Bizzcom Solutions, a fast-growing integrated Public Relations and Strategic Communications agency, has announced a significant global expansion, now offering PR services across 20+ countries including the UAE, UK, USA, Singapore, Canada, Australia, Germany, South Africa, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. This expansion marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to deliver borderless brand communication solutions to businesses worldwide.Over the past year, Bizzcom Solutions has onboarded a diverse portfolio of international clients in sectors such as technology, hospitality, healthcare, education, fintech, real estate, lifestyle, and sustainability. The agency now collaborates with global media networks, influencers, industry publications, and regional PR partners to offer seamless cross-country media outreach.Speaking on this global expansion, Praveen Tiwari, Founder of Bizzcom Solutions, said:“This expansion reflects our vision of building a truly global PR ecosystem powered by innovation, storytelling, and meaningful brand connections. We are not just growing in numbers but in capability, creativity, and global influence. Our goal is to help Indian brands go global and global brands connect deeply with Indian and Asian markets. This is just the beginning of a much larger journey.”With operations now spanning North America, Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, Bizzcom Solutions is strengthening its international communications infrastructure through:Global Media Relations & Cross-Border PR CampaignsCEO Branding, Thought Leadership & Corporate ReputationCrisis Communication & Reputation ManagementDigital PR, Online Visibility & Media StrategyInvestor Relations & Startup Brand CommunicationThe agency is also launching a Global PR Alliance Program that connects businesses with local media networks and journalists in different countries, enabling faster and more targeted global visibility. This initiative will support startups and enterprises planning market entry or brand expansion in new regions."We are building a PR ecosystem where geography is no longer a barrier," added Tiwari. "With our strong media relationships and global partnerships, we aim to create brand impact that travels across borders."

Illumination PR has expanded its service offerings with the launch of DR Media Group, a new division dedicated to healthcare communications. The move marks the agency’s formal entry into the medical and wellness space, building on its longstanding success with clients in the aesthetics and healthcare sectors.Headquartered in Rye Brook, New York, Illumination PR has built a strong reputation over the past eight years representing lifestyle brands, influencers, and high-profile clients. The introduction of DR Media Group establishes a specialized focus on medical professionals, including doctors, clinics, and wellness brands, offering tailored PR strategies that combine industry compliance with creative storytelling.The new division aims to enhance visibility, credibility, and patient trust for healthcare clients through strategic media relations, digital reputation management, and business development initiatives. Leveraging Illumination PR’s expertise in media outreach and brand building, DR Media Group will provide end-to-end communication support for practices across sectors such as plastic surgery, dermatology, and medical aesthetics.DR Media Group will also build on Illumination PR’s record of securing placements in leading publications including Vogue, Forbes, Elle, and People Magazine, extending these opportunities to healthcare professionals seeking stronger brand recognition and market differentiation.The launch of DR Media Group signifies Illumination PR’s continued evolution, bridging its established influence in lifestyle storytelling with the growing demand for specialized, compliant, and effective communication in the healthcare industry.

Only 27% of GCC marcomms professionals say leadership teams in their organisations or divisions have equal or near-equal male-female representation, defined as 40-60% in favour of any gender. The vast majority (56%) have indicated low representation, while only 17% cited high representation. When it comes to the very top positions, 36% said a woman held the most senior role in their marcomms organisation or division, with a title of CEO, CMO, MD, or founder. This is up from 30% in 2024.Results were shared by The Marketing Society and Weber Shandwick, an Official Partner of Think Equal, the industry initiative that aims to accelerate gender equality in leadership across the marcomms industry in the GCC. The data captured insights from both men and women in regional marketing communications functions and conveys a distinct opportunity to strengthen gender balance at the top. Various studies have linked diverse leadership teams to improved performance and profitability.In terms of optimism levels, 68% of respondents say they are optimistic about future progress in gender equality in leadership roles within the GCC marcomms sector. The majority (56%) say they believe that progress has happened and is happening based on what they see, hear, and experience. Just over a quarter (28%) say the right moves in the right direction have started, however 16% feel no meaningful progress has been achieved.It’s noteworthy that this year’s survey recorded a drop in the number of respondents who said their company provides a female-focused training and development programme, echoing rollbacks globally in DEI initiatives. In contrast, The Marketing Society, TikTok and Weber Shandwick MENAT have launched The Leadership Accelerator, a six-month programme in 2026 for 12 exceptional female marcomms leaders in the UAE, who will benefit from masterclasses and mentorship. “Without question, being surrounded by views and perspectives that are different from our own, are incredibly valuable. They give us extra context, and new ways to look at things. And often, these different views come from women, making decision-making far more vigorous. The data from this survey indicates a need for more consistent, industry-wide efforts to create impactful change – not just for women, but also for the organisations that stand to benefit from this positive development,” said Ziad Hasbani, Regional CEO of Weber Shandwick MENAT.Survey results were shared by Alasdair Hall-Jones, Global Director of The Marketing Society and Katie Plant, Director at Weber Shandwick MENAT at a mixed-gender event titled ‘From Soft Power to Strategic Power’. The agenda also included an insightful conversation with advice, perspectives and tips for driving strategic power, based on the personal experiences shared by Suad Merchant, CMO, GEMS Education, Noreen Nasralla, SVP Marketing Strategy & Branding, Alef Group and Ghaleb Zeidan, Regional Managing Director, Weber Shandwick MENAT. Mariaan Valero, Head of Marketing & Content, Weber Shandwick MENAT moderated the session.A workshop and audience engagement led to the collective identification of the top 3 skills women need to focus on to help drive their strategic power: those being confident communication, persuasive influence, and negotiation. Other skills that ranked high were senior stakeholder management, business and commercial acumen, and relationship building and networking.The event’s workshop feedback and results from the survey will be used and developed by the Think Equal Working Committee, a group of industry professionals from both brands and agencies.

Adgcraft, one of India’s most trusted PR agencies, has announced the launch of its new office in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This strategic move towards expansion will mark a major achievement in the agency’s PR journey. The Bengaluru office will play a crucial role in strengthening Adgcraft’s verticals - Adgcraft Communications, Adgcraft AI, and Adgcraft Global. Adgcraft is aligning with its long-term goal of building a strong manpower of 25+ ideal members and a future-ready workforce in the new office by 2026 under the mentorship of top-industry veterans. With this expansion, Adgcraft underscores its commitment to delivering innovative and impactful PR solutions tailored for India’s fast-evolving communication landscape.The new office at Awfis, Samrah Plaza, St Mark's Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 56000, is set to focus on serving startups, corporates, tech-corporates, and companies in the field of Artificial Intelligence, positioning itself in the heart of India’s innovation and technological hub with thousands of IT companies and global tech giants. Adgcraft will leverage its deep expertise and client-first approach for its clients in achieving public relations and communication goals. The company has a track record in designing communication strategies and handling diverse PR mandates, focusing on the client’s demands and needs, making it a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their reputation, visibility, and engagement in India and globally. With this expansion to the tech hub, the company will also drive key operations in social media, performance marketing, video production, and event management.Abhinay Kumar Singh, Managing Director of Adgcraft, being passionate and enthusiastic about this new launch, said, “We are excited to open our new office in Bengaluru, the Tech Capital of India, as it is India’s biggest startup and technology hub. Expanding our roots there will strengthen Adgcraft’s presence. Being a PR and Communications service provider, we are working with more than 200 brands and companies. With our expansion, our vision is to empower brands by combining creativity with strategy, and this launch takes us one step closer to achieving that goal, so we are excited to work even harder and smarter to continue with the expansion process.”Over the years, Adgcraft has established itself as one of the most trusted names in the Public Relations industry, working with clients across sectors, including BFSI, lifestyle, hospitality, corporate, and emerging tech. The agency has successfully collaborated with international clients from the USA, South Korea, and other global markets, while also providing strategic communication support to numerous Indian startups. Its achievements in brand building, reputation management, and crisis communications highlight its ability to deliver results-driven PR strategies and campaigns.Guided by its vision to be a one-stop solution provider for comprehensive PR and brand communications, Adgcraft operates with the motto of “Your story is your strength, and communication is ours.” 

Bridgers, India’s leading integrated communications agency, today announced that the company has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Kanpur’s Entrepreneurship Cell for the 2025 edition of UpStart, its flagship pitching event focused on empowering startups and entrepreneurs across India. The partnership will see Bridgers assist the IIT Kanpur E-Cell with end-to-end communications solutions, highlighting the impact of UpStart 2025 across India. The event is set to begin with its Nationals edition in Delhi (October 11th), Bengaluru (November 8th) ,Hyderabad (November 1st) and Mumbai (December 6th) ahead of the Finals at IIT Kanpur in January 23-25, 2025.The partnership will also see Bridgers work closely with the IIT Kanpur E-Cell, helping them to amplify the brand voice of UpStart 2025 with strategic campaigns and community-first storytelling. Bridgers will also work on establishing an authentic narrative that uniquely positions IIT Kanpur and its E-Cell as growth-focused entities in both national and regional media. As part of the MoU, Bridgers will also be integrating reputation management as a service for the event and IIT Kanpur E-Cell in general, bolstering its positioning across the country.Speaking on the MoU, Anubhav Singh, Founder of Bridgers, said, “It is a delight to collaborate with a premier institution of IIT Kanpur’s stature, and its Entrepreneurship Cell for us. Startup Communication has been one of our fortes over the years, and to assist the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs by contributing to IIT Kanpur’s vision through the E-Cell, we feel that it is the perfect combination of services and responsibility. As media partners of IIT Kanpur E-Cell’s UpStart 2025, we will look forward to positioning our stakeholders to the pinnacle of success and contribute to the country’s Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.”Laksh Bansal of IIT Kanpur E-Cell, also shared his insights on the collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Bridgers as the official Media Partner for IIT Kanpur Entrepreneurship Cell’s flagship pitching event, UpStart 2025. At IIT Kanpur, our goal is to contribute to the country’s emerging startup ecosystem by assisting entrepreneurs with crucial and relevant support, and with Bridgers, highlighting the impact of this event has become more streamlined than ever. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership ahead, contributing to our shared vision of empowering tomorrow’s founders and unicorns.”The partnership between Bridgers and IIT Kanpur E-Cell will see the former assisting across all targeted cities for the Nationals, i.e., Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, along with the Finals at IIT Kanpur in January 23-25, 2025. The impact of the collaboration will extend beyond enhancing media presence, but also establishing a robust relationship with the selected startups and the national & regional media, along with the strategic stakeholders. This proactive relationship will include operational agility through both traditional and new-age media verticals, establishing brand recalls for IIT Kanpur E-Cell, UpStart 2025, along with the selected startups nationwide.

Varsha Chainani, a communications veteran with nearly four decades of experience, has launched The Light Wellness Company following her departure from Vedanta Group.The new venture focuses on empowering leaders and professionals to achieve clarity, confidence, and purpose during periods of personal and professional transition. It combines Chainani’s expertise as a communicator, coach, and wellness practitioner to provide holistic guidance and support, aiming to foster harmony and transformation in both work and life.Throughout her career, Chainani has held senior roles at leading organizations including Mahindra Group, Adani, Abbott Laboratories, IBM, and others, building extensive experience in strategic communications and leadership development.

Media Corridors, a communications and public relations consultancy, has introduced a refreshed brand identity reflecting the agency’s evolution and forward-looking vision.The updated branding includes a new logo that incorporates a speech-bubble motif, with the word “Media” in bright blue and “Corridors” in golden-yellow. The new identity has also been implemented across the agency’s website, mediacorridors.com.The rebrand emphasizes the agency’s focus on innovation, strategy, and helping clients enhance visibility and recognition. The logo, color scheme, and website design collectively convey energy, clarity, and approachability while representing the agency’s purpose of turning stories into meaningful impact.

DPDzero, a leading debt collections company redefining the future of debt resolution in India, has appointed The Media Manifest (TMM) as its strategic public relations partner to drive impactful media communications. Through this collaboration, DPDzero aims to strengthen its brand visibility, build thought leadership, and drive meaningful conversations around AI innovation and trust in the collections ecosystem.The company recently raised $7M in a Series A funding round, fuelling its growth journey as it scales operations and doubles down on building a fair, transparent, and technology-led approach to collections.As India’s debt collections landscape evolves with technology-led interventions and regulatory focus on fair practices, DPDzero has been at the forefront of offering ethical, data-driven, and customer-friendly collection solutions to financial institutions and businesses. Partnering with The Media Manifest will help amplify DPDzero’s voice in the industry and engage effectively with stakeholders across financial services, fintech, and policy ecosystems.Nupur Maheswari, Co-founder of The Media Manifest, said: “We are thrilled to partner with DPDzero in their journey of transforming the collections space in India. Debt collection is often viewed through a difficult lens, and DPDzero is challenging that perception by building a humane, AI-enabled, and transparent approach. Our role will be to strategically position DPDzero’s narrative and ensure their pioneering work gets the visibility it deserves.”The partnership reflects DPDzero’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership in the debt collections industry while ensuring its mission of ethical collections resonates with the wider ecosystem.

Meenu Handa, one of India’s most respected corporate communications leaders, has announced her retirement, marking the end of a remarkable 35-year career across some of the world’s most influential companies. Starting her journey on October 1, 1990, at IPAN, Handa went on to hold senior leadership roles at Microsoft, Amazon, and most recently Google, where she served as Vice President of Communications for Asia-Pacific.In a reflective note shared on the anniversary of her first day in the industry, Handa said: “35 years. 4 incredible companies. A million memories. Today, as I change the pace of my life, I look back at these years with deep fulfillment and gratitude… The question I’m often asked is, ‘What’s the plan?’ My answer: there is no plan. A whole new, fresh canvas awaits.”A Storied Career in CommunicationsHanda began her career at IPAN Hill & Knowlton, where she rose to the position of Vice President and built deep expertise in marketing communications, public affairs, and crisis management. She then spent over seven years at Microsoft India, serving as Director of Corporate Communications and as part of the India Leadership Team, where she was recognized as “Corporate Communication Professional of the Year” in 2012 by exchange4media.In 2013, she joined Amazon, setting up the corporate communications function for the company in India and building its CSR charter under “Amazon Cares,” which went on to win the Golden Peacock CSR Award.Her longest stint was at Google, where she spent nearly a decade in multiple leadership roles across India and Asia-Pacific, ultimately becoming Vice President of Communications for the region. At Google, she led critical mandates in corporate communications, storytelling, and reputation management, while mentoring and building high-performing communications teams.Beyond her corporate roles, Handa also served as Independent Director on the board of SRL Diagnostics (2016–2018) and as an advisory board member for KickOff Solutions.A Legacy of Leadership and MentorshipThroughout her career, Handa was known not just for her communication acumen but also for mentoring teams and empowering young professionals. In her farewell note, she expressed deep gratitude to her mentors, peers, and teams across IPAN, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, calling the relationships she built her “real return on investment.”Handa’s retirement marks the close of a landmark career that shaped the communication strategies of global tech and retail leaders in India and beyond. Looking ahead, she says she is embracing the same “nervous excitement” she felt on her first day in the industry—ready to paint a new canvas in life’s next chapter.

In this role, she managed communications for brands like Ampere and Greaves 3W, and led strategic messaging and IPO communication efforts for the company's upcoming listing.Prior to this, she served as Deputy General Manager at Greaves Cotton Ltd., overseeing internal and external communications, social media, website, intranet, and investor relations.Before joining Greaves, Trupti spent over a decade at MSL India and Six Degrees BCW, where she led communications for clients across sectors like automotive, technology, and startups. Her recent posts on LinkedIn reflect a sense of pride and gratitude for her journey, including a post titled "Legacy Matters" acknowledging her time at Greaves Cotton. 

Weber Shandwick, the earned-first global communications agency, today announced the promotion of Shashikanth Someshwar to Chief Executive Officer of Weber Shandwick India, effective October 1.With a team of more than 150 people across Mumbai, Gurgaon, and Bengaluru, India has become one of Weber Shandwick’s fastest-growing markets in Asia Pacific, fueled by demand from clients in technology, healthcare, consumer, and public affairs. Someshwar’s promotion reinforces the firm’s commitment to building on this momentum and expanding its leadership presence in the region. “India is not only one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia Pacific, but it is also one of the most influential. Shashi’s leadership will ensure that Weber Shandwick continues to be at the forefront of this growth, helping clients navigate change with creativity, innovation, and meaningful impact. His promotion is a critical step in strengthening our leadership bench as we accelerate our regional ambitions,” said Tyler Kim, CEO, APAC, Weber Shandwick. “The promotion is both a personal milestone and a reflection of the incredible journey we have taken as a team. India’s communications landscape is evolving rapidly, and Weber Shandwick is uniquely positioned to help clients seize the opportunities ahead. My focus will be on building the next chapter of growth by strengthening partnerships, embracing innovation, and empowering our team to deliver impact,” said Someshwar.Someshwar has held leadership roles across corporate and consumer practices before stepping in as interim Managing Director of India earlier this year. Working closely with the senior leadership team, he has been instrumental in driving growth, providing strategic counsel to clients, and building teams aligned with the evolving needs of the market.

Once considered a side-channel for hobbyists and storytellers, podcasts have now entered the mainstream of corporate strategy. With India’s young, mobile-first population driving a surge in audio consumption, organizations are recognizing the format’s ability to blend accessibility with authenticity.On International Podcast Day today, industry leaders are highlighting how podcasts have evolved from niche passion projects into powerful corporate communication tools. For businesses navigating increasingly complex audiences and communication channels, podcasts are fast becoming an essential medium for leadership branding, internal alignment, and client engagement.In an era where traditional mass media struggles to match the pace of personalized digital content, podcasts offer leaders a unique platform to speak directly and meaningfully to stakeholders.Dr. Sandeep Dadia, CEO and Country Head at Lockton India, notes that the medium’s rise has been driven by convenience and authenticity. “This shift is due to the growing demand for on-the-go content. People are busy, and any form of content that is easy to consume from the audience’s point of view is bound to be in demand.” he says.For Rathin Lahiri, Head – Marketing & CSR at SBI General Insurance, India’s young demographic and tech adoption have fueled this shift. “The mobile phone is almost an extension of our body. In this landscape, podcasts strike the perfect balance of being formal yet candid, making them impactful for leaders and audiences alike”.Beyond ease of consumption, the format offers leaders a rare opportunity to go beyond polished messaging. With authenticity, depth, and flexibility at their core, podcasts are emerging as a vital channel for corporate leaders to humanize communication, strengthen personal brands, and build stronger connections with stakeholders. “Unlike short-form content, podcasts allow for authentic storytelling and candid conversations. Leaders can showcase not just expertise, but also personality, values, and vision” adds Dadia.Podcasts are also proving particularly effective in simplifying complex industries. “In insurance, where complexity often hinders engagement, podcasts can unpack jargon, showcase innovation, and spotlight real customer stories,” says Neha Plasterwala, Head of Marketing and Communications, Lockton India. “They’re not just a tool for reach, but a platform for relevance, reputation, and relationship-building”Looking ahead, experts believe the next wave of corporate podcasting will be defined by interactivity and personalization. Dadia points out that the future lies in building tighter communities through formats that encourage dialogue and participation, moving beyond one-way conversations. Lahiri adds that with AI and analytics becoming more advanced, podcasts will evolve into shorter, sharper formats tailored to specific audience segments and listening patterns. Together, these shifts signal a future where podcasts serve not only as channels of thought leadership but also as dynamic platforms for engagement, trust-building, and long-term relationship manage

Verizon Communications Inc., a major U.S. telecommunications provider, reported strong second-quarter 2025 results, leading to upward revisions in adjusted EBITDA, EPS, and free cash flow guidance.The company announced a 1.8% dividend increase to $0.69 per share, marking 19 consecutive years of dividend growth, with a yield of 6.3% and a payout ratio of approximately 63%.Verizon is advancing wireless technology through the Industry 6G Alliance with partners including Ericsson, Samsung, Nokia, Meta, and Qualcomm, while its 5G Ultra Wideband network continues to expand. The network has been deployed in mission-critical applications, including emergency communications for the Tampa Police Department.In September 2025, Verizon became the first carrier to offer AI-powered Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, integrating wearable technology with its network ecosystem.The company is relocating its headquarters to PENN 2 in Midtown Manhattan, with completion expected by 2026.Verizon combines financial stability, dividend growth, and technology-led initiatives, maintaining its position as a leading U.S. telecom provider.

Tata Communications has secured a multi-crore project from the Ministry of Finance to modernize the digital infrastructure of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) benches across India.The project includes a comprehensive suite of solutions spanning network fabric, IoT, cloud services, SD-WAN, video conferencing, and advanced security, with unified management across all domains. The upgraded infrastructure aims to create a secure, scalable, and intelligent digital ecosystem to support the tribunal’s operations.The modernization will enable seamless access for all GSTAT benches, streamline end-to-end operations, and strengthen data security. Advanced technologies such as predictive analytics and automation tools will enhance operational efficiency and provide a simplified, user-friendly experience for stakeholders.This initiative positions Tata Communications as a key technology partner for mission-critical national projects, supporting India’s ongoing efforts to digitize and optimize its taxation infrastructure.

FINN Partners has introduced AIristotle™, a proprietary AI platform designed to help communications teams align strategies with the algorithms that determine content visibility. The platform provides data-driven insights into narratives and language that are most effective in the digital ecosystem.AIristotle integrates proprietary algorithms with LLM analysis and multiple audience data sources, creating an additional intelligence layer for storytelling. By analyzing online conversations, media coverage, and narrative drivers, it identifies the messaging most likely to gain traction or mitigate the spread of harmful narratives.The platform is being integrated into FINN Partners’ communications and marketing services, supporting proactive campaigns, crisis management, and reputation protection. It builds on the agency’s broader suite of innovations, including Canary for Crisis, an AI-powered training platform, and C3, a crisis communications app.Developed in-house within the Media Forensics service, AIristotle has already been applied in client projects and is now available for global use, with a full rollout and training scheduled for October.

The global Public Network Communication Equipment market within the Information Technology and Telecom sector is expected to reach USD 68.3 billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 6.2% during 2025–2031. The market is estimated to be valued at USD 42.5 billion in 2024, supported by growing demand for advanced communication infrastructure and continuous innovation in IT and telecom applications.Market Growth OverviewThe Public Network Communication Equipment market is expanding rapidly due to the rising need for reliable communication networks across industries such as telecommunications, government, transportation, and emergency services. Adoption of 5G, IoT, and cloud-based technologies is improving performance, efficiency, and coverage. Urbanization and smart city initiatives are also increasing the requirement for high-speed connectivity and real-time data exchange, driving the demand for scalable and secure network solutions.Regional InsightsAsia-Pacific: Positioned as the fastest-growing region, supported by rapid digital transformation, expanding telecom infrastructure, and government-led investments.North America: Maintains a leading share with advanced technological adoption and robust communication system deployment.Europe: Shows steady growth, driven by network modernization efforts and regulatory compliance requirements.Rest of the World (Latin America, Middle East & Africa): Exhibits moderate growth fueled by infrastructure expansion, industrial development, and rising consumer demand.Key Growth DriversTechnological Advancements: Continuous innovation in AI, IoT, analytics, and automation is enhancing product efficiency and enabling new applications.Cross-Industry Adoption: Increasing usage across automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, telecom, and manufacturing sectors ensures broad market relevance.Government Support: Policies promoting digital infrastructure, smart cities, and Industry 4.0 are accelerating adoption.R&D and Investments: Growing private and public investments in research, along with mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations, are strengthening innovation and market competitiveness.Market SegmentationBy Network Infrastructure EquipmentRoutersSwitchesGatewaysAccess PointsRepeatersBy Communication Transmission EquipmentOptical Fiber EquipmentMicrowave EquipmentSatellite Communication EquipmentRadio Communication EquipmentNetwork Interface CardsBy Network Security EquipmentFirewallsIntrusion Detection SystemsVPN DevicesSecure RoutersEndpoint Security DevicesLeading CompaniesCisco SystemsJuniper NetworksHuawei TechnologiesNokia CorporationArista NetworksZTE CorporationExtreme NetworksPalo Alto NetworksMikrotikTP-Link TechnologiesDell TechnologiesFuture OutlookThe market is set for consistent expansion as industries worldwide continue to modernize communication infrastructure and adopt advanced technologies. Rising data traffic, broadband connectivity needs, and smart infrastructure projects will remain core growth factors through 2031.

Wizikey, a global AI media intelligence platform, has officially unveiled “Ask Wizikey,” the world’s first user-grade integration based on MCP (Model Context Protocol). Made for marketing and communications professionals, Ask Wizikey allows CMOs, marketing heads, and communications leaders to integrate real-time media intelligence directly into AI assistants of their choice - be it Claude, Windsurf or CursorPro (ChatGPT to follow soon, once OpenAI enables MCP integration). The benefit? It makes strategic decision-making faster and data-driven with exact accuracy, all based on data gathered via Wizikey. Marketing and communications struggle with unverified data; “Ask Wizikey” solves this by delivering trusted, verified information in seconds, so that teams can act with confidence. It empowers users to access information across online news, print, and social media platforms to get clear, fact-based insights, helping them achieve their marketing goals with greater accuracy, on improved timelines.“Ask Wizikey” also helps marketers and communications heads prepare interactive dashboards, support content strategy, analyse sentiment, narratives and themes across news, and generate interactive reports.Wizikey first unveiled “Ask Wizikey” at B2B Marketing Unboxed 2025, India’s first community-led B2B marketing event. Among the 50+ companies that attended the event, 30+ signalled interest by registering on the wait list, underscoring the product’s immediate market impact.Aakriti Bhargava, Co-Founder, Wizikey, said, “We’ve built the world’s first MCP-powered purpose-built AI platform for MarTech and Comms, linking verified, source-linked intelligence straight into your AI tools. Teams move from trawling links to decisive action in minutes: faster research, quicker crisis resolution, smarter calls. It’s the operating layer for PR and MarTech in the AI era.”Anshul Sushil, co-founder, Wizikey, added, “Ask Wizikey’ is our MCP-powered operating layer - built in India, for the world. With 95% accuracy in media matching and insights, coverage analysis down from hours to minutes, and reporting compressed to 99%. We surface source-linked, data driven answers, reducing up to 85% of the strategic headspace lost to manual tasks.”“Ask Wizikey is exactly the step-change the industry needs,” said Abhinna Khare, CMO, Nucleus Software. “We require board-ready, source-linked reports to showcase the topline KPIs in boardrooms. By pairing verified data with operational guardrails, ‘Ask Wizikey’ makes AI a provable competitive edge.”AVAILABILITY AND EARLY ACCESSOrganisations seeking early access can join the waitlist at wizikey.com/mcp. Beta participants receive priority onboarding, exclusive training sessions, and direct access to Wizikey's strategic consultation team. Full commercial release across all supported platforms is planned for Q4 2025.

In an era where consumers are fatigued by sponsored noise and brands are scrutinized for every partnership, SPAG, a FINN Partners company, has unveiled FINNFluence — a next-generation influencer marketing solution designed to bring trust, compliance, and measurable impact back to the heart of influencer marketing.With the influencer economy in India projected at ?3,500 crore in 2025, growing at rate of 25% , marketers face a dual challenge: navigating explosive growth while combating influencer fraud, regulatory tightening, and consumer demand for authenticity. FINNFluence answers this challenge by moving beyond superficial likes and follower counts to what matters most to today’s CMOs — reputation, relevance, and return on investment.Built on SPAG’s proprietary SCORE model — Signal, Compliance, Overlap, Relevance, and Engagement — FINNFluence delivers a trust-first, ROI-driven framework that quantifies credibility, safeguards brand reputation, and ensures cultural resonance. Each collaboration is designed to be both compliance-forward (aligned with ASCI and FTC guidelines) and performance-led, where impact-driven KPIs replace vanity metrics.“Influence without trust is just noise. FINNFluence embeds credibility at the very core of influencer marketing. By marrying data intelligence with cultural insight, we are equipping brands to deliver impact that is measurable, meaningful, and market-ready. This is not influencer marketing as usual — it’s influence evolved,” said Aman Gupta, Managing Partner, SPAG FINN Partners.Why FINNFluence Matters for Today’s Marketers· Trust as the new currency: In an era of consumer skepticism, FINNFluence ensures every partnership is rooted in credibility and authenticity.· Compliance as a growth driver: With tightening regulations, brands need influencer models that reduce risk while scaling across diverse markets.· Data as a decision engine: Through advanced scoring and analytics, FINNFluence provides marketers with the insight-rich reporting they need to prove ROI to the boardroom.· Cultural relevance as a differentiator: From health and tech to consumer, finance, travel, and sustainability, FINNFluence helps brands resonate in sectors where values and purpose shape consumer decisions.“Audiences today don’t just buy products; they buy into values. They are discerning, skeptical, and demand authenticity. FINNFluence is designed for this new reality — building creator ecosystems that align with purpose and brand safety, while ensuring every rupee spent delivers long-term equity,” said Shivani Gupta, Managing Partner, SPAG FINN Partners.From Paid Buzz to Earned TrustUnlike conventional models chasing virality, FINNFluence is sector-agnostic yet precision-focused. Whether for health, technology, consumer, or sustainability brands, it creates long-term brand-safe partnerships that move influence from transactional to transformational.As digital ecosystems in Asia-Pacific evolve, FINNFluence is designed for scalability across diverse cultural and regulatory environments — giving global marketers a model that’s built for impact, integrity, and influence at scale.

Kristal Howard, former Kroger executive, has launched her own communications consultancy, The Howard Method. The firm is focused on helping food and wellness brands grow through modern public relations and storytelling.One of the consultancy’s first clients is Kroger’s Houston region, marking a continued association with the company where Howard spent over 12 years of her career. Alongside Kroger, The Howard Method is also working with other established and emerging brands in the food and wellness space.Howard’s move into independent consulting follows her career as an award-winning PR executive and her extensive experience at Kroger, a Fortune 20 company. With the launch of The Howard Method, she aims to apply her expertise in building brand visibility and communications strategies to support a diverse range of clients.The consultancy is currently open for new collaborations with brands seeking PR support, brand storytelling, and communications guidance.

Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation published its highly anticipated 2025 Ranking of Sport Cities, revealing Paris as the world’s top sports city for the third consecutive year. Los Angeles maintains second place with New York City securing third. London remains in fourth position, while Madrid completes the top five. Among Indian cities, Mumbai soared to 39 from 64 last year while New Delhi slipped slightly to 76 from 75 in 2024. The annual ranking identifies the top 100 cities from around the world with the strongest association with sport. It is based on both perception and in-depth quantitative analysis, including feedback from international sports leaders, sports media representatives and industry experts, as well as social media and media coverage analytics. For the first time, this year's edition also includes PR metrics derived from comprehensive media tracking. Following the annual tradition, the five lowest-ranked cities will be removed in the next edition and replaced by the five most frequently cited by respondents. Among them is Ahmedabad (Amdavad), which will make its debut in the ranking next year. The 2025 ranking highlights five key trends reshaping the global sports landscape: • The Olympic lifecycle effect: rise, peak, decline, recovery: Olympic hosting follows a predictable cycle: pre-Games momentum, peak visibility during the event, followed by postGames decline. Strategic cities, however, can achieve recovery through legacy activation, as seen with Rio de Janeiro's remarkable 41-position jump since 2023 (#74 to #33). Milan's 18- position rise to #9 ahead of the 2026 Winter Games also highlights pre-Games momentum, while Salt Lake City (#31) is already improving as it prepares for the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. • Major international events boost North America’ sports cities’ profile: North American cities are significantly elevating their global sports standing by attracting major international events. The unprecedented series of upcoming events in the U.S., including the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2028 Olympic Games, is driving this. Miami's climb to #8 (from #16 in 2023) and Boston's nine-spot jump to #17 exemplify this impact. This trend extends beyond the US: Mexico City (#18) rose 12 spots in anticipation of 2026. Canadian cities are also seeing a rise in their ranking, especially Montreal (#27 – gaining 31 positions) and Edmonton (#22 – gaining 13 positions). • Investing in women's sports is a strategy that pays off: Strategic investment in women's sports directly correlates with a city's accelerated rise in sports prominence and overall profile. Lyon's entry at #75, largely due to its dominant women's football team, underscores this trend. Established sports hubs like London (#4) are consolidating their women’s sports leadership, for example, with the return of a WTA 500 tournament and hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup finals in 2025. • Diversification beats one-off events for sports tourism: Top-performing cities are moving beyond isolated events to embrace year-round sports ecosystems. Madrid (#5) balances elite football clubs and major tennis events, while Miami (#8) leverages a diverse mix including Lionel Messi's presence, Formula 1 and tennis. Lausanne (#11) excels as both a sports governance hub and event host. In the Middle East, Abu Dhabi (#23) and Riyadh (#38) 2 | © Burson leverage consistent hosting of major international events, from Formula 1 to golf and football, to boost tourism and global appeal. • AI is reshaping the sports landscape: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the sports landscape, offering new competitive advantages. Cities benefit as their hosted events and leagues use AI to amplify reach and engagement. Real Madrid's "Madrid Innovation District" and partnership with Adobe, leveraging AI for fan engagement, bolsters Madrid's #5 ranking, while Munich (#7) and Boston (#17) also show gains from digital initiatives and advanced fan experiences. Dolly Tayal, Managing Director, Burson Genesis, India, said, "Sport has become an integral part of how cities build their global identity and connect with communities. The 2025 rankings offer crucial insights that will help cities elevate their global sports profile. As India continues to emerge as a significant player in the global sports arena, understanding these dynamics will be vital for our cities to build sustainable sports ecosystems and enhance their international reputation." “The 2025 Ranking of Sport Cities underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the global sports landscape," said Greg Curchod, CEO of Burson Switzerland. "While mega-events remain crucial, this year's findings highlight the increasing importance of strategic long-term planning, investment in diverse sports offerings, particularly women's sports, and the innovative application of technology like AI to enhance a city's sports reputation and engagement.” The complete 2025 Burson Ranking of Sports Cities, including the full methodology and in-depth analysis, is available HERE. Earlier this year, Burson announced new client wins and the expansion of its Sports & Entertainment offering, solidifying its position as the world's leading sports & entertainment capability within a top PR firm. This activity further underscores WPP’s continued momentum and sustained growth across its global network, with significant new business wins and expanded remits with leading brands worldwide, including Mastercard, Electronic Arts and more, where the company’s proprietary AI platform for marketing, WPP Open, was instrumental in securing these successes. 

Communications veteran Varghese M. Thomas has launched The VMT Consultancy, introducing a subscription-based learning platform and an AI-powered assistant to address the evolving needs of the communications industry.The consultancy’s first offering is a 40-episode podcast series, designed as a learning management system (LMS) that blends conceptual knowledge with practical tools. The series aims to enhance communication skills, focusing on internal and external messaging as well as complex scenario management.In parallel, the firm has unveiled the VMT Tech Bot, an AI-driven assistant built to support communication leaders in areas such as content creation, campaign management, narrative development, case study design, and rapid crisis handling. Future subscription-based upgrades will extend the bot’s capabilities to include advanced analytics, influencer mapping, and customized strategic support.By combining structured learning resources with AI-enabled tools, The VMT Consultancy seeks to help professionals adapt to an industry being reshaped by digital transformation and technological innovation.

In a significant development in the Indian fashion and communications landscape, Vigor Media Worldwide has been awarded the Public Relations mandate for DEVO, the premium men’s occasion wear brand by the iconic Siyaram’s. The partnership was clinched following a competitive multi-agency pitch, reflecting Vigor Media’s deep-rooted expertise in strategic brand communication and storytelling.Backed by the trust and heritage of Siyaram’s — one of India’s most respected textile conglomerates — DEVO makes a grand entry into the ethnic and ceremonial menswear segment. It is envisioned as a brand that blends tradition with modern aesthetics, catering to the evolving tastes of the contemporary Indian man. From sherwani and Indo-Western to Jodhpuri , tuxedo, kurta pajama, and curated accessories, DEVO’s offerings are designed to bring style and substance to every special occasion.As part of the mandate, Vigor Media Worldwide will conceptualize and execute a comprehensive PR and communications strategy for DEVO, including media outreach, thought leadership, influencer engagement, brand storytelling, and digital amplification –. The focus will be on reinforcing DEVO’s identity as not just a fashion label, but a style statement that redefines Indian occasion wear for menUnderstanding the evolving style preferences of Indian men, DEVO provides attire for every celebration—be it a traditional Grihapravesh pooja, a festive gathering, or a grand wedding. With its commitment to fit, finish, and fashion, DEVO is the go-to destination for men who seek to celebrate tradition with contemporary flair, delivering grandeur with refinement in every garment.The brand is now gearing up for aggressive pan-India expansion through exclusive outlets. With India witnessing a renewed appreciation for ethnic and fusion wear — especially among millennials and Gen Z — DEVO is poised to tap into this vibrant market with its aspirational yet accessible fashion line.Expressing his confidence in the association, Gaurav Poddar, Executive Director at Siyaram’s said, “Siyaram’s has always stood for quality, craftsmanship, and trust. With DEVO, we are expanding our legacy into ethnic fashion that reflects the confidence and sophistication of today’s Indian man. We believe that Vigor Media Worldwide, with its proven track record in building impactful narratives, will play a pivotal role in elevating DEVO’s brand journey across the country.”Sharing his views on the association, Mr. Nikhil Singhal, Founder, Vigor Media Worldwide said, “It is an honour to partner with a name as prestigious as Siyaram’s. DEVO is not just a new label — it’s a strategic extension of a legacy brand into a high-growth fashion category. Our team is excited to craft compelling stories that highlight the brand’s unique offerings and heritage, while shaping its narrative as a modern, trend-forward brand rooted in Indian culture.”The PR mandate comes at a time when India’s ethnic wear market is witnessing exponential growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, increased demand for designer wear, and a cultural shift toward celebrating traditions with style. DEVO’s entry into this space is both timely and strategic, as it leverages Siyaram’s four-decade-long legacy of excellence in fabrics and manufacturing.With this partnership, Vigor Media Worldwide reinforces its position as a leading name in brand communication, working with some of the most ambitious and forward-thinking companies across sectors.

Plum, India’s leading employee health benefits platform, has appointed The Mavericks India, India’s leading integrated marketing communications agency, as its strategic communications partner. Plum operates at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and benefits innovation, offering modern, accessible, and comprehensive protection plans for startups, SMBs, and enterprises. While rooted in health benefits, the platform has evolved into a holistic healthcare ecosystem, bringing together insurance, wellness, and preventive care, and now expanding into personal and business insurance, ensuring seamless protection for both organisations and individuals.The Mavericks India will drive strategic communications for Plum across key touchpoints, with a strong focus on thought leadership, stakeholder visibility, corporate reputation, and brand storytelling. The partnership aims to bolster Plum’s narrative in the fast-evolving healthcare and employee benefits space while also reinforcing its expansion into business and personal insurance. Through this collaboration, The Mavericks will help amplify Plum’s mission of making quality health protection—spanning preventive healthcare, group benefits, and individual coverage—a fundamental workplace right.Shreyas Achar, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Plum Benefits said, “At Plum, we are deeply invested in changing the way India views employee wellbeing. With The Mavericks India as our strategic communications partner, we are excited to craft a narrative that aligns with our purpose, resonates with our audience, and champions the role of health security in today’s workplaces. We look forward to this collaboration elevating our voice in the industry and beyond.”On winning the mandate, Chetan Mahajan, Co-founder and CEO, The Mavericks India, added, “Plum is a trailblazer in the insurtech and employee benefits ecosystem, disrupting traditional models with empathy, technology, and innovation at its core. We are honoured to partner with a brand that is creating systemic change for millions of employees and employers. Our goal will be to shape authentic, insight-led communications that strengthen Plum’s leadership and connect deeply with its stakeholders.”

Let's Konstruct, a groundbreaking B2B platform, which aims to redefine the construction materials supply ecosystem, has on-boarded Communication Casa, one of India’s leading PR and communication agency, to build its brand presence and establish a strong market positioning through strategic communications.Let's Konstruct is a market shaper, founded by a group of veterans in the building materials and construction industry. The platform aims to corporatize, catalyse and cleanse the construction sector to bring joy to the process of creation. Let’s Konstruct is shaping an ecosystem of sellers and buyers who wish to do business based on transparency and trust, auguring efficiencies, effectiveness and a seamless collaborative working.Communication Casa will create and implement a detailed communications strategy to raise awareness about Let's Konstruct's innovative platform, thought leadership, and unique value. The agency will use its skills in media relations, content creation, and stakeholder engagement to position Let's Konstruct as an emerging leader in the building material and construction industry.“We are excited to collaborate with Let’s Konstruct as they establish their presence in the market,” said Manauti Walecha, Founder of Communication Casa. “Our team will ensure their innovation and expertise are communicated effectively to the right audiences.”"We are happy to onboard Communication Casa to help us communicate our brand values in the market through effective PR strategy. Their work philosophy and commitment to client impact created a shared approach shaping our collaboration”, said, Gaurav Markanda, CEO & Co-founder, Let’s Konstruct.Communication Casa's commitment to offering high value and setting a standard of unparallel quality is showcased through its spectrum of services that span across sectors, including finance, healthcare, FMCG, F&B, startups, NGOs, technology, entertainment, esports, agriculture, travel and hospitality and real estate. With its strategic approach and bespoke solutions, Communication Casa is well positioned to support Let’s Konstruct in achieving its vision of building a strong brand identity.

After an intensive jury process, 184 entries have been shortlisted for the 14th edition of SMARTIES India with careful screening and scoring by 100+ screening jury and 50+ jurors to decide the final wins. This year’s shortlist reflects the evolving face of marketing in India, capturing breakthrough work across categories and setting the stage for the country’s most prestigious celebration of marketing effectiveness. MMA India Jury Chair & board member Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director, Perfetti Van Melle India said, “I extend my heartiest congratulations to all winners for setting new benchmarks and reminding us of the power of ideas to drive progress. Today’s marketers continue to inspire - pushing boundaries with creativity, technology, and purpose. As Jury Chair, it was quite a challenge - a good one though - to firstly select the top few from nominations, and then to align with the jury team who themselves felt very strongly about their shortlist of some fabulous campaign entries. This year’s winners have proved that when innovation meets intent, the result is campaigns that not only make an impact but also truly connect with people."This year’s shortlist saw participation from a wide spectrum of India’s most influential marketers, with entries from Hindustan Unilever, PepsiCo, Mondelez, ITC, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Swiggy, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Britannia, L’Oréal, Dabur, Federal Bank, Motilal Oswal, Aditya Birla Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Apollo Tyres, Myntra, Hero MotoCorp, CEAT, Dell, Lenovo, and Mastercard, among others. The sheer breadth of industries - spanning FMCG, auto, e-commerce, finance, retail, consumer tech, and beyond - reflects SMARTIES’ position as the country’s definitive platform for marketing effectiveness.Moneka Khurana, Country Head & BOD Member, MMA Global India, said: “As SMARTIES continues to grow in scale and stature, what stood out this year was the diversity of work across categories - from AI-driven creativity to small budget campaigns delivering outsized impact. The jury’s rigor ensures that SMARTIES is not just about rewarding creativity, but about recognising marketing that truly drives business outcomes. The evolution we are witnessing in regional media, challenger brands, and technology-led consumer experiences reflects the resilience and ingenuity of Indian marketers. That is exactly the spirit SMARTIES was designed to celebrate.”The jury represented the full marketing ecosystem, bringing together leaders such as CMOs from Hindustan Unilever, Diageo, Tata Consumer Products, Hyundai, Lenovo, Pernod Ricard, Maruti Suzuki, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive, and Bharti Airtel, along with agency and platform heads from GroupM, Meta, Google, Amazon Ads, Sony LIV, and Wavemaker. This cross-industry representation ensured that every campaign was evaluated through the sharpest, most diverse marketing lens.Jury Chair Virat Khullar, AVP & Vertical Head, Marketing, Hyundai Motor India, said: “As the Jury Chair for SMARTIES 2025 Awards, I am truly impressed by the quality of entries we have reviewed this year. The shortlisted nominees represent the best of marketing excellence - ideas that are bold, creative, and deeply resonate with audiences. These entries are dominating the new age media with usage of the latest marketing tech for impact and efficiency. Being able to recognize such outstanding talent and innovation is a privilege, and I look forward to celebrating their impact on our industry.”This year, Toluna joined as the official Jury Observer, capturing jury perspectives throughout the three-day evaluation. Their insights, drawn from live deliberations, will spotlight emerging trends in effectiveness and provide the industry with a sharper lens on what truly drives impact.Emerging themes of 2025Future Forward Tech: AR, VR, sonic, spatial, NFTs - bold experiments, but only a few translated into measurable impact.Local & Regional Rise: Homegrown brands outpacing globals in growth, with challenger brands disrupting and legacies leading with experience.AI in Marketing: Many attempts, but only a handful balanced creativity with ROI - still early days for true AI effectiveness.Festive & Quick Commerce: Campaigns that tapped into festive peaks and real-time commerce are reshaping consumer journeys.Unpack Quick Commerce in the Festive Season: Take the SurveyThis year also saw a surge in entries across Brand Experience, Real-Time Marketing, Small Budget-Big Impact, Social Media Marketing, Integrated eCommerce Innovation & Live Streaming, and AI-Driven Creative Excellence, reflecting where marketers are doubling down in 2025.Beyond campaign metals, SMARTIES also recognises Industry Awards, which honour the organisations and leading companies shaping the marketing landscape. These accolades celebrate the brands, agencies, publishers, enablers, and marketers setting new benchmarks for innovation, effectiveness, and growth across the ecosystem.From featuring in the WARC 100 - the global index of the world’s most awarded media campaigns - to contributing to RECMA’s global media agency scores, SMARTIES India 2025 connects local brilliance with global credibility.The program also contributes to the SMARTIES Business Impact Index, a global measure of marketing effectiveness, making it one of the only awards where winning directly influences both brand and agency reputation at scale.The shortlist now sets the stage for SMARTIES Unplugged on October 10 in Mumbai - a day-long immersion where industry leaders decode marketing’s future, followed by the SMARTIES Gala, where metals will be unveiled and the best of marketing effectiveness will be celebrated.

Vertoz Limited a global MadTech and CloudTech Platform Company, has bagged the communication mandate for XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, one of India’s most respected B-schools. The year-long partnership will see Vertoz lead XLRI’s communication strategy across content, PR and digital platforms. What began as a one-time digital media management engagement has now matured into a long-term strategic partnership, a milestone that reaffirms Vertoz’s growing role in the education sector.This development highlights and reaffirms the strength of Vertoz’s intelligent MadTech solutions and its ability to deliver consistent, data-driven outcomes that go beyond campaign cycles. More importantly, it reflects the deep trust XLRI places in Vertoz as a long-term partner in shaping its digital growth story.Speaking on the occasion, Hiren Shah, Chairman & MD of Vertoz, said:“This partnership is more than a contract - it is a new relationship built on trust and the power of meaningful communication and impact. As I have said earlier, education is the foundation of tomorrow, and when an institution like XLRI chooses to collaborate with us, it validates our belief that institutions don’t need more media; they need smarter media. We are humbled and proud to walk this journey together.”For Vertoz, this year-long mandate is a continuation of its momentum in the education sector, following its marquee win with XLRI Jamshedpur.Commenting on this milestone, Ashish Singh, Public Relations (PR) & Branding Officer, XLRI Jamshedpur said, “At XLRI, we believe that a world-class institution deserves world-class storytelling. With Vertoz as our PR and Branding partner, we are confident of amplifying XLRI’s legacy of excellence with the innovation, agility and impact that today’s communication landscape demands.”The renewed engagement will focus on strengthening the institute’s digital footprint, enhancing student outreach across India, and leveraging Vertoz’s proprietary technology stack to deliver impact-driven results.Through this partnership, Vertoz aims to build a strong communication framework for XLRI that goes beyond conventional communication, focusing on authentic storytelling, industry dialogues, and narratives that highlight XLRI’s contribution to shaping leadership in India and globally.

After an extraordinary 10-year journey, Humsa Dhir, Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has announced her decision to move on from the organisation. Since joining SPNI in 2015, Humsa has been the driving force behind the network’s corporate narrative, reputation management, and strategic communications across its broadcast, digital, and sports businesses. Her tenure has been defined by thoughtful leadership, adept crisis management, and a consistent commitment to excellence.Beyond communications, Humsa has chaired SPNI’s Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee for two terms, led social media governance, and championed initiatives like the award-winning Go-Beyond Podcast, celebrated for its innovation in corporate storytelling. Her experience spans media, energy, manufacturing, and automotive sectors, having advised CXOs and boards across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East on trust, change management, and long-term value creation.Manu Wadhwa, CHRO, SPNI: “Humsa has been an exceptional custodian of SPNI’s reputation and values. Her ability to craft compelling narratives, build meaningful stakeholder engagement, and lead with integrity has left a lasting imprint on the organisation. We will truly miss her insight, her partnership, and the calm confidence she always brought to the table. On behalf of SPNI, we wish her the very best in her next chapter.”Humsa Dhir, SVP & Head of PR & Corporate Communications, SPNI: “Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of building and leading a communications function that shaped how the company was perceived, understood, and trusted. The role called for equal measure of strategy and sensitivity, offering me immense opportunities to grow as a professional and as a person. As I close this chapter, I do so with deep gratitude and a clear sense of readiness to take this experience into new environments, embrace broader mandates, and continue driving impact through purposeful storytelling and reputation leadership.” Everyone at Sony wishes Humsa continued success as she embarks on her next journey.

Katch International, the Dubai-headquartered PR, events, and experiential agency with offices in Riyadh and London, has enjoyed a bumper few months, with a host of exciting new client wins across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Strengthening its already robust portfolio, the agency has recently been appointed to represent an array of leading names spanning hospitality, F&B, automotive, and beauty, signalling another milestone in its regional growth. The news follows the agency’s 15th anniversary, which Katch proudly celebrated on August 31st, marking a decade and a half of creative campaigns and industry-defining work. Founded in 2010, Katch International has established itself as one of the Middle East’s leading PR agencies, with over 15 years of experience in delivering creative, results-driven campaigns. With a client roster spanning luxury, hospitality, live entertainment, F&B, real estate, wellness, and more, Katch’s integrated approach to storytelling has positioned it as the go-to partner for global and regional brands seeking to connect with audiences in a meaningful way. Over the past year, the agency has accelerated its expansion across both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, growing its team and enhancing its presence with a larger Riyadh office and an expanded Dubai HQ. Today, Katch manages more than 60 clients across multiple sectors, supported by dedicated in-house PR, social media, creative, Arabic, and strategy teams, and a strong focus on cultural relevance and market insight. In the UAE, Katch has recently added several high-profile names to its portfolio. In the ever-evolving F&B sector, Katch has welcomed KIGO, a sophisticated new omakase restaurant at Four Seasons DIFC,Adaline, a dinner-show venue blending classic Italian cuisine, live music, and karaoke in the heart of DIFC by Fundamental Hospitality, and71 Steak and Grill, a proudly homegrown UAE brand renowned for its wood-fire grilling and slow-smoking craft, now expanding from Ajman and Sharjah into Dubai. In the realm of live events, Katch will once again take charge of the PR for the renownedDubai Comedy Festival, now handling the communications for this fortnight of funny for the fifth year in a row.  Jetour, a global automotive brand exclusively partnered withElite Group Holding, has also chosen Katch to handle its communications as it enters the UAE market, delivering premium vehicles at exceptional value with a focus on innovation and lifestyle-driven mobility. In beauty,Sterling Perfumes, a globally recognised fragrance powerhouse present in over 132 countries, has joined Katch’s roster, further strengthening the agency’s foothold in the beauty and lifestyle space. Meanwhile, hospitality continues to be a cornerstone of Katch’s business, with the addition of Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Laneand Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens, expanding the agency’s long-standing partnership with the globally renowned brand. Across Saudi Arabia, Katch continues to deepen its impact with the signing ofRixos Murjana, the Kingdom’s first all-inclusive resort, blending Hijazi charm with modern luxury on the Red Sea coast. This major win builds on the agency’s existing portfolio in the Kingdom, which includesFour Seasons Hotel Riyadh, The Hotel Galleria Jeddah, Curio Collection by Hilton, andAddress Jabal Omar Makkah. In addition to these new signings, Katch also is set to host theFour Seasons Riyadh x Piaget Afternoon Tea, a collaboration highlighting the agency’s strength in luxury brand activations. Dhara Bhatia, Group PR Director of Katch International, commented, “Our recent client wins reflect the trust that leading global and regional brands continue to place in us, and we are incredibly proud to be part of their journeys. Our portfolio has never been more diverse than it is now, and as we expand across both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we are just as dedicated to delivering bold, creative, and culturally resonant campaigns that truly connect with audiences.” Outside the region, the agency has been appointed to manage PR in both the UK and GCC markets for theVerdala Wellness Hotel in Malta, a five-star boutique retreat within the AX Privilege Collection that redefines luxury and wellbeing through its integration of natural therapies, cultural traditions, and advanced wellness technology. Additionally, Katch has welcomed the Four Seasons China Collection, handling communications for the brand’s distinguished properties across the country, further cementing its role as a trusted partner for Four Seasons on a truly international scale. With an ever-expanding footprint and an increasingly diverse portfolio, Katch International continues to build momentum across the GCC. The agency’s growth in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia marks just the beginning of a new chapter, with more high-profile projects, strategic partnerships, and market-defining campaigns set to be announced in the months ahead.

Heritage Hospitals, a leading super-specialty healthcare provider in India, today announced the appointment of Vigor Media Worldwide as its strategic Public Relations (PR) partner. This partnership aims to enhance Heritage Hospitals' brand visibility, deepen stakeholder engagement, and reinforce its reputation for clinical excellence and patient-centric care.With over three decades of experience in delivering world-class healthcare, Heritage Hospitals has established itself as a trusted name in the industry. The hospital's state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced medical technologies, and highly skilled clinicians have enabled it to set benchmarks in trust-based and ethical healthcare delivery."We are delighted to partner with Vigor Media Worldwide, a renowned PR agency with a pan-India presence and global network," said Dr. Richa Rai, CEO of Heritage Hospitals. "This partnership will help us strengthen our communication strategy and share our values of transparency, trust, and cutting-edge medical care with a wider audience."Vigor Media Worldwide will work closely with Heritage Hospitals to develop a robust communications framework, providing strategic media outreach, stakeholder engagement, and brand visibility solutions."We are honored to work with Heritage Hospitals, a pioneering brand in Indian healthcare," said Mr. Nikhil Singhal, Founder of Vigor Media Worldwide. "Our focus will be to amplify Heritage's achievements in medical excellence and create deeper connections with its stakeholders through innovative PR initiatives."

Since 2015, the percentage of retail sales being made online has more than doubled, from 12 percent to 26 percent. The trajectory is clear ?Çô sales are increasingly moving online.That said, the challenges facing online retailers are very different to bricks and mortar sellers, with daily abandoned carts accounting for billions in lost sales in the UK alone. But why do so many people abandon their digital shopping carts, and can anything be done once they have? The reasons behind abandonment are varied, but there are solutions that can help ?Çô and they are not hard or expensive to implement.With minimal investment, those that have abandoned their carts can be reengaged - turning interested shoppers into committed buyers. With an increasingly competitive retail ecosystem, omni-channel remarketing is a way to maximise a website?ÇÖs sale potential and should be a foundational component for ecommerce strategies. The financial impact of abandoned shopping cartsAccording to a report published in Retail Gazette online retailers lost ?ú38bn in 2024, with 24% of all items in shopping carts abandoned. In increasingly challenging times for the online retail space, missed opportunities such as these can be detrimental for businesses.Looking into some of DMAC Media?ÇÖs own clients' accounts, we learnt that many businesses lost between three and ten sales per day with an average order value of ?ú305. This could mean an annual loss of over ?ú700,000. When every penny counts, reducing the impact of abandoned carts has never been so important. Why do shoppers abandon their carts?In traditional in-store retail, if a shopper puts an item in their shopping cart, they are very likely going to buy it. In ecommerce however, it?ÇÖs far easier to abandon a shopping cart - you can simply close a tab and never return to make the purchase. The reasons behind a shopper abandoning their cart are myriad but users typically fall into one of two categories. The first are those that make an active decision to leave, often owing to something that happened during the checkout process. It?ÇÖs an inescapable truth that some users get cold feet before buying, but others are put off for more specific reasons. One of the leading causes of cart abandonment is the lack of ?Çÿcheckout as guest?ÇÖ options. This approach forces interested shoppers into having to spend time setting up an account, which can create a barrier to purchase.Other factors in an unoptimised checkout process include limited payment options and long delivery times, each of which can cause a user to abandon their cart. It will be very difficult to reengage these shoppers.Our second category, however, includes those users that haven?ÇÖt deliberately or fully decided to not buy, they may have simply been distracted and navigated away from the checkout or may need a little more time to make the decision to purchase. In either case, the danger here for businesses is that the user forgets about the purchase and never returns to complete the transaction. In previous years, these users were lost but they can now be reengaged. With the right approach, lost sales can simply be transformed into delayed sales.The solution? Omni channel remarketingOmni channel remarketing is a cost-effective, proven solution for our second category of shoppers, those who abandoned their carts. This approach includes the strategic use of online and offline marketing channels to reengage those shoppers.Automated email marketing is a typical first step, whereby potential customers are not only refamiliarised with a brand, but they can also be directly reminded of the purchase they were considering. If a website uses cookies and sessions to retain data, the user may find their previously abandoned order already in their cart, ready to be purchased. In support of this, short and medium-term use of search engine and social media advertising can be used to amplify the brand and reengage the user into the buying process. Our customers have reported that by implementing an omni channel remarketing strategy, lost checkouts have been reduced by an average of 16 percent, or approximately ?ú112,000 per year. To avoid losing those shoppers that fell into the first category, companies need to invest in a more streamlined checkout process that removes barriers where possible. Making a transaction as easy as possible with good UX on your website is a proven way to ensure a user doesn?ÇÖt abandon their cart in the first place. Using a winning combination of improved user experience while adopting the right omni channel remarketing strategy, lost shoppers can be won back. While no business will ever be able to convert every shopper into a paying customer, the combination of checkout evaluation and omni channel remarketing will help to reduce the impact of cart abandonment and ultimately increase revenue.

APRW Pte Ltd (APRW), one of Singapore?ÇÖs leading integrated communications agencies, announced three new client partnerships that reflect its commitment to purposeful communications spanning community, the creative industries, and regional talent development and collaboration. These include Our Tampines Hub, Singapore?ÇÖs first and largest integrated community and lifestyle hub; SOZO, creators of Anime Festival Asia (AFA), for AFA Creators Super Fest Singapore 2025; and the Singapore Chamber of Commerce Indonesia (SingCham) for the inaugural SingCham Uplifting Scholarship, supporting regional youth development. Driving Integrated Strategic Communications for Our Tampines HubAPRW has been appointed as the public relations agency on retainer for Our Tampines Hub (OTH). In this role, APRW will provide strategic counsel and execution across corporate and public communications, as well as media relations. Leveraging targeted media outreach, curated press engagements, and integrated communications support, APRW will support OTH in amplifying its brand narrative, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and reinforcing its position as a vibrant and inclusive anchor for the community. ?Ç£We are honoured to partner with Our Tampines Hub in shaping and strengthening its communications efforts,?Ç¥ said Julie Chiang, Director at APRW. ?Ç£OTH is more than just a physical space?Çöit is a symbol of community spirit and inclusivity. We look forward to supporting their vision through impactful storytelling and purposeful engagement that resonates with both media and the wider public.?Ç¥ Spotlighting Southeast Asia?ÇÖs Creative Talents APRW has also been appointed by SOZO, the creators of Anime Festival Asia, for the upcoming AFA Creators Super Fest (CSF) Singapore 2025 happening from 2 to 3 August 2025 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. The community-powered festival will bring together over 300 creators, cosplayers, and crafters, with highlights ranging from a vibrant creators market to live music, dance performances, and more?Çöwith APRW driving publicity efforts for the event. Empowering Youth and Strengthening Regional CollaborationAs part of its commitment to community impact and talent development in Indonesia, APRW has partnered with the Singapore Chamber of Commerce Indonesia (SingCham) for the inaugural SingCham Uplifting Scholarship 2025. The agency plays a dual role: contributing as a corporate partner by offering financial support and internship opportunities, while also serving as the pro bono communications partner to amplify outreach and visibility for the initiative. Launched in April 2025, the SingCham Uplifting Scholarship provides financial assistance, mentorship, and internship opportunities to deserving Indonesian undergraduates from universities in the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) region. The initiative also aims to strengthen cross-border ties between Singapore and Indonesia. Eight students were awarded the scholarship at the inaugural SingCham Uplifting Summit held in Jakarta this July. APRW has been a proud corporate member of SingCham since 2021.Anu Gupta, Director at APRW, shared: ?Ç£Supporting the SingCham Uplifting Scholarship reflects our values as a purpose-driven agency and our commitment to nurturing the next generation of communication professionals both in Singapore and Indonesia. We're proud to be part of a programme that not only empowers students but also strengthens collaboration between both countries.?Ç¥

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has officially opened a call for proposals from experienced public relations and communications agencies to spearhead its 2026 strategic communications plan. The initiative aims to amplify the UAE?ÇÖs climate leadership and environmental achievements on both national and international platforms.Hajar Alketbi, Director of Government Communications at MOCCAE, announced the opportunity via LinkedIn, inviting UAE-based agencies to take charge of shaping the country?ÇÖs climate action narrative, supporting Net Zero 2050 goals, and enhancing ministerial visibility through powerful media and stakeholder engagement.The selected agency will also be expected to lead youth and influencer campaigns and deliver measurable impact in environmental communication.This opportunity is open only to UAE-registered PR firms with strong expertise in sustainability, bilingual capabilities, and a proven track record within the region?ÇÖs media ecosystem.Further details, including proposal guidelines and submission deadlines, are available through the Federal Procurement Platform.

Authored by Aakriti Bhargava, Co-founder of Wizikey.A few years ago, when a brand found itself in trouble whether in a boardroom or across headlines, the first instinct was simple: call someone. Maybe a senior journalist, maybe your boss, maybe legal. Information came later. Gut took the lead.But today, that muscle memory doesn?ÇÖt cut it.Because the crisis? It no longer waits. It spreads, sometimes faster than the team?ÇÖs first internal email.And here?ÇÖs the kicker: most crises don?ÇÖt start in the news. They start in the corners of the internet- an ignored Reddit thread, a small regional blog, a viral YouTube comment, or a misfired WhatsApp forward. By the time it reaches a newsroom or your media tracker, the narrative has already taken shape.This World AI Appreciation Day, I?ÇÖm thinking about one very specific thing: how AI is changing the way we handle crisis communication. Quietly. Deeply. And for the better.The Crisis Doesn?ÇÖt Knock. It Seeps In.Every major reputation incident in recent memory came with early signals. But those signals were too small. Or too scattered. Or simply went unnoticed because no one was looking there.This is where AI shines, not in the dramatic Hollywood way, but in the tireless, background way. It listens where humans don?ÇÖt. It sees patterns we can?ÇÖt. It compares today?ÇÖs chatter with yesterday?ÇÖs silence and tomorrow?ÇÖs potential storm.It?ÇÖs not flashy. It?ÇÖs watchful. And when it does speak, it?ÇÖs usually worth listening to.From Alert Fatigue to Narrative IntelligenceAsk any comms team, and they?ÇÖll tell you: monitoring dashboards have become noise machines. Hundreds of alerts. Thousands of mentions. But when every ping is urgent, nothing really is.That?ÇÖs the real shift with AI. It?ÇÖs not just tracking volume anymore- it?ÇÖs weighing what matters. Who?ÇÖs speaking? How fast is it spreading? Is the story gaining traction or fading out?AI answers the one question every PR professional asks in a crisis: ?Ç£Do I need to worry about this??Ç¥The Real Need: Clarity, Not Just DataIn the thick of it, teams don?ÇÖt lack alerts- they lack clarity.What?ÇÖs priority? Who needs to act? What could this snowball into?AI is slowly stepping in as the triage nurse. It doesn?ÇÖt make the final call?Çöbut it gives the team a head start. It says: this story has your brand in the headline, sentiment is worsening, and reach is ticking up. Here?ÇÖs what you should pay attention to now.In a world where timing is everything, that kind of nudge isn?ÇÖt just helpful. It?ÇÖs mission-critical.Rethinking Our Own PlaybookThe real shift isn?ÇÖt in what AI can do. It?ÇÖs in how we, as communicators, start thinking differently.We?ÇÖve always trained for calm in chaos. We?ÇÖve built our skills around relationships, writing, and narrative control. But now, a new skill is creeping in quietly: data instinct.We need to start asking:Where did this narrative begin?What are its signals saying?Will this die down, or explode by morning?These are AI-era questions. And the teams who learn to ask them early will be the ones who control the narrative, instead of reacting to it.The Appreciation is RealSo on this AI Appreciation Day, I?ÇÖm not toasting the tech just for its promise. I?ÇÖm grateful for what it?ÇÖs already doing.It?ÇÖs helping communications professionals do the impossible:Hear the silence before the noise.In a world where reputation is shaped in real time, AI isn?ÇÖt the future of crisis comms. It?ÇÖs already here?Çöand it?ÇÖs making us better.

In today?ÇÖs digital-first world, visibility, storytelling, and human connection matter as much in B2B as they do in consumer brands.When I moved from a consumer-facing brand to a B2B organisation, I expected a shift in priorities. The communication lens felt narrower, more contained, and focused on a defined group of stakeholders. But very quickly, I realised that even in B2B, the expectations around visibility, recall, and credibility were just as intense. The difference was in the mindset, not in the need.What helped me navigate this shift was my B2C experience. We began to reimagine how the brand could show up, not just in boardrooms or policy events, but in public conversations. We focused on simplifying narratives, owning digital platforms, and creating a voice that was distinct, visible, and human.The B2B Audience Is Broader Than We ThinkTraditionally, corporate communication in B2B has been strategic and intentional, directed at investors, vendors, policymakers, and internal stakeholders. But in today?ÇÖs interconnected ecosystem, the audience is far more diverse.It includes decision-makers across procurement and strategy functions, job seekers exploring culture fit, and industry bodies or certification agencies assessing standards and governance. Analysts, researchers, collaborators, and content creators also play a role in shaping how your organisation is perceived.They may not all be customers, but they are crucial to your reputation, influence, and future growth.Reputation Is Built in the Public EyeCommunication today cannot be confined to investor decks or annual reports. It must extend into the public sphere, where leadership voices, brand narratives, and cultural values are increasingly under the spotlight.B2B organisations must embrace storytelling, thought leadership, and reputation building with the same rigour that consumer brands apply to their marketing. It is not about visibility for its own sake, but about owning the narrative before others define it.Digital Presence Is the New Business CardOwned and earned media now play complementary roles. Beyond traditional coverage, B2B brands must build credibility through LinkedIn, podcasts, online publications, webinars, and even short-form videos. A compelling article may introduce your strategic thinking, but a candid leadership post can humanise your organisation in an authentic way.The shift is not towards consumerisation, but towards relevance in an increasingly content-driven world.Applying B2C Lessons to B2B RealitiesFrom my own experience, these principles apply well across both worlds:Lead with clarity, not complexityShow up consistently, not just during milestonesUse leadership as brand custodiansTranslate internal culture into external cuesCreate narratives that are agile and humanThis mindset enables organisations to build trust, stay discoverable, and remain top-of-mind in the industries they serve.Aligning Internal Voice With External ImpactWhether it is a townhall, an employee connect initiative, or a campaign that brings company values to life, these narratives help shape the employer brand and influence how the outside world perceives the organisation.Authenticity is strengthened when what is said inside the company is visible, believable, and echoed outside.Making Visibility a Strategic ImperativeThe fundamentals of B2B communication remain rooted in strategic clarity and stakeholder engagement. But in the current landscape, visibility must work alongside strategy to build reputation, influence perception, and shape opportunities.We may be building for businesses, but we are speaking to people. And people respond to stories, not just data. A B2B brand that communicates with relevance, consistency, and human insight will always stay ahead of the curve.

Seasoned communications strategist and brand advisor Vineet Recriwal has announced the launch of The Native, a brand marketing and communications advisory designed to help founders, startups, and brands sharpen their narrative, scale visibility, and strengthen reputation in high-velocity markets.Eliminating the noise of bloated agency layers and delivering senior expertise from day one, The Native aims to work closely with leadership teams across categories to shape messaging that builds both brand and business outcomes.?Ç£Most early and growth-stage businesses do not need bloated 360-degree communication - they need clarity. Their struggle is not due to poor execution, but because they misread the market. They need someone who understands their ambition, reads market signals, and can translate that into the right message, to the right people, through the right channel. That?ÇÖs where The Native comes in - as a sharp, strategic partner that brings ecosystem context, narrative focus, and execution insight from day one - to help businesses enter new markets with context, and shape their positioning with conviction,?Ç¥ said Vineet Recriwal, Founder and CEO, The Native.Rooted in India but built for regional ambition, The Native aims to operate at the intersection of brand and business, offering its advisory across:Market entry strategies - combining insight-led positioning, stakeholder mapping, policy sensitivity, and cultural adaptation to help brands land with clarity and credibility in new or complex marketsBrand positioning & narrative buildingReputation and issue managementThought leadership and visibility strategyInvestor and internal communications?? The Native operates on a lean, partner-led model, backed by a trusted network of senior, experienced collaborators across content, media, public policy, and digital. Purpose-built for founders, investors, and CMOs seeking focused, high-impact strategy without the drag of traditional agency layers, the firm aims to double both its current client portfolio and talent base over the next six months with expansion to Southeast Asian markets by 2026.

Gambit Communications has announced a multilayered expansion titled ?ÇÿGambit 3.0?ÇÖ that features the launch of four branded divisions, 26 new team member hires and two exciting new purpose-built office spaces. Rather than following the traditional agency model of subdividing by practices, the Dubai-born independent PR & Influencer Marketing agency has prioritized synergy and authenticity by creating four themed divisions that unite brands and team members who share common approaches to storytelling.Gambit Pulse is focused on trends, disruption and passion, for brands that live in momentum and thrive on urgency, relevance and creative heat; Gambit Sage is the corporate, consultancy and sustainability division that offers calm, gravitas and strategic thinking, while Gambit Atelier is the fashion, culture and entertainment department that brings a studio mindset to a pop-culture world. Finally, Gambit fwd powers the industries and visionaries defining tomorrow in technology, property, mobility and innovation.The divisions have been supplemented by a 26-person hiring spree that includes 21 new additions since the start of the year, and five more set to join before the end of the summer, to take the agency size to 50 full-time team members.To help the teams live their ethos, Gambit has invested in two exciting new office spaces. The Gambit Pulse HQ is a purpose-built, fully-owned office space for the freshest young talent in the region to innovate, create and disrupt, while the Gambit Boutique is a bespoke fashion atelier designed to host, create content, and display clients?ÇÖ brands. These line up alongside Gambit?ÇÖs existing HQ which has been refurbished, to create a thriving 4,000 sq ft total premises.Since the start of the year, Gambit have grown their multinational client roster with major tender wins including Samsung, Property Finder, Majid Al Futtaim?ÇÖs Lifestyle portfolio featuring LEGO, lululemon, Crate & Barrel and more, The Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia, and the global viral phenomenon FIX Dessert Chocolatier ?Çô the original Dubai Chocolate.The agency?ÇÖs powerful momentum sees them concurrently holding five agency of the year titles, following a successful 2024 where they picked up a total of 36 major awards.Founder & Managing Director, Jamal Almawed said: ?Ç£In the six years since we launched, we?ÇÖve shaped and reshaped the agency model, always operating with clear guiding principles on how to build healthy dynamics with clients and with each other, and what the workplace should look like. We have pioneered new ways of looking at communications, creating a meritocracy built on shared values, drive and ambition. Gambit 3.0 is us making the first move once again, to become better storytellers, driven by curiosity, authenticity and cultural literacy.?Ç¥Gambit Communications handles a range of multinational brands including Samsung, Uber, Acer, BMW, Amazon Payment Services, Majid Al Futtaim, Essilor Luxottica and more.

Authored by Chaitali Pishay Roy, Founder - CPR GlobalFor decades, the default playbook for any brand or leader looking to tell their story was clear: get a feature in a leading publication, line up a few interviews, and let traditional media do the heavy lifting. But that equation has changed. Quietly at first ?Çö and now, dramatically.Today, the platforms where reputations are being built have moved far beyond the newsroom. Stories are being shaped on podcasts, in long-form conversations, through owned content, and on platforms that didn?ÇÖt even exist in the old communications blueprint. This isn?ÇÖt about media being replaced ?Çö it?ÇÖs about media being redefined.Look at what happened when Vijay Mallya finally broke his silence. After nearly a decade of avoiding Indian press, he chose not a legacy news outlet but a podcast ?Çö Raj Shamani?ÇÖs Figuring Out ?Çö for a four-hour conversation that covered everything from Kingfisher to personal loss. It wasn?ÇÖt a headline-grabbing interview. It was a controlled, layered narrative. The format gave him what traditional media couldn?ÇÖt: space, context, and depth. And as a result, it dominated every social feed, sparked debate across age groups, and reinserted him into public conversation ?Çö on his terms.Netflix?ÇÖs co-CEO Ted Sarandos could have chosen any business magazine to speak to during his India visit. Instead, he appeared on Nikhil Kamath?ÇÖs WTF podcast for a candid, far-reaching conversation. Why? Because he wasn?ÇÖt just looking for reach ?Çö he was looking for relevance. And long-form, peer-to-peer formats allow exactly that.Even political communication has evolved. When Donald Trump held his first press conference as U.S. President, he kept seats aside for digital-native media ?Çö acknowledging the power shift. More recently, Prime Minister Modi has met with YouTubers and content creators in the lead-up to elections ?Çö not to do sponsored content, but to shape perception via platforms where younger audiences are actually listening.Here?ÇÖs what ties these examples together:They weren?ÇÖt gimmicks. They were strategy.Each of these choices reflects a clear understanding that how and where you tell your story today is as important as the story itself.?Ç£The platforms to tell your story have fundamentally shifted. Traditional media is no longer the only (or even the most effective) stage. What matters now is how ?Çö and where ?Çö you choose to shape your narrative.?Ç¥And yet, so many brands continue to treat new-age platforms like traditional media ?Çö inserting talking points, scripting interactions, and reducing potential narratives into promotional monologues. The result? Disengagement. Because the audience has moved on. They?ÇÖre not just consuming media ?Çö they?ÇÖre participating in it. And they?ÇÖre far more responsive to what feels real, contextual, and unforced.That doesn?ÇÖt mean traditional media is dead. Far from it. The right profile in a respected business publication still carries weight. But it cannot be the only arrow in the quiver. Today?ÇÖs audience expects multi-dimensional storytelling. One story told in many formats, across many touchpoints ?Çö each designed for resonance, not just reach.For founders and CXOs, this is particularly critical. In 2025, you are not just building a company. You are building narrative equity. And that means rethinking where and how your story is told. It means investing in long-form formats, engaging with platforms that allow nuance, and showing up in environments where your audience is already leaning in ?Çö not tuning out.Some of the most effective communication strategies today include:?    Founder-led conversations on niche, high-trust platforms?    Thought leadership through newsletters or podcasts that offer unfiltered insight?    Deep-dive formats that explore complexity, not just key messages?    Creator or community partnerships that feel editorial, not advertorial The shift is already underway.The smart brands aren?ÇÖt just catching up ?Çö they?ÇÖre building the new playbook.Because the truth is: attention is fragmented, credibility is hard-earned, and repetition is no longer reputation.To stand out, you need clarity of voice ?Çö and clarity of platform.So if you?ÇÖre still telling your story only through press releases, advertorials, or tightly-controlled PR opportunities ?Çö you?ÇÖre missing the moment. Your audience isn?ÇÖt looking for polish. They?ÇÖre looking for presence. Not just what you say, but where you choose to say it.And in that choice lies the future of storytelling.

Independent communications agency Bud Communications has officially expanded into the Philippines with the launch of its Manila office, marking a significant step in its Southeast Asia growth strategy. The new office will be led by Kiana Carreon, who has been promoted to Account Director, Philippines, and will drive Bud?ÇÖs presence in the region?ÇÖs dynamic creative market.Carreon, who joined Bud in 2022, quickly distinguished herself through strategic leadership across sectors like consumer, tech, automotive, and healthcare. Prior to Bud, she worked at Ogilvy Philippines as Account Manager, earning recognition for impactful brand work. Her promotion reflects Bud?ÇÖs focus on growing talent from within and investing in local leadership.The launch follows Bud?ÇÖs successful partnerships in the Philippines with long-term clients like ACMobility (Ayala Corporation?ÇÖs automotive division) and Axelum Resources Corp, a leading coconut product manufacturer. Both clients have renewed and expanded their engagement with Bud for a second year?Çöfurther cementing the agency?ÇÖs role as a trusted partner.Founder and CEO Oliver Budgen highlighted the strategic importance of this move: ?Ç£Manila has become an obvious next step for Bud. The Philippines is full of creative energy and commercial opportunity. Partnering with bold brands like ACMobility and Axelum is a real validation of what we?ÇÖre building.?Ç¥Patricia Malay, General Manager for Southeast Asia, added: ?Ç£The Philippines is home to exceptional talent. Our goal is to build teams that truly reflect the pulse of the local market.?Ç¥Expressing her excitement, Carreon shared: ?Ç£I?ÇÖm proud to be launching Bud Manila and shaping work that?ÇÖs meaningful, strategic, and fresh. There?ÇÖs a strong appetite here for communications that move the needle. I look forward to growing our team and our impact.?Ç¥Since its founding in 2020 in Singapore, Bud has rapidly expanded across APAC with offices in Australia, Indonesia, and now the Philippines, supported by a team of over 15 professionals. The agency has tripled in size and worked with both regional disruptors and global clients across fintech, gaming, adtech, health tech, and Web3.This expansion also strengthens Bud?ÇÖs ?Ç£borderless agency model,?Ç¥ enabling local execution with unified regional strategies across Southeast Asia. The Manila office will focus on client servicing, campaign planning, and content execution, all while staying aligned with Bud?ÇÖs broader regional vision.

In a strategic move to strengthen its marketing leadership and drive accelerated brand growth, Asian Footwear Pvt. Ltd., India?ÇÖs leading premium-quality family footwear brand, proudly announces the appointment of Abhishek Singh Chauhan as Lead ?Çô Brand Marketing & Communication.With over 19 years of diverse and high-impact experience, Abhishek brings a rich blend of expertise to the role, spanning media, advertising, brand strategy, digital transformation, and content production. His journey spans 5 years in media and advertising agencies, 6 years in content leadership roles at Content production house and GroupM /WPP Media agencies, and over 7 years leading brand growth on the client side?Çöa trajectory marked by standout results, including 121% revenue growth at one brand and 32% at another, even as competitors saw flat or negative growth during the same period.Commenting on his new role, as Lead ?Çô Brand Marketing & Communication, at Asian Footwear, Abhishek Singh Chauhan said, ?Ç£I am excited to join the dynamic team at Asian Footwears, a brand that is walking with India?Çöliterally and metaphorically. The ambition here is bold, the legacy is strong, and the potential is immense. My goal is to integrate storytelling, digital intelligence, and purpose-driven marketing to create lasting consumer love and category leadership.?Ç¥Abhishek has successfully delivered 300+ content projects, multiple national campaigns, TVCs, documentaries, and product launches. From spearheading pan-India digital and offline media plans to executing AI-enabled marketing automation and launching mobile apps, his cross-functional leadership is well-aligned with Asian?ÇÖs vision to expand further across metros and emerging Bharat markets.He is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad (MDP) and holds an MBA in Marketing, with certifications in film marketing from Cannes, France. Known for driving innovation through integrated brand-building, he previously held senior leadership roles at Dorset Industries, Ozone Group, Team Airtel & Essence (GroupM), and Ogilvy, managing marquee campaigns and TVC projects for Airtel, Zee5, Hyundai, Mankind Pharma, and other prominent brands.

Sapience Communications introduces its new Consumer Practice, a strategic initiative dedicated to providing tailored communication support for beauty and wellness brands. A key focus of this practice will be guiding companies through international market entry, specifically between the UK, India, and the UAE.Sapience Communications is delighted to announce the official launch of its Consumer Practice, with a strong focus on the fast-growing beauty and wellness sector. With its headquarters in London, the beauty hub of Europe, and a growing footprint in India and the UAE, Sapience is uniquely positioned to help brands navigate the complex consumer landscapes across these dynamic markets. The new Practice will be led by Shubhi Grover, Head of Consumer at Sapience, who brings 14 years of rich sector experience in the consumer, beauty, and wellness space, having worked with both global and local brands. In a saturated and fast-evolving global beauty and wellness industry, standing out is critical. The new Consumer Practice at Sapience is designed to help brands break through the noise, offering a full suite of services including product launches, strategic media placements, creative campaign execution, influencer engagement, and social media management.?Ç£The launch of our consumer vertical marks a pivotal moment for the business,?Ç¥ says Richard Morgan Evans, CEO of Sapience Communications. ?Ç£Our work with high-profile corporate clients has built our reputation, but the momentum in the consumer arena, particularly in the beauty and wellness segments, is something we?ÇÖre very excited to be a part of. Shubhi?ÇÖs leadership and deep understanding of cross-market brand storytelling will be instrumental as we scale our work across India, the UAE, and the UK and she brings with her a decade of experience working with both international and domestic consumer brands.?Ç¥?Ç£India is a unique and incredibly exciting market for us,?Ç¥ says Grover. ?Ç£With the consumer economy booming, especially in wellness and beauty, we see a real opportunity to help Indian and UAE-based brands expand into the UK and, equally, support British brands that are eager to tap into the growing appetite for premium and heritage products in India and the UAE. Our mission is to be the bridge for cross-market consumer growth.?Ç¥This strategic expansion positions Sapience to deliver targeted, creative, and strategically results-driven campaigns for consumer brands seeking global traction.According to the British Beauty Council, the UK beauty industry grew by 11% last year alone, contributing over ?ú27.2 billion to the national GDP. Meanwhile, India?ÇÖs wellness market is expected to reach $26.55 billion by 2029, and the UAE?ÇÖs beauty and wellness sector is projected to soar from $5.1 billion in 2022 to $12.5 billion by 2030 - all pointing to rich opportunities for brand expansion and innovation.Sapience's new Consumer Practice blends editorial storytelling, digital PR expertise, and influencer relations to craft unique brand voices and drive engagement across borders. The agency is committed to building brand trust and loyalty in a sector where consumer relationships are everything.As the beauty and wellness industry experiences a global resurgence, Sapience Communications is geared up to step into this space with a clear vision: to support brands on their journey to becoming household names, whether in London, Mumbai, or Dubai.

Seasoned communications strategist Mrinall Dey has announced his latest professional chapter as a Fractional Communications Officer/Advisor, offering strategic communications support to organizations at key inflection points.With a career spanning diverse sectors?Çöincluding telecom, FMCG, financial services, IT, EdTech, and hospitality?ÇöDey brings deep expertise in brand-building, crisis communications, and media relations. He has previously led high-impact communication efforts for major brands such as Airtel, PepsiCo, American Express, BYJU?ÇÖS, and MobiKwik.In his new fractional role, Dey will collaborate with leadership teams and founders to offer part-time yet impactful communication counsel?Çöhelping brands navigate change, repositioning, or growth with narrative clarity and reputation resilience.Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Dey said: ?Ç£If you?ÇÖre at an inflection point or simply want to connect, I?ÇÖd love to explore how I can support your journey through strategic communications. Here?ÇÖs to new beginnings and impactful collaborations!?Ç¥Dey?ÇÖs transition reflects a growing trend of experienced professionals offering flexible advisory roles to help businesses scale smarter and communicate better during transformation.

Sarina Menezes has been promoted to Senior Vice President & Head ?Çô Marketing & Corporate Communication at Oberoi Realty, marking a significant milestone in her three-decade-long career in brand marketing and communications.With over 30 years of experience in luxury brand marketing, digital strategy, and customer experience, Menezes has been instrumental in shaping Oberoi Realty?ÇÖs brand narrative across residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality verticals. Her strategic role involves close collaboration with global design and architecture teams to craft compelling brand propositions and design standards.Prior to Oberoi Realty, she held key marketing roles at renowned international property consultancy Knight Frank, where she led campaigns for marquee luxury residences such as The Aman New York, Waldorf Astoria New York, The Royal Atlantis Dubai, and OWO Raffles London.A passionate storyteller and team builder, Menezes also serves as a Jury Member for the EFFIE and EMVIE Awards 2024, and is an adjunct faculty and Board of Studies member at MAHE (Manipal University). Her forward-thinking approach integrates digital transformation, employer branding, and content-driven engagement strategies.

Weber Shandwick, the earned-first global communications agency, has entered into a strategic partnership with ZENDATA Cybersecurity, a leading global cybersecurity firm, to deliver a fully integrated cyber crisis and resilience offering under Weber Advisory. The partnership combines deep expertise in cybersecurity and threat intelligence with industry-leading crisis ?+971 55 166 2557? and reputation management, offering clients a seamless solution to navigate today?ÇÖs complex risk landscape.This collaboration reflects a growing demand from boards, CEOs and communications leaders for a unified approach to cyber resilience, which addresses both the technical and reputational dimensions of modern crises. The Weber Shandwick?ÇôZENDATA Cybersecurity alliance will initially launch from regional hubs in London, Geneva and Dubai, with a view to serving clients across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.?Ç£This partnership is a powerful extension of Weber Advisory and a direct response to client needs,?Ç¥ said Alphonse Daudre-Vignier, Executive Vice President, Corporate, Weber Shandwick. ?Ç£Managing a cyber crisis has long required more than a technical fix; it?ÇÖs a test of leadership, trust and stakeholder confidence. By combining our strengths with ZENDATA Cybersecurity, we?ÇÖre giving clients the integrated capabilities they need to anticipate, manage and recover from digital threats with greater agility and authority.?Ç¥ZENDATA Cybersecurity brings cutting-edge cybersecurity services to the partnership, including proactive threat hunting, dark web monitoring, and rapid incident response. These technical capabilities will be integrated with Weber Advisory?ÇÖs proven crisis communications frameworks and strategic counsel.Steven Meyer and Isabelle Meyer, Co-CEOs of ZENDATA Cybersecurity, have noted a widespread and dangerous trend: "Companies consistently overestimate their readiness to face modern cyber threats. With this partnership, we?ÇÖre redefining what preparedness looks like. By fusing our cybersecurity expertise with Weber Shandwick?ÇÖs crisis communications leadership, we?ÇÖre helping organisations not just react, but respond with resilience and control.?Ç¥The offering will include joint cyber crisis simulations, scenario planning, real-time incident response and recovery support. The integrated solution builds on Weber Shandwick?ÇÖs recent launch of RADIUS ?Çô an operational AI-powered issues and crisis platform developed in collaboration with clients ?Çô now enhanced with ZENDATA Cybersecurity?ÇÖs cyber threat intelligence.

PRIUS Communications, the flagship of the PRIUS Brand and Business Partner, recently created a new benchmark by amplifying a national wellness advocacy and brand campaign for Centre for Sight (CFS) ?Çö one of India?ÇÖs leading eye hospital chains ?Çö through a cutting-edge digital-first strategy. The leading PR company gave the campaign, featuring fitness icon Milind Soman, a robust push using a diversified suite of Digital PR tools. The campaign achieved a digital reach of over 17.5 million, amplified by numerous influencers. The digital PR tools deployed by Prius Brand and Business Partner included high-impact influencer collaborations, trending reels, targeted content on hyperlocal digital news platforms, integration with Bollywood and entertainment-centric digital pages, engaging blog narratives, and news articles across health and lifestyle domains. Launched across digital, print, outdoor, and in-clinic touchpoints, the campaign?ÇÖs core message blends emotional storytelling with preventive healthcare messaging. The campaign received exceptional amplification across top-tier entertainment, marketing, and hyperlocal digital platforms. It was prominently featured on PinkVilla, Mama Raazi, and Instant Bollywood, collectively delivering millions of views and engaging vast, diverse audience segments?Çöfrom Bollywood enthusiasts to marketing professionals. Hyperlocal lifestyle pages like What?ÇÖs Hot across Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gujarat, and Gurugram fueled the campaign?ÇÖs regional penetration. With extensive influencer integration, the campaign successfully achieved pan-India digital resonance, ensuring strong recall not just in metro cities but also across key regional markets, reinforcing Centre for Sight?ÇÖs position as a national leader in eye health advocacy.Speaking on the healthcare campaign?ÇÖs impact, Baldev Raj, Founder and Chief, PRIUS Brand and Business Partner, said, ?Ç£We don?ÇÖt just amplify campaigns ?Çö we engineer movements. With Centre for Sight and Milind Soman, we successfully amplified a powerful narrative that transcends typical hospital advertising. This campaign redefines how health brands connect with aspirational India ?Çö through purpose, people, and platforms.?Ç¥?Ç£At PRIUS Communications, we bring a decade of objective-led experience in healthcare communications and amplifications with new age PR tools. We have successfully built brand narratives for hospitals, med-tech innovators, wellness chains, and global health campaigns,?Ç¥ added Baldev Raj. With this campaign Prius Communications also exemplifies its expertise in successfully executing brand and healthcare campaigns. Earlier, the company has successfully executed brand and PR strategies and campaigns for Apollo, Narayana Health, Medanta, JP Hospital, Paras Healthcare, SPARSH Hospitals, Enbio, Starkey, Apollo Spectra, among others. 

Brazen MENA, a leading PR agency in the Middle East with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, today announced a bold new rebrand as it celebrates its milestone: 10-year anniversary. The rebrand sees the launch of the agency?ÇÖs new, brand platform ?ÇÿB Ahead, B Brazen?ÇÖ and reflects Brazen MENA?ÇÖs evolution from PR agency to reputation consultancy and the best female owned in the Middle East* . With a view to driving greater Visibility, Reputation and Impact for its clients, ?ÇÿB Ahead, B Brazen?ÇÖ reflects a future-facing, client-first positioning, built around clear service specialisms. Created especially for the challenges brand?ÇÖs face in today?ÇÖs world ?Çô from fragmented attention, rising scepticism, and pressure to deliver ROI ?Çô the new positioning has been shaped in line with today?ÇÖs consumer who expects more; they?ÇÖre selective, sceptical and constantly choosing who to trust.  As such, brands must earn attention, shape narrative and prove value. ?ÇÿB Ahead?ÇÖ is Brazen MENA?ÇÖs solution ?Çô and serves to help clients move faster and think sharper, whilst staying one step ahead.The rebrand launches in silo with the agency?ÇÖs redefined, three-powered service model: B Social, B Lifestyle, B Corporate ?Çô specialised offerings ultimately designed to move the needle on visibility, sentiment and business results:  B Social ?Çô Strategy-led, insight-driven, social-first campaigns that convert attention into action. B Lifestyle ?Çô Consumer and culture-connected campaigns for lifestyle and experience-led brands. B Corporate ?Çô Reputation-first communications that build trust, credibility and influence across sectors.Managing Partner, Louise Jacobson, who is also a Provoke Innovator 25 ?Çô EMEA, and a Global Women in PR MENA Board Member comments: ?Ç£For the last decade, Brazen MENA has enjoyed numerous accolades. In that time, we?ÇÖve looked after 400+ brands across consumer, corporate and government sectors, won 70+ industry awards, and built long-term client partnerships based on our values of trust, performance and relevance.  ?Ç£The 10 year mark is not just an exciting milestone, but also a turning point ?Çô a chance not just to reflect, but a reset for what?ÇÖs next. We know the challenges brands face in today?ÇÖs complex, consumer driven world ?Çô and ?ÇÿB Ahead B Brazen?ÇÖ enables us to pinpoint them head on.  ?ÇÿB Ahead?ÇÖ is not just a brand line ?Çô it will serve as the lens for every strategy, every campaign and every result. Combined with our redefined, three-powered service offering, we?ÇÖre confident this rebrand will propel us forward for the next decade as we continue to expand across the GCC and beyond.?Ç¥Operating across the GCC with offices in Dubai and Riyadh servicing clients in the UAE, Qatar, KSA and the UK, Brazen MENA offers deep regional insight and bilingual team delivery. With proven results in building strategies for global and local brands, delivering press office, influencer and content execution across Gulf markets, the agency is not only the region?ÇÖs top 10 PR consultancies, but also recognised as the number one female-owned PR agency in the region.*

Mutant, a Singapore-headquartered strategic communications agency, has officially entered the Philippines market, unveiling its fifth regional office in Southeast Asia. This expansion comes at a time of rapid transformation in the local communications ecosystem, shaped by the rise of the creator economy, changing media habits, and an increasingly digital-native consumer base.The Manila launch signals a deeper regional push for Mutant, which is leaning into culturally attuned, impact-driven storytelling. "The Philippines is a vibrant, fast-evolving market with huge potential for brands to forge meaningful connections," said Joseph Barratt, CEO of Mutant. "In this landscape, smart, strategic, creative, and commercially meaningful communications are vital ?Çö and that?ÇÖs exactly what we aim to deliver."To lead its Philippine operations, Mutant has appointed industry veterans Dev Atinaja and Luckie Masbad as co-directors. Their combined expertise brings deep local insight at a time when traditional PR models are being challenged by new digital-first approaches.Atinaja, known for her work with major brands like Lazada, McDonald's, Epson, Nestl??, Bosch, adidas, and SM Supermalls, emphasized the shifting terrain. ?Ç£With the rise of the creator economy and new media behaviors, brands need to show up differently ?Çö with more strategy, boldness, and impact,?Ç¥ she said. ?Ç£Mutant?ÇÖs DNA is built around strategic creativity and real business outcomes, which is what we?ÇÖre bringing to the table for Filipino brands.?Ç¥Masbad, who brings a strong background in social, events, and ATL campaigns, echoed the importance of connecting authenticity with scale. ?Ç£Today, it?ÇÖs not just about visibility,?Ç¥ she noted. ?Ç£It?ÇÖs about creating moments that matter ?Çö campaigns that inspire loyalty and action while staying true to both local relevance and global brand objectives.?Ç¥Mutant?ÇÖs move comes as the Philippine PR industry evolves rapidly, with key trends for 2024-2025 including AI-driven content and sentiment analysis, hyper-personalized campaigns tailored to regional nuances, and growing demand for authentic, socially responsible storytelling. Brands are increasingly expected to go beyond awareness and forge real connections with their audiences.Launched in 2012 as a lean startup, Mutant has since scaled up to over 80 employees across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and now the Philippines. Its diverse client portfolio spans technology, FMCG, finance, and lifestyle sectors. The Philippine expansion follows the agency?ÇÖs recent win of the Smartcom account in Indonesia, reinforcing its growing influence across Southeast Asia.

Value 360 Communications Limited, one of India?ÇÖs leading integrated communications and brand-building firms, today announced its foray into AI-powered content creation through a strategic collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker and AI innovator Vivek Anchalia. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment as Value 360 prepares to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) this month, in line with its proposed public listing on the SME Exchange.The AI-powered creative studio ?Çö currently under formation ?Çö will combine cutting-edge generative AI technologies with domain expertise in storytelling, brand strategy, and scalable content production. The venture is designed to offer brands, marketers, and content creators a next-generation solution for high-volume, highly personalized, and cost-efficient campaign production across digital and traditional channels."This new AI-powered creative studio reflects Value 360?ÇÖs larger vision ?Çö to not just participate, but actively lead the evolution of communications, marketing, and storytelling," said Kunal Kishore, Group CEO & Co-Founder of Value 360 Communications Limited. "As we enter the public markets, we want to demonstrate to our investors, clients, and partners that our growth strategy is rooted in innovation, agility, and anticipating what modern brands will demand over the next decade."Vivek Anchalia brings unique domain leadership to this venture, having built India?ÇÖs first AI-native content studio. As founder of Amazing Indian Stories, Anchalia has pioneered AI-powered filmmaking, including India?ÇÖs first AI-generated feature film Naisha. His previous credits include co-writing Netflix?ÇÖs Rajma Chawal and directing Tikdam on Jio Hotstar, cementing his credentials as a creative technologist seamlessly blending human narrative with AI capabilities."AI is not a threat to creativity ?Çö it?ÇÖs a force multiplier," said Anchalia. "Together, we are building a model that enables brands to scale quality content like never before, while preserving creative integrity. This is the future of storytelling, and I?ÇÖm excited to build this vision alongside Value 360."Expanding Value 360?ÇÖs EcosystemThe studio will function as part of Value 360?ÇÖs broader expansion into adjacent verticals that complement its core public relations and integrated communications business. By blending AI-powered creative solutions with its existing media, influencer, and digital ecosystems, Value 360 aims to offer a fully integrated, end-to-end solution for brands seeking speed, efficiency, and creative scale.With this move, Value 360 strengthens its long-term positioning as not just a communications agency, but a diversified, innovation-first marketing services platform ?Çö aligned with global trends driving consolidation across content, creative, data, and technology.IPO Filing ImminentValue 360 Communications Limited is slated to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) later this month as it moves toward an IPO on the SME Exchange. This public offering marks a significant milestone in the company's 18-year journey from a founder-led entrepreneurial venture to one of India?ÇÖs most respected independent marketing and communications organizations.

Progressive Communications, a Singapore-based public relations consultancy, and Active FZ LLC, UAE-based integrated marketing and communications agency, announced a strategic partnership to provide clients with seamless, integrated communications support across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The partnership combines Progressive?ÇÖs earned-first communications expertise in APAC with Active FZ LLC?ÇÖs deep regional presence and integrated marketing strength across the Middle East. Clients with regional hubs in Singapore or Dubai?Çöand ambitions to scale?Çöcan now access a unified, cross-border team offering brand positioning, media strategy, earned-first PR, and market-entry planning.The partnership will support globally minded brands with consistent, high-impact narratives and reputation strategies across key regional markets.?Ç£We?ÇÖre excited to join forces with Louay and the team at Active,?Ç¥ said Tarun Deo, Founder and Managing Director of Progressive Communications. ?Ç£They bring deep regional insight, strong media relationships, and a strategic mindset that perfectly complements our strengths communications planning and storytelling. Together, we offer a powerful, compelling proposition for brands ready to expand across borders.?Ç¥Progressive Communications is a dedicated, close-knit team of experienced senior consultants and energetic young talent. Combining decades of experience with a keen awareness of current trends, the agency blends vibrant creativity, rigorous analytics, and practical insight to help brands engage meaningfully with their stakeholders and stand out in today?ÇÖs crowded communications landscape. Backed by a global partner network, Progressive Communications has worked with clients including Zespri International, SAP Concur, and Swire Coca-Cola.Louay Al Sammarai, CEO and Founder of Active FC LLZ, added: ?Ç£This partnership gives our clients access to expert communications counsel across APAC through Progressive?ÇÖs network and capabilities. We look forward to unlocking new business opportunities together and delivering bold, impactful work that resonates in every market we serve.?Ç¥Founded in 2003, Active FZ LLC is a leading marketing and communications agency with more than two decades of experience across the Middle East. Known for its innovative, culturally attuned campaigns, the agency supports global and regional brands across public relations, influencer engagement, lead generation, digital marketing, content production, exhibition stand build and services and event management. Active FZ LLC extends its reach internationally through a network of affiliates and partners.This partnership brings together a team of seasoned communications professionals with deep local market knowledge and a shared ambition to deliver scalable, borderless solutions. Both firms will maintain their independent branding and legal identities while aligning on approach, quality, and execution to serve clients as one cohesive cross-regional team.

Rafeeg App, a leading UAE-based platform in the home services sector, made a bold statement at GITEX Europe 2025 with the unveiling of its new AI-powered interior design algorithm, allowing homeowners to professionally design their spaces without hiring interior designers or conducting in-person consultations. The announcement signals a major move toward digital transformation in home design while also setting the stage for Rafeeg?ÇÖs global expansion, starting with Europe.The patent-pending algorithm, currently undergoing the registration process with support from the UAE Ministry of Economy and Khalifa Fund, employs AI to instantly generate high-quality and fully customized interior design concepts based on user input. Without the need for costly site visits or manual layout reviews, the technology significantly reduces the time and the cost that is often associated with home redesign. It is expected to launch publicly by the end of 2025.Rafeeg introduced an innovative franchise pilot program at the event, inviting interested European partners to participate in a fully funded, one-month trial with no obligation to continue afterwards. During the opening days of the exhibition, more than 20 European businesses expressed formal interest in the program. Rafeeg will cover all startup costs during the trial, providing partners with a low-risk opportunity to test the platform in their respective markets.?Ç£We believe that the success of a startup depends on cultivating knowledge, trust, and a seamless operation. This vision is what Rafeeg stands for and presents,?Ç¥ said Khamis Alsheryani, Founder and CEO of Rafeeg. ?Ç£We?ÇÖre excited to extend that vision to Europe and beyond.?Ç¥Founded in 2017, Rafeeg was created to bridge the gap between homeowners and vetted service providers in the UAE. The app currently supports over 140,000 users and a network of 4,500 service professionals, including electricians, interior designers, and renovation specialists. The platform has already processed over AED 50 million in transactions and is celebrated for its focus on quality assurance, affordability, and customer satisfaction.What sets Rafeeg apart is its mission to empower local businesses rather than compete with them. Through comprehensive training programs, operational support, and strict quality control, Rafeeg helps small and medium-sized contractors to scale their operations and elevate their service standards. Their collaborative approach has been a key pillar of the brand?ÇÖs success in the UAE and is central to its strategy for future expansion.The company?ÇÖs participation in GITEX Europe represents a strategic initiative to enter new markets. Supported by the UAE?ÇÖs national innovation agenda, Rafeeg is actively seeking like-minded partners across the Northern Emirates, GCC countries, and key European cities to collaboratively develop the next generation of home services.

Award-winning PR and communications agency TishTash, along with the wider TishTash Group, has announced that Polly Williams, Managing Director, will be stepping away from her role after a transformative tenure spanning nearly a decade. Having served as Managing Director since 2019, Williams has played a pivotal role in shaping the agency?ÇÖs strategic growth and culture.Williams joined TishTash Communications in 2016 as Group Account Director, swiftly establishing herself as a key force behind the agency?ÇÖs evolution into a fully integrated communications powerhouse. Under her leadership, the agency expanded its offerings across PR, creative, events, content, social, and digital marketing?Çöushering in a new era for the business.Notable achievements during her time include:?Çó Growing the agency from a 10-person team to over 70 employees, achieving double-digit growth for five consecutive years.?Çó Spearheading the agency?ÇÖs expansion into the KSA and UK markets.?Çó Launching a cutting-edge ?ÇÿDirect to Consumer?ÇÖ division, including the launch of Raemona Magazine and the acquisition of the popular online community That Dubai Girl.?Çó Championing workplace innovation, with TishTash becoming accredited as a ?Ç£Great Place to Work?Ç¥ and introducing region-first policies around menopause, menstruation, and fertility leave.?Ç£Polly has been a key driving force behind our growth and success over the last 10 years, and in bringing my vision to life,?Ç¥ said Natasha Hatherall, Founder and CEO of TishTash Group. ?Ç£Her tenacity, determination and commitment have been invaluable to me and the agency as we moved from start-up to the large multi-disciplinary agency we are today. While we?ÇÖre all sad to see her go, we?ÇÖre incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and cannot wait to see what she goes on to achieve next.?Ç¥Reflecting on her departure, Williams said: ?Ç£Leading the growth of TishTash has been such a significant and rewarding part of my career. Scaling the business and building a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team of talented women has given me so much to be proud of. I will continue to be in awe of Natasha and TishTash as it goes on to enjoy future successes. As I move into my next chapter, I look forward to applying the experience, insight and momentum gained at TishTash to new opportunities and ventures.?Ç¥The agency has confirmed that Williams?ÇÖ role will not be replaced immediately. Instead, Senior Business Directors Scarlett Sykes and Katie Watson Grant will step into enhanced leadership roles in support of CEO Natasha Hatherall.Looking ahead, Hatherall and Williams will continue to collaborate on several new ventures?Çöincluding co-authoring a book that reflects their shared insights and experiences in the communications world.