In the last 10 years, PR has taken a different dimension, especially after the entry of social media and the rapid shift to digital during the pandemic period. At the same time, the industry has been facing stiff challenges; moreover client expectations have also increased, with more emphasis being given to digital and online reputation management. The industry has undergone a radical shift and the current times have pushed the industry to change gears.In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Ameer Ismail, President, Lintas Live, Mullen Lowe Lintas, delves into the critical transformations that PR companies must undergo in the era of AI, he also emphasises on data-driven strategies for measuring campaign success, as well as how Lintas Live harnesses this approach to craft impactful PR campaigns for clients globally, highlighting the network’s capabilities in navigating diverse regions.How do you think PR companies should reinvent themselves in the age of AI?In my long tenure in the PR industry, I have never seen a greater need for re-strategizing and reimagining our business. Every industry goes through a tipping point, technology has defined this as ours. The rapidly evolving landscape of the digital ecosystem and fast evolving newer technologies like AI are fuelling the need for reinvention. A lot of what was traditionally done by PR agencies will change, powered by the transformative capabilities of AI. In response to this paradigm shift, PR companies must undergo a metamorphosis, they will need to embrace change and technology, reimagine talent for the future to stay relevant.PR agencies must embrace AI as integral part of processes and operations. These tools offer the ability to mine data, predict trends, and help formulate communication strategies/ content that deeply resonate with right audiences. You can already see AI being used for content creation, presentations, short digital films, press releases and much more. Clients are asking for AI-based thinking and creative solutions. While we have seen the PR industry evolve, we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of what is possible with AI. All leaders in this business have been busy decoding AI and its impact on business, talent, and processes. Thankfully, adoption and usage of AI in PR has led to some clarity on its impact, and this will continue for a while. What is clear is that many will leverage AI’s predictive capabilities to carve out insights that can be critical to campaign effectiveness. Data/ technology led campaigns will get their own right of space and increased recognition.There’s a growing emphasis on data-driven PR strategies. How is Lintas Live utilizing data and analytics to measure the success of PR campaigns and demonstrate ROI to clients? For some time now there has been a shift to a more data driven approach, there is a move from intuition to (data driven) insight. The vast amount of data available has been guiding decisions on the choice of media, influencers and platforms and makes the approach for PR more targeted and message delivery far more effective. We see this kind of technological developments and data driven approaches as a game-changer. At Lintas Live, we have been using tools to map conversation data and have started to use AI’s predictive capabilities to map out conversation trends. Our innovative community-based model comprises three distinct communities:TrendspottersCreative ArchitectsNewjackersEach community plays a pivotal role in ensuring our clients secure an unparalleled share of attention by seamlessly integrating into current, topical, and relevant conversations, all while benefiting from data and technology usage. Most of our planners use this to define potential conversation topics for the months to come so that we know exactly what brand message to place in those conversations. The journey of data and analytics usage commences subsequent to the client brief, where we employ tools like Meltwater to monitor news and conversation data. This journey then extends to presenting results and ROI to clients through integrated dashboards.With the rise of social media and the decline of traditional media outlets, how is the Public Relations industry adapting its strategies to reach target audiences and measure the success of campaigns?Social media has democratised the landscape of information sharing. Everyone has a voice and can publish their views on platforms. As one navigates a huge volume of information you can just scroll on your device to access the same, but it’s the power of compelling and creative content is what makes you stop and take notice. Also, you will share with others only what you care about, this kind of dynamic fuels talkability and relevance for brands. Traditional media is still an important part of the mix, but it has become a very interconnected ecosystem of information flow with news breaking online (sometimes on social media) and then being picked up by traditional media outlets. So many millennials get their news feeds on platforms like Instagram that social media as a part of the mix just cannot be ignored. PR agencies and professionals are adapting to this landscape of social media and are orchestrating a symphony of innovative approaches to reach and captivate target audiences.The other dynamic is the increasing power of social media influencers, brands have recognised that there could be significant positive impact by using the right influencers and PR agencies are fuelling this by helping focus on the right influencers, then forging partnerships with them to deliver authentic messages that resonate with their followers. ROI and measurement are increasingly becoming the litmus test of success, and at Lintas Live, our approach prioritizes key metrics such as Engagement Rate, Reach and Impressions, Click-Through Rate (CTR), and sentiment analysis of comments and mentions.Additionally, we focus on analysing audience demographics and conversion rates to gain comprehensive insights into campaign performance. By closely monitoring these indicators, we ensure effective campaign evaluation and continuous improvement, enabling us to refine strategies for even greater success.In today’s world of information overload, how can PR professionals ensure their clients' messages cut through the noise and resonate with the public?PR professionals must stop the carpet-bombing approach. Everyone needs to understand that smartly articulated content can deliver a message powerfully and cut through the clutter. In navigating today’s sea of information overload, PR professionals face a formidable challenge: that is to ensure their clients’ messages don’t get drowned out, but rise above to captivate and resonate with their intended audience. To achieve this, a multifaceted approach is essential.In a world where attention spans are shrinking faster than ever, PR professionals must deliver messages that are succinct, impactful, and deeply relevant. But it is not just about reaching the right people; it is also about engaging them in meaningful ways. This is where creativity and content innovation come into play. PR professionals must think outside the box, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling and embracing new formats and techniques to capture attention and spark engagement.The Yezdi campaign, #NotfortheSaintHearted, was a significant achievement for Lintas Live, marking the first PR led integrated brand win since its launch. Every team member was thrilled with this success. Unlike a typical brand re-launch, Yezdi held a special place in the hearts of its loyal followers, with numerous distinctive stories among motorcycling enthusiasts. Rekindling such strong emotions and reconnecting with consumers presented an exciting challenge for the agency. Through creative storytelling, the Lintas Live team effectively conveyed the emotions of Yezdi enthusiasts, encapsulating the brand’s essence with the memorable campaign hashtag #NotfortheSaintHearted.Looking ahead, what are some of the emerging trends you see shaping the future of PR? How is Lintas Live preparing to stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic field?Consolidation: As digital technologies continue to transform the PR ecosystem, the traditional lines between disciplines are blurring. There will be more demand for integrated marketing communication as clients will want to declutter the number of agency partners in the mix. Lintas Live is well placed to deal with this dynamic, as a part of a well-diversified group (MullenLowe Lintas Group) we have the full suite of services and teams to take a client through an entire brand journey. This is a huge competitive advantage.Technology: The advent of newer technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning will continue to disrupt the status quo. These technologies are compelling agencies and professionals to rethink their strategies and operations to stay future-ready. I predict a huge leap in the adoption of AI and machine learning that will enhance agencies’ capabilities to deliver quality content swiftly and all this will be fuelled by increasing client demand.Creative: In the realm of creative, the source of innovative ideas can come from any agency or individual. There is a growing emphasis on investing in PR-led creativity and an industry push for better recognition of creative PR campaigns. There will be a continuing trend towards greater investments in creative talent for PR agencies, signalling a shift towards prioritizing creativity as an integral and critical component in PR.At Lintas Live, we had recognized the importance of integrated and digital first creative led PR. That is the essence of our rebranded offering. I am delighted to see the power of this come alive and get recognition over the past few years. At Lintas Live, we've achieved remarkable success with clients like Bayer Consumer Health, winning 15 awards for our work on Saridon and Supradyn alone. Our impactful campaigns for Infosys during Pride Week and ongoing support for ESG initiatives have earned us widespread appreciation. Additionally, our enduring relationships with brands like Visit Victoria, Etihad, and Porsche demonstrate our commitment to long-term partnerships. With our global work for Lagos Free Zone gaining traction, our team continues to deliver standout creative content that drives results and garners attention.The MullenLowe Lintas Group has a strong global presence. Could you share some insights on how Lintas Live leverages this network to deliver impactful PR campaigns for clients across different regions?Being part of the MullenLowe Lintas Group in India and the MullenLowe global network has many advantages. Our vast network has helped us win large multi-market businesses such as Lagos Free Zone, a part of the Tolaram group. In some cases, we help the global network win brands, we recently helped MullenLowe PR US win the prestigious Etihad account for the US market, a brand we have represented for over 8 years in India.When required, our teams collaborate to access to a vast resource pool and knowledge and can connect with specialized teams across various markets across the world, enabling us to execute projects with global learnings and adopt best in class practices. There are also newer ways to approach ideation or brand challenges, our teams can learn from global colleagues and adopt the latest best practices. For example, there was an excellent use of behavioural science in new business pitch, we are in the process of getting this knowledge shared.Effective PR goes beyond press mentions. How can PR agencies utilize data and analytics to track key metrics like brand sentiment, website traffic, and social media engagement to demonstrate the return on investment (ROI)?In today’s dynamic landscape, leveraging data and analytics is paramount for demonstrating tangible ROI to clients. Utilizing advanced tools like Konnect Insights, Sprinklr, and Meltwater can empower PR agencies to delve deep into brand sentiment, website traffic patterns, and social media engagement metrics. By harnessing these insights, we gain invaluable understanding of public perception, enabling us to fine-tune our strategies in alignment with audience sentiment.Moreover, our approach goes beyond mere observation; we meticulously evaluate ROI by juxtaposing the costs of PR campaigns with quantifiable outcomes. Whether it is a surge in website traffic, an uplift in brand sentiment, or heightened social media engagement, we attribute these successes directly to our strategic endeavours.

LS Digital, a leading independent digital marketing transformation (DMT) company, has awarded their PR and communications mandate to Kaizzen, a leading integrated communications agency, following a multi-agency pitch. Kaizzen’s mandate encompasses managing LS Digital's communication strategy, media relations, and corporate reputation. Through strategic initiatives and targeted campaigns, Kaizzen will leverage its expertise to further strengthen LS Digital's presence in key markets and support the company’s ambitious growth plans.LS Digital is committed to revolutionizing the digital landscape by placing digital marketing transformation (DMT) at the premise of its brand identity, with its specialised business units Langoor, a CX & Web 3.0 company, f1studioz, a UI/UX company, and Social Panga, a digital-first creative company. With a vision to drive innovation and redefine digital marketing standards to grow the industry, LS Digital follows its guiding mantra #ChallengeTheNow to build industry best solutions today that will reshape the future of global business.Speaking on the partnership, Anshuman Misra, SVP Strategic Partnerships, Marketing & PR "LS Digital is a visionary company working with a single purpose of putting Digital Marketing Transformation at the core of businesses. As India takes the centre stage in developing and delivering tech-enabled, innovative services to the world, LS Digital is geared-up in spirit and strength to lead this conversation, we are happy to welcome Kaizzen on board as our PR partner. We are confident that this collaboration will further strengthen our position as a pioneering force in business transformation." On this collaboration, Anshuman further said, “In this new era of digital innovation and transformation, joining forces with young and dynamic team of Kaizzen, will help us in our journey of redefining industry standards, inspire change and shape the future by transforming businesses digitally”.Nikhil Pavithran, Group President of Kaizzen, stated, “This partnership with LS Digital marks a pivotal moment for Kaizzen, symbolizing our commitment to driving digital innovation and transformation. LS Digital's forward-thinking approach, coupled with their integration of digital-first programmatic services to transform the way brands interact with their audience in the tech age, resonates deeply with our vision. We firmly believe in the immense potential of this collaboration, especially in alignment with the Honourable Prime Minister's Digital India initiative, which sets the stage for substantial market growth. This partnership signifies a synergy of expertise and gives us a great opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to drive meaningful impact and foster impactful dialogues."

Online reputation management company Reputation House has announced stellar performance for the fiscal year 2023, marking a significant milestone with a Dh4.8 million ($1.3 million) increase in revenue and 10% month-on-month growth in 2023 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.As the company positions itself for further expansion into Africa, it continues solidifying its standing as a digital disruptor and reputation manager. The company has announced partnering with three (3) African countries, for reputation management services, hinted 10 more African countries are expected to come into the fold in 2024, who are mostly from the government side.In a year fraught with challenges of educating the public about the concept of Online Reputation Management and how it is vital for corporates, governments and individuals, Reputation House’s remarkable growth underscores the company's unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge reputational solutions while adeptly navigating the evolving market landscape of this niche.Navigating an untapped MENA market for these specialised services, strategic collaborations were pivotal to Reputation House's success in 2023. Welcoming 45 new clients into its fold, the company expanded its reach and reinforced its reputation as a trusted industry advisor. These partnerships not only validate Reputation House's expertise but also pave the way for strategic collaborations and groundbreaking solutions to tackle the reputational challenges on the risk-prone worldwide web.“Looking ahead, we are gearing up for further expansion into Africa, aligning with its vision for global growth and market leadership. With a keen focus on delivering tailored solutions to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the African market, Reputation House aims to establish itself as the preferred choice for online reputation management services across the African continent,”, revealed Dima Raketa, (pictured above), Chief Executive Officer at Reputation House.A standout achievement in Reputation House's portfolio for 2023 was its collaboration with the government clients in the African region (names held for confidentiality) to enhance these countries’ online reputation worldwide. This landmark partnership underscores Reputation House's dedication to leveraging its expertise for shaping positive narratives on a global scale,”,To manage and propel its ambitious growth trajectory, Reputation House made strategic appointments to key leadership positions. With the addition of a heads of marketing and events, the company aims to elevate its presence and foster deeper connections with clients and stakeholders. Additionally, the recruitment of highly skilled professionals further strengthens Reputation House's capabilities and ensures continued success.Reputation House has offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Miami.

TishTash Communications, the Dubai-based, award-winning independent communications agency, has announced that it has added international, regional, and local brands to its portfolio of lifestyle, health, and wellness clients. These latest client wins include:Anthropologie – The internationally beloved concept store brand is known for its curated assortment of clothing, accessories and home decor that reflects the spirit of creativity and individuality. TishTash are working closely with the Middle East team to support Anthropologie's marketing strategies in the GCC with earned PR and media, events as well as content and influencer strategy. Dubz – Offering travelers hassle-free check-in and comfort from home, Dubz (by Dnata) is a luggage pickup, storage and delivery service that also checks you in for your flight and prints your boarding pass at your doorstep. TishTash will be managing the influencer strategy and brand seeding across the UAE.Dr Tanya Skincare – Supporting the launch of Dr Tanya’s Skincare in the UAE, the Australian-made and owned skincare brand features doctor-derived formulas infused with medical-grade ingredients and Ayurvedic inspiration. TishTash will lead the brand launch with earned PR, brand awareness and events.FITCODE – The brand-new wellness destination has appointed TishTash to build brand awareness and support with influencer and brand partnerships. Humble Power – A homegrown, purpose-led, female-founded modest athleisure brand, Humble Power aims to empower women to embrace their unique style. TishTash is responsible for traditional media awareness around the brand as well as influencer strategy and brand collaborations.On the continued growth and client wins in Q1, Managing Director of TishTash Communications, Polly Williams says: “It’s been an excellent start to the year at TishTash and we are thrilled to finish the first quarter by representing such brilliant brands as Anthropologie, Dr. Tanya Skincare, Humble Power, FITCODE and Dubz. Each of these brands represents our commitment to lifestyle, wellbeing and health-based clients as our core agency strategy and we look forward to creating fully integrated, cross-platform campaigns across our PR and digital teams that resonate with consumers and build awareness alike across a successful summer and beyond”.

Ogilvy PR has appointed James Baldwin to lead its influencer marketing efforts across the Asia-Pacific region. Based in Singapore, Baldwin will oversee the agency's influencer offerings, including developing go-to-market strategies, strengthening their capabilities, driving business growth and innovation, and delivering top-notch influencer campaigns.Baldwin brings a wealth of experience to the role, having joined Ogilvy in 2019 and playing a key role in building the agency's influencer proposition. Most recently, he served as Business Director and B2B Influence Lead for Ogilvy UK, where he spearheaded the launch and global expansion of their B2B influencer services.Under Baldwin's leadership, Ogilvy's influencer team garnered recognition across multiple markets, crafting award-winning campaigns for industry giants like Coca-Cola, Unilever, British Airways, Samsung, and the Olympic Games. He also significantly contributed to Ogilvy's annual Influencer Trends report, a valuable resource within the industry.With over a decade of experience in B2B and influencer marketing, Baldwin previously held the position of Client Director at Euromoney Institutional Investor. In his new role, he will report to both Rahul Titus, Ogilvy's Global Head of Influence, and Emily Poon, President of Ogilvy PR in Asia-Pacific."James' strategic leadership in influencer marketing reinforces our commitment to the creator economy and its growing importance," said Titus.Excited about the opportunities in Asia-Pacific, Baldwin acknowledges the region's thriving social media landscape, diverse cultures, and strong sense of community as a breeding ground for innovative influencer marketing strategies. "The chance to build world-class influencer marketing in this region is unmatched," he remarked.This announcement follows Ogilvy PR's Asia-Pacific operations being named Global Digital Agency of the Year and APAC Regional Consultancy of the Year at the prestigious 2023 SABRE Awards.

In today's fast-paced world, every company faces the potential for a public relations crisis. To navigate these turbulent times, effective communication and a well-honed crisis management plan are essential. Daylon Dcruz, Senior Director at Pitchfork Partners, offers valuable insights from his experience as a PR pro, sharing his approach to crisis communication, maintaining stakeholder trust, and staying ahead of the curve.Can you share an example of a crisis situation you've managed in your career, and how have you approached it?Due to the nature of the crisis/crises, revealing examples due to confidentiality agreements with clients is a bit of a challenge. However, I think, at the fundamental level the basic approach is to ensure minimal trust erosion for the brand/corporation you are representing. The core approach hence will always be to have transparency, compassion, and empathy, coupled with action to make things right and better for the concerned stakeholders.How do you prioritize communication channels during a crisis, and what factors influence your decisions?The criticality is understanding the stakeholders and the platforms at which they exist. Determining the channels becomes easy. For example, in a crisis that involves labor issues, the best option would be to reach out to them first over a conversation rather than deploying mediums like a statement or social media post. On the other hand, if it’s a crisis that has multiple stakeholders, using channels like social media effectively can help douse any negativity emanating from it. While it is important to communicate in a crisis, it is equally important to choose the right channels to have an impact.3. What strategies do you employ to maintain transparency and trust with stakeholders during turbulent times?Transparency and trust during a crisis are less strategic elements and more fundamental. Effectively communicating the facts is as critical as the strategy itself. A crisis strategy cannot be created overnight, it has to be in place from the beginning. The tactics might vary as per the crisis but to be able to maintain trust and transparency, honest and empathetic communication is key. The aim is to treat the stakeholders with sensitivity and address their questions in real-time.Could you describe a time when you had to navigate conflicting interests among different stakeholders during a crisis? How did you handle it?Fortunately, I haven’t faced a situation like this in my professional career. However, in conflicting situations, it’s important to understand the end objective which is reputation protection during a crisis. As long as the organisation’s reputation becomes a primary objective, conflicts amongst stakeholders can be managed to ensure the best possible response to the crisis.What are the key elements of an effective crisis management plan, and how do you ensure its successful implementation?Having clear roles defined for a crisis is key. Most established companies constitute a Crisis Management Team and a Crisis Handbook. Having some of these elements at hand ensures efficacy concerning any crisis. Understanding scenarios and mapping the action plan and responses helps communication teams prepare for most eventualities.From an execution perspective, there is no better strategy than being prepared. This means ensuring the base-level narratives are in place, stakeholder contact sheets are kept handy and updated, pressure testing your responses to understand possible vulnerabilities, and then re-calibrating your approach for the same is critical.How do you stay updated on emerging trends and best practices in crisis management, and how do you incorporate them into your work?As a PR professional, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. I read a lot, analyze and study crisis case studies. There are several opportunities to also be part of industry events, webinars, and panel discussions around crisis communication and management. This keeps me informed and updated on the latest insights and trends. Several online resources offer valuable information and following certain blogs, social media groups, professionals and industry platforms is a good way of keeping abreast.As a PR professional, I also spend time on social media and news monitoring to have a finger on the pulse. Finally, scenario planning or simulations are very useful in analyzing or anticipating crises, and to navigate effectively.Can you discuss a crisis situation that caught you off guard, and what you learned from it to improve your crisis management approach?Sure. Years back, when social media was not as mammoth as it is today, a seemingly harmless social media post by a well-meaning employee of a known company went viral and sparked an unwanted controversy for the company. We were caught off guard because we had not considered the potential impact of an employee’s social media activity.This experience opened my eyes to the potential of social media and the impact it has on the reputation of an organisation. Learning from this, we implemented social media training for all employees and emphasized responsible online conduct. We also devised a rapid response protocol for social media crises to enable prompt response and controlled messaging.The lesson learned was that a crisis could emerge from anywhere, within or outside the organisation. The important thing to do is, consider all potential threats and risks, and prepare in advance.

In a remarkable career leap, Bhawna Sharma Ningthoujam has ascended to the position of Director of Communication for India at Western Digital, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.With an extensive background spanning over 15 years in prominent PR agencies, Bhawna ventured into Western Digital in September 2019, embracing the dynamic realm of data infrastructure. Now, she stands poised to spearhead Strategic Communications and social media endeavors for Western Digital's esteemed brands in India, including SanDisk, WD, Western Digital, SanDisk Professional, and WD_BLACK.Expressing her exhilaration on LinkedIn, Bhawna Sharma Ningthoujam conveyed, "Having an incredible time filled with joy, growth, opportunities, and recognition at Western Digital. I am super thrilled to begin an exciting new chapter as Director of Communication for India."As she embarks on this new chapter, Bhawna's wealth of experience and innovative vision promise to invigorate Western Digital's communication strategies, amplifying its presence and impact in the Indian market. Her appointment underscores Western Digital's commitment to fostering top-tier talent and driving forward-thinking communication practices in the digital landscape.

PRCA MENA, the Public Relations and Communications Association in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced that Gambit Communications’ Alexandra Richards and Sara Al Dehni have won the MENA Young Lions Competition 2024 for their #LendTheirVoice campaign. The star duo will go on to represent the MENA at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Responding to a brief set by Shamsaha, Alexandra and Sara beat a field of 16 teams. Each team had 24 hours to create a campaign that would help Shamsaha to target audiences from expanded regions, especially focusing on support to victims of GBV in Palestine and Sudan.Sylvia Marcus, the Partnerships and Business Development Manager at Shamsaha, commented: “At Shamsaha, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to drive positive change. Partnering with the PRCA MENA Young Lions Competition allows us to amplify our message of women's empowerment and protection throughout the Middle East, inspiring a new generation of advocates and change-makers.”PRCA’s Head of EMEA, Monika Fourneaux MPRCA said: “Each competing team has demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity. The breadth of innovative campaigns highlights the incredible diversity of young talent in our region. Congratulations to Alexandra and Sara for their outstanding achievement, and we extend our best wishes to them for success in Cannes. Thank you to all participants for your contributions, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.”

GreyMatters Communications & Consulting has won the prestigious mandate for scaling up the media and digital media presence of Daakia Private Limited, an innovative AI-powered technology start-up, working on providing secure digital communications."Daakia" is a first-of-its-kind super app for social & business communication, providing a single stop solution for end-to-end encrypted chat & call, audio/video conference, social media and translation services. It is a cross-platform web and mobile solution to make collaboration and communication easy and effective; be it at office, home or on the go.Daakia Private Limited was founded on the belief that having a trusted communication platform is an essential aspect of our daily life and should not be complex. With the vast language barrier existing in India and globally, the platform aims to be intuitive and provide real time communication in user's regional language, for which a patent is also granted to the startup.Animesh Kumar, Founder & CEO, Daakia said, “We are excited to be joining hands with India’s leading PR agency at a critical stage in Daakia’s life. GreyMatters Communications is distinguished for carving out a specialised presence in the public relations, digital communications and social media. We are privileged to be getting an opportunity to leverage and build on GreyMatters' wealth of professional experience and its dedicated team."On winning the prestigious mandate, founder Director, GreyMatters Communications & Consulting, Dr Navneet Anand said, “It gives us immense pride that Daakia has partnered with us for scaling up its media and digital media presence. The mandate is immensely gratifying and adds to our record of partnerships with technology and start up companies. It gives momentum to our relentless pursuit of excellence for 14 years in the field of communications services. Startups are at the core of India’s turnaround story globally and we are glad to partner with one such company, that is youthful, purpose driven, values laden and determined to redefine the digital communications landscape.”Daakia is a composite, first of its kind, Cross Platform Mobile & Web Integrated Solution that enables seamless, effective communications. It offers Enterprise SaaS solutions for intra organization communication, video conference and translation platform. Daakia is aligned with the Government of India's 'Digital India' programme that aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy by ensuring digital access, digital inclusion, digital empowerment and bridging the digital divide.“Through innovations, Daakia constructs a personalised digital ecosystem, empowering individuals and businesses alike to collaborate effortlessly and manage their data requirements from anywhere, promoting digital parity and bridging social gaps. With Daakia, users no longer need to navigate between multiple apps, simplifying their digital experience,” Kumar said.GreyMatters Communications & Consulting is India’s leading communications advisory firm offering consulting in communications, media & social media, reputation, politics, policy advocacy and government affairs. Established in 2010, it is rated as among the best agencies for public affairs campaigns, advocacy, political communications, social media and public relations, among others.GreyMatters has worked with partners from Government, Corporate, MNCs, UN Agencies, NGOs, Rural Organisations, Political Actors & Political Parties, and independent organisations. The agency has worked in multiple verticals including agriculture, rural development, textiles, technology, healthcare, academic, infrastructure, biotech. 

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the following senior management appointment effective as of April 1, 2024:Dr. Lavanya Wadgaonkar, currently Vice President, Nissan Global Communications, will be promoted to Corporate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer. In this role, she will oversee all of Nissan’s communications activities in Japan and globally, elevating trust and reputation at a critical juncture as Nissan launches The Arc, its new business plan to drive value and strengthen competitiveness. She will also continue in her role as the global champion for DEI responsible for actively promoting a diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.She will report to Makoto Uchida, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).Dr. Wadgaonkar has over 28 years of international experience in strategic communications, public affairs, brand management, marketing, and sustainability. She previously led and developed the communications and external and government affairs functions for Nissan Asia & Oceania. Prior to joining Nissan in 2012 in India, Dr Wadgaonkar worked at printing company Lexmark, petrochemical conglomerate Reliance, and diversified power management company Eaton in various leadership roles in communications and marketing. Originally from Hyderabad in India, Dr Wadgaonkar holds a PhD, an MPhil, and a Masters degree from Osmania University.

Savills Egypt, a leading property advisor, has announced its collaboration with Vantage Communications, a renowned public relations agency, to bolster its external communications.In a strategic move aimed at fortifying its brand presence and communication efficacy within the Egyptian property market, Savills Egypt has entrusted Vantage Communications with its public relations endeavors.Bringing a wealth of experience in crafting compelling narratives, managing media relations, and executing strategic communication campaigns, Vantage Communications is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing Savills Egypt's engagement with stakeholders and target audience.Karine Kamel, Head of Marketing and Communications at Savills Egypt, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are delighted to appoint Vantage Communications as our strategic PR partner in Egypt. Their deep understanding of the local media landscape and proven expertise in the real estate sector make them the ideal partner to support our communication goals and amplify our narrative in Egypt’s thriving real estate industry."In response, Nazly Shamel, Founder and Managing Director of Vantage Communications, conveyed excitement, saying, "We are thrilled to be selected as Savills Egypt’s PR agency. In Egypt’s dynamic real estate ecosystem, our team is committed to delivering on-point PR programs that set Savills Egypt ahead and support the company’s continued growth."The collaboration between Savills Egypt and Vantage Communications signifies a concerted effort to leverage expertise and strategic insights, aiming to solidify Savills Egypt's position as a key player in the Egyptian real estate landscape.

The Public Relations and Communications Association Middle East & North Africa (PRCA MENA) has restructured its MENA Regional Board, a pivotal move aimed at fortifying strategic direction and industry representation in the MENA region.The MENA Regional Board serves as the guiding force behind PRCA MENA's initiatives, ensuring alignment with industry standards and fostering excellence in the field of public relations and communications. The restructured board brings together a diverse ensemble of esteemed industry leaders, poised to infuse their collective expertise and insights to propel the organisation to new heights. "We are delighted to unveil the restructuring of our MENA Regional Board, signifying our commitment to championing excellence and innovation in the public relations and communications landscape across the MENA region. The wealth of knowledge and experience brought forth by our board members will be instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of our organisation and advancing the profession as a whole,” remarked James Hewes, CEO of PRCA.The newly appointed members of the PRCA MENA Regional Board are:  Ahmad Itani, Founder & CEO, Cicero & Bernay Communication Consultancy. Chairman, PRCA MENA  Alexandre Beaulieu, Founder & CEO, TBWA DJAZ  Claire Micheletti, Founder & Joint Managing Director, Cosmopole Consultancy  Howard Kosky, CEO & Founder, Markettiers4DC  Ibrahim Al Mutawa, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Jummar PR  Imad Lahad, Managing Director, APCO Worldwide Dubai  John Rynehart, Managing Director, Seven Media  Joseph Nalloor, Discipline Lead - School of Communication, Murdoch University Dubai  Kamal Taibi, Founder & CEO, StratëusGroup  Khaled Alshehhi, Executive Director Marketing and Communications at UAE Government Media Office  Laureline Schwarz, Head of Global Corporate Communication, PR, Public Relations at Al-Futtaim Automotive  Louay Al Samarrai – Joint Managing Director, Co-Founder, Active (Digital. Marketing. Communications)  Natalie Amos, Managing Director - Lifestyle MENA at Four Agency  Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, Founder and CEO, TishTash Communications  Nick Sandham, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Alshaya Group  Petra B Spanko, Regional Director, Katch International  Samantha Bartel, CEO & Managing Partner, Instinctif Partners MENAThese professionals bring a rich tapestry of experiences and expertise to their roles, representing a diverse array of sectors and perspectives within the communications industry.

 Luna PR, the Dubai-based PR and marketing agency specializing in web3 and emerging tech, is basking in the glow of recent industry accolades this March. The agency was awarded the "Web3 Consultant Of The Year" at the E-Business Award 2024. The founder and CEO, Nikita Sachdev, was also recognized for her contributions to empowering women across the world of emerging tech. She was honored with 'Most Influential Women in Crypto & Blockchain' and 'Women Leader in Media Excellence' at Filmfare Middle East and the 23rd Middle East Women Leaders Excellence Awards, respectively.These awards celebrate Nikita’s passion and the team at Luna PR's remarkable efforts to be at the forefront of web3 PR and marketing, attracting mainstream media and fostering mass adoption. As one of the early adopters, Luna PR has successfully consulted for multi-billion-dollar companies and unicorns by refining their approach, making them effectively reach a wider audience. Nikita has made significant contributions to the industry by expanding various ventures, including Luna Capital, Luna Foundation, Studio Thirty Six, Chief Block, and Crypto Polo Cup. Expressing her excitement on this occasion, Nikita said, "Our vision is to become one of the most well-respected PR agencies in the world of Web3 and emerging technologies. Winning these awards is a testament to our achievements. When we started our journey, the Web3 industry was relatively unknown. However, it has since grown and evolved tremendously, and we have found that to be incredibly rewarding. As an industry, we still have much more to accomplish, but we are committed to contributing towards the mass adoption of crypto by offering a wealth of growth opportunities. The journey ahead may be long, but we are determined to make a difference."The recognition of these awards and accolades serves as a testament to Luna PR and Nikita's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact as influencers and thought leaders in the ever-evolving web3 landscape.

Supreme Group, backed by growth-oriented private equity firm Trinity Hunt Partners, has acquired Health+Commerce, an integrated agency providing strategic public relations, marketing, and creative services to innovative healthcare companies. Supreme Group is a healthcare commercialization platform company formed following Trinity Hunt’s majority investment in Supreme Optimization, a leading life science-focused digital agency. Founded by Sheldon Zhai in 2012, Supreme Optimization provides its clients with best-in-class performance digital marketing services including paid advertising, SEO, content marketing, analytics and website development services. Health+Commerce is Supreme Group’s second add-on following its acquisition of Clarity Quest, a health IT marketing agency. “We’re thrilled to welcome Health+Commerce to the Supreme Group family of companies,” said Tom Donnelly, CEO, Supreme Group. “In only seven years, Health+Commerce has built a highly respected organization providing strategic programs that reach clinician, investor and consumer audiences in the multibillion-dollar medtech, biotech and digital health sectors. We look forward to supporting the agency as it continues on its growth trajectory.” Health+Commerce’s leadership will remain in place, and the agency will continue to operate under its brand name as a standalone organization within Supreme Group. Nicole Osmer, founder and CEO of Health+Commerce, will take the role of president. “This marks an exciting new beginning for Health+Commerce,” said Nicole Osmer. “Joining Supreme Group will provide complementary services to our clients, additional resources and support as we scale, and new growth opportunities for our employees. I’m thrilled that we will be working closely with Tom, Sheldon and other leaders who share our entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to excellence, and dedication to building strong cultures and great places to work.” “Trinity Hunt is focused on investing in and growing leading people-based healthcare and business services-oriented companies, and supporting great teams with strong cultures,” said Mike Steindorf, partner at Trinity Hunt. “With Supreme Optimization, Clarity Quest and now Health+Commerce, and under Tom’s leadership as CEO, we are well on our path to creating a leading life sciences marketing and communications services business. We look forward to helping nurture these companies and adding additional exceptional businesses to the platform.” Bryan, Garnier & Co, with a team led by Pierre-Georges (PG) Roy and Michael Tuller, served as exclusive advisor to Health+Commerce.

Lauren Payne-McLeod, currently based in London, is embarking on a new chapter as she relocates to New York to assume the role of Fight or Flight's inaugural Head of Strategy and Creative for North America.In her new capacity, Payne-McLeod will oversee the strategic and creative direction of the team's accounts, ensuring the delivery of high-quality insights while nurturing existing client relationships and spearheading the expansion of new business endeavors. Additionally, she will play a pivotal role within the North America leadership team.Having dedicated the past three years to Fight or Flight in London, Payne-McLeod has held various positions, culminating in her most recent role as Director of Strategy and Creative at the firm's headquarters. Prior to her tenure at FoF, she contributed her expertise to Teneo, also in London.This transition marks a significant milestone for Fight or Flight, which initiated its expansion into North America approximately 18 months ago. Bolstered by key appointments, such as US Chair Tim Fry, a seasoned professional from Weber Shandwick, the agency has experienced notable growth, securing a series of clients and multi-market projects. Notably, this quarter saw the addition of Atera, an AI-driven IT management platform, to Fight or Flight's esteemed clientele.

Marketing communications veteran Bhumika Gupta rejoins Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as a Marketing Team Lead based in Gurgaon.Bhumika brings a wealth of experience back to BCG, having previously served from January 2018 to June 2022. She possesses a deep understanding of the firm's core values and boasts over 12 years of expertise in various marketing communication areas.Throughout her career, Bhumika has honed her skills in media relations, communication strategy, internal communications, crisis management, digital marketing, event management, and agency management. Her dedication to the field earned her a coveted spot on the PR Moment's "30 Under 30" list of leading communications professionals in India.Before returning to BCG, Bhumika led integrated media strategy, internal communications, and CSR campaigns at Coca-Cola. She also collaborated with industry media to amplify brand messaging and managed agencies responsible for executing communication, digital, and creative initiatives. Prior to Coca-Cola, she gained valuable experience at Edelman PR.Bhumika holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Communications from Xaviers Institute of Communications in Mumbai and a BA (Hons) in English from Hansraj College, University of Delhi. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and dancing.

Shreya Mehta of Discord has joined the tech giant Microsoft as their Senior Manager - Corporate Communications. Announcing her movement on LinkedIn she said: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Senior Manager - Corporate Communications at Microsoft! I arrive at the world's biggest tech company as its pushing the boundaries of what artificial intelligence can achieve, every day. And I couldn't be more excited to shape the company's PR strategy alongside an exceptionally talented team - hat tip to our comms chief in Asia Lauren Myers-Cavanagh and in India-South Asia Pallavi Walia. This is more than just a career move — it's a milestone after a challenging year that brought about personal growth and some much-needed learnings. I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to all my mentors, friends and family for their unwavering faith in me. Cheers to change, growth and new lessons.”Prior to this, she was associated with BCW Global as Associate Director and Policy & Corporate Communications Manager at Twitter.

Bibi Hilton, a highly respected figure in the PR world, is rejoining the agency scene as Chief Client Officer for Global Markets at Ketchum.Hilton boasts an impressive career, having spent 13 years as Managing Director of Golin London before moving to IPG, the parent company, as Global Engagement Director on the Unilever account. In 2020, she transitioned to the social enterprise sector, leading Creative Access as Communications Director and ultimately becoming CEO in 2022. Hilton also served as President of the Women in PR network from 2018 to 2021.At Ketchum, Hilton will oversee client experience across all markets outside the US. A key focus will be ensuring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) remains a core aspect of the agency's client service.Jo-ann Robertson, Ketchum's Global Markets CEO, expressed her admiration for Hilton, citing both her past accomplishments and their shared commitment to DEI. Robertson highlighted the importance of integrating DEI into client experience, stating, "There was really only one person for the job." She praised Hilton's ability to build strong relationships and her commitment to listening to clients' needs.Hilton's arrival coincides with the upcoming appointment of Ruth Allchurch as Ketchum's UK CEO in April. Robertson emphasized the collaboration between them, stating, "…she and Ruth will be spending a lot of time together to make sure we are elevating client experience in our biggest market."Motivated by a desire to innovate and elevate client service, Hilton expressed her excitement about rejoining the PR industry at Ketchum. She highlighted the agency's shared values and her admiration for Robertson's leadership in DEI. Hilton plans to focus on "heightening our clients' experience and innovate," fostering collaboration across markets, and challenging industry norms. She also emphasized her commitment to building diverse teams that drive client growth.Hilton's appointment comes after the recent departure of Ketchum's UK Chief Client Officer, Alicia Solanki, to Team Lewis. This new role marks the first of two Chief Client Officer positions for Ketchum, with Robertson planning to appoint a US counterpart soon.

An unprecedented 45 PR agencies and industry organisations came together last week to work for a shared objective – urgent action against climate change. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s “Weather Kids” campaign launched on 21st March, with coverage in over 80 markets so far.The Weather Kids campaign features a series of children from around the world taking over local and national TV weather reports to deliver terrifying forecasts from the future. The segments warn viewers of catastrophic risks rising temperatures will bring to people and the global economy in just a few decades, including a projected impact on 94% of the world’s children. The earned media objective focused on achieving tier 1 press coverage in all the partner markets, with the most important objective being to motivate adults to take a pledge that commits them to changing their habits for the benefit of children in their life. The creators of the idea were purpose-driven creative agency, Activista.There was no PR budget for this campaign, yet the call for support from the global PR community was answered emphatically, with the commitment from some of the world’s leading agencies from the USA and Canada, Australia, UK, Northern Ireland, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Czechia, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, China and Honk Kong, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia. PR agencies, especially the world’s biggest, are known for their sharp attention to resources and revenues, so to achieve this collaboration required an inspiring creativity, drive, dedication, and genuine hunger for change. The scale of worldwide coverage has been monumental, achieving broadcast and print media across target markets including China, India, UK, and US.The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) announced their partnership with UNDP in November and swiftly set up a Climate Communications Taskforce (CCT) to tackle PR campaigns, with an immediate focus on the earned media for Weather Kids.The purpose of the taskforce for this campaign was simple – own and execute the earned media strategy worldwide, without spending. Chris Pratt, Managing Director, Better Impact at Hill+Knowlton Strategies in UK was appointed Co-Chair of the Taskforce alongside Boaz Paldi, Chief Creative Officer, UNDP.With the strategy in place, the taskforce then built a vast network of support for local country activation, securing the commitment of 35 ‘Activation Partners”. Activation partners have been integral in pitching the story locally, with a breathtaking range of approaches, ideas, and solutions.The success of the collective PR effort shows the power and impact not only of PR agencies, but of international networks. At a time when global institutions are under a microscope, facing challenges from divisive politics to misinformation – this story is an important statement about the nature of global not-for-profit organisations, and their unique ability to mobilise collective action and affect change.The strength and seriousness with which UNDP has committed to PR and the earned media around this campaign is another demonstration of PR’s status as a leading force in global issues and shaping humanity’s future.  Boaz Paldi, Chief Creative Officer, UNDP, and Co-Chair Climate Communications Taskforce said:“We know PR is an integral component in fighting climate change and this campaign has reinforced that substantially. I have been blown away by the scale of support from ICCO’s members for Weather Kids. The commitment to contribute from so many different organisations, countries, cultures, languages is unlike anything I’ve seen before. This is the biggest climate campaign ever and gives great hope for the future of the children at the heart of Weather Kids.Chris Pratt, Co-Chair, Climate Communications Taskforce“It has been an honour to lead the CCT alongside Boaz with such a talented group of PR experts delivering fantastic earned media for this campaign worldwide. The scale and diversity of support from the PR community demonstrates the nature of the issue we are seeking to tackle. This affects us all and I am sure Weather Kids is just the beginning for the CCT in turning the tide and making a difference for the future of the planet.”Girish Balachandran, Founder, ON PURPOSE and Vice-Chair, Climate Communications Taskforce said:“Home to 3 of the world's 15 most vulnerable cities to climate change, India is uniquely impacted by the effects of climate change. However, the local innovation in climate adaptation and resilience can also offer solutions to the rest of the world. By also amplifying voices from the global south, this campaign serves as a powerful reminder that we're not simply waiting for a solution; we're actively contributing to it.” Paco Conde, Founder and ECD, Actavista said:"At Activista, we believe that universal truths breed extraordinary ideas. Few truths are as universal as the desire to secure a better future for our children. This campaign amplifies their voices, reminding us that their future is at stake and urging climate action".Grzegorz Szczepanski, President, ICCO said:“When the UNDP pitched the idea to ICCO at Cannes Lions last year, we thought wow – I am not sure anything like this has been done before – but of course we couldn’t refuse. Climate communications was already a top priority for ICCO and its members, and I had faith in our network to deliver to the high standards and ambitious objectives - they didn’t let us down. This campaign has brought together ICCO members from over 30 countries and it is just the start of our UNDP partnership. It is great credit to our members that PR is being recognised as integral to solving the great global challenges of our times”.

FinAdvantage, a leading tech-powered accounting firm of over a decade has partnered with Gutenberg, a global award-winning integrated Digital marketing agency, to build its brand identity and solidify their thought leadership on a global scale. FinAdvantage, founded by KPMG and EY veterans offers tech-enabled accounting solutions to prestigious clientele that includes Microsoft, Sequoia Capital, Fujitsu, TechMahindra, Jones Lang LaSalle, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, GoIbibo, Flipkart and more. Commenting on the partnership, Ganesh Ramkumar, Chief Revenue & Growth Officer at FinAdvantage, said, “Navigating a competitive market demands a strong brand identity. That’s why we are thrilled to partner with Gutenberg’s global expertise. Their ability to craft compelling narratives and build brand differentiation is invaluable for our global growth plans in the years to come.” Harjiv Singh, Founder & CEO of Gutenberg, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “FinAdvantage exemplifies forward-thinking innovation in accounting. We are excited to partner with them, to develop their brand identity that showcases their thought leadership and establishes them as a trusted resource within the financial services landscape.” This strategic partnership will leverage Gutenberg’s proven content marketing expertise to create high-impact content that educates and engages FinAdvantage’s target audience, ultimately positioning them as a thought leader within the accounting industry. 

Geolife Agritech Pvt Ltd, a leading player in the bio-inputs segment with a distinguished presence in over 30 countries and a legacy spanning decades, has announced the appointment of Ravi Kshirsagar as Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Strategy. This strategic move underscores Geolife's commitment to fortifying its leadership team with seasoned professionals as it continues its pioneering work in leveraging non-technology solutions in agriculture, particularly through its Balance Complete Nutrition Package (BCNP) offerings.With nearly 17 years of extensive experience in corporate affairs, public policy, and government relations, Ravi Kshirsagar brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his new role. His profound understanding of the agricultural landscape coupled with his robust network spanning CXOs, government officials, and media circles positions him as a valuable asset to Geolife's strategic initiatives.Kshirsagar is an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he honed his Master of Technology (M.Tech) and holds an Executive MBA in International Business from the esteemed Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi.In his new capacity, Kshirsagar will play a pivotal role in shaping Geolife's corporate partnerships, association with Foundation/ NGOs and spearheading new initiatives aimed at driving sustainable growth and enhancing the brand value of the company. His appointment underscores Geolife's unwavering commitment to nurturing top-tier talent and harnessing expertise to propel its mission of revolutionizing agriculture through holistic solutions.Speaking on his appointment, Ravi Kshirsagar expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am delighted to join Geolife Agritech at such a pivotal juncture in its journey. I look forward to contributing to its growth trajectory by leveraging my experience and insights to strategic partnership.Geolife Agritech's decision to appoint Ravi Kshirsagar underscores its dedication to fostering excellence and innovation in the agricultural sector, as it continues to cement its position as a frontrunner in delivering cutting-edge solutions for global agricultural challenges.

Zeno Health, India’s leading omni-channel platform for quality and affordable generic medicines, has appointed K2 Communications Pvt. Ltd. as its integrated communication partner. The legacy firm has been instrumental in announcing the brand’s successful securement of $25 million in Series C funding last month. Commenting on the partnership, Kush Jain, Head of Growth at Zeno Health, stated, “Zeno Health has been in search of a trusted partner with a proven track record in our niche to initiate our communication journey. K2 Communications is renowned and respected for their innovative and out-of-the-box ideas. They also have a dedicated vertical team for health care sector and this works in our favor. Moreover, the healthcare sector, and especially the pharmaceutical market in India, is poised for a revolution in the coming years. We believe this is the opportune moment to accelerate our efforts in educating the masses about generic medicine. K2’s approach aligns with our objectives, and we are delighted to have them on board. We are confident that our shared vision of democratizing healthcare in India will soon become a reality.” In this new collaboration, K2 Communications will collaborate closely with Zeno Health’s Corporate Communications and Marketing team to implement comprehensive strategies aimed at enhancing the company’s brand positioning within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in India. Shiv Shankar Devaraaj, Founder and CEO of K2 Communications, commented, “While K2 Communications caters to various segments, it also specializes in healthcare and its ancillary sectors. In addition, we have a fully functional and adept Mumbai branch to cater to clients in the region. We have a legacy of 21 years and most of our clients have been with us since the beginning. We are grateful to Siddharth Gadia, CEO and Co-Founder and Mr. Girish Agrawal, Founder of Zeno Health for reposing their faith in us. We are committed to seeing them achieve their goals using grounded PR narratives that will sync with the pulse of all stakeholders.”

EdgeCortix, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) inference company in Japan, has chosen Racepoint Global (RPG) to manage its US public relations efforts. The decision comes after a competitive selection process.EdgeCortix's technology powers intelligent decision-making in various applications, including car sensors, smart city infrastructure, and drones. The company already collaborates with FGS Global for PR activities in Japan, where EdgeCortix is headquartered.As EdgeCortix's US agency of record, RPG will provide a comprehensive suite of communication services, including media relations, analyst relations, market education, and thought leadership development.This win marks one of three new clients acquired by RPG through competitive pitches. The other two clients are:Indie Semiconductor: A California-based company creating automotive technology, particularly focused on driver safety and automation solutions.Sensera Systems: A Colorado-based company specializing in security cameras and systems specifically designed for construction sites."Sensera Systems offers critical jobsite intelligence solutions, and we're dedicated to using technology to transform the construction industry," said Marca Armstrong, Sensera's VP of Marketing & Customer Success. "Collaborating with a proven partner like RPG will empower us to share compelling stories about how our clients leverage technology to build a new future."

Stephanie Shelton has recently assumed the role of Executive Vice President of Client Experience at Current Global's healthcare practice. In this capacity, she will play a pivotal role in enhancing The Weber Shandwick Collective and bolstering IPG’s healthcare business.With her extensive background, including her recent tenure as a senior partner at FleishmanHillard, Shelton brings valuable expertise to steer communication strategies for flagship pharmaceutical clients of both Current and IPG. Additionally, she will spearhead new business ventures and initiatives across various brands.Reporting directly to Global Chief Client and Growth Officer Renee Austin from the Chicago hub, Shelton's appointment signifies a strategic move to leverage her diverse skill set in traditional healthcare, corporate health, and consumer health domains.Austin emphasized Shelton's contributions, stating, "Stephanie adds a unique blend of traditional healthcare, corporate health, and consumer health experience to our team. Her wealth of experience in reputation management, awareness elevation, brand enhancement, and behavior change through impactful campaigns and integrated media strategies is invaluable."Shelton's arrival follows a successful five-year tenure at Fleishman, where she held the positions of Senior Vice President and Senior Partner. Prior to that, she served as Managing Director at W2O Group and spent nearly twelve years at Edelman, further enriching her expertise in the field.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the role of smart tech and data analytics has become paramount across industries. Just as advertising and marketing have embraced these technological advancements, PR professionals are leveraging data expertise to revolutionise their strategies. The integration of data analytics is reshaping PR, media, and tech strategies, offering businesses key advantages in navigating the dynamic business environment.“With the lines of marketing with PR and communications blurring, the need to bring evaluation and due diligence to campaign strategy has been amplified by leaps. The only way to tackle this is to embrace smart technologies like AI, ML that bring the true value of ROI deep diving to extract where the money spent is really demonstrating results – be it connections or leads, media buy in, share of voice , social media trend analysis, SEO or even thought leadership positioning,” noted Mou Chakravorty, Associate Director - Marketing Communications, Deloitte India.AI applications also bring in ways to cut through mundane tasks, bringing automation for efficient use of talent at a time when balancing client demand, processes and people crunch have become challenging due to the fast pace digital movement, she added.Integration of data expertise reshaping PR, Media & Tech strategiesAccording to Jyotsna Dash Nanda, AVP - Corporate Communications, Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), “Data is the new PR gold. Traditionally seen as an “art”, PR is becoming a “science” with data analysis. The integration of data expertise is revolutionizing PR, Media, and Tech strategies. Data analysis allows for smarter targeting, measurable success through campaign tracking, and crafting messages that resonate with audiences. Data shows the impact of campaigns, allowing for adjustments and resource allocation based on what's working. PR professionals armed with data expertise can adapt and evolve their strategies. This shift from intuition to data-driven insights empowers businesses to navigate the evolving landscape with a competitive edge.”Akanksha Jain, Head - Public Relations & Corporate Communications, BharatPe, explained, “The integration of data expertise helps PR and Communications professionals to better understand the impact created by the PR campaigns. Communication leaders can have access to data not only in terms of number of stories, but also in terms of more holistic impact like sentiment check, effectiveness in terms of messaging, tonality of the stories, and reach across locations. Today, there are tools available that can help Communication leaders understand the efficacy of a campaign or an announcement, or get a sense of what did not work for them, so they can make the required iterations.”Ajey Maharaj, Head of Corporate Communications & PR, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, too, considered the incorporation of data analytics into Public Relations (PR), Media, and Technology strategies to be a significant shift in the way businesses strategize their communication and establish their market presence. He added, “In an era where information is abundant and consumer attention spans are short, the application of data analytics offers businesses a distinct competitive advantage. This approach enables them to traverse the dynamic business environment with unmatched precision and foresight.”“With the advent of AI and similar technologies, data takes the centre stage in PR like it does in many other professions,” noted Tanmana Rath, Lead Communications and Stakeholder Management at TERI, adding, “In today’s rapidly evolving PR landscape, precision is paramount. Creating effective PR strategies demands a profound understanding of the target audience, their preferences, and the dynamic media environment. Here, data analytics emerges as a transformative force, equipping PR professionals with a treasure trove of insights to drive informed decisions. The advantages are manifold. Through harnessing data analytics, PR experts can pinpoint emerging trends, dissect consumer behaviour, and tailor their messaging with precision. The ability to foresee and promptly react to market fluctuations is priceless. Whether it’s adapting to shifts in media consumption patterns or refining communication strategies based on audience sentiment, data-driven PR approaches are reshaping the rules of engagement.”The advantagesData-driven decision making helps Communication leaders craft a more robust and impactful strategy that can help get the required results, pointed out Akanksha Jain. Communication leaders can also be better prepared in case of a crisis as these tools can help them map the overall digital universe and observe outliers, if any. One can also understand who are media friends and which media houses are constantly publishing negative reportage about the company. “Also, by using data analytics, Communication leaders can talk in terms of micro as well as macro-impact across a range of cohorts, and not only limit to number of stories or AVE. This resonates better with the management of a company,” Jain added.Fortis Healthcare’s Ajey Maharaj listed the following key advantages and benefits:Advantages for Businesses:Targeted Communication: Through data analytics, businesses can segment their audience by demographics, preferences, and behaviours, crafting messages that resonate deeply and foster engagement.Measurable Outcomes: Data expertise allows companies to define clear, quantifiable objectives for their PR and media campaigns, evaluate performance, and fine-tune their strategies for maximum effectiveness.Strategic Decision Making: Insights derived from data analytics equip businesses with the knowledge to make informed choices, efficiently allocate resources, and stay ahead of market trends and opportunities.Benefits for PR Professionals:Enhanced Campaign Efficiency: Leveraging data-driven insights, PR professionals can pinpoint the most impactful channels and messages, leading to campaigns that not only reach, but resonate with their intended audience.Improved Crisis Management: The capability for real-time monitoring of data enables PR experts to swiftly identify and address potential issues or negative perceptions, safeguarding the brand’s reputation.ROI Measurement: Data analytics plays a crucial role in quantifying the return on investment for PR activities, underscoring their value and supporting the case for future budget allocations.Through the analysis of data, PR professionals gain valuable insights into audience behaviour, media landscape, sentiment trends, and emerging patterns, noted TERI’s Tanmana Rath, adding, this enables them to enhance their strategies, showcasing the tangible value of PR initiatives to stakeholders. “Leveraging data-driven decision-making, communication experts can take a deep dive into customer behaviors, preferences, and needs. By dissecting customer data, they refine their strategies to ensure precise message delivery to the intended audience, crafting bespoke communication strategies tailored to specific demographics and timing for optimal impact,” she said.Highlighting the advantages, Jyotsna Dash Nanda of DS Group shared:Sharper Targeting: Traditionally, PR relied on intuition and experience to target audiences. Data analytics provides a more scientific approach. By analyzing demographics, social media engagement, and media consumption habits, PR teams can identify the exact audience segments most receptive to their message. This laser focus ensures resources are directed towards those who matter most.Content Optimization: Data analytics helps craft compelling content. By understanding what resonates with target audiences (preferred topics, keywords, content formats), PR professionals can tailor messages to generate higher engagement. This data can also reveal sentiment around certain topics, allowing PR teams to address concerns or adjust messaging accordingly.Campaign Measurement & Improvement: The true impact of PR efforts can be elusive. Data analytics offers a solution. By tracking website traffic, social media mentions, media coverage sentiment, and brand awareness metrics, PR teams can measure the effectiveness of campaigns. This data allows for adjustments and optimizations throughout the campaign lifecycle, maximizing its impact.Crisis Communication: Social media and the 24/7 news cycle can quickly turn a minor issue into a major crisis. Data analytics allows for real-time monitoring of online sentiment and media coverage during a crisis. This empowers PR teams to identify emerging concerns, respond swiftly, and shape the narrative effectively.Data-Driven Decisions: Intuition and experience are valuable assets, but data provides a powerful foundation for decision-making. PR professionals can leverage data insights to choose the most appropriate communication channels, craft stronger media pitches, and tailor messaging for maximum impact. This data-driven approach ensures PR strategies are relevant, timely, and deliver measurable results.Akanksha Jain added here, “Data analytics empower PR professionals with a single-window view that helps them understand the challenges with reference to specific media houses/ locations that may not be reporting in line with the narrative they want to build. The leaders can accordingly focus on building relationships and try and drive a positive narrative building.”Jyotsna Dash Nanda concluded by saying, “In today’s dynamic market, where audience preferences and media consumption habits are constantly evolving, data analytics equips PR professionals to navigate this complexity. By leveraging data, PR teams can develop targeted, impactful campaigns that resonate with their audiences and achieve their desired outcomes.”

The eighth edition of Adgully’s flagship event – DIGIXX Summit and Awards 2024 – was held yesterday (March 22, 2024) amid the presence of who’s who of the Digital and Marketing Universe. Each year, DIGIXX has been raising the bar, recognising the visionary leaders and groundbreaking campaigns that are shaping the future of digital marketing. This year has turned out to be even more exciting, exploring the newest trends, strategies, and insights that are transforming the digital landscape.A panel discussion on ‘Humanizing the Feed: Crafting Digital PR Strategies with Empathy and Trust’ saw some leading names in PR and corporate communications stress on strategising empathy and credibility amid the rapid digital transition. The session was chaired by Dr Tripti Dhote, Assistant Prof. Head Corporate Communications, Symbiosis Institute of Digital and Telecom Management, and the distinguished included:Akanksha Jain, Head - Public Relations & Corporate Communications, BharatpeManu Kumar, Head - Marketing & Corporate Communications, Hero Electric VehiclesRohit Dubey, Vice President, Reliance JioSanjeev Handa, Senior Vice President and Head of PR & Communications, Maruti SuzukiNikhil Dey, Executive Director, Adfactors PRDr Tripti Dhote commenced the discussion by stating that as we navigate into a space that is defined by technological innovations, and while competence has sped up, digital transformation is undeniable, and undisputable. She said, “In this entire digital shuffle, the typical human element may likely be lost, therefore when it comes to strategizing empathy and credibility, at one point of time it might have seemed like a necessity or a feel-good factor, but now I would say more than ever before it is a must-have for organizations if they ever wish to thrive in this particular digital context.”She then went on to ask Rohit Dubey about the role of empathy in his sector, in identifying the audiences, especially at a human level.Rohit Dubey responded by saying, “The very basic thing is that unless you understand the pain points of the consumer, you cannot have your product designed and that is the difference Jio brought into the whole telecom market. If you look at the tariff structure pre-2016, it was so complicated that you can get a PhD on that! When we were doing our study, we thought that this needed to be simplified, because there were so many wheels within wheels. So, that was one consumer pain point that came to us, and our idea was why not address this pain point? That was the first step we took in addressing the pain point of the consumer and that’s the way the whole tariff was designed. Today, it has become an industry standard, now everybody copy-pastes that, whether it is 5% more than us or 10% more than us. However, the structure is by and large the same and that is something that has remained.”“Being born as a digital company, our very focus was on designing every part of the process which was easy for the consumer to use, so be it a self-serving app like My Jio, you can do anything and you don’t need to go to a shop to recharge or anything. Every aspect of the consumer was very well thought through and brought into the design and processes of the company. That’s how the whole empathy aspect of the consumer was brought into the processes of the company, rather than being forced at a later stage,” he added.When asked how Maruti Suzuki blended empathy seamlessly into the business operations, Sanjeev Handa said, “Data today has a lot of limitations, one has to go beyond algorithms and metrics that you collect. For example, a person might be saying that they buy Maruti cars because of the fuel-efficiency. But the reality is that we have gone deeper enough and that’s where empathy comes in. What does fuel efficiency stems from? Is it because he wants value for money or likes longer journeys without actually stopping for refueling or is a sustainable environment on his mind? Those answers are still not there, therefore what we do to be empathetic about consumers is that we go very deep and research. For example, first-time buyers have a lot of anxiety – they wonder if it is the right car for them and their family, will they get the delivery on time, will finances be available. We take all those nuances into account when we are designing our marketing strategies and, more importantly, our digital footprint. So, today out of 26 touchpoints that we have identified the consumer takes while buying a car, 24 are digitalized at Maruti. Except for taking a test drive or getting a delivery, everything is digitized, and one can take finance or anything, that gives peace of mind. That is empathy.”When it comes to electric vehicles, it is about category creation and essentially the objective, whether one is at a nascent stage or it is a little cluttered scenario. It still boils down to creating awareness or educating. Sharing Hero Electric Vehicles’ experience in creating empathy, Manu Kumar said, “I think one of the things that we need to take care of when we talk of digital PR is that it is a little different from social media, because the lines get blurred whether one is doing PR or they are talking of their regular social media feed; ultimately they are going to use that medium, or one of the mediums, to use that social media. We have to go beyond algorithms, that is, how many likes and reach one gets on social media. But when you are talking of PR and empathy in PR, and humanizing the whole thing, we need to get away a little bit from the advertising and marketing fields that one puts out. Especially when you are talking of a new category that needs to be created, one needs to create a lot of awareness about how does an EV work, the benefits of EVs, and how long will the battery charge last.”Akanksha Jain added here, “We work with offline merchants, who are small or emerging merchants and have been left behind in this e-commerce race, but they play an important role in the overall economy. The reason why BharatPe was born was to provide them with credit access and give them new-age fintech products that are simple and easy to use. We ran a campaign, called ‘Transforming Bharat’, which was started around three years back, at the time of Covid when retailers were the most impacted. The idea was simple – we took the risk of going out and getting compelling stories from these guys who are the unsung heroes of the economy, who are there day in and day out for all of us. Over the last two and a half years, we have covered merchants across 15 cities. These are short two-minute stories that we put out in their language. One has to remember that they are not camera-trained, we don’'t use any optics, and there is no makeup or DOP out there.”When asked whether compromising on brand purpose is possible to translate the brand purpose when we are speaking of inclusivity and diversity, Nikhil Dey elaborated, “There are two circles in my mind when I look at any campaign or idea; one is the inside-out circle – what’s honest and true to that brand, and there is the outside-in circle, both these at some point need to intersect. The intersection, if done well, is where content meets context. So, the content that a brand stands for, if it can breathe well in a particular context, then you have attention. If not, then there is noise, so when we look at the larger topic, we are talking about the algorithm and technology that we want to embrace. I think the algorithm helps us in getting a better reading of the context of what’s going on in the world because there is so much going on. There are so many platforms, and audiences using technology smartly to get a sense or read of that context is a very powerful use. But sometimes one only plays the game of ‘Let’s ride the way of what’s trending, getting on the bandwagon of where the attention of the trend is, without being true to the essence of the brand.”

Chris McCafferty, who served as group CEO of MSL London and sustainability consultancy Salterbaxter, is departing the firm. Taking his place is Rebecca Grant, former CEO of BCW London, who will now lead as chief executive of Publicis’ UK Influence practice.In her new role, Grant will helm MSL, Taylor Herring, and Salterbaxter, while also expanding her responsibilities as EMEA chief client officer for Publicis' influence practice within the French-owned holding group.McCafferty, having led for over four years, has chosen to step down to pursue fresh challenges. Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed pride in fostering inclusive growth and prioritizing people-centric decisions. He emphasized the transformative impact on both commercial and personnel fronts, noting the industry's positive reception to their approach.As CEO of Publicis Groupe UK’s influence practice, Grant will drive growth strategies for existing agencies, collaborating with agency leaders and the Publicis Groupe UK executive committee. Her role as chief client officer will concentrate on identifying novel avenues to create value for multi-market clients. Grant will report directly to Demet Ikiler, CEO of Publicis Groupe EMEA.Grant arrives with a wealth of experience, having spent 13 years at BCW, where she held positions including CEO for BCW UK and global chief brand officer. Notably, she spearheaded the merger of Cohn & Wolfe and Burson-Marsteller in the UK before assuming the role of CEO in 2018. Prior to her tenure at BCW, Grant held leadership roles at Cohn & Wolfe and Weber Shandwick, among others.Grant's team will include Jo Grierson, managing director of MSL, James Herring and Cath Taylor, co-founders of Taylor Herring, and Steve Lindsay, managing director of Salterbaxter.Commenting on Grant's appointment, Publicis Groupe EMEA CEO Demet Ikiler commended her leadership prowess and proven track record of driving innovation and growth. Ikiler expressed confidence in Grant's ability to advance the Influence practice in the UK and expand solutions across EMEA, collaborating with agency leaders in the region. Ikiler also extended best wishes to McCafferty in his future endeavors.In response, Grant expressed enthusiasm for joining Publicis Groupe UK during a period of substantial growth and innovation, particularly in AI and data intelligence. She looks forward to building on the foundation laid by the agency portfolio and ushering in a new phase of growth, recognizing the pivotal role of influence in brand and business success.

Amidst the ever-evolving digital advertising landscape, Concept Group, India's largest independent agency network, has partnered with Numb3r Impact Agency, led by Rishi Kishnani and Tanmay Bahulekar, to revolutionise traditional advertising paradigms and introduce a new era of creativity and innovation. Concept Group's industry expertise, combined with Numb3r Impact Agency's proficiency in audio and video solutions, creates a potent combination poised to deliver highly effective campaigns.By pooling their resources, knowledge, and creative capabilities, both Concept Group and Numb3r Impact Agency aim to push the boundaries of traditional advertising models and introduce fresh, impactful approaches to engage audiences. Together, they seek to establish new standards for creativity, effectiveness, and impact in the digital advertising landscape.This collaboration benefits clients by offering access to a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge advertising services that integrate creativity, technology, and data-driven insights. Clients can expect campaigns that capture attention and drive tangible results, including increased brand visibility, enhanced audience engagement, and higher conversion rates.Vivek Suchanti, Chairman of Concept PR, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "I'm thrilled to partner with Numb3r, an agency that resonates with my belief in adaptable creative video solutions. It's refreshing to be part of a fluid, new-age agency where learning and the development of AI tools are at the core of our innovative approach."Tanmay Bahulekar, Founder-Partner of Numb3r Impact Agency, also shared his vision for the partnership, "As a keen observer of the evolving video solutions landscape, our aim at Numb3r is to create tangible impact for our clients. Staying ahead of the learning curve and collaborating with passionate minds fuel our journey towards redefining industry standards."Rishi Kishnani, Co-Founder and Partner at Numb3r, reflected on the new alliance, "Joining forces with Concept Advertising marks an exciting new chapter for Numb3r. Their trust not only validates our innovative approach to digital advertising but also propels us towards greater heights. We're thrilled to collaborate with Vivek Suchanti and his team, leveraging their expertise and resources to drive even more impactful campaigns. Together, we're poised to redefine the digital advertising landscape and deliver unparalleled results for our clients."Beyond a mere business alliance, the partnership represents a convergence of shared values and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and client-centric solutions, both Concept Group and Numb3r Impact Agency are poised to deliver measurable results that drive business success.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has appointed Jeffrey Hiday as its new Global Chief of Communications. Hiday brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, succeeding Bob Pickard, who departed last June.In his capacity as Global Chief of Communications, Hiday will spearhead efforts to enhance awareness and comprehension of AIIB's mission, operations, and impact among both internal and external stakeholders. He will serve as the official spokesperson for AIIB and offer strategic counsel to senior management on matters pertaining to public relations, communications, and brand management.Hiday joins AIIB from RAND, where he served as the Director of Media Relations, overseeing global media relations strategy and providing media training and guidance. Prior to his tenure at RAND, Hiday held the position of Director General for External Relations at the Asian Development Bank in Manila. He also brings valuable experience from his time at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London, where he served in various capacities including advisor to the president, speechwriter, and head of media relations.The appointment of Hiday fills a crucial position left vacant since Bob Pickard's departure last June. Pickard, upon resigning from his role as AIIB's Global Chief of Communications, cited personal reasons for his decision. However, in a tweet, Pickard made allegations regarding AIIB's governance and culture, which the bank has refuted in a statement, denouncing them as baseless and disappointing.AIIB is confident that Jeffrey Hiday's extensive experience and proven track record in communications and public relations will contribute significantly to advancing the bank's goals and objectives on the global stage.

Advent Public Relations Pvt. Ltd., an established communication consulting firm in Delhi, has announced a significant addition to its leadership team, with the appointment of Dr. Divya Saksena as the Director of Content Strategy. In her new role, Dr. Saksena will oversee brainstorming, research, and competition mapping with a view to implementing innovative ideas and storylines, that synchronize with client company goals. She will spearhead the team in creating international-level content, aligned with global benchmarks as well as client objectives. Dr. Saksena brings with her over thirty years of expertise, both national and international, having worked in the USA, Canada, and India. With a Ph.D. from the USA, she has held fellowships and key positions at prestigious institutions such as George Washington University (GWU), Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Delhi University, and Shiv Nadar University, where she made significant contributions to the fields of research, business communication and professional writing. Her wide experience across modern and traditional platforms and technologies means that her strength lies in synergizing intellectual creativity with hi-tech digital platforms. With such a stimulating combination of non-formal approaches and established communication strategies, she aims to accomplish cutting-edge PR targets for our clients.Brimming with enthusiasm, Dr. Divya Saksena stated, “I’m excited at the prospect of working with the Advent team to bring together technology, research, and creativity. By applying ultra-modern, international and multicultural approaches, we aim to create memorable content across a variety of projects in our pursuit of excellence. We will focus on wide-spectrum brand-building for our clients while also reinforcing traditional strategies in our work.”Sharing the same dynamism, Kheman Kumar, Director, Advent Public Relations Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Divya Saksena onboard with us. Her expertise of keeping pace with key industry trends ensures that our content is always relevant and innovative, helping our clients to carve a niche within their industry. Her extensive international experience and proven track record of innovation in communication strategies and professional writing at all levels make her an invaluable asset to our organization. We are confident that, with her guidance and intellectual maturity, our creative endeavors will reach new heights”Advent Public Relations Pvt. Ltd., is an award-winning image consulting PR firm, with cumulative management experience of over a decade, providing solutions in Public Relations, Investor Relations, Crisis Management, Reputation Management, Digital Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Content Management, and Awards & Recognition. Backed by professionals with over two decades of experience in the field, Advent PR keeps up with the market trend, hence bringing the best for its clients. With a collective vision to build a brand rather than just creating visibility, Advent PR believes in providing its clients with a competitive edge, ensuring long-term results.

XLRI Delhi-NCR today announced its association with Mavcomm Consulting, a well-known communication consulting firm, to strengthen its integrated communication activities. XLRI Delhi-NCR upholds the tradition of excellence in education, facilitated by seasoned faculty and flagship programs like the celebrated XLRI PGDM-BM. Building upon the distinguished XLRI, Jamshedpur, XLRI-Delhi NCR continues a rich heritage of scholarly distinction, pioneering thought, and effective administration. With a rich legacy of providing strategic communication solutions to various sectors, Mavcomm brings a wealth of experience and expertise to XLRI for addressing its communications needs.Dr Fr K.S. Casimir, Director, XLRI Delhi-NCR expressed his optimism and enthusiasm and remarked, "We are happy to welcome Mavcomm Consulting on board as our integrated communication agency. As XLRI Delhi-NCR continues to expand its presence and influence in the education sector, effective communication and digital engagement have become imperative. We believe that Mavcomm’s expertise and innovative approach will play a pivotal role in amplifying our institutional voice, enhancing our visibility, and fostering stronger connections with our stakeholders. We look forward to a fruitful partnership that will further elevate our reputation and support our mission of nurturing future leaders as XLRI strongly believes in the greater good and shaping the management education sector and the community at large”.This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Mavcomm in expanding its reach and impact in the education sector. By assisting XLRI with its communication strategies, Mavcomm aims to elevate XLRI's brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.In response to being chosen as the agency for XLRI Delhi-NCR, Anand Mahesh Talari, the Founder & Managing Director of Mavcomm Consulting Pvt Ltd, expressed his gratitude and excitement. He stated, "We are honoured and thrilled to have been selected as the integrated agency for XLRI Delhi-NCR. XLRI Delhi-NCR is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and leadership development, and we are excited to collaborate with such a prestigious institution. At Mavcomm we are passionate about leveraging strategic communication and digital marketing to drive impactful results. We look forward to working with XLRI Delhi- NCR to enhance its brand visibility, engage with its stakeholders effectively, and support its mission of shaping the leaders of tomorrow."Commenting on the occasion Noopurr R Chablani, Vice President- Business, Mavcomm Consulting Pvt Ltd said, “Winning the mandate for XLRI Delhi-NCR's signifies a noteworthy achievement for us. This win not only showcases our capabilities in strategic communications but also highlights our expertise in navigating the digital landscape. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with XLRI Delhi-NCR and look forward to delivering outstanding results.”

Dementia, a serious mental health condition affecting millions worldwide, has emerged as a pressing concern in India. With approximately 8.8 million individuals grappling with dementia, India stands as the second-largest hub of dementia cases globally, particularly among adults over the age of 60. As this demographic continues to expand, the need for proactive measures to address dementia has become increasingly important.  Amidst this backdrop, a unique opportunity arose to harness the power of public relations (PR) to catalyze awareness and action. Recognizing the gravitas of the situation, we embarked on a mission to spread awareness on the early symptoms of dementia and ways to delay the symptoms among the affected population.  Research has unveiled intriguing insights into unconventional avenues for combating cognitive decline. Gaming, in particular, has emerged as a promising tool in this endeavor. Studies suggest that gaming could significantly benefit individuals at risk of cognitive impairment, offering a stimulating environment that fosters cognitive agility and resilience. This revelation paved the way for innovative approaches to dementia awareness and intervention. 'Gamers for Dementia Awareness,' is a unique initiative that was launched, revolutionizing how we perceive and address dementia in India. Unveiled on World Alzheimer's Day, September 21st, this initiative mobilized a plethora of gamers across the nation to champion the cause of dementia awareness. India's gaming community, boasting a staggering 421 million gamers, presented an incredible opportunity to harness the power of gaming for social impact. Recognizing this potential, MPL, through its foundation, joined forces with Dementia India Alliance (DIA), Vridhcare, Kaha Mind, EPWA (Egamers and Players Welfare Association), and ElderAid to launch this initiative. At the heart of 'Gamers for Dementia Awareness' lay a multifaceted strategy aimed at leveraging PR to effect tangible change. A robust campaign that combined the power of digital media and on ground events helped us start conversations, dispel myths, and foster a culture of empathy and understanding surrounding dementia. In tandem with our digital campaign, a dedicated website was launched as a hub of resources on dementia.. Along with this, by leveraging the reach of the MPL app, we reached an extensive user base of 100 million individuals, underscoring our commitment to democratizing access to vital information and support services. In the course of the campaign we also realized , that unlike the west where there are specialized centers for elder care, the situation is very grim in India where the old age homes not only lack proper infrastructure but many times also lack apathy in the way the elders are treated. Together with our campaign partner Vridh Care which runs a network of close to 100 old age homes across the country, we touched base with thousands of elderly population and not only shared crucial information on dementia but also conducted on ground events to engage with them and highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Through these concerted efforts, we not only raised awareness but also empowered communities to take proactive steps in combating dementia. We also partnered with some of the top gaming influencers and encouraged them to take a 5 point pledge that they would spend more quality time with their parents and elderly and encourage them to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle that can help delay the symptoms of dementia. This engagement helped us spread the word among their millions of followers and make them aware of the signs of dementia , something that is not widely discussed by this segment of the youth. As the campaign concluded, we reflected on the transformative journey undertaken and celebrated the collective impact achieved. The collaborative efforts of 'Gamers for Dementia Awareness' has not only raised critical awareness but have also sparked a movement of compassion and solidarity across India. By uniting the gaming community with leading organizations in the fight against dementia, we have demonstrated the profound impact that collective action can achieve.  As we look to the future, we hope to continue to leverage innovative approaches and strategic partnerships to address the growing challenge of dementia, ensuring a brighter and more supportive environment for those affected by this condition. Together, we can make a difference—one game at a time. Sharmistha Roy - Corporate Communications, Mobile Premier League

In the last 10 years, PR has taken a different dimension, especially after the entry of social media and the rapid shift to digital during the pandemic period. At the same time, the industry has been facing stiff challenges; moreover client expectations have also increased, with more emphasis being given to digital and online reputation management. The industry has undergone a radical shift and the current times have pushed the industry to change gears.In an exclusive interview with Adgully, Sujit Patil, VP & Head, Corporate Brand and Communications, Godrej Industries Ltd and Associated Companies, speaks at length about building the corporate brand and reputation, creating engaging experiences through the company’s homegrown property - Godrej L’Affaire, creating a positive digital safety net, and much more.How does Godrej L’Affaire serve as a strategic tool for Godrej Industries in enhancing its corporate brand image and reputation?Godrej L’Affaire has been a strategic tool for building our corporate brand and reputation. It is a brand-agnostic owned media platform of Godrej Industries Limited & Associated Companies (GILAC) that brings together brands in the lifestyle space to provide immersive experiences. It was conceptualized to celebrate nuances of lifestyle through experiential engagement with key opinion leaders, content creators, business partners, customers and people from the industry who matter. Through Godrej L’Affaire, we strive to craft experiential engagement, build a community of lifestyle aficionados, and weave a robust digital safety net for all the participating brands through authentic content. For instance, this year, our theme is ‘Goodness’. Hence, we would be creating experiential experiences around ‘All Things Goodness’, which, in a way, is conducive to our group’s reputation.Could you elaborate on how Godrej L’Affaire aligns with the overarching corporate communication goals and messaging of Godrej Industries?Our communication goals entail engaging with multiple internal and external stakeholders – employees, media, key opinion leaders, investors, business partners and consumers. Godrej L’Affaire is attended by a curated list of our stakeholders and provides them with an opportunity to experientially engage with our brands. A large participation by non-competing brands in the lifestyle space adds an element of lifestyle quotient to our brands. Celebrating lifestyle with like-minded brands helps us beautifully position ourselves in the lifestyle space. Because it is a multitude of brands, engagements & conversations and cross-pollination of ideas all put together and amplified using various media platforms, the impact is high. We believe these sort of engagements help build trust and a good reputation for us.How does Godrej L’Affaire contribute to fostering stronger relationships with stakeholders, including customers, partners, and the general public?We strongly believe that engaging with customers, partners, and the general public should be experiential. Our owned media property, L’Affaire, was launched to create meaningful conversations with stakeholders. When these stakeholders visit the Godrej campus and witness the magic of our products in terms of their purpose and the goodness they bring to people’s lives, it fosters strong relationships. Being on the ground enables them to meet our CEOs, brand managers, and the people behind the brands, thereby further strengthening the bonds.How does Godrej Industries utilize the platform Godrej L’Affaire as part of its crisis management strategy, particularly in terms of maintaining transparency, addressing concerns, and rebuilding trust in stakeholders during challenging times?We believe in the concept of creating a positive digital safety net. This means that we want to generate a lot of authentic, positive content for our corporate and brands based on experiences. This, we believe, helps build larger trust and positive disposition towards our brands. This certainly helps during any unfortunate adverse situation. This proactive approach is designed to mitigate any potential negative effects that might arise from a crisis. For all the activations at Godrej L’Affaire, we choose a transparent and meaningful approach for showcasing our products. We don’t make false claims or engage in ‘greenwashing’. Instead, we let people experience our products for themselves. This helps us to create an authentic and positive digital safety net.In what ways does Godrej L’Affaire facilitate the communication of Godrej Industries’ values, mission, and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility?When you arrive at the venue and explore the experiential zones of each brand, including external brands, the aim is not to have stalls where products are sold. Instead, the focus is on showcasing the real values and purpose of each brand. And this year’s overarching theme of ‘Goodness’ allows us to communicate our values, mission, and commitment to sustainability and social responsibility in a very effective way through an experiential engagement.Could you discuss the role of Godrej L’Affaire in strengthening internal communication within Godrej Industries and fostering employee engagement?This is an amazing opportunity where cross functional teams collaborate together. This is not only a passion project for the corporate brand and communications team, but also for the representatives of each of the brands involved. Each brand has around five to six representatives and their business heads and CEOs also get involved in creating the showcase of Godrej L’Affaire. This collaboration results in cross-learning, understanding, and empathy towards each other, which is very powerful. At the end, all this translates into an employer brand that fosters communication, collaboration, partnerships, and a positive environment within the organization.How does Godrej L’Affaire leverage digital platforms and social media channels to amplify its corporate communication efforts and reach a wider audience?For Godrej L’Affaire, almost 70% of our amplification is through digital platforms and social media channels. Therefore, we utilize almost every possible channel available. This includes content creators and their channels, as well as social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, hybrid and dark media, and everything in the realms of digital platforms that can be used as a medium to communicate an authentic story of all the participating brands. We are expecting about 30-plus brands, which will be showcasing experiential engagements at Godrej L’Affaire, thereby creating a blast of authentic content. This has always resulted in huge engagement and reach on social media.Could you share any specific corporate communication strategies or tactics employed during Godrej L’Affaire events to effectively engage attendees and promote brand awareness?The whole pretext of Godrej L’Affaire event is about engaging attendees and promoting brand awareness. Engagement takes place at multiple levels. Starting with teaser campaigns featuring the logos of all participants and what attendees can expect at the event, there are also numerous social media posts and PR activities, including a pre-event press release designed to create buzz and generate interest. There are three main ways to create buzz: pre, which includes a variety of media, digital media, shout-outs by participants, and shout-outs by participating brands. Radio is also leveraged to announce the event.Although it is invite-only, we create curiosity around what participants are going to see on-ground. Even the participating brands come and talk about their expectations from the evening soiree. The biggest amplification happens during the event, with live-tweeted content, Instagram stories, and Reels. There are also opportunities for people to take pictures and learn about the brand propositions.Each brand has a content creator assigned to them to create discerning stories and meaningful content. After the event, a lot of content is generated, including films and videos, that are packaged in a variety of formats, such as snackable videos, Instagram or bite-sized videos, and larger videos for YouTube. The communication strategy is designed to amplify the event using all types of communication modes available. This helps us create a buzz and brings out brand awareness. And it has been our experience that if brand nuances come out based on experiential engagement by content creators on-ground, that’s when real brand awareness happens, and meaningful conversation starts.How does Godrej L’Affaire integrate feedback and insights gathered from attendees and participants into its corporate communication strategy for future events?We generate a complete report that includes both qualitative and quantitative data. The report consists of various efficiency parameters that help us understand the experiences of the people attending the event. We gather feedback on what people liked and what they didn’t like, feedback from participating brands and our internal learning system. The best practices from all of this input and insight are collectively selected and then used to improve future events. We should keep in mind that our homegrown property, Godrej L’Affaire, did not have a benchmark six years ago when it was launched. However, with the continuous improvement process, the event has grown in size and value every year. This is because we use all the insights, we gather to understand what needs to be done and what needs to be avoided to make the event successful.What role does storytelling play in the corporate communication initiatives surrounding Godrej L’Affaire, and how does it contribute to building brand affinity and loyalty?As I mentioned earlier, storytelling is just a base. Through engaging experiences at Godrej L’Affaire, we are trying to tell a story. All the brands would be engaging in some manner.For instance, for one of our flagship brands – Good Knight, we are creating a ‘Circle of Protection’. It is a mosquito museum, wherein people can see different kind of mosquitoes, their life cycle, their impacts, and what actions we as an entity are taking to combat malaria and dengue in villages through our program EMBED (Elimination of Mosquito Borne Endemic Diseases). We are doing this through an informative and experiential zone, where guests can enjoy an artistic depiction of vector varietals, their life cycles and experience the mosquito menace in a lifestyle space. While a mosquito might not be a glamorous protagonist, the zone promises to be both educational and captivating.It is all about creating lasting impact in people’s minds as they visit zones across the venue. This, in turn, helps create brand affinity by providing personal experiences and filling gaps in knowledge.We will also be showcasing other products such as perfumes and automobiles, demonstrating their value and how they contribute to sustainability. Through an authentic approach and experiential engagement, we hope to create brand loyalty and affinity.

Global crisis management and resilience consultancy, CS&A International, enters India with its full portfolio of services and digital solutions spanning Risk, Issues & Crisis Management, Crisis Communication, Business Continuity Management, Emergency Response and, Crisis Training, Coaching, Auditing, Assessment and Simulation. With presence in North America, Europe and Asia, the company is marking its entry in India as a key addition to its growing global strategic network. With its integrated resilience framework, CS&A International’s team of experts provide strategic counsel and offer bespoke sustainable and practical solutions tailored to organizations seeking to reinforce their crisis readiness. CS&A has developed a suite of unique digital solutions to help prevent, prepare for and manage crises more effectively. CS&A International’s customers include multinational corporations across wide ranging sectors such as aviation, automotive, finance, food & beverage, hospitality, manufacturing, oil & gas, pharma, real estate, shipping, technology and more. “Crisis management is our business and our experts bring in-depth expertise to bolster our clients’ resilience to adverse events,” said Caroline Sapriel, Managing Partner, CS&A International. “India is a large and unique market and we want to offer our internationally recognised services and solutions by partnering with the best talent in the industry. We are thrilled to bring on-board Arati Mukerji, a communications and brand veteran to our panel of experts as our Associate on-ground in India.” Arati Mukerji is a seasoned specialist in crisis communications and corporate reputation management, brand transformations and turnarounds. She brings an experience of 32 years in leadership roles managing global communications, brand, public affairs and sustainability as a business strategy across various industries such as telecom, IT, automotive, manufacturing, media & entertainment, to name a few. “As the world’s fastest-growing economy, it is imperative for Indian businesses to be resilient for sustaining agility and growth,” said Arati Mukerji, Associate, CS&A International. “In addition to preparedness, leaders must invest in periodic training and tools to ensure a crisis is managed in realtime with clarity, discipline and empathy. It is in crises that organizations build trust. I am glad to be joining forces with CS&A International to help ensure companies are well equipped and empowered to manage stakeholders in every eventuality.”

Authored by Anindita Gupta, Founder, Scenic CommunicationIn today's interconnected world, reputation is everything. Whether you're an individual or a business, your reputation can make or break you. In the digital age, where information travels at the speed of light, managing your reputation has never been more critical. This is where public relations (PR) comes into play. The reputation economy refers to a system where the value of individuals, organizations, or brands is largely determined by their reputation and how they are perceived by others. In this economy, reputation serves as a form of currency, influencing decisions, relationships, and opportunities. With the rise of social media and online platforms, information about people and businesses is more accessible than ever before, making reputation management increasingly important. In the reputation economy, trust, credibility, and goodwill are highly prized assets that can impact everything from consumer behavior and business partnerships to career advancement and social standing. As a result, individuals and organizations must actively cultivate and protect their reputations to thrive in this competitive environment.Public relations is all about managing the relationship between an individual, organization, or brand and its publics. It involves crafting and disseminating the right messages to the right audience at the right time to shape perceptions and maintain a positive reputation.In the reputation economy, where trust is currency, PR plays a crucial role in building and safeguarding reputations. Here's how:1. Building Trust: Trust is the foundation of any relationship, be it personal or professional. PR professionals work tirelessly to build trust with stakeholders by communicating transparently, authentically, and consistently. Through strategic communication efforts, they showcase the values, integrity, and credibility of their clients, earning the trust and confidence of their audiences.2. Managing Crises: In today's 24/7 news cycle and social media-driven world, a crisis can escalate within minutes, wreaking havoc on a brand's reputation. PR practitioners are trained to handle crises swiftly and effectively, implementing crisis communication plans to mitigate damage, restore trust, and protect the brand's reputation. By responding promptly, taking responsibility, and communicating openly, PR professionals can help organizations weather the storm and emerge stronger.3. Enhancing Visibility: In a crowded marketplace, standing out from the competition is essential. PR helps clients cut through the noise and capture the attention of their target audience. Through media relations, social media management, influencer partnerships, and thought leadership initiatives, PR professionals increase visibility, amplify brand messaging, and position their clients as industry leaders and trusted authorities.4. Engaging Stakeholders: In today's interconnected world, stakeholders have more power and influence than ever before. PR practitioners understand the importance of engaging with stakeholders regularly, listening to their feedback, addressing their concerns, and involving them in decision-making processes. By fostering meaningful relationships with stakeholders, PR professionals can build loyalty, advocacy, and support for their clients, strengthening their reputation in the long run.5. Measuring Impact: In the reputation economy, readership and total visit are the king. PR professionals help to create brand awareness and brand value. We plan thew media strategy considering total visit and readership of particular media so that the information can reach the large number of audiences and the demographic. PR practitioners use these insights to assess the effectiveness of their strategies, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate the value they bring to their clients.In conclusion, in the reputation economy, where trust and credibility are paramount, public relations play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and driving success. By investing in strategic PR efforts, individuals, organizations, and brands can build strong relationships with their stakeholders, enhance their visibility, and maintain a positive reputation in today's competitive landscape.

Wing Communications, a digital marketing agency specializing in comprehensive brand strategies and innovative marketing solutions, has renewed its PR mandate with Advait Infratech. This renewal is a testament to the successful collaboration between the two organizations and highlights Wing Communications' proficiency in delivering results-driven PR and marketing strategies.Shiva Bhavani, Founder and CEO of Wing Communications, commented on the renewal, saying, "Our ongoing partnership with Advait Infratech is a significant achievement for us. It reflects not only our capability to deliver comprehensive and effective PR solutions but also our commitment to nurturing long-term relationships with our clients. We are excited to continue our work with Advait Infratech, driving their brand forward and highlighting their vital role in the infrastructure sector."Wing Communications has been instrumental in enhancing Advait Infratech's brand visibility and market presence. Through targeted PR campaigns, effective social media management, and engaging content creation, Wing Communications has successfully positioned Advait Infratech as a leader in its field. These efforts have led to increased brand awareness, better customer engagement, and strengthened stakeholder relationships for Advait Infratech.Rutvi Sheth, Chief Marketing Officer at Advait Infratech, commented on the impact of this partnership: "The strategic PR initiatives by Wing Communications have been reflective, absorbent and to-the-point. The team is extremely supportive and understands the briefs, absolutely perfectly. It is a pleasure to be working with them."Advait Infratech, renowned for its innovative solutions in the power transmission and telecommunications sectors, continues to benefit from the strategic PR and marketing initiatives led by Wing Communications. The partnership has facilitated Advait Infratech in reaching broader audiences and effectively communicating their commitment to sustainable and efficient energy solutions.As Wing Communications and Advait Infratech move forward in their partnership, the focus remains on leveraging cutting-edge marketing techniques and creative storytelling to showcase Advait Infratech's commitment to excellence and innovation in the infrastructure industry.

Udit Pathak, Founder Director , Media Mantra Group - India's leading independent PR and integrated communications conglomerate, announces the launch of his much-anticipated podcast series, 'Pure Reality With Udit'. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity, the video podcast series delves into the untold narratives of entrepreneurship, spotlighting the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of industry leaders in their pursuit of success. Officially launched on YouTube, Instagram, 'Pure Reality With Udit' aims to provide listeners with an intimate glimpse into the behind-the-scenes struggles encountered by entrepreneurs across various industries. By sharing these powerful narratives, the podcast promises to offer invaluable insights and inspiration to aspiring business leaders navigating their own entrepreneurial journeys. The episodes are also available on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. Reflecting on his own journey and success, Mr. Udit Pathak, Founder Director of Media Mantra Group, said, "Success is often portrayed as a glamorous destination, but the road to get there is rarely discussed. Having started working at the tender age of 16, I understand first-hand the challenges and obstacles that entrepreneurs encounter along the way. While everyone knows me as a successful entrepreneur, few are aware of the hardships and sacrifices that paved the way for my achievements. With this podcast, I want to give back to the community by shedding light on the realities of entrepreneurship and empowering others to persevere in the face of adversity."The podcast will feature candid conversations with accomplished entrepreneurs from various industries who will share their personal accounts of overcoming adversity, making tough decisions, and persevering through setbacks. By offering a raw and authentic perspective, 'Pure Reality With Udit' aims to demystify the entrepreneurial experience and provide valuable insights for those embarking on their own business ventures.Excited about her association with the series, the show’s Co-Host,  Ms. Mamtaa. Dhingra, Founder, Lateral Sutraa and Award Winning Podcaster of Unbound with Mamtaa, added,” This is a golden-era of content creation and India with its 57.6 million monthly listeners is already the third-largest podcast listening market in the world. This is my third podcast series in less than two-years and I am thrilled at the sheer promise of the series ‘Pure Reality With Udit’. Udit with his sharp business acumen and an inherent curious nature brings to the show a refreshing approach as he digs insights from the realstories and lessons of those who have navigated familiar territories and negated challenges. This series is a much-needed initiative to sheds light on the authentic stories of entrepreneurial grit and perseverance. For me personally this is a true extension and growth of my podcasting journey. "With its compelling storytelling and emphasis on authenticity, 'Pure Reality With Udit' is poised to become a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, business students, and anyone seeking inspiration from the trials and triumphs of those who have walked the path before them.

PR Professionals, flagship of the PRP Group has recently clinched the digital media mandate for Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), India’s top public sector company specializing in housing finance and infrastructure project finance. The scope of the mandate encompasses the strategic management and expansion of HUDCO's digital media presence across platforms.The mandate reinforces PR Professionals as the country’s leading communications agency for the infrastructure segment. Known for its client-centric approach and value-driven strategies, the agency boasts an impressive portfolio, serving notable clients for public relations and digital media such as National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC), and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Uttar Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRCL), Patna Metro, Rodic Consultants, Systra, RAILTECH, CIDCO, Rapid Metro, Gurgaon, among others.Expressing his happiness about the new partnership, Dr Sarvesh Tiwari, Founder & Managing Director of PR Professionals, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with HUDCO and extend our expertise in enhancing their digital footprint. HUDCO’s contribution towards infrastructure development in the country has been phenomenal, and we are proud and equally honored to become a part of their journey.”PR Professionals is an integrated communications firm that has been delivering quality and excellence since 2011 and has also initiated several philanthropic activities. It provides end-to-end branding and customized public relations solutions that enable businesses to become market leaders. From humble beginnings, PRP today has 12 offices in India and six offices in offshore locations. The 150-member team shares Tiwari's passion for doing extraordinary things in PR and making a difference to the underprivileged through philanthropic activities.

Weber Shandwick West is making a power move to expand its regional presence, promoting two industry veterans to key leadership roles.Cheryl Cook takes the helm as Los Angeles market leader, leveraging her 30-year career, including eight years at Edelman, to drive growth in the LA market.Lee Anderson-Brooke steps up as the first-ever West Coast tech lead, drawing on his experience as senior principal at Weber's management consultancy and former Weber Shandwick executive VP to spearhead the agency's tech focus across the West Coast.These strategic hires, as President Jordan Rittenberry emphasizes, are part of Weber Shandwick West's commitment to becoming a "serious player" in the western US tech sector."We see significant opportunities," says Rittenberry, "and we're building the team to ensure we can scale and grow our business."This growth strategy also includes a focus on corporate affairs and C-suite advisory. Last year, Christian Brown was appointed as both Seattle market leader and the firm's regional corporate affairs lead, demonstrating the agency's commitment to comprehensive client service.Promoting Cook and Anderson-Brooke reflects a broader leadership shift under Jim O'Leary, who joined Weber Shandwick in 2023 as North America CEO. O'Leary's focus on strategic growth has included key hires like Rittenberry and Central region president Sheila Mulligan, both veterans from Edelman.Weber Shandwick West is clearly positioning itself as a major force in the western US market, with a strong emphasis on both regional expansion and specialized expertise in tech and corporate communications.

Chris Torrens, a veteran risk and compliance expert with more than two decades of experience providing strategic advice for multinational clients across industries, joined APCO as the managing director of Greater China, Chairman of the Asia Region Masayo Nagai announced today.“With decades of experience and a proven track record of helping global clients navigate risks, enter new markets and seize critical opportunities, Chris brings deep knowledge of crucial geopolitical and regulatory considerations for businesses operating across China, as well as in emerging markets in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia,” Nagai said.Prior to joining APCO, Torrens was a partner at Control Risks, where he led the geopolitical risk and compliance teams in EMEA and Greater China for 18 years. Prior to Control Risks, Torrens served as a Shanghai-based associate director in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ advisory practice and as the Hong Kong-based head of research at Batey Burn, a UK government relations and public affairs consultancy, which was acquired by APCO in 1999.“I have always loved working in China, especially helping companies to understand and succeed in this complex market. To have the opportunity to join APCO’s hugely experienced local team and be a part of one of the most reputable advisory and advocacy firms worldwide is a privilege: I look forward to serving as a trusted advisor to our clients during this fast-changing period in global geopolitical and trade relations.”Torrens has lived in Greater China for nearly 25 years. He holds an MBA from the China-Europe International Business School and a BA Honours degree in Modern Chinese Studies from Leeds University. His book, “Doing Business in China,” was published by The Economist in 2010.Torrens joins APCO during a milestone moment for the firm. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, APCO recently launched a new brand identity, looking to the future built on its continued effort to provide advisory and advocacy services that help clients navigate global complexities through building un/common ground? to achieve progress. APCO began as a single-person operation with the idea that clients need to have the freedom to look across the spectrum and not have the solution be defined by the kind of firm they approached. Now, with over 1,200 employees in more than 30 offices worldwide, APCO’s global team works together across borders and functions to help clients face the unknown.

NewsGuard, the leading provider of news reliability data and machine-readable false narratives for reputation management, public relations, and media monitoring companies, has announced a “Custom Brand Misinformation Monitoring” service for brands that protects them beyond traditional media monitoring capabilities.NewsGuard’s Custom Brand Misinformation Monitoring service provides early warnings and tracking of provably false narratives related to a brand, with analysis culminating in a NewsGuard report providing brands with a detailed assessment of the claim by an independent, accountable journalism organization that can be used publicly to debunk a false narrative. NewsGuard’s independent research debunks provably false information and provides stakeholders with accurate, transparent, and evidence-backed insights to defend brand reputation.“It’s no longer enough for communications executives to have media monitoring tools summarize sentiment and coverage of their brands online,” said Steven Brill, (pictured above), co-CEO at NewsGuard. “They also need the ability to track new threats from across the open web and have access to an independent rebuttal done with the highest journalistic standards and full transparency. NewsGuard’s Custom Misinformation Monitoring Service gives communications executives early warnings about potential misinformation, provides real-time reports of emerging harmful narratives, and delivers transparent and accountable debunkings of false claims designed to be cited including publicly as part of communications responses.”NewsGuard provides PR teams with independent, factual information when brand misinformation spreads onlineBrill added that the new service should not be confused with more conventional public relations advocacy. “NewsGuard will not be relevant,” he explained, “in a situation where a company believes, even rightfully, that it has been the subject of public criticism that is a matter of opinion or policy debate. In these situations, the company may have good reason to seek help in challenging the legitimacy of such arguments or the credentials of its advocates. But that is not a service NewsGuard provides. Rather, this service is limited to addressing the new and increasingly widespread phenomenon of provably false narratives attacking companies and brands and to providing up to the minute warnings and information about the disinformation campaigns behind them.”“One well-known example from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic is the totally unfounded attacks on telecommunications companies in the U.S. and Europe, claiming that 5G technology was the cause of the virus,” added NewsGuard co-CEO Gordon Crovitz. “We determined that these fabricated claims, which led to violent attacks against telecommunications employees, were pushed by Kremlin propagandists because Russia was behind in developing the technology and wanted to discredit it. Today, that kind of one-off attack on a commercial product is becoming a near-daily occurrence, plaguing retailers, packaged goods companies, healthcare providers, financial services firms, and all other varieties of brands, undermining them and reducing the trust required for the smooth functioning of free markets.”Round-the-Clock Protection“Using NewsGuard’s proprietary and ever-expanding list of known bad actors and our unique misinformation expertise, NewsGuard’s Custom Brand Misinformation Monitoring service monitors and detects when mentions of a brand spike among known bad actors on social media and the open web, yielding instant alerts and then detailed debunks,” said Sarah Brandt, EVP Partnerships at NewsGuard. “This service provides brands with round-the-clock alerts, adding a new level of protection for brands as well as providing detailed explanations and debunks of false claims made in targeted misinformation attacks.”

Allison Cirullo, formerly Edelman's COO of global brand for nearly 17 years, has joined Burson to lead their consumer and brand division. She will also serve as global chair of consumer and brand, launching July 1 with the merger of WPP agencies BCW and Hill & Knowlton. Cirullo will additionally hold the position of North America chair of consumer and brand, starting April 15 until Burson's official launch.In her previous role, Cirullo oversaw the growth and operations of Edelman's global brand practice. Her extensive experience includes roles such as managing director of US brand and managing director of Chicago brand. BCW's global CEO, Corey duBrowa, who will lead Burson as CEO, praised Cirullo's expertise in building brands and enhancing reputation across various industries.Cirullo's move follows a series of senior departures from Edelman, including Jim O'Leary, who left after 15 years to join Weber Shandwick as North America CEO.

Digital jukebox leader TouchTunes has chosen SourceCode Communications as its new US public relations agency of record. This strategic partnership aims to propel TouchTunes' brand image directly to consumers.SourceCode will craft a multi-faceted marketing strategy to achieve this goal. Creative campaigns, digital initiatives, and data-driven tactics will all be employed to amplify brand awareness among target audiences. SourceCode has already provided support for TouchTunes' acquisition of Arachnid 36, known for their BullShooter electric dartboards stationed in approximately 30,000 locations worldwide.Previously, TouchTunes, whose jukeboxes grace over 65,000 bars and restaurants, relied on Bolt PR for their US public relations needs.“It’s been more than 20 years since we invented the commercial jukebox and over the decades, we have continually reinvented the experience in a way that drives innovation and pushes design boundaries. As we enter this next phase of our evolution and put a more direct focus on directly engaging with consumers, we were impressed with SourceCode’s creative approach and overall enthusiasm when it comes to helping brands stand out and connect with their desired audiences in an authentic, memorable way,” said TouchTunes CMO Robert Tomkinson.

The MENA chapter of Global Women in PR (GWPR), a global membership organisation connecting women in senior PR and communications roles, is welcoming Radwa Allabban, Founder and Managing Director, Place Communications and Purti Simon, Vice President, Teneo as board members this Women’s History Month.Radwa brings 20+ years of experience to her position, and invaluable knowledge from her time setting up and running her own agency, which she launched in 2011. Purti is a multidisciplinary communications professional with over 10 years in the Middle East, Asia and Europe. She was listed as one of India’s top 30 PR professionals under 30 and led the APACMEA delegation for the International Women’s Forum to Boston.Purti said: “I am delighted to be formally appointed as a Board Member for the regional chapter following my involvement with the organisation for many years. GWPR MENA is steadfast in delivering its promise of an equitable PR industry where women are seen and valued. I am grateful to join the league of committed Board Members, each trailblazers in their own right, to advocate and equip female leaders at a time when companies are losing them in droves for a variety of systemic reasons. Looking ahead, I hope to bring more impetus to building a healthy pipeline of women leaders and providing them opportunities that help them thrive in the workplace.”Radwa said: “In a region experiencing constant change, the role of PR and Communications has never been more important. Global Women in PR MENA is not just another networking group - it's the only platform in the region for senior female communicators to come together and have honest conversations about the challenges and opportunities we face, and most importantly to take concrete actions to address them. We don't just talk, we act. We exist to support, showcase and lift up current and future female leaders in our industry.”Rachel Dunn, GWPR MENA Co-Chair and Communications Director at Microsoft Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “Radwa and Purti are two of the most well-respected female leaders in the communications industry here in the region and we are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming them as GWPR MENA Board Members. Their combined knowledge, insights and experience will be invaluable in offering guidance and shaping the experiences of women in the industry. Their arrival at a time when women around the globe are marking Women’s History Month is particularly fitting, and we look forward to getting straight to work.”GWPR MENA is currently celebrating its largest ever membership of female senior communications professionals in the UAE, at 80 members. The six-strong board members also includes Co-Chair, Loretta Ahmed, Founder and CEO of Houbara Communications, Naamat Baradhy, Regional Communication Advisor at First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Louise Jacobson, Managing Partner of Brazen MENA.In its latest step to strengthen its commitment to connecting senior female communicators, GWPR MENA recently launched ‘The Conversation Series,’ a platform to have honest conversations about the challenges and issues faced by women in the industry, and discuss ways to overcome them. The series is the latest addition to GWPR MENA’s robust calendar of monthly events, webinars, and community platforms including an active and supportive messaging group.GWPR MENA continues to connect and attract women in leadership within the communications industry across the region, offering membership to those in senior leadership positions within the PR and Communications industry, both agency and ‘in-house’ or who are freelance consultants with significant PR experience of 10 years and above.

Dentons Global Advisory (DGA) has strengthened its global reach by acquiring 9.9 Insights, a longstanding New Delhi partner of DGA firm Albright Stonebridge Group (ASG). This strategic move establishes DGA's first Indian office and bolsters its public affairs capabilities in the region.The acquisition brings on board 9.9 Insights' experienced 15-person team, led by Anuradha Das Mathur and Bipul Kiran Singh, who become DGA partners.This marks a natural progression in the existing partnership between 9.9 Insights and ASG, fostering a seamless integration.DGA's entry into the Indian market aligns with the rising need for public affairs counsel in the region, mirroring global trends.This move coincides with recent developments in the Indian communications landscape, with other PR agencies expanding their public affairs offerings.DGA's Indian office will offer a robust suite of services, including geopolitical advisory, business intelligence, stakeholder engagement, issues and crisis management, and public affairs."India's growing stature as a technology and economic powerhouse presents exciting opportunities," says Atman M. Trivedi, DGA-ASG partner leading the South Asia practice."Our combined team, with its deep understanding of the Indian landscape, will be invaluable to clients navigating this dynamic market."With the addition of India, DGA now boasts 12 offices worldwide, with an extensive network of experts and affiliates across 40+ markets.This acquisition signifies DGA's commitment to providing clients with comprehensive public affairs support across critical global markets.

Ideosphere has announced that they have been selected to support Magnite, the largest independent omnichannel sell-side advertising company, with its public relations needs in India. Ideosphere will support Magnite’s India communication programme and elevate Magnite’s share of voice as the company’s presence in India expands. Speaking on their ambitions for India, Gavin Buxton, Managing Director of Asia at Magnite said, "With programmatic adoption in India forecasted to increase steadily over the next several years, our presence in India allows us to more easily help our clients navigate the quickly changing landscape. The competitive nature of the market requires consistent and impactful messaging, and we are confident in Ideosphere’s ability to deliver this. Their understanding of our business and strong team will be of immense value in amplifying the exciting work we are doing in market through impactful PR and communications." Magnite is the world’s largest independent omnichannel sell-side advertising company and a leading, scaled alternative to the walled gardens that dominate advertising. Magnite recently announced the opening of a new office in Mumbai, indicating the company's commitment to providing support for publishers and buyers in India, one of the fastest-growing digital advertising markets in the world. The India digital advertising market has grown substantially in recent years as India’s population spends more time than ever online and global marketing technology platforms have elevated India to a priority market as a result. Commenting on the partnership, Minal D’Rozario, Co-Founder Ideosphere, said, "Indian brands and agencies are experiencing a seismic shift due to large-scale digital technology advancement in the programmatic advertising and OTT space. Magnite brings yet another world-class technology offering to the Indian advertising market. We are leveraging our team’s insights and strategy capabilities to ensure Magnite is well positioned in the Indian market. The mandate would require us to focus across multiple industry personas to drive custom narratives with an intention of education, behavioral change and brand advocacy.”

Journalist-turned-communications strategist Boby Kurian and reputation industry veterans Madan Bahal and Rajesh Chaturvedi have formed a joint venture company, StratInk Consulting, offering CEOs and leading investors bespoke communications solutions for complex business environments.Bahal and Chaturvedi, founders of South Asia’s leading public relations firm, Adfactors PR, are partnering in their personal capacities. Kurian will lead and drive the management as Co-Founder and Managing Director. StratInk Consulting will deliver communication-led corporate advisory services to India Inc. on the strength of business and industry understanding. The firm will engage with principal stakeholders and their teams on conceiving and supporting value-enhancing and ring-fencing strategies.StratInk will offer counsel on risk intelligence, merger and acquisition, public advocacy, people advisory, investment cycles, and geopolitical and economic trends. The consultancy’s specialist team will be drawn from newsrooms, communications, law firms, capital markets and public policy platforms. The firm will have India offices in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai. StratInk will draw on Kurian’s strengths in founder, CEO and boardroom advisory. As a newsroom expert, he played an essential role in mainstreaming conversations on private capital and the start-up economy in the last decade.Bahal and Chaturvedi have spearheaded the four-decade-old Adfactors Group, a leading communications conglomerate in the country, comprising Adfactors PR, Adfactors Advertising and chlorophyll, besides ownership interests in research companies such as IndiaStat and Projects Today.Kurian previously held senior editorial functions at The Times of India and The Economic Times, among other media. He advises the world's largest tech investor and multiple business leaders on growth opportunities and business risks.

In an era where diversity and inclusivity are paramount, women leaders are revolutionising the landscape of Public Relations (PR) and Corporate Communication. With their unique strengths and perspectives, they prioritise empathy and understanding, particularly in crisis management when navigating sensitive issues.Even as most industries are now upping their DEI game, the PR industry has for long been promoting women in leadership roles, in fact, the PR industry has a large percentage of women founders and has a strong gender sensitive strategy.Tanmana Rath, Lead Communications and Stakeholder Management at TERI, believes that women leaders in PR and corporate communications tend to bring a collaborative and inclusive approach to the boardroom. Their diverse experiences and leadership styles foster relationship-building, leading to more authentic and impactful communication strategies. Moreover, their emphasis on nurturing talent, empathy, and promoting diversity contributes to a dynamic and forward-thinking industry landscape.On an affirmative note, Jyotsna Dash Nanda, AVP - Corporate Communications, Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), points out that women leaders are reshaping the landscape of PR and corporate communications by bringing a multitude of strengths to the table. These include:Diverse Consumer Understanding: Women represent a significant and growing consumer demographic, ensuring campaigns resonate with a wider audience and avoid traditional gender biases in messaging.Collaborative Communication: Studies suggest women tend towards a more collaborative communication style, fostering teamwork and inclusivity within communication teams, leading to richer brainstorming sessions and more well-rounded strategies.“Women have higher emotional intelligence and hence, are able to build a balanced environment for employees. This, in turn, helps to build a cohesive team that can drive better results. It also enables an environment where employees are more confident to share their ideas, in turn driving innovation,” opines Akanksha Jain, Head - Public Relations & Corporate Communications, BharatPe.She further says, “Women are often skilled at fostering inclusive and participatory decision-making processes, valuing diverse perspectives, and seeking input from all stakeholders. This collaborative mindset can lead to more innovative solutions, stronger team cohesion, and better outcomes for organisations as a whole.”Jain also notes that women have a different way of looking at things as compared to men. This ensures that they bring a different perspective to a situation or a problem at hand. Additionally, their eye for detail can help add a new dimension when evaluating a problem at hand.Addressing the role of empathy and understanding in crisis management, Tanmana Rath emphasises, “As a professional, I believe in active listening, acknowledging concerns, and showing genuine care for those affected. Compassion and a commitment to resolving issues establish trust, strengthen relationships, aligning with our values of empathy and understanding. Women leaders like Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of the General Motors Company, or Jacinda Arden, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, are inspiring examples who have turned around situations with their remarkable leadership.”Jain emphasises that when dealing with sensitive issues or stakeholders, it is important to keep a cool head and hear out the issue, before responding or reacting. “The response should be well-measured and factual in nature. Empathy is important and as a leader, one should be mindful of the trust that an employee has on him/ her to solve an issue. It is recommended to bring the issue to its logical conclusion and extend all possible support (sometimes only listening and guiding helps) to the concerned employee,” she adds.Jyotsna Dash Nanda stresses that diversity and inclusion are strategic imperatives, adding “Women leaders often excel at building strong relationships with stakeholders, fostering trust and understanding. This is crucial in crisis management and reputation management.”According to her, in crisis management, empathy is paramount. Here’s how to prioritise it:Active Listening: Acknowledge stakeholders' concerns, emotions, and validate their perspectives.Transparency and Authenticity: Communicate transparently, taking ownership of mistakes, and outlining a clear path forward.Humanise the Response: Showcase the company's commitment to resolving the situation with genuine care.Enhanced Creativity: Diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives, leading to more creative and impactful communication strategies.Brand Authenticity: A commitment to diversity enhances brand authenticity and resonates with a broader audience.Improved Talent Acquisition: Diverse workplaces attract top talent from all backgrounds, leading to a more competitive and innovative workforce.TERI’s Tanmana Rath adds here, “We prioritise inclusivity and diversity by ensuring our messaging reflects varied perspectives and engage with a range of stakeholders. We have enhanced our brand reputation, increased engagement, and built stronger relationships with stakeholders, ultimately leading to business gains through improved trust, innovation, and market relevance.”As far as mentoring and nurturing the next generation of leaders in PR and corporate communications is concerned, Akanksha Jain says that she prefers to advise and guide numerous young professionals on how to further advance in their career. “I guide them from time-to-time on dealing with daily issues, skills that they need to add to their kitty, and on people management. I have always advised all young professionals to invest a lot of time in reading about their industry and be well-aware of the latest developments. This adds to the confidence levels and helps position them as well in front of their senior leaders. Also, I advise next generation of leaders to have the confidence to speak their mind in a meeting and not get bogged down by what others have to say.”Regarding mentoring the next generation, Tanmana Rath says, “I believe in mentoring the next generation by sharing experiences and nurturing their strengths. Leading with empathy, providing opportunities for growth, giving a platform to learn, and offering constructive feedback. By fostering confidence and emphasizing continuous learning, I strive to empower the younger generation of communicators to excel in their careers and make meaningful contributions to the industry.”Data from Forbes highlights the correlation between diversity and financial performance, stating that companies with diverse leadership teams have a 19.1% higher chance of exceeding industry-level profitability.By embracing these fresh perspectives and innovative approaches, women leaders are driving a new era of effective and impactful PR and corporate communication.

Confectionery giant Mars, Incorporated has appointed Stephen Hogan as vice president of public affairs for Europe. Hogan will oversee the company's EU Government Relations Service Center in Brussels and play a key role in shaping Mars' engagement with European policymakers.Previously, Hogan served as deputy communications director for the COP28 Climate Campaign Leadership Team. He brings a wealth of experience to Mars, having spent seven years at SC Johnson, most recently as executive director of global corporate communications. Prior to that, he held the position of EMEA director of government affairs and policy at Johnson & Johnson for five years.Hogan's background also includes agency-side experience, where he led the European transport practice at APCO. In his new role, he will report directly to Anders Bering, Mars' vice president of global public affairs and external communications.Bering enthusiastically welcomed Hogan to the team, highlighting his extensive public affairs experience within and beyond Brussels. Bering expressed confidence that Hogan's expertise will be instrumental in promoting Mars' interests and policy positions within the European Union, fostering strong collaboration with partners and legislators.

Authored by Mr. Rahul Ranjan, Director at Mrig Sight MediaAs the world is moving fast, the landscape of the Communication Sector (PR) is looking at a great transformation. Gone are the days of relying solely on traditional media outlets to disseminate messages; instead, digitalization has opened up a multitude of new avenues for PR professionals to connect with audiences. We all can witness firsthand how digitalization is revolutionizing the PR world, empowering us to reach wider audiences and engage with them in more meaningful ways than ever before.The democratization of information distribution is one of the biggest effects of digitalization on public relations. Social media platforms have made it possible for Every Individual with an internet connection to create content and share their ideas with an Audience. Public relations specialists are pushed by this change to modify their tactics, switching from hierarchical communication models to more interactive and participative ones.  The company always welcomes the shift and makes the most of it by using social media platforms and Branding to encourage interaction with our audience in both directions, ask for input, and promptly handle issues.The amount of data at the service is another way that digitalization is changing the PR sector. The Industry is now able to follow and evaluate the results of our PR Planning and Strategies with previously unheard-of accuracy because of analytics tools and algorithms. The PR Sector can adjust our tactics in real-time and optimize content for optimal reach and engagement because of the data-driven strategy and also ensure the impact of our message with the right audience at the right time by using data to personalize our messaging to certain demographics. Digitalization has also created fresh possibilities for content development and Brand Presence. The Huge range of multimedia formats, including podcasts, Graphics, and videos, has given PR Professionals additional resources to create attention-grabbing or Industry Trend stories that interest audiences. Use of multimedia strategy for public relations, producing interactive material that works on a range of platforms and technologies. Providing informational, entertaining, and inspirational content, whether it's an engaging video series or an interactive infographic.The digital age has made it possible for PR Professionals to build relationships with stakeholders that are more transparent and Clear. By revealing offset details of their Programs on digital platforms like blogs and forums, companies can humanize their brand and cultivate brand trust. We may develop good relations with clients, staff, and the community at large by being open and honest about our procedures and core principlesDigitalization is revolutionizing the PR world in profound ways, empowering professionals to connect with audiences in more meaningful and impactful ways. By embracing new technologies, leveraging data insights, and adopting a multimedia approach to storytelling, organizations can navigate the evolving media landscape with confidence and creativity. At Mrig Sight Media, we are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of digital PR, harnessing the power of technology to drive positive change and engagement in the communities we serve.

Leading communications and marketing consultancy, Ruder Finn, has acqured Flightpath, an award-winning New York-based digital marketing agency. This acquisition further builds on Ruder Finn's expansion of the agency's Digital Integration Group and AI-powered RF Studio53.Flightpath Founder & CEO, Jon Fox, will report to Kathy Bloomgarden, Global CEO of Ruder Finn. The deal will add a team of 25 creative and digital marketing experts. There will be no layoffs or redundancies as a result of this acquisition. "As communications channels continue to diversify and consumers become more advertising averse, engaging existing and new customers requires smarter, intent-driven targeting through personalized dialogue and experiences," said Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn. "Flightpath brings the expertise and tools to help us continue to enhance how we shape interactions and drive marketing impact for our clients."Flightpath works with clients including Goya Foods and AkzoNobel. Flightpath's work targets consumer and B2B audiences to build awareness, generate leads, acquire new customers, and build purchase continuity. The agency's strategic digital marketing services include Website Design & Development, Online Advertising, Social Media, Content Marketing, Search Engine Marketing, CRM & Targeted Mail, Online Video and more. Flightpath specializes in Healthcare, Petcare, Consumer, CPG, Business and Financial Services and Non-Profit industries."Flightpath has always been an independent agency, so joining Ruder Finn aligns with our values and is a great fit," said Jon Fox, Founder of Flightpath. "As we think about our next chapter, we are excited to be able to further expand our global work with Ruder Finn, as well as the ways in which we will be able to utilize the resources of a larger agency as we continue to work on innovative new programs with new and noteworthy clients."