In the media industry, the corporate communication field has seen significant expansion over recent decades. However, the lack of industry benchmarks and notable salary discrepancies reveal a different side of the reality.According to the India Communicators Group (ICG) Salary Survey, over 45% of salaries range between Rs 22.5 lakh and Rs 62.5 lakh. For freshers in in-house communications roles, starting salaries are generally between Rs 5.3 lakh and Rs 5.8 lakh, though they can be as low as Rs 3.5 lakh.The report indicates that median in-house salaries rise with experience, with an average increase of approximately Rs 2.3 lakh per year. It also notes that agency salaries often lag behind in-house salaries for equivalent positions.Additionally, the percentage of women in communications starts at 69% among freshers, peaks at 71% for those with 8-10 years of experience, and then declines to 42% for women with 25 years or more in the field.According to a Simplilearn Survey, 85% of professionals in India Inc are optimistic about promotions, career changes, or salary hikes in 2024.

Lava Music, a leading innovator in the guitar industry, has promoted Shawn Wolfe to the position of Global PR Marketing Director. Wolfe, who joined the company in 2021, has been instrumental in managing its social media presence, content creation, and strategic marketing planning.In his new role, Wolfe will take on additional responsibilities, including overseeing Lava Music's media relations, overall marketing strategies, and stakeholder engagement across global markets. His promotion comes at a pivotal time for the company as it continues to expand its global footprint and innovate within the music industry.Wolfe's promotion aligns with Lava Music's recent initiatives to enhance its product offerings and increase its market share. The company has recently introduced cutting-edge technology into their guitar designs, such as the Lava ME 3, which features a built-in touchscreen and effects engine, setting new standards in the industry.With the global music instrument market expected to grow significantly in the coming years, Wolfe's leadership will be crucial in navigating the competitive landscape and strengthening Lava Music's brand presence worldwide. The global guitar market is projected to grow significantly, reaching $6.5 billion by 2027, driven by rising music-related leisure activities and online retail expansion.

Sydney-based PR agency InsideOut PR has announced its latest client partnership with Australian comedian Kurt Sterling. The collaboration aims to promote Sterling's upcoming solo show, 'Corporate Chronicles,' and bolster his presence within the entertainment and comedy industry.InsideOut PR, known for its dynamic approach and robust network, will employ a strategic communications plan to enhance Sterling's visibility. This will include media publicity, influencer collaborations, and strategic partnerships to position Sterling prominently in the comedy scene.Nicole Reaney, (pictured), Director of InsideOut PR, said: "We are excited to work with a talent such as Kurt Sterling and to catalyse his journey in the Australian and global entertainment industry."Set up in 2005, InsideOut PR is a full-service agency with 110 offices worldwide. The agency is partner of global communications group IPREX.

New York-based Virgo Public Relations, an integrated communications firm specializing in rapid-growth industries, has announced its expanded professional service practice with a focus on law offices and insurance providers. Supported by extensive experience, Virgo will offer law practitioners and insurance providers with strategic communications designed to elevate them as thought leaders in their respective categories through re-messaging, digital content and comprehensive media relations. Virgo's professional services practice, which continues to experience significant growth, has supported multiple clients across the category including venture capital firms, insurance underwriters and providers, media firms, and law groups since the company's inception in 2020. As businesses in these segments continue to struggle to capture share of voice, Virgo saw the opportunity to leverage its success in media relations and content planning to build a dedicated practice area to support these types of clients. Virgo hopes to utilize its strong network of both trade and national reporters covering these important segments to position its clients as expert thought leaders within their various markets. "Virgo has a unique opportunity and skill-set to assist clients in the professional services category in national media exposure and thought leadership given our extensive experience in the space," said Kyle Porter, EVP and Managing Director of Virgo. "Both the firm and our team have worked across almost all verticals in the space, from law to insurance, in positioning our clients as experts in the space. We do so through a blend of traditional and digital PR services focused on building and creating momentum in the news. After some of our most recent successes, we felt now would be the perfect time to dedicate further resources to this practice area and see new and exciting clients to add to our roster." With the expansion of its professional services practice, Virgo moves beyond its positioning as a tech-focused agency to a full-scale corporate communications firm with a strong emphasis in supporting start-ups working in emerging markets as well as supporting legacy industry businesses in modernizing their communications.

Eco-friendly footwear brand VIVAIA has selected Edelman Australia as its PR Agency of Record, following a rigorous competitive pitch process. This strategic partnership is set to enhance VIVAIA's brand presence and drive its upcoming Australian market initiatives.The collaboration will kick off with the launch of a temporary pop-up store at Melbourne Central in August 2024. This event will serve as a precursor to VIVAIA's highly anticipated flagship store opening in Sydney, scheduled for the end of the year. The Melbourne pop-up will showcase VIVAIA’s sustainable footwear collection, aiming to capture the attention of eco-conscious consumers and fashion enthusiasts alike.Edelman Australia will spearhead a comprehensive communications strategy designed to maximize earned media coverage and leverage influencer marketing. The campaign will highlight VIVAIA’s commitment to sustainability and its innovative approach to eco-friendly fashion.This partnership aligns with VIVAIA’s broader global expansion strategy and underscores its commitment to increasing brand visibility in key international markets. The brand has previously made headlines with its use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, establishing a strong reputation in the eco-conscious consumer segment.In recent months, VIVAIA has been recognized for its contribution to sustainable fashion, with features in notable publications such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, and collaborations with prominent environmental advocates. The appointment of Edelman Australia is expected to further amplify these efforts and bolster VIVAIA's position in the competitive footwear market.The launch events in Melbourne and Sydney are anticipated to draw significant media attention and generate buzz around VIVAIA's commitment to sustainable and stylish footwear.

The Public Relations Practitioners Society of Malaysia (PRactitioners) has entered into a partnership agreement with the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), focusing on several key areas of cooperation, including:- Exchange of information and best practices- Sharing of publications- Joint promotion of ethical development in the PR profession- Collaboration on codes and guidelines"Through this collaboration, our members will gain invaluable global insights, networking opportunities, and access to a wealth of resources to enhance their professional growth," said P Kamalanathan, Chairman of PRactitioners.IPRA President, Nataša Pavlovi Bujas, added, "Gathering professionals worldwide not only helps the levelling-up of public relations but also helps mutual understanding and the building of trust among nations."

Shameek Bose has joined FleishmanHillard as the agency's inaugural global lead of responsible business and impact, bringing with him two decades of experience in sustainability and ESG.In this newly established position, Bose will guide companies in adapting their business models to align with the expectations of various stakeholders, including consumers, regulators, employees, and shareholders.With approximately 20 years of experience, Bose has been a trusted advisor on sustainability, social impact, the future of work, and responsible AI.Before joining FleishmanHillard, Bose was with Accenture, where he assisted C-suites and boards in developing governance for sustainability and ESG goals. He also served seven years as a global leadership fellow and lead for business engagement at the World Economic Forum.

Jenny Ringland, a former journalist with News Corp and founder of the popular sustainable lifestyle platform Green + Simple, has unveiled G+S Communications, her latest venture. The new agency will offer a comprehensive range of sustainability-focused communications services to help businesses navigate the complex landscape of net zero and nature-positive targets.With nearly two decades of experience in the media industry, Ringland is a recognized leader in sustainability communications in Australia. Her deep understanding of the sector, coupled with her journalistic background, positions G+S Communications as a valuable partner for businesses seeking to effectively communicate their sustainability initiatives.G+S Communications will provide a suite of services including corporate communications, public relations, brand building, greenwashing risk assessment, climate reporting and legislation advisory, sustainability report writing, and content creation.Ringland believes that the growing urgency of climate change has created a significant demand for expert communications advice. She said: "What we know is that regulation relating to climate is coming. We also know that communicating complex topics requires strategic thinking and a skillset to distil technical information simply and accurately, which is what we specialise in. What we are doing is meeting every business where they are. There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to climate, and the same goes for communications. It’s a journey that is nuanced and individualised, and as soon as we can recognise that, the sooner we can work together to transition to a net zero, nature resilient tomorrow." Beyond her professional roles, Ringland is a board director of impact-focused investment syndicate Trampoline and serves on the advisory board of the Environmental Music Prize.

The Public Relations and Communications Association Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA) has announced the return of its annual conference. This year's event, the PRCA MENA Conference 2024, will be held on Thursday, November 14th at the Taj Business Bay in Dubai.Building on the success of last year's record-breaking conference in Riyadh, the 2024 edition promises an even more dynamic program with a stellar lineup of speakers. Attendees can expect thought-provoking sessions designed to address current trends and challenges in the PR industry. Leading experts from various fields will share valuable insights and practical strategies, sparking meaningful discussions and fostering professional development for PR professionals.The conference agenda will encompass emerging topics and innovative practices within the ever-evolving world of public relations. Beyond the sessions, ample networking opportunities will be available throughout the day. Coffee breaks, a dedicated lunch session, and an evening networking event with drinks will provide attendees with valuable space to connect with fellow professionals and exchange ideas.Commenting on the upcoming event, James Hewes, CEO of PRCA, said: "Our conference in Riyadh set a new standard for engagement and thought leadership in the MENA region's PR industry. We are thrilled to bring the 2024 conference to Dubai, where we will continue to address the current landscape of public relations while offering a platform for professionals across the region to learn, network, and gain inspiration."

Yardstick Marketing, an integrated marketing solutions company with a global presence in over 60 countries through its affiliation with the International Public Relations Network (IPRN), has been awarded the PR mandate for Tally Solutions, a leading technology company providing business management software for small and medium businesses globally.Through this partnership, Yardstick Marketing will support Tally Solutions in reaching MSMEs, and the start-up community in the Middle East market through a robust communications strategy. The collaboration will integrate Yardstick Marketing’s comprehensive PR and communication offerings with Tally’s industry-leading software solutions, creating a synergy that promises sustained success and growth in the marketplace.Vikas Panchal, General Manager - Middle East, Tally Solutions, says: “We are pleased to appoint Yardstick Marketing as our communications agency as we expand operations in the GCC region. Yardstick's extensive experience, creative approach, and innovative campaigns made them the ideal choice. We look forward to leveraging their expertise to enhance our visibility and build strong brand equity for Tally Solutions in the GCC region.”Anishkaa Gehani, Founder and CEO of Yardstick Marketing, said: “Tally Solutions is a market leader and has made remarkable strides in the Business Management Software space. Owing to their growth in the GCC, we are delighted to further elevate their identity through a bespoke communication strategy and set a new yardstick in enhancing Tally's brand equity in the region.”“Yardstick Marketing will curate a PR strategy to fortify Tally Solutions’ brand positioning, with an aim to augment its impact and influence amongst stakeholders across the Middle East region,” she added.Yardstick Marketing has over a decade of experience designing award-winning marketing campaigns, specializing in Integrated Marketing Solutions offering a comprehensive brand building strategy for brands in UAE, KSA and India. Since its establishment in 2012 by Anishkaa Gehani, the award-winning company has worked with over 1800 brands servicing the entire GCC and India with global benchmarks.Operating globally in over 100 countries and trusted by more than 2.5 million businesses worldwide, Tally Solutions is recognized for its leadership and innovation in the software product industry. The company is certified by the FTA and the GAZT, and has been a key player in the GCC for over ten years. Tally has consistently led the business management software sector, introducing innovative technologies that transform the way businesses operate.  This strategic alliance between Yardstick and Tally is expected to enhance Tally’s visibility in the GCC as well as solidify its position as a leader in the business management software industry. For more information about Tally Solutions, please visit (Tally’s website). For insights into Yardstick Marketing and their services, head to (Yardstick’s website)(Image: Anishkaa Gehani, Founder and CEO of Yardstick Marketing and Vikas Panchal, General Manager - Middle East, Tally Solutions.)

Bacardi India Private Limited, the world's largest privately held spirits company, has appointed Monojit Mukherjee as Director of External Affairs for India and Neighboring Countries. With an illustrious career spanning 25 years, Monojit brings a wealth of experience in navigating regulatory landscapes and fostering strategic partnerships across central and state governments and industry bodies.In his latest role at Bacardi, Monojit will spearhead Bacardi’s external affairs strategy, leading engagement with local, state governments and central government to create responsible, consumer-centric, government initiatives, while ensuring full compliance and a commitment to always doing the right thing. Monojit is a highly networked leader, with a strong compliance understanding of the regulatory regime at both central and state levels, as well as working with alcohol associations such as ISWAI, SWA, DISCUS, Spirits Europe and more.His journey at Bacardi follows his impactful tenure as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at United Breweries Limited (Heineken India), where he drove business continuity, regulatory challenges, enabled price increases across several states and responsible consumption initiatives. He also spearheaded ease-of-doing-business initiatives in coordination with several key central government ministries including, Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) Invest India & Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Prior to this, Monojit Mukherjee served as the General Manager – External Affairs at Pernod Ricard India, where he played a key role in driving the company's growth while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Previously, he held strategic roles at JSW Steel Limited and GMR Group, contributing to major infrastructure projects like Delhi and Hyderabad International Airports in the country.Joining India’s leadership team from the company’s Gurgaon office, Monojit will report directly to Vinay Golikeri, Managing Director, Bacardi India & Neighboring Countries, who said, “We are pleased to welcome Monojit Mukherjee to the Bacardi leadership team. His extensive experience and understanding of the regulatory landscape will be invaluable to us as we navigate the evolving market dynamics of India and neighboring countries. We look forward to his leadership in driving our external affairs strategy and fostering a regulatory environment that is beneficial for our consumers, our industry, and our business."Speaking about his new role, Monojit Mukherjee said, “I am thrilled to join Bacardi’s accomplished leadership team as we embark on a journey of historic growth. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team and industry stakeholders to drive impactful initiatives that guide us towards continued success in the spirits industry.”Monojit’s appointment marks a pivotal move, providing a voice for Bacardi India within key industry, government, and regulatory decision-making bodies.

Munavar Attari, the Managing Director of FleishmanHillard India, has stepped down after dedicating eight years to the organization. During his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing the overall P&L for India, managing clients and offices, and providing strategic counsel and guidance on client campaigns, corporate reputation, and issues/crisis management.Attari is a seasoned communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the communications and public relations industry. Over the course of his career, he has worked with prominent organizations such as Omnicom India Marketing Advisory Services, Edelman, Weber Shandwick, and Blue Star Infotech Ltd, among others.

After nearly seven years at Real Chemistry, Chuck Hemann has joined Highwire as chief integration officer.In this newly created role, Hemann will focus on identifying, implementing, and integrating both new and existing strategic services across the agency. His goal is to drive integrated programs that deliver tangible business results for clients. He will develop integrated, omni-channel solutions that align with the evolving marketing and communications landscape.Hemann brings extensive experience in integration from his previous role at Real Chemistry, where he led the growth of the social and digital media activation department and co-led the firm's analytics department. He also has client-side experience from Intel, where he built the digital analytics department and co-developed the company’s first digital hub in Singapore.

Jajabor Brand Consultancy & Wellbeing Nutrition will come together to build pathways for consumer facing brands to not just interact but engage with consumers with scalable, measurable & impact driven waysWellbeing Nutrition, in a short span of time has established itself as an innovative leading wellness brand that has become a global leader for melts®, have the world’s first clinically proven collagen from Korea, they have also developed the world’s first vegan collagen and 2 in 1 capsules with oil and beadlets for enhanced bioavailability.Their partnership with JBC is in life with this core philosophy of solving for consumer needs through scalable, innovative products & campaigns Jajabor Brand Consultancy & Wellbeing Nutrition will deploy a series of integrated comms mandates designed to push the needle on typical consumer engagement at the intersection of PR, organic comms, branded properties, digital & more New Delhi, 31st July 2024: The country’s fastest-growing, integrated Communications & PR strategic collective, Jajabor Brand Consultancy, today announced a strategic communications partnership with Wellbeing Nutrition, a leading wellness brand dedicated to revolutionise clean nutrition and the formats of delivery to create a more lifestyle-focused brand than a brand that just dispenses medicine. The brand’s focus is to disrupt the industry by delivering innovative solutions with a special focus on beauty, sports and performance categories. Through this collaboration, JBC will serve as Wellbeing Nutrition's strategic communications partner working closely with the brand to build, scale & deploy consumer focused dialogues across PR, organic comms , brand properties and more.Avnish Chabbria, Co-founder at Wellbeing Nutrition, said, “Consumers today are ditching the 'quick fix' mentality in favour of a holistic approach to wellness. At Wellbeing Nutrition, we are committed to working hand-in-hand with consumer insights to deliver innovative formats like our dissolvable melts® (oral thin strips) and groundbreaking products like the world's first vegan and vegetarian collagen with Vecollal®. Our focus on sustainability and conscious choices, including our PETA-approved vegan collagen, reflects our commitment to both human and planetary health. Partnering with Jajabor Brand Consultancy will help us expand our reach and solidify our position as a leader in the wellness industry.”Saurabh Kapoor, Co-Founder at Wellbeing Nutrition, said, “The Indian nutraceutical market is a billion-dollar opportunity in India. As consumers increasingly prioritize preventive health measures and seek natural alternatives to conventional medicine, Wellbeing Nutrition steps in to provide health solutions that are effective, safe, and delicious. We are happy to partner with Jajabor Brand Consultancy to strengthen our brand narrative and communication. We look forward to integrating a strategic approach in making Wellbeing Nutrition the go to brand for consumers' nutrition and wellbeing needs.” Upasna Dash, Founder & CEO of Jajabor Brand Consultancy said, “In 2024, the consumer behaviour has dramatically changed, therefore it’s equally important for brands also to change the way they communicate with their consumers. At JBC we love partnering with brands that have a vision to go beyond traditional PR and deploy cutting edge organic comms built on data, consumer psyche, global trends & most importantly authenticity. Wellbeing has always been that brand and we are very excited to build out their consumer dialogue journey with them. The beauty and personal care segment in the D2C ecosystem in India stands at a staggering USD 2.2 billion, showcasing the consumer shift and increased focus towards their health and wellness, making Wellbeing Nutrition a key stakeholder in enabling good health for India and joining hands as their strategic communications partner.”

Porter Novelli has strengthened its creative team on both sides of the Atlantic by making two senior hires into its strategic services division.Kam Ajerdi has been appointed as the US executive creative director, based at the agency’s New York City headquarters. Ajerdi joins Porter Novelli from Zeno Group, where he was most recently SVP, group creative director. He has also held positions at Wunderman Thompson as creative director, as well as at Publicis Groupe and Havas Worldwide.“The rapid adoption of new technologies in the market and complexity of consumer preferences demands sophisticated ways of thinking and working, along with vibrant creative energies," noted Kam. "I am excited to help Porter Novelli further accelerate client solutions through innovation, collaboration, and creativity.”Simultaneously, Rowan Adams has been named the UK creative director, based in London. He joins from Play, the consumer PR agency he founded in 2020, which later merged with its original backer, 72Point.The strategic services division, which both Adams and Ajerdi have joined, is described as the “engine” powering Porter Novelli’s new organizational structure. This is being rolled out by global CEO Jillian Janaczek as part of her ‘2024 PN Next’ strategy. The team focuses on six capabilities: Data + Analytics, Strategy + Insights, Creative + Studio, Digital + Innovation, Earned + Influencer, and Paid + Platforms.Adams said: “Communicating at the speed of culture requires data, strategy, and creative license, all of which lie at the heart of our strategic services engine. I am thrilled to join Porter Novelli during its next evolution.”Janaczek added: “Porter Novelli is evolving the industry to combine a data-led and digital-first approach with an earned-first creative solution that integrates sharp minds with smart data to solve complex business challenges. Strategic, creative thinking is a critical step to doing this effectively for our clients, and Kam and Rowan are primed to take lead roles in this part of the business.”

Century Pulp & Paper (CPP), part of the Aditya Birla Group and a major player in the domestic and the export market for paper, board, tissue and pulp, has appointed Vector Brand Solutions as their brand and communications agency on record, for their portfolio.Part of Quotient Ventures, Vector Brand Solutions is a brand-first full funnel creative agency based out of Mumbai.CPP started operations in 1984, and is one of the most responsible manufacturers in the country taking complete care of the environment as well as the community. The brand is committed to being one of the leading creators continuously striving to offer the best of sustainable, bio-degradable, eco-friendly products meeting the highest quality and hygiene standards.Mahuya Chaturvedi, Marketing and Consumer Product Head, Century Pulp and Paper, says, “We are thrilled to welcome Vector as our agency partners, as we enter the next phase of our growth journey. The Vector team brings a potent combination of deep strategic thinking and a sharp creative approach, and together we hope to engage with consumers in new and meaningful ways. We are super-excited about this partnership and look forward to shaping the future of this category.”Hari Krishnan, Group Chief Business Officer, Quotient Ventures, adds, “We are excited to partner Century Pulp & Paper for their ambitious growth plans. We are grateful to them for placing their faith in us to disrupt the market and expand their reach and footprint across the nation. Working alongside not just one of the pioneers in this industry, but also such a passionate team, is both exciting and fulfilling. We look forward to building a new brand narrative for Century.”

Global advertising and PR giant WPP has announced the appointment of Philip Jansen to its Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair-designate. He will join the Board on 16 September 2024 and will succeed Roberto Quarta as Non-Executive Chair of WPP from 1 January 2025.Philip was Chief Executive of BT Group from 2019 to February 2024. Before that he was CEO of Worldpay, the technology-led global payments services group. Previous roles include CEO and then Chairman of Brakes Group, and a variety of senior positions in Sodexo Group. Philip began his career at Procter & Gamble, going on to hold marketing director roles at Dunlop Slazenger and Telewest before moving into general management first at Telewest and then MyTravel. He was a non-executive director of Travis Perkins for four years.Philip led Worldpay through the UK’s largest ever fintech IPO, having overhauled its technology infrastructure and invested in areas such as data analytics and cyber security. He also led the merger with US counterpart Vantiv to create Worldpay Inc., the world’s largest industry player, handling payments across 146 countries. At BT Group, the global provider of telecommunications and related digital services, he oversaw the strategy to modernise, future-proof and simplify the business.Angela Ahrendts, Senior Independent Director of WPP, said: “Philip brings a valuable blend of experience, from leading technology and consumer goods companies to transforming large, complex organisations and creating significant value for shareholders. As a former marketer he understands our business, its clients and the opportunities ahead of us. We are delighted he is joining WPP.”Philip Jansen said: “Technology is changing the face of commerce, media and communications, and I am very excited to join a company at the forefront of this change. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and supporting Mark and his leadership team as they continue to transform WPP for the future.”Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said: “On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Roberto for his support for the leadership team and his exceptional contribution during more than nine years with WPP. He has helped to steer the company through significant challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, overseen the restructuring of our portfolio to return WPP to financial stability, and guided the fundamental reshaping of our offer to meet the needs of modern marketing.“Philip has deep insight into our industry from his marketing background and roles with technology and consumer goods companies, and I am very happy to welcome him to WPP.” Roberto Quarta, who has served as WPP's chair for nine years, will step down at the end of the year. Under his leadership, the company weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and undertook a significant financial restructuring.Industry analysts believe that Jansen's experience in the technology sector will be particularly valuable as WPP seeks to accelerate its digital transformation and compete effectively in the evolving media landscape.

We are in a new era of Public Relations. In the last few years, the importance of reputation management has taken a sea change. More brands and clients, especially from the leadership teams, are viewing Public Relations from a close range. The industry has undergone a radical change with the advent of social media, which has to a large extent changed the approach to Public Relations. We have a relatively new and young audience that we need to face in the coming years so there are bigger challenges for brands and PR practitioners, who have to be more agile and proactive in their thinking to draw up business solutions for clients.In our exclusive weekly column – PR Conversation – Adgully interacts with leading business leaders and obtains their exclusive views and insights on the various trends in the PR and communications industry.In conversation with Adgully, Deepak Jolly, Director & Founder, Consocia Advisory, speaks at length about what inspired him to transition from corporate roles to founding Consocia Advisory, as well as the vision behind it. He further emphasises on crisis management, specific crises he has managed, key elements of effective reputation management for multinational companies, emerging trends in public relations, corporate communications, sustainability, and more.With a career spanning over 30 years in top multinational companies, could you share some pivotal moments or turning points that have shaped your professional journey?My career has had several such turning points which helped me to shape myself into a professional manager, whose integrity and accountability was unquestionable. Nothing can be better than on-ground training. I still remember that my day in late 80s started from meetings in the office and putting up a list of tasks I needed to accomplish during the day.At Hindustan Unilever, I built a solid grounding in understanding policy issues for the company and putting together a narrative for the government and media. The most memorable incident was when the company put together a crack team to lift managers from Doomdooma Tea Estates to safety when their lives were threatened and putting together a plan to communicate it effectively.Differentiating a crisis from an issue was another important learning in life. Responding to crisis has to be immediate but responding to an ongoing issue needs a long-term strategy and stakeholder engagement to resolve it. For instance, I got the opportunity to defend a campaign pushed by right wing group on MNC’s negligible contribution to India. This was perhaps one of the best learning experiences I have had in my career.At Coca-Cola India, I realised the value of collaborating with stakeholders and built a campaign supported by UN Habitat, executed by NDTV and Coca-Cola India. This was called NDTV Coca-Cola Support My School campaign. We ran this campaign for over 5 years with a single-minded focus on providing water and toilets in schools, especially for the girl child. It was an honour that Sachin Tendulkar became our brand ambassador for this project.What inspired you to transition from corporate roles at Coca-Cola and Bharti Airtel to founding Consocia Advisory? What challenges did you face during this transition?After 33 years of rich experience, I felt the knowledge and learning could be translated for many sectors and companies. Therefore, I connected with likeminded founders who supported this idea and thus, Consocia Advisory was born. The vision was to create a firm that could provide strategic guidance on reputation management, public advocacy, government affairs, crisis management, and CSR, among other areas.There were many challenges which I faced as a leader during this transition - including moving from a plush corporate lifestyle to the one of a frugal entrepreneur – responsibility for constructing and maintaining the business laid solely on my shoulders as well as my Co-Founders’. There were a lot of doubting Thomases who would say that you are the nth person in this vertical so how will you be different from them.So, we set up a task on ourselves to set up a goal, vision and, values and we believed in ourselves which led to the clients trusting us over others. One huge advantage we had was that we knew very well what the client wants and that became our cutting edge, we had abundant knowledge and a varied experience of over 100+ years as founders.What was the vision behind founding Consocia Advisory, and how has the company evolved since its inception?The vision was always to be an able and reliable partner during a time of need. Therefore, we called ourselves Consocia Advisory, which means a dependable partner.In a very short period, Consocia Advisory has advanced by leaps and bound with consulting for more than a hundred businesses across segments of Fintech, Food technology, Sports technology, Defense technology, Ecommerce and more. Besides traditional service areas, our firm has offered new solutions like sustainability services and crisis management providing our clients with efficient solutions to numerous issues in the constantly changing business environment.Today, the company has 50 people who are spread across India and is a pan-India company which is handling startups, VCs, different industry sectors and perhaps, the only firm which is specialised in building 3 industry associations and is managing them too.Crisis management is a crucial part of corporate communications. Could you share a specific crisis you managed and the strategies you employed to mitigate it?Earlier, I would say that if the companies did everything right, where is the question of a crisis in the company. However, crisis does not come knocking at your door, it just barges in. For instance, airline industry faces a crisis due to weather on an everyday basis. It’s the response which you send to all the consumers that matters. The thought behind the response and the commitment you make as a responsible company.As we have specialised, in crisis management for all sectors, it’s important to learn that it should have a great mitigation plan. Therefore, we are now go-to-consultants for crisis management manuals, training and disruption management for several industry verticals.During your 12 years at The Coca-Cola Company, you held various roles. What were some of the key projects or campaigns you led, and how did they contribute to the company’s success?The company gives a lot of importance to the public affairs functions, and I am glad I was able to contribute to correcting the perception about the company in my 10 years tenure as the Public Affairs and Communications Head.While working in The Coca-Cola Company, I managed several projects that changed the framework and the culture of the organization for the better. Of the campaigns, one was the NDTV Coca-Cola Support My School where the objective was to offer water and sanitation solutions in more than 1000 schools in India. This project also helped in increasing the quality of education by offering facilities that are needed for proper education needs but also helped in the branding of Coca-Cola organization as a company that is willing to help society.After spending a month and a half at Wharton, I shifted gears from a service function to an operations function as the head of Venturing and Emerging Brands. My first love has always been sales and this 2 years stint was indeed very enjoyable and fruitful.In your experience, what are the key elements of effective reputation management for multinational companies?Effective reputation management for multinational companies involves several key elements:Transparency: Having stakeholders’ trust through transparency to the customers, employees, regulators, and often the media as well is very important. This establishes trust and credibility especially in the event of the occurrence of an unfortunate event.Proactive Engagement: Interacting with stakeholders and identifying their concerns and expectations can be useful for the prediction of certain future problems and their prevention.Crisis Preparedness: Thus, the crisis management plan means that the firm can deal with any Crises without time being wasted due to lack of clear plans on how to handle any eventuality that may arise. This entails operational communication guidelines and a specific crisis management unit.Corporate Social Responsibility: Paying attention to social and environmental issues in organizational policies and practices brings a positive image and increases the organization’s compliance with stakeholder values.Consistency in Messaging: It is crucial to ensure that the company’s message within the different stages of the communication process consistently reflects the organizational values and mission to foster a unified brand image.What emerging trends in public relations, corporate communications and sustainability do you foresee in the next few years?In the coming years, several emerging trends are likely to shape the fields of public relations, corporate communications, and sustainability:Increased Focus on Digital and Social Media: The rise of digital platforms and social media will continue to transform the way companies communicate with their audiences. There will be a greater emphasis on real time engagement, personalized content, and data driven strategies.Emphasis on Authenticity and Transparency: As consumers become more discerning, there will be a growing demand for authenticity and transparency from companies. This will require organizations to be more open about their practices, values, and impact.Sustainability as a Core Business Strategy: Sustainability will increasingly become a central component of business strategy, with companies integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their operations and reporting.Focus on Data Privacy and Security: With the growing importance of data in decision-making, there will be a heightened focus on data privacy and security. Companies will need to adopt robust measures to protect consumer data and comply with regulatory requirements.Rise of Influencer Marketing and Brand Advocacy: Influencer marketing and brand advocacy will continue to grow as powerful tools for building brand credibility and reaching new audiences. Companies will increasingly collaborate with influencers and brand advocates to amplify their message and create authentic connections with consumers.

NeoNiche, a digital-first full service marketing company, has appointed Kaizzen as its new public relations partner. Kaizzen will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance NeoNiche's brand awareness, media relations, and corporate reputation. Through strategic initiatives and targeted campaigns, Kaizzen will leverage its PR expertise to reinforce NeoNiche’s presence in key markets and support the company’s ambitious growth plans.NeoNiche, a leader in advanced integrated marketing solutions and innovative technology, is committed to delivering exceptional experiences and setting new industry benchmarks. NeoNiche's mission is to build an organization that values individuals, nurtures relationships, and drives innovation. By 2025, NeoNiche aspires to be one of India's leading full-service marketing companies, excelling in people practices, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation. This vision underscores their commitment to nurturing a supportive environment for team members, consistently delivering outstanding service to clients, and achieving sustainable growth through innovative strategies.NeoNiche founder-CEO Prateek N Kumar said: “In the post-pandemic world, the event industry has felt a tectonic shift, demonstrating remarkable agility, rapidly evolving across formats with innovation and technology at its core. This dynamic landscape compels us to continually develop groundbreaking solutions and reinvent ourselves to showcase India's expertise on a global stage. NeoNiche is at the forefront of this transformation, and we believe our partnership with Kaizzen will only fuel our growth further. With their deep understanding of the industry, we are poised to set a new benchmark for global scale, inspiring and transforming businesses worldwide.”Kaizzen Group President Nikhil Pavithran said: “Brands have changed the communication syntax to interact with stakeholders and experiential outings have become a major part of this new methodology. That being said, the event, exhibition, and marketing industry has also witnessed a remarkable growth, and with this partnership with NeoNiche, we want to bring about a comprehensive understanding to all stakeholders, about the possibilities of tomorrow. With their suite of products and services, in-house expertise and drive to innovate, NeoNiche has the potential to be the pioneers of the desired change in sector, charting the way forward. With equal onus on bringing about change to the media and marketing industries, we look forward to amplify NeoNiche’s visibility and propagate meaningful conversations across the spectrum.”The collaboration between NeoNiche and Kaizzen marks the beginning of a new era of digital innovation. Together, they hope to establish industry norms, drive change, and impact the future of businesses.

Deepa Dey, Head of Communication & Sustainability, Nutrition and Special Projects at Hindustan Unilever Limited, has decided to move on after four years with the company. According to sources, she is expected to depart by July 31, 2024.“From marketing communication to traditional PR to online reputation management to culture building to industry orchestration to crisis management to global M&As, across India and a few countries in South Asia. Finally, I came to HUL- supporting the largest merger in the food space in India!,” she shared on her LinkedIn post.Deepa Dey's journey in the PR industry began with a humble step and has now spanned over three decades of rich experience. Her career is marked by continuous learning, fostering connections, nurturing talent, and managing change and organizational culture. She has worked with prominent companies including GSK Consumer Healthcare India, Airtel, SpiceJet Limited, and Apeejay Surrendra Group. Known as a people person and a leader with strong business acumen, Dey is also an eloquent speaker, making her a well-rounded and respected professional in the industry.

“Strategic Growth Advisors” (SGA), a premier communication consultancy, is proud to announce the successful completion of the rebranding initiative for “US Pharma India Pvt. Ltd.” through its creative arm, ‘SGA Capture Life.’ This rebranding effort has introduced a fresh and dynamic identity for US Pharma, exemplified by the creation of a new logo that captures the essence of the company’s innovation and commitment to affordable healthcare.US Pharma, a beacon of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, has established itself as a premier manufacturer of pharmaceutical formulations in India. With over three decades of industry expertise, US Pharma specializes in developing and manufacturing affordable medicines for markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Haresh Sanghvi and Mr. Tapan Sanghvi, the company has grown exponentially, expanding its product offerings from 25 to over 300 in less than a decade.SGA’s Brand & Design practice undertook the project of overhauling US Pharma’s brand identity to reflect its remarkable journey and future ambitions. The rebranding process involved comprehensive market research, strategic planning, and creative execution. The refreshed logo features a lively orange and blue color scheme that embodies energy and trust. The choice of orange represents the company’s dedication to innovation, while blue conveys a sense of reliability and strength. This combination of colors illustrates US Pharma’s commitment to both dynamic progress and steadfast dependability in the pharmaceutical landscape. Commenting on the successful rebranding, Dr. Namrata Rupani, CEO – Brand & Design, Strategic Growth Advisors, said, “We are thrilled to have been entrusted the responsibility of re-branding by US Pharma. It was an immersive process to understand the vital elements of what US Pharma stands for to create an imagery that truly reflects the vision they are working towards. The new brand identity not only represents US Pharma’s legacy and growth but also sets the stage for its future endeavors. SGA Brand & Design prides to deliver customised creative solutions that resonate with our clients’ vision and values.”The new logo for US Pharma reimagines the original ‘U’ as a dynamic swirl of progress, symbolizing the company’s dedication to pioneering advancements and fostering a future of health and vitality. Mr. Tapan Sanghvi, Managing Director of US Pharma, commented on the rebranding, saying, “SGA Brand & Design has delivered a brand identity that aligns with our vision for the future and values. This rebranding marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we are confident it will deepen our relationships across stakeholders strengthening our brand image and reputation. The branding holistically reflects our testament to quality, customers and innovative pharmaceutical solutions.”The new brand identity of US Pharma will be unveiled across all communication platforms and product packaging, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare solutions.

Proofpoint has appointed Helen Zhang as the Senior Corporate Communications Manager for the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. Based in Singapore, Helen will spearhead regional media relations, focusing on key markets such as Australia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Helen brings a wealth of experience to Proofpoint, having previously served as the PR Manager for APAC at TeamViewer, where she played a crucial role in managing public relations strategies across the region. Her appointment comes as Proofpoint continues to expand its footprint in the APAC cybersecurity market, leveraging its comprehensive suite of solutions to protect organizations from advanced threats and compliance risks.Proofpoint, known for its people-centric cybersecurity products, aims to enhance its media presence and communication efforts in the APJ region under Helen's leadership. The company, which was founded in 2002 and acquired by Thoma Bravo in 2021, is recognized for its innovative approach to email security, cloud security, and data loss prevention.

Weber Shandwick Australia has announced four key promotions within its team, reflecting the agency's ongoing growth across its consumer, technology, corporate, and healthcare practices.Jami Gandha has been elevated to Business Director and will take on the role after her maternity leave later this year. With over a decade of experience in consumer communications, Jami has led the consumer portfolio for numerous national and global brands, particularly in FMCG, fashion, and lifestyle sectors.Matthew Plant has been promoted to Senior Project Manager. Since joining Weber Shandwick in 2021, Matthew has been instrumental in managing projects across social, digital, and traditional media within various sectors.Tesree Appanna has advanced to the position of Senior Account Manager. Tesree has a robust background in creating and implementing strategic media relations programs for enterprise technology, startups, and financial services.Nicholas (Nick) Allison has been promoted to Senior Account Executive, further strengthening the agency's capabilities.These promotions underscore Weber Shandwick Australia's commitment to fostering talent and enhancing its service offerings across diverse industry sectors.

Fifth Ring has strengthened its Asia team with key appointments and promotions within its Singapore office.Celestine Quek has been appointed as Account Director, bringing extensive experience in strategic communication, marketing, client account management, and cross-functional team leadership to her new role.Shivani Shinde has joined as an Account Manager, where she will support the delivery of marketing campaigns for clients.Debbie Ho, Fifth Ring Asia's Regional Director, stated, “The addition of Celestine and Shivani significantly strengthens our capabilities in Asia. Celestine’s experience managing global accounts, combined with Shivani’s knowledge in our specialist industries, will be invaluable in helping our clients achieve their marketing goals and own their space in Asia’s dynamic B2B landscape.”In addition to these appointments, several promotions were announced within the Singapore team:- Parada Sritaragul is now Head of Campaign- Carolyn Kok has been promoted to Account Manager- Jaralyne Cueto has advanced to Campaign Manager- Disha Puspitasari has been promoted to Senior Campaign ExecutiveThese changes reflect Fifth Ring's commitment to enhancing its expertise and leadership in the region.

Boden Agency has been selected as the public relations agency of record for L'ATTITUDE, a major business event that showcases the economic impact of the US Latino community. L'ATTITUDE emphasizes "The New Mainstream Economy," underscoring the increasing economic influence of Latinos in the US. This partnership aims to inform and inspire business leaders about this trend. Established in 2018, L'ATTITUDE serves as a platform for launching initiatives, showcasing emerging talent, and fostering collaborations.

Beauty PR agency Ink & Roses has expanded its portfolio by adding two new accounts: Duette and Dermafirm. The agency will manage media relations and strategy for both brands. Duette, a recently launched luxury skin and sun care line, offers products designed to protect, prevent, renew, and restore the skin. Dermafirm, a global cosme.

M42, a leading tech-enabled healthcare company, has announced the appointment of Mazar Masud as the Senior Director of Global Corporate Communications. This strategic move comes as M42, formed from a 2023 merger between G42, a technology holding group, and Mubadala Investment Company, an Abu Dhabi-based global sovereign investor, aims to strengthen its global communications strategy.Masud, who previously served as the Managing Director of Edelman's UAE operations, brings a wealth of experience to his new role at M42. During his three-year tenure at Edelman, Masud oversaw a significant expansion, tripling the team's size and increasing revenues by 23% in 2023. He expressed enthusiasm for his new role, saying, "I've always relished creating communications strategies that align with business ambitions and goals."In his new position, Masud will focus on communicating the integration of AI and technology in healthcare, highlighting the transformative impact on traditional healthcare systems. "This is fascinating from a communications point of view and will require engagement and collaboration across markets and local and global stakeholders," he noted.Reflecting on his new opportunity, Masud added, "Change excites me. My new role will provide new learning opportunities and the scope to deeply focus on one business that is delivering a positive global impact. I’ve really bought into the vision at M42 and its potential to transform lives for the better. The stage is set for global expansion and impact, and I’m honoured to not only be a part of this story but also central to telling it to the world."The M42 group encompasses renowned healthcare institutions such as Diaverum, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, among others.Reflecting on his time at Edelman, Masud said, "After three wonderful years at Edelman Middle East, during which we trebled in size, I’m proud of what the team and I built together and how we partnered with clients on the most critical issues."Looking ahead, Masud shared his excitement about joining M42 Health: "Thanks to Bonny Lawrie, when I met Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, I was amazed by his vision for M42, disrupting the traditional healthcare sector by embedding AI and technology into health to achieve a positive global impact. This vision is transformational for humanity and will benefit millions if not billions across the globe. A week in, I see that vision becoming reality, with huge growth plans ahead and the need to tell this most powerful story. As head of global corporate communications, I’ll be taking our story to the world. Let’s get started!"

Laqshya Media Group, an independent marketing communications group, has officially been certified as one of the Happiest Places to Work in India. This prestigious accolade underscores Laqshya Media Group’s steadfast dedication to cultivating a positive and nurturing work environment for its employees.Achieving this certification involved a thorough evaluation of Laqshya Media Group’s workplace wellness, employee involvement, and overall happiness levels. The rigorous process, based on authentic employee feedback and satisfaction, included insights from over 250 employees across various divisions such as Laqshya Solutions, Laqshya Live Experiences, Laqshya Hyderabad Airport Media, Laqshya Assets, Inventech, Laqshya Public Relations, Laqshya Digitalabs, and Laqshya Event Capital.Reflecting on this achievement, Atul Shrivastava, CEO of Laqshya Media Group, remarked: “While we’ve always focussed on creating Laqshya as one of the most preferred places to work with a smile on the face of every teammate, this certification is a true reflection of our success in achieving our objective. From offering flexible work arrangements to promoting continuous learning and development, we strive to ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. We are happy to be recognised as one of the Happiest Places to Work® in India and remain dedicated to fostering a culture of well-being, positivity, and excellence. Our commitment to our employees' happiness and growth is unwavering, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.”Namrata Tata, Managing Partner and Co-founder, Happiest Places to Work, added: “Laqshya Media Group has demonstrated exemplary dedication to creating a supportive and appreciative workplace. Their outstanding scores in Gratitude, Acknowledgement and Courage are a clear indicator of their commitment to fostering a culture of recognition and empowerment. We are delighted to certify Laqshya Media Group as one on the Happiest Places to Work® and look forward to seeing their continued success in promoting employee well-being"Based on the outcomes of the Happiness Dialogue, Laqshya Media Group plans to implement several key initiatives to improve the workplace environment further. These initiatives aim to leverage the company’s strengths and address areas for improvement, ensuring Laqshya Media Group remains a leader in employee satisfaction and well-being.Laqshya Media Group continues to strive for excellence in creating a supportive and dynamic work environment. This certification not only acknowledges the company’s current achievements but also sets a benchmark for future endeavours in enhancing employee involvement and workplace happiness.

Edelman, the global communications firm, has appointed Nidaa Lone as the new Head of its Abu Dhabi office, overseeing the agency’s regional headquarters. In her new role, Nidaa will lead and expand Edelman’s key mandates, offering strategic counsel and ensuring top-quality execution of communications programs. She will also spearhead operational initiatives and foster an inclusive and high-performing culture within the organization.Nidaa joins Edelman from Haleon, where she served as the Global Head of External Communications. Prior to Haleon, she spent a decade with a global communications consultancy as Managing Director in London, advising some of the world’s largest companies across various sectors, including financial services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, natural resources, and consumer industries.Expressing her enthusiasm for the new position, Nidaa said: “I’m thrilled to join Edelman, a communications powerhouse with a stellar client roster and a truly collaborative culture. I am honored to lead our team in Abu Dhabi, where the Emirate's ambitious growth agenda presents vast opportunities for impactful communications.”Edelman, the only international communications firm with its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi, continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Emirate since opening its first UAE office in 2008. The firm has established long-standing relationships with major clients in Abu Dhabi and has tripled the size of its team in the last three years.Commenting on Nidaa's appointment, Omar Qirem, CEO of Edelman Middle East, said: “I am delighted that Nidaa has decided to join the firm at such an exciting time of growth for the region. Her extensive experience in corporate positioning, global media engagement, and strategic communications will be invaluable to our teams and clients in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”Edelman is expected to announce further senior appointments in the near future.

Global Women in PR (GWPR) has unveiled its sixth Annual Index survey to gather insights from women working in PR and communications worldwide. The survey, available in five languages, explores topics such as flexible working, harassment, career progression, and barriers to leadership positions. GWPR co-founder Sue Hardwick emphasizes the importance of the survey in understanding the challenges women face in the industry and finding solutions to promote gender equality. The survey is open until August 31 and is supported by leading industry partners. Key areas of focus include:- Impact of flexible and hybrid working on women- Harassment in the workplace- Career progression and barriers to senior roles- Breakdown of women in senior roles across industry sectors- Effect of career breaks on career progressionBy participating in the survey, women in the industry can contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for growth, ultimately driving positive change.The Global Women in PR Annual Index has garnered support from a coalition of industry heavyweights, including Zeno, Havas Red, Opinium, ICCO, and Shout! Communications. This collective backing demonstrates a shared commitment to empowering women in the PR and communications sector and driving meaningful change.

FINN Partners, a leading global integrated marketing and communications agency, has announced that David Krejci, CEO and founder of Media Forensics and a 27-year PR veteran, will be joining the firm as Partner.David is a pioneer in managing social media disruption, introducing the industry’s first crisis simulation software in 2010. Krejci later helped introduce digital forensics into the media landscape as a strategy to address the insurgence of misinformation that had become part of the fabric of the Internet. In 2020, David launched his own consultancy, Media Forensics, to push this strategy further. His work has grown alongside the growth in disruption, and now addresses an ever-evolving set of challenges, including:  Mis/disinformation  Polarizing ideologies  Inauthentic accounts  Disruptive technologies  Conspiracy theories  Changes in journalism  Artificial Intelligence  Hostile and mobilized agitatorsAccording to a recent study from Resolver, corporate leaders are aware of these types of risks, but are less aware of their potential for reputational damage, and perhaps even less aware of how to address the problem. The survey of Fortune 500 corporate C-suite leaders found that 80% of survey respondents forecast greater digital risk for their organisations in 2024; 86% fear their brands will face multiple reputational risks; and 66% believe these risks will stem from misinformation.To address these realities, media forensics starts by gathering data from more than 50,000 sources online. Next, AI renders the data consumable for human analysis. Media forensics experts—skilled in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and fluent in the deeper web—scour that data to identify the methods and motives behind the individuals and groups that are relevant to a client’s business. Coupling this forensic analysis with an expert understanding of the immediate cultural landscape completes the investigation. Results and recommendations are delivered, arming clients with the information and tools needed to develop an informed strategy and playbook for crisis mitigation or creative campaigning.Media forensic work at FINN will fall into three offerings:Campaign Readiness: identifying potential blowback before a creative launch, thereby allowing the campaign to focus on resonant audiences rather than exhausting resources on dissonant individuals or groups; deliverables can include crisis simulation training and playbooks, channel strategy recommendations or alterations to the creative if neededCrisis Mitigation: forensic analysis of key players in a crisis, including the method and motive behind their actions, to better anticipate and mitigate crises; deliverables can include risk intelligence reports, forensic monitoring and crisis messaging guidanceForensic Monitoring: augmenting traditional social listening dashboards by forensically investigating method, motive and role of groups and individuals relevant to the brand; deliverables can include daily, weekly and monthly reports, crisis reporting and strategy, and risk intelligence counsel“The traditional methods of managing the current disruptions in our media ecosystem were largely built to handle a far different time,” said Krejci, “a time before intractable conspiracies and divisions; before algorithms, bots, gen-AI, and deepfakes; before TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, Telegram, MeWe, 4chan, 8kun. Misinformation and disruptive technologies have existed for centuries, but the dissemination of misinformation today is so complex, broad and voluminous that traditional methods to manage it are grossly out-muscled. A media forensics strategy is what we believe our clients need and deserve to combat this ever-changing and volatile environment.”Krejci will help provide media forensics services, consulting and preparedness to FINN Partners clients to help address mis/disinformation, crisis mitigation, and campaign readiness in 2024.

The Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) hosted the third edition of its flagship thought-leadership forum, PRologue 2024 on July 25 in Gurgaon. At this event, PRCAI presented initial findings of SPRINT 2024*, its annual industry survey in collaboration with IPSOS, which estimates a growth of 19.6 percent in FY 2022-2023 for the industry. PRCAI presented and deliberated on an optimistic projection for the Indian PR industry, reaching 2,500 Cr. from 2,100 Crore in FY 2021-2022. The event saw panelists engage in dynamic discussions on the theme ‘Reimagining Communications in a Turbulent World.’ With changing demographics in India, influence of technology and AI, economic trajectory, the PR industry is experiencing changes at a fast rate, from skills required in the industry, to greater attention to PR by C-Suite, to innovation in audience outreach, to shaping narratives, to services and specializations offered to be ready for the future of communications. These themes were explored at the recent PRologue 2024, which was attended by 300 communication and business professionals.India is home to the largest Gen Z population, earning trust from this dynamic group is vital for brand success. Diving into the evolving behaviour of new-age consumers, PRCAI guest speakers included Sushant Dash, CEO, Tata Starbucks, Anushka Rathod, Content Creator, and Ashutosh Munshi, Lead Advisor, Brand Marketing & Communications, Edelman India, who talked about how to ‘Crack the Gen Z Code’ at the event. Sushant Dash, CEO of Tata Starbucks, said, "Gen Z’s unique expectations and strong opinions, shaped by their digital nativity, challenge brands to innovate. At Starbucks India, we engage with this dynamic group daily, finding their perspectives both refreshing and inspiring. Their insights drive us to continually adapt and improve our communication approach." Emphasizing trust and engagement, the panel underscored public relations' crucial role in navigating rapid technological advancements and widespread misinformation. The second panel with guest line-up including, Atul Rai, CEO & co-founder, Staqu Technologies, Nikhil Pahwa, founder and editor, Medianama, Yatik, Naik, business head at HT Media Group, and Nandagopal Rajan, COO, The Indian Express, discussed strategies to ‘Navigate The AI Tightrope,’ balancing the dilemma of innovation versus misinformation. The most awaited industry event is a combination of trend discussions at PRologue 2024, followed by the global SABRE South Asia Awards, that celebrated the most creative and interesting work in the field of Public Relations. More than 50 awards were given to compelling campaigns. Vineeta Singh, CEO & co-founder of SUGAR Cosmetics was awarded the top honour of CEO Of The Year at the SABRE South Asia 2024 Awards.Vineeta Singh, CEO & Co-Founder of SUGAR Cosmetics said, "I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Best CEO of the Year at SABRE South Asia 2024 Awards hosted by PRCAI. I dedicate this award to my mother and SUGAR's workforce, especially 3000+ women employees, beauty enthusiasts, and stakeholders at large. This award recognition underscores our focus to redefine the Indian beauty landscape whilst saluting the indomitable spirit of women who embrace their most authentic selves." Kunal Kishore, Vice President of PRCAI, said, “PRologue and SABRE SA have become the industries’ most awaited moments of learning and recognition. Our goal is to focus on authentic conversation and reimagine every year our ever-changing environment that can constantly up the game for the industry.”‘This year at PRologue 2024, PRCAI partnered with the Guinness World Records (GWR) and created a new record for the most signatures collected on a t-shirt in 60 minutes. It called upon the attendees and industry professionals to pledge to the power of "Educate, Elevate, Empower" and for each one of them to commit an hour this year to upskill the next generation of talent in the industry. Deeptie Sethi, CEO of PRCAI, remarked, "The industry is witnessing a healthy growth and PRCAI is committed to help the industry strive for excellence with platforms to upskill, standardizing guidelines to build a world-class workforce and stronger industry practices for both today and tomorrow. We are excited about the first-ever Guinness World Record for PRCAI, that symbolizes our commitment to encourage each member of ours as an integrated part to cultivate a more skilled and innovative workforce for the future."To elevate the industry standards and cultivate a more professional and collaborative environment for collective success, PRCAI has a new client-consultancy partnership charter and code of conduct guidelines, which will be announced soon to build an even stronger ethical, professional, and progressive PR industry.

 Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing, has acquired Tel Aviv-based LEADERS, a world-class digital agency specializing in influencer marketing and social commerce and the development of InfluencerMarketing.AI (IMAI), a global influencer marketing SaaS platform. The company joins Stagwell Marketing Cloud's PRophet Comms Tech Suite of AI-powered offerings purpose-built for modern PR and marketing professionals.Founded by Eran Nizri and Yehonatan Arami in 2017, LEADERS and IMAI combine high-value digital and influencer marketing strategy with a cutting-edge, AI-powered SaaS influencer marketing platform. IMAI leverages advanced AI technologies to connect brands with over 300 million creators worldwide. The platform allows users from anywhere in the world to launch campaigns in just a few clicks, offering robust analytics, sales prediction models, and campaign management tools. Clients include Nespresso, Samsung, and Colgate-Palmolive; notable SaaS clients include Coca-Cola, Playtika, Estée Lauder, and Superdry. IMAI will supplement the bench of influencer marketing platforms currently in use by Stagwell's agencies around the world, including existing tools in the PRophet Comms Tech Suite."We are excited to welcome LEADERS to the Stagwell family. This acquisition strengthens our Stagwell Marketing Cloud offering with cutting-edge AI solutions for influencer marketing while marking our first agency in Israel amid a substantial global expansion push from Stagwell this year," said Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO, Stagwell. "Eran and his team share our vision of transforming marketing with technology, and we look forward to working together to deliver value to our clients across the globe.""Combining with Eran and the LEADERS team is a force multiplier for PRophet and Stagwell to expand global reach, integrate advanced AI technologies and leverage domain expertise around high performance digital and influencer marketing strategy for customers," said Aaron Kwittken, Founder and CEO of SMC's Comms Tech Suite."This acquisition marks a transformative milestone for LEADERS and InfluencerMarketing.AI," added Nizri. "With Stagwell's extensive network and resources, we are set to redefine the landscape of influencer marketing. Our goal is to become the world's leading influencer and digital marketing powerhouse, delivering unparalleled value and innovation to our clients. We look forward to integrating our capabilities into Stagwell's Comms Tech Unit and leading the industry into a new era of excellence."LEADERS' and IMAI's success is driven by a strong leadership team. Eran Nizri will continue to serve as Group CEO, reporting into Aaron Kwittken, Founder and CEO of Stagwell Marketing Cloud's PRophet Comms Tech Suite. Itamar Gonsherovitz will continue to spearhead LEADERS' digital agency operations as CEO. Yehonatan Arami, will continue to lead business development, expanding the company's reach within the Stagwell network.The acquisition comes as Stagwell expands its global footprint and invests further in AI-enabled solutions at the forefront of digital marketing. LEADERS is Stagwell's seventh acquisition of 2024, following Team Epiphany (U.S.), Sidekick (U.K.), What's Next Partners (France), PROS (Brazil), Business Traveller (Global), and BERA (U.S.).

Integrated marketing and communications agency Bastion has appointed Cheuk Chiang as CEO for Australia and New Zealand. He will drive business expansion and oversee operations and P&L responsibilities across Bastion’s ANZ business.Cheuk brings a wealth of experience in innovation and leadership across creative, media, data, and technology. His previous roles include CEO - Asia Pacific for Dentsu Creative, CEO - Greater North APAC for Dentsu, Chairman at AI start-up Mutiny, CEO - APAC at Omnicom Media Group, CEO - APAC for PHD, and MD at Cummins&Partners.Bastion Group CEO Jack Watts sees this appointment as a significant milestone for the agency: "Having been in business for almost 15 years, it's a thrill to bring in someone of Cheuk’s calibre to lead our ANZ operations. This move reflects the quality of our team, the trust our clients place in us, and our fearless approach to building this agency. With over 300 people across seven offices in ANZ, it’s critical to have a leader dedicated to solving our clients' biggest challenges daily."We operate at the intersection of our clients and growth, a brilliant industry position to be in. Cheuk’s passion for this industry and our transformative role in the world stood out during the extensive selection process. We grow businesses, and every CEO or CMO values that."Cheuk expressed his enthusiasm: "After meeting Bastion’s key leaders, talent, and clients, I was highly impressed with the agency's capabilities. In a challenging market, clients need help not only to compete but to gain a competitive edge. Few agencies offer the integrated capabilities that Bastion does. Leveraging Bastion’s comprehensive 'one stop shop' approach to strengthen clients' positions and deliver industry-leading innovation is truly exciting."

Uproar PR, the Annapolis, Maryland-based award-winning PR agency providing media relations, thought leadership, digital and influencer services, has been chosen as the agency of record for fintech startup, Worth, an Orlando-based, AI-powered credit underwriting and risk management platform for small and medium-sized businesses and financial institutions.The startup was recently launched by former Stax Payments co-founders and seasoned entrepreneurs, Suneera Madhani and Sal Rehmetullah, to improve how growing businesses secure financing.Uproar has worked with the sibling founders since 2014, when Madhani initially approached the agency with payments platform, Fattmerchant, before it became the well-known unicorn startup, Stax. Throughout the partnership, Uproar leveraged its media relations expertise and relationships with national media, alongside targeted thought leadership, to spread brand awareness and swiftly position the company as the leading payments merchant nationwide.Through a strategic PR and thought leadership campaign, Uproar secured Fattmerchant a spot on the Forbes Fintech 50 list and worked with U.S. News & World Report to name Fattmerchant the Best Credit Card Processor and Best for Higher-Volume Businesses. On the thought leadership side, Madhani is now a household name and trailblazing female CEO. Uproar utilized her founding story and business acumen to land her feature stories in Inc., CNBC and Forbes, in addition to securing her opportunities to write for Fortune and Entrepreneur. The team’s work also had her named the “Most Influential Woman in Payments” by ISO & Agent.“We couldn't be more excited to be working with Suneera and Sal again on this new exciting launch,” said Mike Harris, CMO of Uproar PR. “Worth is going to change the way.”After scaling Stax to unicorn status, Madhani and Rehmetullah set out to develop a technology that could provide standardized business credit scores after seeing how aspiring entrepreneurs struggled to secure loans based on their personal credit scores. This business credit score, referred to as a ‘WorthScore,’ is backed by thousands of data points gathered in real-time to provide lenders with a more accurate and holistic view into the financial health of the business, significantly mitigating risk and human bias. The patent-pending platform is already backed by an eight-figure pre-seed fundraising round, including some of Stax's original investors in Orlando, and is poised to fundamentally alter the financial credit system.“I had the pleasure of working with Uproar personally for years, and when it came time to launch my second company, choosing Mike and his team was a no-brainer. Their understanding of our vision and dedication to our success make them the perfect collaborative partner,” said Madhani, co-founder and CEO of Worth.

The Independent, a British newspaper, has appointed W Communications to handle its global media industry and consumer PR activity in the US and UK through the agency's NYLON offering. This combined expertise of W's US and UK teams will enhance The Independent's brand profile in the US advertising market and establish its US-based journalists as leading independent commentators with a unique global perspective.In the UK, W will amplify The Independent's core brand and Independent Media's brand, which was launched in May. Independent Media brings together The Independent, BuzzFeed UK, HuffPost, indy100, Tasty UK, and Seasoned to form Britain's largest publisher network for Gen Z and millennials."The Independent's growth and outstanding success over the last decade has been unprecedented, and no agency knows our story better than W," said Christian Broughton, Independent chief executive and former editor-in-chief.

The Sway Effect, a New York-based PR and branding agency, is launching a new division called Sway Forward, dedicated to developing long-term brand strategies that drive sustainable growth and success. Led by industry veteran Mitch Markson as Chief Creative Officer, Sway Forward aims to help clients break free from short-term thinking and focus on building resilient brands with a clear vision for the future.Markson, who brings nearly three decades of experience from top agencies like Ogilvy and Edelman, will leverage his expertise to encourage clients to think forward and prioritize long-range strategizing. Through proprietary tools and workshops, Sway Forward will empower brands to adopt a more futuristic approach, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive in an ever-changing market.The launch of Sway Forward coincides with The Sway Effect's five-year anniversary and marks a significant expansion of the agency's capabilities. By addressing the common pitfall of short-term thinking, Sway Forward is poised to make a meaningful impact on the industry and help clients achieve lasting success.Jennifer Risi, Founder-CEO of The Sway Effect, notes: "Most brands are rooted in the next few months, but true longevity depends on thinking 18, 24, 36 months ahead."

Zendesk, a San Francisco-based SaS customer service products company, has selected Axicom as its global PR agency of record, consolidating its public relations business with the firm. Axicom has been handling Zendesk's US business for over a year and will now expand its services to the UK, France, Germany, and Australia. Previously, Zendesk worked with agencies like Hotwire and Edelman in Europe.Axicom's new role involves elevating Zendesk's position as a market leader in customer experience globally. The agency will focus on corporate, product communications, and customer storytelling, with an emphasis on Zendesk AI.This announcement coincides with the appointment of Sarah Gavin as Zendesk's new chief communications officer. Gavin brings over 20 years of strategic communications experience to the role, having previously led Google Cloud storytelling and served as senior VP of global communications and corporate brand lead at Expedia."I am thrilled to be joining Zendesk as their chief communications officer at this important moment in our journey. Zendesk has long been recognized as a leader in customer experience technology, and we are uniquely positioned to shape the future of the industry with our groundbreaking approach to AI. I look forward to working with the talented team both here at Zendesk and with Axicom to tell our story on a global scale," Gavin said.

The Public Relations and Communications Association Middle East and North Africa (PRCA MENA) has announced the appointment of Imad Lahad, Managing Director at APCO Worldwide, as the new Vice Chair of its Board.Imad Lahad, who has been with APCO Worldwide since 2013, leads the Dubai office and heads the AI Comms Lab. He is known for his innovative approach to digital strategy and AI communications and has played a crucial role in developing APCO’s global Digital Practice. Lahad is recognized for his ability to harness emerging technologies to enhance brand strategies and protect client reputations. He has been a dedicated member of the PRCA MENA board for two years and will additionally lead the AI in PR Committee for PRCA MENA.Commenting on his appointment, Imad Lahad said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the PRCA MENA Board, at such an exciting and challenging time for our industry. The rapid onset and adoption of artificial intelligence and adaptive technologies is changing the communications landscape at lightning speed. With the dawn of the Intelligence Revolution, and the proliferation of technologies at our fingertips enabling anyone to write, post and send anything to anyone in the world, the need for clear and responsible communication has never been more important. In this context, I’m looking forward to collaborating with like-minded professionals on the Board to foster innovation and set new standards for the region’s communications industry.”James Hewes, CEO of PRCA, said: “Imad’s expertise and leadership in the communications field are well-recognized globally. His role as Vice Chair will significantly strengthen our efforts to advance PR and embrace technological advancements in the region.”Ahmad Itani, Chairman of the PRCA MENA Board and CEO of Cicero & Bernay Communications Consultancy, added: “Imad’s innovative approach and vast experience in digital communications make him an invaluable addition to the board. His vision will help propel PRCA MENA to new heights.”

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has announced a leadership change, appointing Jennifer Temple as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer (CMCO). Effective August 1, Temple will assume responsibility for both marketing and communications, expanding her role from her previous position as Chief Communications Officer.With a career spanning over three decades, Temple brings extensive experience in brand building and strategic communications to her new role. Prior to joining HPE in 2018, she held leadership positions at prominent organisations including Wells Fargo, Hill & Knowlton, and The Irvine Company.Temple succeeds Jim Jackson, who is retiring after a 26-year tenure at HPE, including six years as Chief Marketing Officer. Under Temple's leadership, HPE aims to streamline its operations and enhance its market position through a unified approach to marketing and communications.HPE President and CEO Antonio Neri expressed confidence in Temple's ability to drive the company's strategic direction and deliver exceptional results."HPE has innovated and inspired the world for more than 80 years, and our brand strength is essential to our future ability to transform enterprises and entire industries. Jennifer was one of my first hires as CEO and is a trusted partner. She is a creative, purpose-driven executive who engages thoughtfully with stakeholders, develops high-performing teams, and delivers results. She has strengthened our corporate culture, distinguished us in the marketplace, and demonstrated our societal impact. I am excited to see her guide all facets of our marketing strategy so that we capitalize on the incredible moment we have ahead of us. Neri also thanked Jackson for his contributions to HPE. "Jim has been a fantastic CMO and has built a world-class marketing function,” Neri said.  (Image credit: hpe.com)

PrettyGreen has been appointed as the global PR and partnerships agency for The Famous Grouse, a renowned Scottish whisky brand owned by Edrington Group.This marks a significant milestone for both brands as it is the first time The Famous Grouse has engaged a global agency to spearhead its PR and partnerships efforts.The Famous Grouse, Scotland's leading whisky for over four decades, boasts impressive sales figures of 43 million bottles annually across 94 markets. PrettyGreen will now be responsible for crafting and executing global brand campaigns and partnerships that align with the brand's 'Full of Character' integrated campaign.With a focus on a "culture-first" approach, PrettyGreen will showcase The Famous Grouse's diverse whisky offerings, including its flagship Finest malt blend and the popular Smoky Black and Sherry Cask Finish variants.The agency will collaborate with The Famous Grouse's existing local PR agencies, such as Hope&Glory in the UK, to ensure a cohesive and impactful global brand strategy.Joakim Leijon, Global Brand Director, The Famous Grouse, said: “The vision of our founder was to create the ‘best quality blend to be shared and savoured around the world’ so the idea that The Famous Grouse is a sociable brand has existed for a long time. We’re excited to embark on a new global brand partnership with PrettyGreen and see our new ‘Full of Character’ platform roll out further to recruit the next generation of The Famous Grouse drinkers.”PrettyGreen group director and chief growth officer Lucy Mart added: “We are so excited to work with the team at The Famous Grouse and grow their global presence. The whole team loves the brand and we can’t wait to contribute our communications and partnerships expertise to such an iconic story.”

Sam's Club, a leading membership-only warehouse club owned by Walmart, has selected MMC as its consumer public relations agency of record. In this role, MMC will spearhead all consumer-focused PR initiatives for the brand, including its Member's Mark private label and its extensive product offerings both in-store and online.The appointment marks a strategic shift for Sam's Club, which previously handled consumer PR in-house. MMC's deep expertise in consumer marketing and its proven track record in the retail industry will be instrumental in elevating Sam's Club's brand image and driving consumer engagement.Hotwire, which was brought on board in December 2023 to manage corporate media relations and executive thought leadership, will continue to support Sam's Club in these areas.This agency consolidation reflects Sam's Club's commitment to streamlining its communications strategy and maximizing its impact."MMC's human-centric approach to communication aligns perfectly with our goals. We are confident that their creative thinking will help us showcase the quality, value, and convenience that Sam's Club brings to communities nationwide, alongside our Member’s Mark brand," said Amy Sarosiek, VP of corporate communications, Sam's Club.  (Image credit: corporate.walmart.com)

RedTorch Communications, a leading PR agency in the Philippines, has promoted Stephney Marielle Jacobe to Brand PR Director. In her new role, Jacobe will be instrumental in shaping the agency's PR strategies, overseeing crisis management, and fostering strong relationships with media and industry stakeholders.Jacobe brings a wealth of experience to the position, having successfully managed PR campaigns for renowned brands such as Dove, Pond's, and Cream Silk. Her deep understanding of the industry and her proven ability to deliver results have been instrumental in the agency's growth.In her new role, Jacobe will be responsible for developing innovative PR campaigns that resonate with target audiences, leveraging data-driven insights to measure campaign effectiveness, and leading a team of PR professionals to achieve the agency's goals.

AYANA Hospitality, a leading luxury hospitality brand in Bali, has strengthened its team with the appointment of Lynne Lessard as Director of Public Relations. In this role, Lessard will spearhead the PR strategy for the company's five hotels and extensive portfolio of restaurants and bars, overseeing media relations, social media, influencer partnerships, and digital platforms.With a wealth of experience in the digital marketing sphere, Lessard joins AYANA Hospitality from the World Organization of the Scout Movement, where she held the position of Digital Marketing Manager based in Kuala Lumpur. Her expertise in crafting compelling narratives and leveraging digital channels is expected to significantly enhance AYANA Hospitality's brand visibility and reputation.AYANA Hospitality, renowned for its exceptional guest experiences and stunning properties, has consistently been at the forefront of Bali's luxury tourism industry. The appointment of Lynne Lessard underscores the company's commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and maintaining a strong presence in the global market.

From CrowdStrike’s update snafu to Disney’s Nullbulge nightmare, recent headlines underline a critical truth: technical glitches and cyber attacks can erupt in a PR inferno. But fear not, fellow communicators! In this feature report, Adgully delves into the art of crisis communication, equipping you with the strategies and tactics to navigate even the stormiest PR waters. Learn how to build trust, mitigate damage, and emerge stronger from the other side.What are the key takeaways from both the incidents?Thorough testing and validation processes are crucial before deploying software updates, especially in critical systems like cybersecurity, says Bhaskar Majumdar, Co-originator, CommsAdda. “Robust cybersecurity measures and continuous monitoring are essential to detect and mitigate breaches promptly, ensuring customer data protection. Effective communication strategies during such crises are vital to maintaining trust and transparency with stakeholders,” he says.Reflecting on the incidents involving CrowdStrike’s software update glitch and Disney’s data breach by Nullbulge, several pivotal lessons in crisis management emerge, says Priya Sharma, Co-Founder, PRZSM Communications. Firstly, she adds, these events underscore the necessity of robust crisis management plans.“Preparation enabled both companies to swiftly mitigate the impact. Secondly, the importance of transparent communication cannot be overstated. The timely updates from CrowdStrike and Disney played a crucial role in maintaining trust and controlling the narrative. Additionally, rapid response efforts were vital; CrowdStrike’s swift identification and rectification of the glitch, and Disney’s immediate actions to secure compromised data, were key in managing these crises. Lastly, these incidents remind us of the importance of learning from experiences. By conducting post-crisis analyses, organisations can identify vulnerabilities and refine their strategies, ensuring they are better equipped for future challenges,” Sharma explains.Effective crisis management in the digital age requires a combination of preparedness, rapid response, clear communication, and sensitivity towards affected parties, says Deepak Jolly, Founder and Director, Consocia Advisory.“Learning from incidents like CrowdStrike’s software glitch and Disney’s data breach helps companies enhance their crisis management strategies. This involves having detailed pre-crisis management strategies, including robust training and simulations drills, crisis communication plan, balancing transparency with sensitivity, and continuously improving policies and procedures. By adopting these best practices, companies can better navigate crises and maintain trust with their stakeholders,” Jolly adds.Deepak Jolly takes a look at what both companies did to resolve the crisis.CrowdStrike’s Software Update GlitchIncident Summary:What Happened: CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm, released a software update that caused system disruptions for their clients. Microsoft, which is helping customers recover, said in a blog post they estimate that CrowdStrike’s update affected 8.5 million Windows devices.Nature of the Issue: The update led to unexpected system behaviour, affecting clients’ operations severely.The Impact:Reputation Loss: CrowdStrike’s reputation as a reliable cybersecurity provider was tarnished. Clients trust cybersecurity firms to prevent disruptions, not to cause them.Financial Loss: The glitch likely resulted in operational downtime for clients, leading to potential financial losses and compensation claims.Client Trust: Trust is crucial in cybersecurity. The incident eroded client confidence and could deter potential clients.The Response:Immediate Communication: CrowdStrike quickly acknowledged the issue and provided frequent updates.Technical Resolution: They worked swiftly to roll back the problematic update and restore normal functionality.Client Support: Offers support to affected clients to minimize the disruption.Disney’s Data Breach by NullbulgeIncident Summary:What Happened: Disney experienced a data breach by the hacker group Nullbulge, compromising sensitive information. Nullbulge claimed responsibility for leaking over 1.2 terabytes of internal communications.Nature of the Breach: This breach allegedly includes sensitive information about upcoming projects, advertising campaigns, and even employee data.The Impact:Reputation Loss: Disney’s ability to protect customer data was questioned, undermining customer trust.Financial Loss: Financial repercussions included legal fees, fines, and compensation for affected clients, channel partners and other stakeholders, as well as costs to enhance security measures.Customer Trust: The breach could lead to a loss of customers, impacting brand loyalty and market position.The Response:Timely Disclosure: Disney promptly informed affected stakeholders and the public.Collaboration with the Authorities: Worked with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate and secure systems.CrowdStrike Falcon’s outage has significantly impacted businesses worldwide, says Ganapathy Viswanathan, independent communication consultant. Typically, he adds, technology crises are temporary and soon forgotten, but this incident has resulted in substantial losses for many companies. It exemplifies crisis management in the tech industry, he adds.“While some may mistakenly associate CrowdStrike Falcon with Microsoft, it is crucial to note that Microsoft’s reputation is also affected. CEO Satya Nadella has responded on social media, stating that they are providing technical guidance to restore the system. Transparency is essential now. Clearly stating the problem and providing a solution can prevent speculation and reassure the public. Setting up a dedicated helpline for technical support and monitoring online platforms to address queries promptly will also be beneficial,” Viswanathan adds.Best practicesWhat are the essential elements or best practices of an effective crisis management plan in the digital age?Priya Sharma is of the opinion that an effective crisis management plan in today’s digital age must be comprehensive and dynamic. She suggests that it is crucial to have a dedicated crisis communication team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. This team, she adds, should utilize advanced monitoring tools to detect potential issues early, allowing for proactive measures.“Developing clear communication protocols ensures both internal and external messages are consistent and accurate. Engaging key stakeholders with regular updates and addressing their concerns promptly is essential. Preparing media statements in advance and designating spokespersons for press interactions help maintain a unified message. Regular crisis simulations and training sessions keep the team prepared and responsive. Post-crisis evaluations are equally important, as they allow organisations to identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring the crisis management plan evolves and improves continuously,” she says.In today’s digital age, says Bhaskar Majumdar, effective crisis management plans must encompass key elements and best practices.Preparation and Planning: For instance, CrowdStrike’s incident highlights the critical need for thorough testing and validation before rolling out updates to vital systems.Timely Response and Communication: An example is Disney’s swift and transparent handling of the Nullbulge data breach, demonstrating the importance of promptly informing and maintaining transparency with affected parties.Transparency and Accountability: Equifax’s data breach serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the severe consequences of delayed disclosureTransparency with sensitivityHow can companies balance transparency with sensitivity to affected parties during a data breach or technical crisis?According to Bhaskar Majumdar, companies can balance transparency with sensitivity to affected parties during a data breach or technical crisis by:Promptly disclosing the incident with clear and factual information.Acknowledging the impact on affected individuals or customers.Providing regular updates on the investigation and remediation efforts.Offering support and resources to those affected, such as identity protection services.Respecting privacy by not disclosing unnecessary details that could further compromise security or cause undue alarm.According to Deepak Jolly, essential elements of an effective crisis management plan in the digital age are:Pre-Crisis PreparationRisk Assessment: Regularly assess potential vulnerabilities and threats within the organization.Training and Simulations: Conduct regular drills and training for employees, including both technical response and communication strategies.Crisis Communication Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan that includes:Designated Spokespersons: Identify key personnel to communicate with the public and media.Communication Channels: Establish primary and backup channels (e.g., social media, press releases, customer emails).Messaging Framework: Create templates and guidelines for consistent messaging.Incident ResponseImmediate Action: Quickly contain and mitigate the issue to prevent further damage.Internal Coordination: Ensure seamless communication among internal teams (IT, legal, PR, customer support) for a unified response.External Communication:Timely Updates: Provide frequent, transparent updates to stakeholders.Clear Language: Use plain language to communicate with non-technical stakeholders.Own the Mistake: Acknowledge the issue and take responsibility.Post-Crisis ManagementEvaluation and Learning: Conduct a thorough post-mortem analysis to understand what went wrong and how to improve.Policy Updates: Revise and strengthen policies and procedures based on lessons learned.Customer Support: Offer ongoing support and remediation to affected customers.Balancing Transparency with SensitivityClear and Honest Communication:Timely Updates: Provide regular updates as the situation evolves.Avoid Jargon: Communicate in plain language for better understanding.Acknowledge Mistakes: Own up to errors and explain corrective measures.Sensitivity to Affected Parties:Personalized Communication: Reach out to affected customers individually when possible.Support Services: Provide resources such as hotlines, FAQs, and compensation if applicable. Offer support like free credit monitoring or identity theft protection.Privacy Considerations: Ensure that communication respects privacy and does not disclose further sensitive information.Balancing Act:Transparency: Be open about the nature and extent of the breach or glitch without causing unnecessary panic. Provide facts and avoid speculation.Sensitivity: Show empathy and understanding towards affected individuals and their concerns.How can companies balance transparency with sensitivity to affected parties during a data breach or technical crisis?Best Practices in Crisis CommunicationProactive Monitoring: Utilize tools to monitor for potential issues and respond before they escalate.Unified Messaging: Ensure all communications are consistent and come from authorized spokespersons.Stakeholder Engagement: Keep all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the crisis. This includes employees, customers, partners, and regulators.Crisis Team: Have a dedicated crisis management team with clear roles and responsibilities. This team should be trained to handle various crisis scenarios.Post-Incident Review: Conduct a comprehensive review and update the crisis management plan regularly. Learn from each incident to improve future responses.Balancing transparency with sensitivity during a data breach or technical crisis is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility, says Priya Sharma. “Timely disclosure is essential; affected parties should be informed as soon as possible with clear and concise information about the incident and its impact. Demonstrating empathy towards those affected and offering support and resources helps manage the situation effectively. Ensuring all communication is accurate and factual avoids speculation and misinformation. Regular updates on the progress of resolution efforts maintain transparency. Respecting the privacy of affected individuals is also important, avoiding unnecessary disclosure of personal information. By following these strategies, companies can effectively address concerns while maintaining a positive relationship with their stakeholders,” Sharma adds.Priya Sharma feels that social media plays a vital role in crisis communication, offering both challenges and opportunities. Companies can leverage social media effectively by providing real-time updates, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged.“Engaging with the audience by responding to queries and concerns promptly demonstrates responsiveness and care. Monitoring social media sentiment helps gauge public reaction and adjust communication strategies accordingly. Consistency in messaging across all social media channels is crucial to avoid confusion and maintain credibility. Honesty and transparency in social media communications, addressing issues directly, and acknowledging mistakes when necessary are also critical. By implementing these strategies, companies can effectively manage crises in the digital age, maintaining trust and minimizing reputational damage,” she concludes.

Reddit is bucking the trend! According to a recent report by digital market research company eMarketer, Reddit is seeing the biggest growth in daily time spent by users in the US compared to other social media platforms.Reddit Users Spending More TimeThe forecast predicts a significant jump in daily Reddit usage for 2024. Redditors can expect to spend an average of 31 minutes per day on the platform, which is an 11% increase from 2023's average of 28 minutes.Growth for Instagram, Decline for OthersWhile Reddit shines, some other platforms see mixed results. Instagram is projected to experience a modest increase of 1.3% in daily usage. However, the outlook isn't as bright for the biggest names in social media.Facebook and TikTok See SlowdownFacebook, the current king of social media in terms of monthly active users, is expected to see a decline in both user growth and daily usage. eMarketer predicts a -1.2% dip in average daily time spent on Facebook in 2024. Surprisingly, the wildly popular short-form video platform TikTok is also expected to cool down slightly, with a projected -1.2% decrease in daily user activity.Twitter and Snapchat Continue to StruggleThe news gets worse for Twitter (formerly known as Twitter) which has faced challenges since Elon Musk's takeover in 2022. eMarketer forecasts a steeper decline of -3.8% in daily user time for Twitter. Messaging app Snapchat isn't faring much better, with a predicted -4.5% drop in daily usage.Reddit's Rise Linked to Ad Revenue GrowthThe rise of Reddit usage is translating to growing advertising revenue. eMarketer predicts a 28% increase in ad revenue for Reddit in 2024, reaching an estimated $741 million. This growth is likely fueled by Reddit's expanding user base. Backlinko's findings show that Reddit boasted approximately 73 million daily active users in the fourth quarter of 2023, a significant 27% increase from the same period in 2022 (57.5 million daily active users).The Bottom LineWhile some social media platforms are seeing a decline in user engagement, Reddit is defying the trend. With daily usage on the rise and ad revenue growing, Reddit is establishing itself as a major player in the social media landscape.

Glad U Came, a PR & influencer marketing agency, has announced its recognition as one of the TOP 100 Best of the Best Public Relations Agencies in the World 2024, awarded by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. The TOP 100 list showcased the best Public Relations Agencies worldwide, celebrating the superior levels of quality and excellence, demonstrated by their commitment to deliver exceptional results.After a thorough assessment and review process, Glad U Came has been distinguished as one of the best in the global communications market and has been awarded a prestigious place in the TOP 100 Public Relations Agencies of the World in 2024.Glad U Came's presence in this elite list is a testament to its never-failing commitment to offering luxurious experiences and service excellence to its customers. With a strong reputation and dedication to excellence, GUC has now made significant waves in the global communications market."We are elated and humbled by this recognition; it’s absolutely a team effort," said Maddie Amrutkar, Founder & CEO of Glad U Came. "We are honored to appear in the list of the best PR agencies globally and are truly thankful for the trust our clients have placed in us. We will continue to uphold our high standards and make our clients proud with our commitment to delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations. Our team is excited to receive this recognition and looks forward to continuing to make a lasting impact in this industry."

Flags Communications, a 360-degree Integrated marketing communications agency, has bagged the PR mandate to drive media visibility for the Bharat In Paris Inaugural Run, to express their solidarity and cheer for the Indian Olympic contingent going to the Paris Olympics. As the countdown to the Paris Olympic brings, Flags Communications raised the fever a few notches with media splash across the length and breadth of the country bringing to fore how enthusiastic runners came together to wish the Indian Olympic contingent the very best in their endeavour.With a short deadline to work on the project, Flags Communications, as always, demonstrated agility, team cohesiveness and seamlessly coordinated with every stakeholder and delivered results which was way beyond expectations, as said by the organiser, UNIV Sportatech.Ayush Nambiar, Director, Flags Communications, said: “Initially, we were a bit sceptical about the results which could be achieved, but the team ensured that no stone is left unturned and walked the extra mile to pull off a show in record time. The unflinching support of each member of the team and never-say-die attitude of each team member and swim against the tides is what sets Flags Communications apart from the rest. At Flags, speed is key and we are proud of our turnaround time that makes everything fall in place”He further added: “Conducting a successful event is an ideal platform for highlighting a brand and showcasing what the brand stands for. Flags makes the process simple by guiding the brand with the best ways to reach the audience and make the event fly high. Our team gets into the minute detailing of event planning to make sure that the event is PR-able and the end result is magnificent.Abhishek Issar, Founder, UNIV Sportatech, says: “Right from the word go, Flags Communications team worked in clock-work precision and working close knit to weave the fabric of success, much beyond our expectations. Flags Communications supported us (Team UNIV Sportatech), the organiser, in developing supporting materials and content in record time which came as a big relief to us and freeing our time to be able to concentrate on the larger activities of the event. The results kept coming well into the 3rd and even into the 4th day after the event completion, which clearly demonstrates the interest Flags Communications team created in media circles about UNIV Sportatech and ESports and giving it its due recognition”

Public relations giant Edelman has been tapped by Alterra Management Ltd., the UAE's newly launched $30 billion climate investment fund. Edelman will provide strategic communication services and manage events for Alterra.Building a Clean Energy FutureAlterra hit the ground running in late 2023, securing $6.5 billion in deals with major investment firms BlackRock, TPG Inc., and Brookfield Asset Management.They've also joined forces with Brookfield to launch the $5 billion Catalytic Transition Fund, which focuses on clean energy and developing clean technologies in developing nations.A Tailored PR ApproachEdelman's year-long contract includes a $45,000 monthly retainer and provides senior-level counsel to Alterra's CEO and leadership team. A dedicated Edelman staffer will be stationed full-time in Alterra's Abu Dhabi office, offering strong English writing skills, investment industry knowledge, and ideally fluency in both English and Arabic. A background in sustainability practices is a bonus.Simon Haines, managing director of Edelman Smithfield's Middle East operations, will spearhead the firm's work with Alterra.

In the wake of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which revoked the constitutional right to abortion, Weber Shandwick leaders decided to take their own initiative to address the 2022 ruling. Led by the late Angela Mears, then New York’s chief creative officer, the team aimed to protect women’s digital privacy amid growing concerns for those seeking reproductive health information online.This effort culminated on June 24, the second anniversary of Dobbs, with the launch of the Vagina Privacy Network (VPN). Created in partnership with MSI Reproductive Choices and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, this online portal helps women safely search for abortion care or reproductive health information without leaving a digital trail. The VPN provides a step-by-step guide for online identity protection, including links to free, secure web browsers. This digital toolkit is especially crucial in states with abortion restrictions.Last month’s VPN rollout featured activations in three states where abortion rights are banned (Indiana, Tennessee) or severely restricted (Georgia). VPN-branded burner phones with recordings of the digital privacy toolkit were distributed at marches marking the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade being overturned, and to grassroots partners. Billboards were also erected in state capitals to ensure legislators got the message.Pam Jenkins, Weber Shandwick’s chief public health officer, emphasized that the agency will continue supporting VPN, utilizing influencers and trusted female thought leaders to raise awareness of the site.The ultimate goal remains clear: safeguarding women's digital privacy.

KateCo.PR, a leading Australian public relations agency, announced the addition of Allkinds, an Aussie self-care brand focused on tweens (ages 8-12), to its growing beauty portfolio.This strategic partnership leverages KateCo.PR's extensive experience in the beauty sector, specifically their expertise in crafting impactful communication campaigns. The agency's dedicated beauty team will spearhead all communication efforts for Allkinds, encompassing exciting new product launches, innovative product features, and strategic gifting initiatives. Additionally, KateCo.PR will provide ongoing support to Allkinds' spokespeople, fostering a dynamic conversation surrounding the crucial yet often overlooked topic of tween and teen skincare.Allkinds' focus on creating fun, effective, and age-appropriate self-care products resonates strongly with KateCo.PR's values. The brand's commitment to clean, vegan formulas free from harsh chemicals aligns perfectly with the growing demand for transparency and safety in beauty products, particularly for younger audiences.Kate Keane, Managing Director, KateCo. PR, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Allkinds to our client stable - a brand that exudes fun while delivering carefully designed products for kids and teens. It is wonderful to watch our agency’s beauty and wellness portfolio continue to grow under the guidance of our Senior Account Director and beauty guru, Hannah O’Loughlin and we look forward to seeing the exciting PR plans our beauty team and Allkinds roll out together. Watch this space!"This strategic partnership comes at a pivotal time for the tween skincare market. Allkinds' dedication to providing effective and safe products resonates with this growing market segment. With KateCo.PR's strategic communication expertise on board, Allkinds is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the fun and functional tween skincare space.