brings close to a decade of experience across traditional and non-traditional advertising, with a focus on creative planning and strategy.

Tata Communications Limited has announced the appointment of Ganapathi S. Lakshminarayanan as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a five-year term beginning May 20, 2026. Another corner office changes hands. Somewhere, a LinkedIn post is already being drafted with the phrase “honoured and humbled.”According to the company’s regulatory filing dated May 20, 2026, the Board of Directors approved the appointment based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.Lakshminarayanan has also been appointed as an Additional Director of the company, subject to shareholder approval. His tenure as Managing Director and CEO will continue until May 19, 2031.The company stated that there are no inter se relationships between Lakshminarayanan and any other director of the company, and that he is not debarred from holding the office of director by any order issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India or any other authority.Tata Communications said Lakshminarayanan, also known as Ganesh, was appointed as Managing Director and CEO-Designate on January 21, 2026.The company noted that he brings more than 30 years of international management experience across multinational corporations, B2B startups and Indian enterprises. Prior to this appointment, he served as Managing Director and Group Vice President for ServiceNow in India and SAARC, where he was responsible for driving market growth.Before joining ServiceNow, Lakshminarayanan was CEO of Airtel Business in India and earlier led Airtel’s Enterprise Business unit.The filing also stated that Lakshminarayanan has been elected twice to the NASSCOM executive council, served on the FICCI council and is a founding member of Social Venture Partners Bengaluru. 

Edelman Smithfield has announced a series of senior promotions and appointments across its Middle East business, reflecting its focus on building talent and leadership in the region. These moves underscore the firm’s commitment to developing senior expertise and strengthening its capabilities across key client accounts.Dhanya Issac (pictured) has been promoted to Managing Director, Edelman Smithfield Middle East. In this expanded regional role, she will continue to lead the firm’s Capital Markets advisory offering, while playing a broader role in strengthening Edelman Smithfield’s financial communications and strategic advisory platform across the Middle East. Dhanya provides senior counsel to sovereign entities, financial institutions, listed companies and global investors on reputation, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications across public and private markets. Her work spans IPOs, M&As, capital raising, investor relations, transaction communications and special situations. She also leads Edelman Smithfield’s Dubai office and will continue to support the development of regional talent and integrated client advisory across the business.Tarek Zahnan has been promoted to Senior Director, reflecting his expanded leadership remit across Edelman Smithfield’s Middle East business. Since joining Edelman in 2022, he has led strategic advisory for ADGM, overseeing communications support for Abu Dhabi’s international financial centre and playing a central role in strengthening ADGM’s global profile. With more than two decades of experience spanning financial communications, media and journalism, Tarek will continue to drive high-impact client counsel and deliver integrated support across priority mandates.Alongside internal promotions, Edelman Smithfield has appointed Pia Pennyfather as Director within its Middle East practice, joining from Barclays in London. With specialist expertise in investment banking, investor relations, fintech, and central banks having previously served at the Bank of England, Pia brings world-class experience and will lead key client mandates while providing senior counsel across the Middle East.The business has also promoted a number of colleagues across its Edelman and Smithfield teams, recognising their contribution to client growth and the continued development of its capabilities in the region.Alex Simmons, Head of EMEA, Edelman Smithfield, said: “Over the past five years, we’ve made a sustained investment in our people and in the clients we serve across the Middle East, building a platform with deep sector expertise and the senior counsel the market increasingly demands. Dhanya’s promotion to Managing Director is a natural next step as we continue to strengthen regional leadership. Together with Tarek’s promotion and Pia’s appointment, these moves reinforce our long-term commitment to the region and ensure we keep investing in the capabilities our clients need.”Simon Hailes, Head of Edelman Smithfield Middle East, said: “With expert talent of the highest calibre, Edelman Smithfield has achieved record growth in the Middle East—becoming a trusted financial communications advisor to clients and building momentum through a strong team culture. These promotions and appointments reflect the depth of our bench and our focus on the region: developing talent from within, bringing in international expertise, and supporting the next generation of communications professionals as we expand our presence.”Edelman is investing in the development of local talent, including the addition of emerging Emirati and Saudi professionals to the team. As a signatory to the UAE’s Emirati Media Talent Pledge, the firm is supporting the next generation of communications professionals through mentoring and structured development—contributing to the long-term growth of the regional media ecosystem.The 40-strong Edelman Smithfield team provides financial communications expertise across key markets in the Middle East as part of Edelman’s broader regional network of over 200 communications professionals and works for key sovereign and financial entities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, whilst also supporting global financial institutions in the region.

Vedanta Power Ltd has appointed Roma Balwani as an Independent Director, according to information confirmed by industry sources.Balwani brings over four decades of experience across the corporate sector and is known for her work in brand strategy, communications and organisational leadership.She currently serves as an Independent Director at John Cockerill India, formerly known as CMI FPE Ltd, where she also chairs the CSR and NRC committees. She has also recently joined the board of Godavari Power & Ispat Group.Earlier, Balwani held leadership roles at Vedanta Limited, where she served as President and was responsible for the group’s brand strategy initiatives.Her professional journey also includes associations with Mahindra Group and Aptech Limited.Apart from her corporate responsibilities, Balwani serves as the pro bono CEO of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association and is an advisory board member at TeamLease EdTech.

Risha Magu has joined Google India as Director, Communications & Public Affairs.Magu shared the update on LinkedIn, marking her move to Google after nearly six years at Meta, where she most recently served as Director Communications – Policy & Innovation for India.In her post, Magu reflected on her time at Meta, highlighting her experience working across products including Instagram, WhatsApp and Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.Before Meta, she worked at HMD Global, where she held leadership roles including Global Head of Communications and Communications Head for India.Her professional journey also includes communications roles at Microsoft India and Nokia India, where she worked across consumer communications, corporate communications, crisis management and brand strategy.Earlier in her career, Magu served as Account Director at 20:20 Media, managing communication strategy for brands including Google India, Tripadvisor, Canon and Aircel.She also spent several years at Perfect Relations in consulting and leadership roles.

Marketing veteran, Ashish Agarwal has joined Mordor Intelligence as Director – Marketing & Communications. Ashish will be instrumental in bringing together marketing and communications with the power of AI—using data, automation, and intelligent insights to drive sharper decision-making, and deeper customer engagement resulting in stronger brand presence and more scalable growth.Mordor Intelligence is one of the world’s leading market intelligence and advisory firms, helping businesses make strategic decisions through high-quality research, industry insights, and actionable market intelligence across global sectors.Speaking about his role, Ashish Agarwal said, “What drew me most to this opportunity was the chance to build, scale, and shape meaningful impact at the intersection of growth, brand, and business transformation—especially at a time when AI is fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate and how marketing and communications create value.”In a career spanning two decades, Ashish has worked with reputed organisations including The Times Group, Hutchison Whampoa 3 Global Services (now Tech Mahindra), MoneyGram, Regus and Nielsen.Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Ashish expressed his excitement at building, learning, and creating meaningful outcomes ahead.

Ellerton & Co. Public Relations (“Ellerton & Co.”), the independent strategic communications and integrated marketing agency, today announced the launch of its European practice, based in Switzerland and led by newly appointed Europe Lead, Gloria Montgomery. The practice extends Ellerton & Co.’s footprint into Europe and formalises a core part of its client work: supporting European companies expanding into Asia, and Asian companies expanding into Europe.The launch reflects a clear pattern in client demand. European companies — particularly those in their go-to-market phase — increasingly want to capture growth opportunities across Southeast Asia and India but lack the local marketing infrastructure to do so effectively. They need a partner that can localise messaging across markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and beyond, while navigating fragmented  media landscapes, and operate seamlessly across time zones. Asian clients moving in the other direction face a mirror challenge: a diverse European media landscape, multiple regulatory bodies, and stakeholder ecosystems that are difficult to navigate without senior counsel on the ground.The European practice is designed to serve both directions, and to support European clients building or scaling brands within Europe itself. With a senior team based in Switzerland, the practice offers strategic counsel, media engagement, public affairs, and integrated marketing — anchored by close coordination with Ellerton & Co.’s Singapore HQ and its offices and consultants across Greater Southeast Asia and India.The model echoes Ellerton & Co.’s Japan business, where roughly one in five clients are Japanese and the agency works closely with in-market partners to refine and localise content for the wider Asian region. Switzerland — Ellerton & Co.’s European base — already accounts for a similar share of clients, and the firm expects its broader European practice to scale  along a similar trajectory.The European launch follows the recent elevation of founder Oliver Ellerton to Managing Partner, the promotion of Michael de Waal-Montgomery and Prayaank Gupta to Partners, and the agency’s accession to the GlobalCom PR Network as the exclusive Southeast Asia representative.Gloria joins Ellerton & Co. as Europe Lead after a career spanning public affairs, human rights, and strategic communications. She has worked extensively with multilateral institutions including the United Nations and leading international organisations such as Amnesty International, engaging governments, diplomats, and senior stakeholders to advance policy priorities in sensitive international contexts. Earlier in her career, she held commercial roles at The Information Lab in the UK and designed and delivered training programmes for organisations including PwC. She holds an LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law from the University of Essex and an M.A. in Near and Middle Eastern Studies from SOAS, University of London.Oliver Ellerton, Managing Partner of Ellerton & Co., said: “Most of our European clients tell us the same thing — they see the Asian growth opportunity clearly, but they don’t have a marketing team in Singapore or Jakarta, let alone in Hanoi or Manila. They need a partner who can be their team on the ground: localising messaging, working in their time zones, and helping them earn credibility in markets that don’t reward generic playbooks. Switzerland is the right place to anchor that practice. It’s where a meaningful share of our clients already sit, and it gives us the right footing for the rest of Europe. Gloria has the calibre to lead this chapter.”Gloria Montgomery, Europe Lead at Ellerton & Co., said: “Expanding into new markets today is not just a commercial exercise - it requires navigating complex media, policy and stakeholder environments at the same time. That’s  what Ellerton & Co. has been doing for years..The European practice builds on that: helping Asian clients build profiles across Europe’s diverse media and policy environments, and supporting European clients with the strategic communications, media engagement, and public affairs work that makes brands credible at home and abroad.”Prayaank Gupta, Partner at Ellerton & Co., said: “Eighty-eight percent of our briefs are now multi-market, and a growing share across hemispheres. Our Japan business has shown what’s possible when you combine senior in-region presence with strong in-market partnerships — roughly one in five of our clients are Japanese, and we work hand-in-glove with local partners to localise content for the wider Asia region. We expect the same dynamic to play out in Europe, with Switzerland as the anchor.”The European practice spans:Strategic communications – corporate positioning, narrative development, executive visibility, and crisis preparedness across European and trans-regional markets.Media engagement – earned media strategy, journalist relationships, and editorial campaigns across business, trade, and consumer outlets in core European markets.Public affairs – stakeholder engagement, policy monitoring and political risk intelligence, advocacy campaigns and consultation responses, policy-facing thought leadership, and access platforms including roundtables, party conference strategy, and closed-door policymaker briefings.Human rights advisory – UN-facing advocacy, engagement with multilateral bodies, and coalition work with international human rights organisations.Integrated marketing – brand building, content, digital, and social campaigns coordinated across European and Asian markets.Go-to-market support – localised launch programmes, market entry communications, and around-the-clock coordination for clients without local marketing teams.Ellerton & Co.’s European launch comes on the back of a record growth year in which the agency more than doubled revenue, entered India, launched Ellerton Creative Studio, and onboarded global mandates including EHL Hospitality Business School, VFS Global (ASEAN) and Ethiopian Airlines.

Enthral has been appointed as the communications agency on record for Celsius in Australia and New Zealand following a pitch process.The partnership began with Celsius’ C-Store Rave event in Melbourne’s Brunswick suburb, headlined by Cyril. According to the company, tickets for the event sold out within an hour and generated a combined earned PR and social reach of 40.5 million.More recently, Celsius activated its partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team during the Australian Grand Prix through an early morning run club event that drew more than 1,000 participants.Andrew Brooks, head of marketing ANZ at Celsius, said Enthral had exceeded expectations as the brand’s earned media partner and credited the agency’s media coverage efforts with helping increase brand visibility in the market.Alongside the Celsius win, Enthral has also secured the communications account for IHG Hotels & Resorts after a pitch. The agency had previously worked with the hospitality company on a project basis, including a campaign for Holiday Inn Express featuring a scented alarm clock concept.Following the account wins, Enthral has expanded its team with several senior appointments.Hayden Isaacs has joined as business director from Dentsu Creative. His previous experience includes roles at WhiteGREY, Leo Burnett and Cummins & Partners.Tatsiana Baibak has joined as PR and content group account director in Melbourne from Bastion Agency, while Jade Glashoff joins the Sydney office in the same role from Gate 7.The agency has also appointed Paige McLaren and Sally Muul as senior creative producers in Sydney.The developments come as Enthral marks its 12th anniversary and introduces a new earned-first agency positioning.

Jim O’Leary is set to join Penta as Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition at the intelligence and advisory firm.O’Leary currently serves as North America CEO and global president at Weber Shandwick. He joined the firm in 2023 and led its North America operations, including the launch of Weber Advisory, the agency’s corporate affairs unit. He also oversaw AI-related transformation initiatives during his tenure.Before joining Weber Shandwick, O’Leary held senior leadership roles at Edelman, where he served as global corporate affairs chair and US COO.At Penta, O’Leary will succeed Matt McDonald, who will move to the company’s board and continue working with its leadership team. O’Leary is expected to remain with Weber Shandwick until the summer.The appointment comes as Penta continues expanding its advisory model focused on communications counsel, AI, data analytics and geopolitical intelligence. The company received investment from Shamrock Capital in 2025 to support its growth plans.Penta said its platform processes more than 25 million daily signals across over 100 languages to help clients monitor policy, reputational and stakeholder issues in real time.Headquartered in Washington, Penta operates offices in New York, London, Brussels, Dublin, Singapore, San Francisco and Hong Kong. The firm was launched in 2022 through the merger of six strategy, analytics, research and intelligence companies.

TikTok has appointed Jeremy Ng as communications lead for Malaysia.Ng shared the update on LinkedIn following nearly two years with the company, where he previously served as Southeast Asia senior communications manager for UGC digital literacy and eCommerce.In his new role, Ng will lead communications strategy, corporate narrative and reputation management for TikTok and ByteDance in Malaysia, including brands such as Lark and BytePlus. His responsibilities include overseeing integrated communications initiatives, stakeholder engagement and issues management in the local market.Ng has also been associated with TikTok’s #ThinkTwice digital literacy initiative, which focuses on scam prevention through multilingual educational resources, in-app knowledge hubs, creator-led content and industry dialogues. According to his LinkedIn post, the initiative has expanded into markets including the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.Before joining TikTok, Ng worked at Boost as assistant manager for public relations and corporate PR. His previous experience also includes roles at Lazada and Archetype.