The MediaVantage Group has announced the launch of The GreenVantage, a new subsidiary dedicated to advancing sustainability across the advertising and marketing sectors in the MENA region. This strategic initiative will be led by Robin Phillips, who has been appointed General Manager of The GreenVantage. His extensive experience in both advertising and sustainability in the region makes him the perfect fit to spearhead this important project.The GreenVantage's mission is to help brands and agencies adopt eco-friendly practices throughout their campaign lifecycle. With Phillips at the helm, the company aims to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable practices in both digital and physical media channels. Phillips expressed his enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing the need for transformation in the industry and the opportunity to guide brands toward sustainable marketing solutions that deliver both results and responsibility.Under Phillips' leadership, The GreenVantage will offer a range of services to help clients align with sustainability goals. These include:?Çó ESG training and education to empower teams in reducing carbon output and managing digital waste.?Çó Sustainable ad packages offering ad space across green platforms that focus on ethical content and low-energy hosting.?Çó Comprehensive consultancy with a ?Çÿcradle-to-grave?ÇÖ approach to evaluate the environmental impact of advertising campaigns.These services will equip brands with the tools they need to meet sustainability standards and ESG criteria, while also minimizing the carbon footprint of their campaigns. The GreenVantage represents The MediaVantage Group's commitment to making sustainability a core element of its work in the MENA region, and Phillips' leadership ensures that the company is well-positioned to guide clients in achieving these ambitious goals.Manoj Khimji, Managing Director of The MediaVantage Group, highlighted the significance of this new venture, stating that with Phillips leading The GreenVantage, the company is well-equipped to deliver actionable solutions to clients, helping them maximize their impact while adhering to sustainable practices.

The Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) is gearing up for its 18th Global Communication Conclave in Mangaluru on November 8 and 9, 2024. Themed ?Ç£Reconnect,?Ç¥ this event aims to address the critical need for meaningful human connections in a world that increasingly relies on digital interactions. PRCI's Founder Chairman Emeritus, MB Jayaram, emphasized the importance of this theme, noting that the conclave seeks to reinforce bonds among PR professionals and with the broader community, promoting transparency and trust as foundational values.This year?ÇÖs conclave is expected to draw over 500 PR and communication professionals from India and abroad, making it a premier networking and learning opportunity. With 11 expert-led panel discussions, the event will cover diverse topics like government PR strategies, the gig economy, and the evolving interplay between humans and AI. A special highlight will be the inaugural Vice Chancellors Round Table, exploring the future of higher education in the digital era. PRCI National President Geetha Shankar underlined the role of PR in uniting voices and building relationships in a world that often feels divided.

M&C Saatchi UAE is expanding its regional capabilities by adding the multi-award-winning M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment to its remit. With a legacy of delivering impactful campaigns for global giants including Barclays, LEGO and Kia, M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment has been at the forefront of passion-driven marketing for 20 years, connecting brands to consumers through the things they love making brands culturally relevant through passions.  As part of the M&C Saatchi Group, this new addition marks M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment?ÇÖs seventh global office since its establishment in 2004. Recognized for its creative excellence, the agency has earned multiple industry accolades, including being named Agency of the Year at the UK Sponsorship Awards and winning the Sport Industry Agency of the Year title a record six times at the Sport Industry Awards.  The agency?ÇÖs entry into the UAE is driven by growing client demand in one of the world?ÇÖs fastest-growing sports and entertainment markets, and it is all set to replicate its global service model. Delivering powerful 360-degree campaigns across sponsorships, PR, social, digital, content, activations, and more?Çöall designed to resonate deeply with the passions of the GCC market. The offer will be led by M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment Managing Partner Ross Watson, who will export his expertise running multi-market campaigns and will be supported by Rasha Lambe, Business Director, who will spearhead client work, driving the agency?ÇÖs growth with a team of passion specialists in the region. M&C Saatchi UAE?ÇÖs existing client network is already engaging with the expanded offering, with AC Milan and its Middle East hub, Casa Milan Dubai, inking a partnership and many more opportunities currently being explored. M&C Saatchi UAE CEO Scott Feasey commented: ?Ç£Now is the ideal time to launch Sport & Entertainment in the GCC- a market experiencing remarkable growth and gaining global recognition. This new offering not only complements our existing services but also positions us to significantly amplify the impact of brands in this thriving sector. I?ÇÖm very excited to welcome the agency to the region.?Ç¥ Ross Watson said: ?Ç£We feel there is a real opportunity to bring our specialism and approach to brands based in the Middle East where we can combine the global knowledge and expertise of our London HQ with local market expertise through a uniquely blended team of passion specialists to give clients exactly what they are looking for- global thinking with local nuance.?Ç¥

Promodome Communications, a full-service advertising agency with nearly 20 years in the industry, has been selected to handle advertising, marketing, and digital efforts for the upcoming inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled for January 13-19, 2025.Promodome Communications will be responsible for executing a wide range of campaigns, including branding, digital and print advertising, to elevate the profile of the Kho Kho World Cup both in India and internationally. As part of the mandate, the agency has also conceptualized the World Cup?ÇÖs official logo, championship booklets and other collaterals, encapsulating the global spirit of this iconic event.MS Tyagi, Secretary, Kho Kho Federation of India, said: ?Ç£We are pleased to onboard Team Promodome as one of our advertising and marketing partners. They?ÇÖve built a stellar reputation for delivering impactful campaigns, and we?ÇÖre confident that their expertise will help us make a lasting impression with the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup on the global stage.?Ç¥Sandiip Kapur, Founder & President of Promodome Group, expressed his excitement over the win: ?Ç£We are thrilled to partner with the Kho Kho Federation for this historic event. It?ÇÖs an honor to contribute to a sport that has deep roots in Indian tradition and culture, and we are eager to bring Kho Kho to a global audience through our creative and strategic efforts.?Ç¥The week-long event will see top-tier athletes from over 24 countries across six continents compete in a series of thrilling Kho Kho matches, marking a significant moment in the global sports landscape. The Kho Kho World Cup promises to be a landmark event, offering a unique opportunity for countries worldwide to engage with the sport and celebrate its growing international appeal.

Rekha Rao has announced her resignation as Managing Director of Zeno Group after four years with the company. She shared her decision on LinkedIn, writing, "It's here, this day. In nearly three decades of my work life, I never really took a break, as I moved from one job to another. So it feels weird to be doing it now, even as I realize the need to slow down, stop, take a breath, and re-energize! So here I am, bidding adieu to Zeno, as its Managing Director, after nearly 5 years of living FEARLESS and painting the world GREEN :), and a BIG thank you to this bunch of amazing colleagues who allowed me to live so."She also expressed gratitude toward her colleagues for their support during her tenure.Prior to joining Zeno, Rao served as Senior Vice President at 20:20 MSL. She has also held roles including Principal Consultant at Corporate Voice | Weber Shandwick, Senior Client Services Director at IPAN, and Head of Corporate Communications at Dr. Batra's. Additionally, she has been associated with firms like Versatile Communications, Triton Communications, and Lintas.

Ideacafe.agency announces the launch of its new division, IDEACAFE ROOTS, designed to bridge the communication gap between rural and urban markets in India. The division aims to address brands' needs in "Rurban" areas?Çöa blend of rural and urban landscapes?Çöwhere purchasing power and aspirations have risen significantly post-COVID.To lead this initiative, Ideacafe has brought on board Sandip Bansal as Practice Head of ROOTS. Bansal, an industry veteran with over 35 years of experience, began his rural marketing journey with Video on Wheels in 1989 and later developed rural marketing arms at Ogilvy, Starcom, and GroupM's Dialogue Factory.Sandip shared: ?Ç£Helping brands build equity and share in rural India drives me, and I found Ideacafe to be uniquely agile and responsive, unlike many large network agencies.?Ç¥Sandip emphasized that IDEACAFE ROOTS will focus on creating scalable and sustainable models to help brands extend their reach across Tier 2 and Tier 3 landscapes. "As brands aim to deepen distribution in what we now call Rurban landscapes, ROOTS will focus on building local expertise rather than relying on outsourced assistance,?Ç¥ he added.Joining Sandip on the senior leadership team is Shweta Lamba as Business Head of Experiential. With over 14 years in marketing, Shweta?ÇÖs expertise in Intellectual Properties, Key Account Management, and experiential solutions will enhance ROOTS' offerings. She has previously managed key accounts for leading brands, including P&G, Britannia, and Mahindra, in roles with Entertainment Network India Limited, Big Magic, and GroupM?ÇÖs Dialogue Factory.Also joining the team is Amish Morjaria as National Operations Head of ROOTS. Amish brings over 20 years of experience in business operations and urban and rural activations. Known for his integration of technology in fulfillment and campaign tracking, Amish previously held roles at Tech Smart, DDB Mudra, and GroupM?ÇÖs Dialogue Factory.Nabendu Bhattacharyya, Founder of Ideacafe.agency, stated: ?Ç£Our focus is to meet brands' needs through local-level expertise and direct accountability. While many companies are cutting manpower, we see the value in investing in skilled, on-ground teams to provide brands with dependable, localized solutions."IDEACAFE ROOTS has already onboarded over 25 professionals across markets, serving more than a dozen national brands. With an aggressive expansion strategy, the division aims to become the largest Rurban brand communication service provider in the next two to three years.

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, the influence of social media continues to grow. Traditional celebrities and high-profile influencers were once considered the pinnacle of brand endorsements, offering reach and appeal to large audiences. However, a shift is taking place. Today, more brands are choosing to collaborate with micro-influencers, i.e. creators with smaller, more niche followings. In conversation with Adgully, Raima Singh, Founder and CEO of Oak & Ivy Creative speaks about what?ÇÖs driving this trend, and why do smaller audiences often yield larger impacts?How did the idea for Oak & Ivy Creative come about, and what inspired you to start your own agency?The idea for Oak & Ivy Creative came from my passion for combining creativity with strategic business solutions. I wanted to create an agency that didn?ÇÖt just offer services but genuinely helped brands grow and communicate effectively in today?ÇÖs digital world. The name ?Ç£Oak & Ivy?Ç¥ itself holds a lot of meaning for me. ?Ç£Oak?Ç¥ symbolises strength and resilience, while ?Ç£Ivy?Ç¥ represents growth and adaptability. These are the values we aim to bring to our clients. After working in the industry for a few years, I saw an opportunity to build something where brands could not only stand strong but also grow sustainably. This combination of strength and steady growth is at the core of our mission, and it?ÇÖs what inspired me to start Oak & Ivy.Moving to today?ÇÖs trends, why do you think we?ÇÖre seeing such a shift toward micro-influencers, and what advantages do they offer over traditional celebrity endorsements?We?ÇÖre seeing this shift because brands are craving authenticity, and audiences are too. Micro-influencers, those with anywhere from 1,000 to 100,000 followers, tend to have closer, more genuine relationships with their audiences. Unlikemega-influencers or celebrities, who can sometimes feel removed or overly commercial, micro-influencers engage with their followers in a way that feels sincere and approachable. This type of connection builds trust, which is invaluable when it comes to brand recommendations.That authenticity sounds like a powerful tool for brands. How does the niche focus of micro-influencers play into this?Micro-influencers often focus on specific areas, whether that?ÇÖs sustainable fashion, gourmet food, fitness, or even niche hobbies. This allows brands to target a highly specific segment rather than casting a wide net. For example, a skincare brand specialising in clean beauty might find more value in working with micro-influencers known for reviewing eco-friendly products than with a general lifestyle influencer. These audiences are already interested in that content, which makes them much more likely to engage and convert.Speaking of engagement, would you say that micro-influencers often see more interaction from their followers?Definitely. One of the biggest advantages of micro-influencers is their high engagement rates. As follower counts rise, engagement often drops, but micro-influencers have smaller, more active communities. Followers are more likely to comment, share, and actually have conversations around their posts, creating engagement that feels authentic and amplifies the brand?ÇÖs message. It?ÇÖs not just about getting ?Ç£likes?Ç¥, it?ÇÖs about fostering genuine interaction.Are micro-influencers also more cost-effective for brands, and what are some other benefits they offer?Absolutely. Micro-influencers are a great option for brands with limited marketing budgets. While top-tier influencers often charge tens of thousands or even lakhs for a single post, micro-influencers provide the same level of trust and engagement at a fraction of the cost. This means brands can collaborate with multiple micro-influencers within the same budget, reaching a wider range of audience segments and maximising their ROI.Another advantage is flexibility. Brands can easily scale campaigns up or down based on their needs. Instead of relying on a single influencer, they can work with severalmicro-influencers across different platforms, which broadens reach and adds variety to their content. This approach allows brands to experiment and learn what resonates best with different audience groups, creating a tailored and impactful marketing strategy.How do micro-influencers help brands build long-term connections?Micro-influencers are known for building lasting relationships with their followers. When brands partner with them over time, they benefit from repeated exposure to an engaged audience. These ongoing interactions strengthen brand recall, building familiarity and loyalty that last beyond a single post or campaign.It?ÇÖs clear micro-influencers have a unique role in today?ÇÖs marketing landscape. Any final thoughts on the future of this trend?I believe the trend toward micro-influencers will continue as brands and audiences both priorities genuine, relatable connections. While celebrities andmega-influencers will always have their place, micro-influencers offer something special: smaller, highly-engaged audiences that resonate with authenticity. It?ÇÖs a reminder that sometimes, the biggest impact can come from the smallest, most engaged communities.

Meghna Sharma has recently joined the Corporate Communications team at Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt Ltd as Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications and PR.With an impressive background in strategic communications, media relations, and journalism, Sharma is poised to play a key role in advancing Aditya Birla?ÇÖs communication strategies and amplifying its corporate narrative.Before joining Aditya Birla, Sharma honed her expertise across multiple prominent organizations. She previously led strategic communications and media relations at IN10 Media Network from February 2021 to October 2024, where her initiatives helped strengthen the brand?ÇÖs media presence. Prior to this, Sharma served as Senior Manager - PR at iProspect (September 2018 - February 2021).Meghna also brings extensive experience in journalism, having worked with various news organizations.

In an exclusive interaction with PR Post, Sabarinath M, Founder and Managing Director of Passion 4 Communication (P4C), speaks at length about his transition from a journalism background to founding Passion 4 Communication. He discusses the initial challenges faced while setting up P4C and his approach to storytelling in PR to ensure it resonates with diverse audiences across various platforms. He also shares an example where strategic storytelling played a key role in the success of a PR campaign.Additionally, Sabarinath reflects on how Passion 4 Communication has adapted to regulatory changes in the communications industry over the years, his personal journey from journalism to entrepreneurship, and the key lessons he has learned along the way.What inspired you to transition from journalism at Economic Times and Hindustan Times to founding Passion 4 Communication (P4c) How has your journalistic background shaped your approach to PR?As a journalist, I was constantly engaged in high-impact activities?Çömeeting influential people, hearing big ideas, and always searching for that big-picture, front-page story. This intense exposure, especially while connecting with CEOs, began to seed the idea of entrepreneurship in my mind.At one point, I knew I wanted to create something impactful myself. Though initially unsure of the exact path, I recognized that communication?Çöparticularly narrative building?Çöwas an area ripe for innovation.The idea of creating a content-led communication company took shape over a few years, culminating in P4C. The goal was clear: to build the right narratives that elevate reputation. I believe the world runs on narratives?Çöevery major event or milestone is driven by the power of well-crafted customised storytelling. Can you tell us about the initial challenges you faced while setting up P4C, and how you overcame them?The biggest challenge was how do you make inroads into a market dominated by top players. But I was convinced with the content-led model. And you need constant guidance and motivation to validate your conviction. During the early days, the wisdom provided by business stalwarts navigated my path. I was inspired by Walmart founder Sam Walton?ÇÖs words: Adopt, adapt, commit to your business model and swim upstream. I constantly met prospective clients and spoke about our differentiated model in PR. The companies, who were looking for innovative ideas, signed on. Over the last ten years, we set new benchmarks like having dedicated content writers or creating hyperlocal strategies for consumer clients. So, how does P4C integrate a 360 degree communication strategy in this evolving media landscape?Brands are now looking for that ?Çÿexclusive partner?ÇÖ which can provide holistic communication. This is particularly true for growing companies. They want holistic strategies for milestone events like raising growth capital. We are aligned to this trend. Apart from PR, we have campaign managers, social media experts and boardroom strategists, positioning us to offer a bouquet of services. The idea is to provide a consolidated platform with specialists leading specific domains. At P4C, we aim to make sure that each channel contributes to a unified, impactful message. As a communication strategist and writer, how do you approach storytelling in PR to ensure it resonates with diverse audiences across various platforms? Can you share an example where strategic storytelling played a key role in the success of a PR campaign?Storytelling is crucial to shaping the narrative that aligns with a company?ÇÖs identity and growth stage. For a young company?Çölike a startup or mid-sized firm?Çöthe style is often more dynamic and reflective of the young promoters?ÇÖ approach.In contrast, for a well-established company, storytelling takes on a mature, nuanced approach. Messaging needs to reflect stability, experience, and integrity, adhering to best practices and reinforcing the company?ÇÖs credibility.We have worked with a gold-loan nbfc for over five years. When they entered a market dominated by a few traditional players, we identified the distinct elements in their business model. By emphasizing these unique facets in campaigns, we were able to position them as an innovative, differentiated brand in a conservative industry. What, in your view, are the most critical aspects of managing brand reputation during a crisis, and how do you coach your clients to navigate these situations while maintaining their reputation in the face of media scrutiny or public backlash?When a crisis strikes, our first step is to deep dive into the problem and craft key messages. We have to customise messages for different platforms. Guiding the client to align every stakeholder with the unified message is crucial. During a crisis, maintaining controlled, compliance-oriented narratives is essential.We aim to establish rapport by meeting editors and reporters to share context. This helps them understand the crisis, its root causes, and the company?ÇÖs plan to resolve it. In any crisis, transparency is the most powerful tool. With your experience, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of PR in the coming years?PR is undergoing rapid transformation. From being an important tool to manage reputation, it is gradually transforming into a business navigator. By offering research-based products, white papers, and insights, PR firms can become more comprehensive partners, helping businesses navigate an increasingly complex landscape. Godfather of AI and Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton has predicted that AI will become smarter than humans soon. The future of PR will hinge on how well we can capitalise on AI tools. At P4C, we are planning to develop technology-driven products to address this.How has Passion 4 Communication adapted to the regulatory changes in the communications industry over the years?Regulatory changes and governance practices have become integral to business operations; compliance isn?ÇÖt optional but a commitment to upholding the law of the land. For a PR organization, the primary responsibility is to develop strategies and internal protocols that ensure full regulatory alignment.In our organization, we align closely with the regulations of each client. Every piece of communication we release externally?Çöwhether to the media or the public?Çöis reviewed and approved by the client, ensuring strict adherence to their governance standards. Can you share a bit about your personal journey from journalism to founding Passion 4 Communication, and what key lessons you?ÇÖve learned along the way?I have started P4C without any business background. What I have learnt is managing a company involves four critical things. The most important aspect is building an institution. For this, the right people are crucial. While starting off, an industry veteran gave me valuable advice: hire people with hunger. I have strictly followed this. The best way to manage clients is to understand their aspirations, goals and customise strategies. Entrepreneurship is all about profitable growth. Having a pulse on the internal numbers and working towards profitability is the ultimate goal. I want to add one more focus area: take baby steps to do something for the planet.  

In a not-so-distant past, companies could remain behind the curtain, carefully managing every aspect of their image. Back then, if a company made a mistake, it might not even make the news. But today, a single social media post can change everything, and brands have to be ready for it. We?ÇÖre living in an age where consumers don?ÇÖt just buy products; they buy into stories, values, and integrity. And they expect transparency like never before.Picture yourself scrolling through your feed one lazy afternoon, and you come across a story from a company that goes beyond just advertising a product. They?ÇÖre sharing where their materials come from, how their production impacts local communities, or even their struggles to improve their sustainability practices. You find yourself nodding, maybe even sharing the post, because it feels real. You?ÇÖre drawn in not just by the product, but by the genuine, unfiltered story.Why Transparency Builds TrustWe?ÇÖre all living in a world overflowing with information. With so much competition for attention, trust has become rare and valuable. And trust doesn?ÇÖt come from a snappy slogan or a clever ad campaign?Çöit comes from brands that openly share their values, their origins, and what they?ÇÖre really all about. It?ÇÖs no longer enough to just say, ?Ç£Trust us!?Ç¥ Customers want to know, ?Ç£Why should we??Ç¥Transparency is what cuts through the noise. When companies make it clear where they stand on issues, explain their production choices, or even let us in on their sourcing practices, they?ÇÖre building something bigger than a sale?Çöthey?ÇÖre building a relationship. And like any solid relationship, it?ÇÖs built on honesty.Navigating Open CommunicationBeing transparent can be tough. It means being prepared to talk about things that aren?ÇÖt always pretty or simple. But this kind of openness does something powerful: it makes a brand human. When a company admits to a mistake or explains a tough decision, people see more than a logo. They see a group of people making thoughtful choices, doing their best in a complicated world.For instance, if a brand faces backlash for a certain decision, staying silent can seem like the safer route. But directly addressing the issue, explaining what happened, and sharing the steps they?ÇÖre taking to fix it can turn a potentially negative story into one that strengthens loyalty. It shows customers that the brand doesn?ÇÖt just want their money?Çöit values their trust.The Social Media SpotlightIn today?ÇÖs world, social media amplifies everything. We?ÇÖre all connected, sharing opinions and stories faster than ever. Brands can?ÇÖt control the conversation like they used to; instead, they?ÇÖre part of a huge, public dialogue. Every choice they make, big or small, has the potential to ripple across networks in an instant.This is why transparency is essential. When brands take the time to openly explain their decisions?Çöwhether it?ÇÖs about how they treat their employees or where they source their materials?Çöthose stories can resonate with people on a deep level. Social media thrives on authenticity, and in this environment, transparency becomes a brand?ÇÖs best ally.How Transparency Becomes a Competitive EdgeTransparency is more than just a buzzword; it?ÇÖs a competitive advantage. Consumers today have endless choices, and they?ÇÖre drawn to brands that invite them behind the scenes, showing the real, sometimes messy, stories that make up their journey. It?ÇÖs not about presenting a perfect image; it?ÇÖs about building credibility by being open, even when it?ÇÖs uncomfortable.Transparency is also a way to bring customers along for the ride. When people feel like they?ÇÖre part of a brand?ÇÖs story, they?ÇÖre more likely to stick around. It?ÇÖs about sharing not just the successes, but the struggles, the questions, and the decisions along the way. And when customers feel involved, they become more than buyers?Çöthey become believers.A Shared FutureAs consumers, we?ÇÖre part of this shift, too. When we support transparent brands, we?ÇÖre choosing a future where business isn?ÇÖt just about profit, but about purpose and principles. And for brands, the payoff for being transparent goes beyond customer loyalty. It creates a community of advocates who truly believe in the brand?ÇÖs mission.In the end, transparency is a bridge. It connects brands and people, bringing them together in a world that values openness and trust. It?ÇÖs not just a trend?Çöit?ÇÖs an invitation to build a stronger, more honest future. And as we all move forward, it?ÇÖs the brands that embrace transparency that will lead the way.

Akanksha Jain, who served as the Head of Public Relations and Corporate Communications at BharatPe, recently announced her departure from the company after dedicating over four years to building the brand into a leading name in India?ÇÖs fintech space. In a reflective LinkedIn post, Jain shared her decision to move on, highlighting her journey at BharatPe and expressing gratitude for the team and leadership who supported her along the way.During her tenure, Jain played a pivotal role in establishing BharatPe's brand identity and reputation. Her efforts included building awareness for the company, guiding BharatPe to become the first fintech to invest in a Small Finance Bank, and positioning the organization and its leaders as prominent voices within the industry. She also steered BharatPe?ÇÖs communications during one of the most challenging crises in the startup ecosystem, reinforcing her reputation as a resilient and strategic communicator.Reflecting on her experience, Jain described her time at BharatPe as ?Ç£one of the most enterprising, challenging, exciting, and enriching years?Ç¥ of her career. ?Ç£I have had the opportunity to work with great leaders and founders who valued the role of communications and trusted as well as empowered me to deliver the best,?Ç¥ she shared. Jain?ÇÖs departure marks the close of an impactful chapter at BharatPe, where her strategic contributions have helped shape the brand's trajectory and industry presence.Jain?ÇÖs career spans nearly two decades, with rich experience across prominent organizations. Before BharatPe, she was the Global Head of PR and Communications and Head of Content Marketing at Pine Labs, where she led brand-building initiatives on a global scale. At MobiKwik, she held the position of Director and Head of Public Relations and Communications, where she significantly shaped the company?ÇÖs external engagement and brand perception. She also served as the Head of Public Relations and Communications and Head of CSR at VLCC, focusing on both external communications and corporate social responsibility. Her earlier roles at HCL Technologies, John Keells Holdings, and AskmeBazaar further solidified her expertise across diverse industries.

The PR industry is currently facing a significant talent crunch, exacerbated by the evolving demands of the communications landscape. As the need for innovative strategies, digital integration, and agility rises, the challenge of finding and retaining the right talent becomes even more pressing. Adding to this complexity is the post-pandemic shift, where professionals have reconsidered their priorities, mental health has come to the forefront, and the traditional agency model faces scrutiny.The Talent Shortage and Mental Health StrainThe pandemic has left an ingrained mark on how the PR industry operates, particularly in terms of workload and mental health. The toll of non-stop work, endless syncs and Zoom meetings, along with the isolation and difficulty in expressing its impact is real. This constant pressure, especially in an industry where professionals juggle multiple clients, projects, and personal responsibilities, has led to significant burnout.The situation isn?ÇÖt just about overwork ?Çô there?ÇÖs a deeper issue regarding how mental health is addressed in the PR sector. Professionals are often expected to maintain high levels of productivity and creativity while meeting client demands, which has caused many to question the sustainability of this pace.Key Challenges in Attracting TalentThe first step in addressing the talent crunch is understanding the root causes behind why PR agencies struggle to attract talent. Vikram Kharvi, CEO, Bloomingdale PR, points out that the startups have been a major factor. He says, ?Ç£Startups often attract talent with the promise of innovation, flexibility, and the excitement of building something new from the ground up. They offer a sense of ownership and direct impact that can be incredibly appealing, especially to younger professionals.?Ç¥This highlights a major issue within traditional PR agencies ?Çô the perceived rigidity in structure and lack of flexibility. Startups and in-house PR roles often offer more flexible working conditions, including work-from-home options and adaptable hours. In contrast, PR agencies, bound by tight client deadlines, are often viewed as being less accommodating in terms of work-life balance. As a result, talented professionals are drawn to roles that promise a better balance between personal and professional life.Sonali Sokhal, CEO and Founder, Intelliquo, adds to this by emphasizing on the gap in proper training within the industry. ?Ç£Young people join the workforce without adequate training and then find the work overwhelming, leading them to leave. We need to empower young professionals with skill development and proper processes,?Ç¥ she says. The absence of structured training and mentorship has resulted in a high turnover rate, as young professionals often feel overwhelmed by the demands placed on them without the right guidance.Retaining Talent: The Bigger ChallengeOnce talent is attracted to the industry, retaining them presents its own challenges. Tarunjeet Rattan, Managing Partner, Nucleus PR, explains that the constant barrage of unrealistic demands can quickly lead to burnout. ?Ç£When insane demands and unrealistic expectations across brands and partners fly across your desk every single day at an intense pace, it can become overwhelming very quickly,?Ç¥ she adds. The relentless pressure, coupled with the often misunderstood role of PR within the broader communications ecosystem, makes it difficult for professionals to feel motivated and valued.Additionally, Rattan points out that the limited ability to showcase the true impact of PR due to client confidentiality adds to the problem. ?Ç£We are limited by client confidentiality, which allows us to talk in generalities and rarely give a true picture of what we actually do. This is limiting. Smaller groups and closed-door discussions work in attracting the right minds to the profession, but it is a slow, arduous task where demand is way higher than supply,?Ç¥ she adds.The gender gap in PR leadership further complicates the retention issue. Many women in the industry find themselves at a crossroads, often stepping back or taking career breaks to manage family responsibilities. The lack of sufficient support systems, such as flexible work arrangements and childcare solutions, within agencies leads to the loss of highly experienced professionals.Bloomingdale PR?ÇÖs Kharvi highlights how this is particularly challenging for women leaders in PR, stating, ?Ç£The lack of sufficient support systems within agencies to accommodate these needs can result in losing highly experienced and talented professionals.?Ç¥Government Initiatives and Skill DevelopmentWith the Indian government?ÇÖs Budget 2024 focusing on upskilling the workforce to make people more employable, there is an opportunity for the PR industry to align itself with these initiatives. Skill development and training programs, particularly in digital and social media, can help address the growing gap in talent.Abhishek Puri, Corporate & Marketing Communications NIIT Limited, emphasizes on the need for continuous learning within the PR sector. He says, ?Ç£The rapid pace of change in digital and social media demands continuous learning and adaptation. PR firms must offer training and development programs focused on these emerging trends to retain top talent.?Ç¥Beyond digital skills, there is also a need for a clear career progression path within the industry. Without a defined trajectory for growth, professionals may feel stagnant, leading them to explore opportunities in other industries. Puri also highlights the importance of creating dynamic work environments that foster creativity and innovation to keep top talent engaged.Strategies to Combat the Talent CrunchTo address the talent crunch, PR firms must adopt a comprehensive, multi- faceted strategy. This involves not only attracting talent but also ensuring their long-term growth and engagement within the industry.Evangelize the PR Industry: Tarunjeet Rattan suggests that the industry needs to take a more proactive approach in promoting PR as a career choice. ?Ç£We need to do more on evangelizing PR at an individual, apex body, and community group level.?Ç¥ Showcasing the diversity and dynamism of PR through career fairs, college workshops, and industry events can attract fresh talent.Partnerships with Educational Institutions: According to Rattan, establishing collaborations with colleges can ensure that students are equipped with the right skills and knowledge about the PR profession. ?Ç£Colleges need to offer the right counseling for students, helping them understand the profession and their aptitude for it. The right courses and sessions with industry professionals along with internships can go a long way toward helping talent understand the profession.?Ç¥Provide Flexible Work Environments: Vikram Kharvi points out that flexibility is one of the key drivers in attracting talent. Offering options for remote work, flexible hours, and better work-life balance is crucial. Agencies need to adapt to the demands of today?ÇÖs workforce, which prioritizes flexibility and a supportive work environment.Upskill and Mentor Employees: Both Sonali Sukhal and Tarunjeet Rattan agree that continuous learning and mentorship are essential to retaining talent. Sukhal explains, ?Ç£PR firms need to showcase best practices to attract talent. The younger generation today is concerned about the impact of their work, as much as they are on career growth.?Ç¥ Providing employees with training programs, access to mentors, and opportunities to work across different verticals can help them grow holistically within the profession.Address Mental Health: The relentless pace and pressure of PR work have led to widespread burnout. Agencies need to make mental health a priority by creating supportive work cultures, offering counseling services, and ensuring that workloads are manageable. Rattan?ÇÖs observation about the overwhelming pace of PR work speaks to the urgent need for agencies to implement better mental health initiatives to retain talent.Create Clear Career Progression Paths: PR professionals often leave the industry due to a lack of clarity around career growth. Abhishek Puri emphasizes on the importance of establishing clear pathways for advancement within the industry to keep talent motivated and engaged.

Interem Relocations, a leading global relocation services firm, extended its communications mandate to bring Flags Communications, a 360-degree integrated marketing communications agency to handle its Public Relations mandate as well. With this addition, Flags Communications, will now be the strategic communications partner to Interem Relocations offering a buffet of communication services to Interem Relocations. With this addition, Interem Relocations has cemented its 10-year-long partnership with Flags Communications as its preferred communications partner. Flags Communications, as its strategic communication partner, now also oversees all public relations efforts. This partnership aims to elevate Interem's brand presence and reinforce its reputation as a trusted leader in the relocation industry. Commenting on the collaboration Ayush Nambiar, Director, Flags Communications said ?Ç£we are honoured to be chosen as the public relations partner for Interem Relocations. It is a reinforcement of their belief in us of what we can bring to the table. Our goal is to leverage our strategic communication and PR capabilities to highlight their innovative solutions and exceptional service, ensuring their story reaches a wider audience and make Interem Relocations a story of success, a story of superior customer service and a story of excellence?Ç¥.Vishal Agarwal, Group CEO of Interem Relocations, said, ?Ç£At Interem, we are dedicated to providing exceptional relocation experiences. With Flags Communications on board, we believe our narrative of reliable and efficient services will reach a broader audience, further solidifying our position as a leader in the relocation space.?Ç¥With the inclusion of Public Relations into the broader communications ambit, this partnership is set to amplify Interem Relocations?ÇÖ media presence and reputation within the global mobility sector. Through strategic PR initiatives, the collaboration will highlight Interem?ÇÖs innovative solutions and commitment to excellence in customer service.

Netflix is set to see two prominent departures from its leadership team, with Chief Communications Officer Rachel Whetstone, and Vice President of Global Public Policy Dean Garfield announcing their exits from the company.Co-CEO Ted Sarandos is planning to streamline their responsibilities under a new role?ÇöChief Global Affairs Officer?Çöa move confirmed by a Reuters report.Whetstone, a veteran in the communications field with over two decades of experience, first joined Netflix in 2018 following her tenure as Vice President of Communications at Facebook. She previously held senior roles in communications and public policy at tech giants Uber and Google. Originally from the UK, Whetstone is reportedly not pursuing the new consolidated role at Netflix.Garfield brought significant policy expertise to Netflix when he joined five years ago, having served as president and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council. His career also includes strategic leadership roles as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer at the Motion Picture Association of America, and Vice President of Legal Affairs at the Recording Industry Association of America.

In a significant move to strengthen its film and entertainment practice, PR Professionals, the flagship of PRP Group today announced the appointment of Rajveer Ahuja as the Director of PR Professionals, film and entertainment division. With over 2 decades of experience in filmmaking, writing, and direction Ahuja's expertise will play a pivotal role in advancing PRP Group?ÇÖs vision for this burgeoning sector.Rajveer Ahuja?ÇÖs career highlights include his dual role as actor and writer in the film Gollu Aur Pappu, as well as his contribution as the dialogue writer in Fugly, the movie that introduced Kiara Advani. He holds an impressive portfolio with key contributions to award-winning films such as Modi ji ki Beti, Cheel Gadi (Flying Wagon), Girl in Red, Mukti, Peanut Butter, Lonely Girl: A Psychological Thriller, The Gift, Tera Mera Pyar Amar, and The Last Show. Rajveer has also produced all the seasons of the acclaimed musical extravaganza Bhoomi by Salim-Sulaiman, featuring musicians from across India who bring authenticity to the diverse musical influences that make up Bhoomi. Iconic singers Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan have teamed up for a new song titled Chhaila, part of Salim-Sulaiman's Bhoomi 2024 project. This historic collaboration has generated immense excitement among fans.In addition to his film work, Ahuja has made significant strides in advertising, producing the acclaimed JBL advertisement featuring music maestro AR Rahman, and directing the MATRIX Forex commercial starring Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan.With the establishment of the Film & Entertainment division under Ahuja?ÇÖs leadership, PR Professionals is poised to expand its influence and expertise in the industry. This development underscores the group?ÇÖs commitment to leveraging creative innovation and strategic partnerships to further strengthen its portfolio in the entertainment domain.Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Sarvesh Tiwari, Founder & Managing Director, PR Professionals shared ?Ç£We are excited to welcome Rajveer to lead our Film & Entertainment division. His extensive experience, visionary approach, and passion for storytelling align with our goals of creating impactful content and fostering growth in the entertainment industry. We are confident that this strategic expansion will enhance our capabilities and elevate our work to new heights?Ç¥Rajveer Ahuja shared, ?Ç£I am happy to be a part of PR Professionals which has grown phenomenally in the past. I am thrilled to lead their films and entertainment division and take it forward to newer heights.?Ç¥PR Professionals Films and Entertainment division has many notable works in its portfolio including the publicity and promotions of recent Bollywood hits Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar starring Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, Dream Girl 2 starring Ayushmann Khurana and Ananya Pandey.Established in 2011, PR Professionals is a leading integrated communications agency renowned for delivering exceptional branding and public relations solutions. The agency is dedicated to helping businesses achieve market leadership while engaging in meaningful philanthropic activities. Confianza Consulting, another PRP Group company, offers a comprehensive range of human resource solutions, including talent acquisition, performance management, compliance, and employee engagement. PRP Group has expanded to 12 offices across India and six international locations, reflecting its commitment to excellence and growth.

Zeno Group announces the appointment of Abhishek  Gulyani to lead Zeno India, overseeing teams in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, and  serve as head of the firm?ÇÖs corporate affairs practice in Asia-Pacific. Abhishek will report to  Paul Mottram, Zeno Regional President, Asia Pacific and serve on the agency?ÇÖs regional and  global leadership teams.  Abhishek was most recently CEO at Hill & Knowlton India, where in a four-year tenure he  grew the business, introduced new services, and strengthened sector and service  verticals. Prior to this, he held leadership positions at Avian WE and Genesis Burson  Marsteller and was also part of American Express Public Affairs and Communications team.  ?Ç£Abhishek?ÇÖs client orientation and innovation mindset is a perfect combination to continue  Zeno?ÇÖs growth story in India and the region,?Ç¥ said Paul Mottram, Zeno Regional President,  Asia Pacific. ?Ç£India?ÇÖs continued development as a globally important market continues to  create opportunities for Indian companies and overseas multinationals alike. With  Abhishek?ÇÖs leadership, our teams are well placed to offer clients the counsel to grow both  reputation and market share.?Ç¥  Sharing details on his new role, Abhishek Gulyani said, ?Ç£I?ÇÖm inspired by Zeno?ÇÖs fearless,  ambitious and entrepreneurial culture. Together with the talented teams across India and  Asia Pacific, we will continue to challenge the status quo, innovate with new formats, and  deliver measurable results.?Ç¥ Abhishek added, ?Ç£Today, our zeitgeist is shaped by both data and creativity. Our focus, at  Zeno, will be to craft narratives and campaigns that capture the cultural shifts of our times.  I look forward to Zeno?ÇÖs next chapter of growth and success in India and the region.?Ç¥ ??Rekha Rao who led Zeno in India from 2020 has left the agency to pursue new opportunities. 

CIPR International (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) has elected a new committee at its AGM held on 29 October. Taazima Kala was elected as Chair, with Saad Al Rubaiaan as Vice Chair. Nishika Bajaj was re-elected as Secretary, and Stuart Graham continues as Treasurer. The role of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Champion has been expanded to include two individuals, Anjali Patil and Nooralhuda Nader Aljlas, further enriching the committee's diversity.Taazima Kala, the newly elected Chair for 2025, said: ?Ç£It is a great privilege to be elected as Chair of the CIPR International Committee for 2025. My heartfelt congratulations go to our newly elected officers and committee members, and my sincere gratitude to our outgoing Chair, Samantha Seewoosurrun, for her outstanding leadership over the past three years. As one of the largest sectoral groups within CIPR, with over 1,000 members as of 2023, CIPR International continues to expand globally, adding invaluable diversity, passion, and expertise to our community. We remain dedicated to supporting our members by fostering cultural understanding, building international connections, and promoting knowledge sharing through initiatives like webinars. Notably, the recent introduction of a monthly card payment option for overseas members?Çöa key milestone championed by Samantha?Çömakes CIPR membership more accessible than ever. I look forward to an impactful year ahead as we continue to grow and support our global network."Outgoing Chair Samantha Seewoosurrun, who has led the committee from 2022 to 2024, reflected on her term:?Ç£It has been a tremendous honour to serve as Chair of the CIPR International Committee over the past three years. Reflecting on my tenure, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, from expanding our global reach to enhancing our support for members across continents. I am grateful to our dedicated committee members whose passion and commitment have been the driving force behind our progress. I warmly thank all of our committee members for their time, ideas, energy, and dedication over the past year, as well as for their personal support throughout my term. I would like to congratulate Taazima, Saad and Nishika on their election, as an outstanding team of international PR professionals bringing a range of perspectives from Africa, the Middle East and India, who will surely lead our committee from strength to strength in the future."Newly elected Vice Chair Saad Al Rubaiaan also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming year, commenting: "I am honoured to step into the role of Vice Chair for the CIPR International Committee and look forward to a transformative year ahead. Building on the solid foundation laid by our predecessors, we will work tirelessly to foster deeper connections within our global community. Our focus will be on amplifying the voices and contributions of our diverse membership, delivering tangible value through increased engagement and knowledge-sharing opportunities, and advancing the role of PR on the international stage. I am particularly excited about the election of our two EDI Champions, which underscores our unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the international level."CIPR International is one of the largest sectoral groups of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners, with nearly 11,000 members. The International Committee is united in its mission to make a positive impact on the industry and to expand the global reach of PR and supporting members by fostering cultural understanding, building international relationships, and providing platforms for benchmarking and learning from best practices. The 2025 CIPR International Committee comprises:?Çó Chair: Taazima Kala?Çó Vice Chair: Saad Al Rubaiaan?Çó Secretary: Nishika Bajaj?Çó Treasurer: Stuart Graham?Çó EDI Champions: Anjali Patil and Nooralhuda Nader Aljlas?Çó Committee Members: Samantha Seewoosurrun, Eva Maclaine, Andras Sztaniszlav, Anne Gregory, Omotola Akindipe, Alessandra Pilchero, Samuel Osei, Steven Smith, Klao Bell-Lewis, Claire Benson, Ferdinand Bondoy, Stuart Bruce, Olayinka Elizabeth Edmond, Thanzyl Thajudeen, Jared Meade, Oluwayemisi Adekunle, and Gavrielle Kirk-Cohen.

In a world with options aplenty, strategic corporate communications and reputation management have emerged as the linchpin for businesses seeking to build trust and long-term brand equity. Communications and public relations act as an effective tool to build a positive narrative for the brand, shape favourable consumer perception and build brand loyalty among the existing consumers. A robust reputation strategy helps companies to successfully navigate and carve a niche positioning for the brand, setting them apart from rivals. It also plays an important role in case of a crisis,to mitigate risk and negative impact of an untoward incident. Keeping all this in mind, brands across sectors have emphasized designing and implementing robust corporate communication strategy, one that encompasses various channels including digital platforms and is a healthy mix of paid, earned and owned media.The rise of digital mediaThe world was very different a decade and a half ago, with little or no existence of social media. The conversations on a brand were limited to offline or news portals and could not go viral on digital platforms within seconds. In the last few years, brands have closely observed the constant rise of digital platforms and tools which have gained immense popularity and attracted a major chunk of our population. Today, social media and digital channels are the key pillars for brands for driving awareness and building brand equity. Digital channels have revolutionized the communication landscape and compelled brands to integrate digital strategies into their communication plans. Most noticeably, they have ushered in an era marked by unprecedented transparency and accountability. As a result, brands have placed increased emphasis on these factors and devised unique plans to harness the true potential of digital platforms.However, in this post pandemic world, which is characterized as highly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) in nature, the landscape of corporate communications and reputation management is undergoing a dynamic transformation, and brands recognize the necessity ofadopting innovative and more focused approach to execute communication plans. Digital has become a ?Çÿmust have?ÇÖ part of the communication strategy of brands.Criticality of adopting consumer-centric approachBrands must understand the fact that one-size-fits-all strategies are no longer efficacious. They must focus on adopting personalized communication strategies that can cater to the specific preferences and needs of all the stakeholders. For instance, the preferences of digital and print media audiences may vary, and we cannot  publish similar content for both categories. Creating unique messages that ensure maximum engagement of the target audience is important. Straight-jacketed approach is very yesterday and what will work for brands today is a personalized, humane approach to communications and brand reputation building. So how can this be done?The answer lies in leveraging the power of data that can offer valuable insights about the consumers?ÇÖ behaviour, interests and purchasing patterns. This knowledge will empower us to craft personalized communication strategies and content that resonates on a personal level. From sending customized mails, recommending products to crafting social media messages, embracing personalized strategy will result in increased engagement and conversion while boosting consumer satisfaction and solidifying brand perception. The art of storytellingIn the era of information overload where consumers have low attention span, brands need to focus a lot more on storytelling to bring out interesting anecdotes that will appeal to the audience. There are numerous benefits of storytelling, in comparison to the dry and factual approach. With impactful stories, brands can reiterate their brand purpose and connect better with their audience. Also, it is important for a brand?ÇÖs story to be consistent in tone, voice and overall messaging. This helps having a focused narrative and in turn, connect better with the customers.Gone are the days when actors used to enact a story or when showcasing a flowery and perfect world was important. Customers prefer real and authentic storytelling. Stories that are real are most believable and make the maximum impact.With customer attention span reducing with every passing day, it is recommended to explore various forms of content to showcase stories- from short videos to audio stories that can be heard on-the-go and shared easily. Also, building a content series with one new content piece, released every few weeks, can help drive higher engagement.Keeping digital communication at the centre of planningUndoubtedly, this is the digital age, and growth depends on how brands utilize digital platforms. Thankfully, India is among those countries which have adopted digital platforms and tools swiftly. The increasing preference of individuals, especially millennials and the GenZ, towards digital channels is evident, making digital communication strategies vital for the success of corporate communication efforts. These platforms today play a crucial role in shaping decisions of a majority of consumers.At the outset of 2023, India boasted an impressive digital landscape with a staggering 692 million internet users and 467 million active social media users.[i] For brands, this vast user base presents a golden opportunity to forge meaningful connections, assess the efficacy of their initiatives, and garner valuable insights for informed decision-making. With a strategic communication approach, brands can not only engage with these users effectively, but also nurture long-term relationships, paving the way for increased sales and revenue. Today, social media strategy is at the centre of the communication strategy of brands. Brands are leveraging various social media channels, putting together a robust communications and content roadmap specific for each channel, and leveraging owned media to create awareness and brand recall. Brands?ÇÖ website has also emerged as important mediums for communicating with a diverse set of stakeholders. Additionally, senior leaders are also investing in leveraging their own social media channels to further amplify the brand narrative.Crisis management In addition to this these advantages, digital tools also present challenges that make digital strategies critical. For instance, the very freedom of expression that these platforms facilitate has rendered brand reputation exceptionally vulnerable. The absence of stringent regulations and mechanisms to authenticate platform users further compounds the concerns for brands. The potential for misinformation and the rapid spread of negative sentiment pose significant threats to a company's image.Digital media is a double-edged sword. On one side, it enables the brands to reach out to all their potential and existing customers across the world with a single post, on the other hand it can also have one post leading to a full-blown crisis. Also, with the rise of AI and other new-age technologies, fake news, misinformation and disinformation have become very common. Hence, it becomes important for brands to be adept in crisis management, so as to safeguard brand reputation. Companies build a good reputation in the market after long and dedicated efforts, however, a crisis can ruin it within a few minutes. To effectively address such situations, swift and strategic crisis messaging, infused with empathy, is essential. Brands that showcase agility in their response to unforeseen circumstances can mitigate potential damage and emerge stronger from crises. This requires a well-defined crisis communication plan with clearly carved out scenarios and suggested actions.Also, brands need to stay vigilant and create meticulous and effective corporate communication strategies to counter these challenges with positive storylines as well as capitalize on the huge potential of digital platforms. The most critical aspect of effective corporate communication is actively listening to stakeholders?ÇÖ concerns. Brands often make a mistake by overlooking this part and concentrating only on their next big launch. In today?ÇÖs fast paced world, there is a stringent need to pay attention to concerns, address them thoughtfully, and engage in a transparent dialogue. This effectively enhances the company's reputation and establishes a foundation for enduring relationships, positioning the organization as a trustworthy and reliable partner in the eyes of the stakeholders.Conclusion As we navigate through the challenges of the modern business realm, it becomes evident that strategic corporate communications with a focus on digital communication and impactful storytelling is not just a valuable asset but an indispensable driver of brand success. Beyond being a conduit for disseminating information, it acts as a catalyst for shaping perceptions, fostering connections, and fortifying the brand's position in the market. As we move forward, the ability to craft and execute communication strategies that align with the ever-changing dynamics externally will be pivotal for sustained success and resilience in the face of uncertainty.

We are in a new era of Public Relations. In the last few years, the importance of reputation management has undergone a sea change. More brands and clients, especially from the leadership teams, are viewing Public Relations from a close range. The industry has undergone a radical change with the advent of social media, which has to a large extent changed the approach to Public Relations. We have a relatively new and young audience that we need to face in the coming years so there are bigger challenges for brands and PR practitioners, who have to be more agile and proactive in their thinking to draw up business solutions for clients.In our exclusive weekly column, PR Conversation, Adgully interacts with leading business leaders to gain their exclusive views and insights on various trends in the PR and communications industry.In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Santanu Chakraborty, Corporate Communications Lead, BSE India, speaks at length about his approach to content strategy at BSE India, considering his background in financial media and communications. He discusses some unique challenges in creating content for a financial institution like BSE, his approach to building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders in the financial sector, the similarities and differences he finds between financial reporting and corporate communications, and how the financial media landscape has changed since he started. He also shares insights on the trends he sees emerging in the next five years.How do you approach content strategy at BSE India, given your background in financial media and communications? What are some unique challenges in creating content for a financial institution like BSE?The biggest challenge in creating content for a legacy enterprise is tailoring it to the audience. Every piece of content should have a hook, an establishment, a challenger, and a conflict. This is a recipe for shareable content ?Çô content that audiences can relate to. This approach is valid for writing in literature, media, or for a brand. In most top-down organizations, the scope for storytelling is limited as decision-makers often prefer to present data and supportive facts to drive business growth or manage stakeholders. There is very little appreciation for the end audiences and what they want to know. My work as a communications professional involves crafting content with the end audience in mind and sensitizing my leadership accordingly.Could you share your approach to building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders in the financial sector? What strategies have proven most effective?Maintaining transparent communication with timely, clear updates on market changes and policies builds trust. Key strategies include:Adopting stakeholder-centric content tailored to the specific interests of investors, regulators, and media to ensure relevance.Direct engagement by hosting forums and Q&A sessions with leadership to foster open dialogue and a sense of inclusion.Establishing investor education programs and publishing insights to position the exchange as an authority.Regular engagement with regulatory authorities to align on policies and reinforce compliance.What are your methods for identifying impactful trends? Can you share an example of a trend you identified early that had a major impact on the market or your organization?Data Analytics: Monitor market data and sentiment analysis for early signals.Industry Reports: Regularly review financial publications and sector reports.Stakeholder Feedback: Gather insights from discussions with investors and regulators.Competitive Benchmarking: Analyze peer strategies and market responses.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with teams in risk, compliance, and product for broader trend perspectives.One of the things that I have done is conduct extensive research on the topic. I gathered a lot of data and anecdotes, paying attention to what common people are discussing. Based on that, I designed the brief for my creative agency to create various types of content, including reels, blog posts, posters, carousels, vignettes, and display ads. After that, I gave the agency complete freedom to experiment with storytelling. We won awards for our Mr. Mane video series on popular investor awareness in social media.Having experience in both financial reporting and corporate communications, what similarities and differences do you find between the two, and how has each helped you in the other?In both fields, you need to be a good storyteller. The major difference is that in financial reporting, you have the liberty to present a lot of data and facts, expecting the audience to make sense of it. In communications, however, we must tailor each story according to the audience and medium.How has the financial media landscape changed since you started, and what trends do you see emerging in the next five years?Since 2005, there has been a significant digital shift: traditional print media has declined, with a move towards digital platforms and real-time news, making financial information more accessible.Rise of Specialized Outlets: There is an increased demand for niche financial reporting, leading to a surge in dedicated finance and investment news platforms.Influence of Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn have become primary channels for quick, real-time financial updates and expert commentary.Emerging Trends:AI and Data-Driven Journalism: Expect AI-powered insights and data analytics to play a larger role in financial reporting.Content Personalization: More tailored content for individual investor preferences.Video & Short-Form Content: Growth in video content, especially short-form, as audiences seek concise, visual information.Influencer-Led Financial Insights: Increased reliance on financial influencers who provide insights directly to their followers.

NHC Foods limited (BSE: 517554) has trusted Prose Integrated as the Public Relations (PR) agency. NHC Foods is recognised as a Three Star Export House by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and leader in the export of agricultural commodities. The company is leveraging the rights issue to spur growth and enhance profitability by repaying loans.With over 64 years of experience, NHC Foods has become a prominent player in global markets, exporting to over 30 countries across the Middle East, Europe, USA, UK, China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa. As NHC continues to witness significant financial growth, including a 391% rise in net profit to Rs. 200.88 lakhs for the quarter ending June 30, 2024, the company is set to capitalize on this momentum through its Rights Issue.Prose Integrated will support NHC Foods in strengthening its public image, handling it?ÇÖs media office and media outreach activities to ensure the success of this crucial financial move. A narrative which is compliant to the guidelines will be drafted and broadcasted as a part of this project.Mr. Apoorva Shah, Chairman & Managing Director of NHC Foods, shared, ?Ç£The partnership comes at a pivotal moment for NHC Foods, as the company continues to evolve with a focus on geographical diversification, digital transformation, and product innovation. With an established reputation for excellence, Prose Integrated will work closely with NHC to amplify the company?ÇÖs growth strategies across geographies and ensure the successful execution of the Rights Issue,.?Ç¥Commenting on the partnership, Arun Nair, Advisory Board Member of Prose Integrated, said, ?Ç£We look forward to working with NHC Foods during this pivotal stage of their development. We aim to emphasize their financial success and innovative strategies, especially as firms expand into newer markets and broaden their product offerings. We will use our experience in public relations and leverage new age media to magnify their message and increase brand recognition across global platforms."

Adgully, in association with CommsAdda, hosted the latest edition of #GullyChat on Friday, October 25, 2024. This edition of #GullyChat focused on ?ÇÿManaging Reputation in a Post-Truth Era: Tools and Techniques for PR Pros?ÇÖ.The esteemed participants included:Padmaja Konisetti, Communications ProfessionalSantanu Chakraborty, Corporate Communications Lead, BSE (Stock Exchange)Pooja Trehan, Head of PR & Content, Jio World CentreBhavna Imran, Communications Leader - South Asia, Corteva AgriscienceThe session began with a discussion on how PR professionals are leveraging data analytics to monitor and respond to public sentiment in real-time.Santanu Chakraborty suggested using analytics tools to track mentions, hashtags, and sentiment on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for social media monitoring. According to him, this helps gauge public sentiment and identify emerging trends or issues quickly.?Ç¥He further added, ?Ç£For content tracking, analyze different types of content across channels. Understanding what resonates with the audience guides future communications. Brands need to implement natural language processing (NLP) algorithms to analyze sentiment online.?Ç¥Padmaja Konisetti said, ?Ç£Social listening and media monitoring tools play a huge role. They provide immediate access to public sentiment analysis, enabling us to monitor sentiment on various channels and craft our responses accordingly.?Ç¥The conversation then moved towards how storytelling can be used as a tool for reputation management in an era saturated with misinformation.Bhavna Imran noted, ?Ç£Storytelling can take many forms. A leader sharing an anecdote or personal narrative is one of my favourite approaches. It helps build a connection with the audience and elicits empathy.?Ç¥Pooja Trehan emphasized on consistency and clarity. ?Ç£Keep sharing your story with focused messaging at regular intervals. That?ÇÖs probably why we remember the audio tune by Intel or the Amul Girl.?Ç¥The panellists also discussed emerging technologies and tools that can assist PR professionals in navigating the complexities of the post-truth landscape.Trehan stressed on going back to the basics. ?Ç£Read, research, network within the industry, and draft your own communications. While there?ÇÖs no shortage of tools and technologies, often what?ÇÖs missing is a simple, grounded approach.?Ç¥Bhavna Imran added here, ?Ç£Exploring sentiment heatmaps ?Çô visual representations of sentiment by region or demographic ?Çô allows us to track the spread and impact of misinformation so that we can tailor our responses.?Ç¥ She also highlighted the ?Ç£power of many?Ç¥, adding, ?Ç£Crowdsourced fact-checking, if done right, can be very powerful!?Ç¥Padmaja Konisetti said, ?Ç£In addition to traditional and social media analytics tools, PR professionals should also explore influencer marketing and emerging tech, such as AI tools, to navigate this new landscape.?Ç¥Talking about crisis management platforms, Santanu Chakraborty stressed on centralizing communication and response strategies during crises for quick coordination. ?Ç£As far as Blockchain technology is concerned, one needs to ensure transparency and authenticity of information via secure, verifiable sources.?Ç¥

The process of filing a third party car insurance is considered to be a cumbersome and time consuming exercise in India, leaving many car owners in distress. Digit Insurance, also known as Go Digit General Insurance, aims to turn make this process simple and easy. It recently launched its new brand campaign, ?ÇÿThat?ÇÖs it!?ÇÖ, featuring brand ambassador Virat Kohli. The campaign sheds light on the transition from ?ÇÿDoubt to Delight?ÇÖ when it comes to filing insurance claims and was launched ahead of Super 8 matches at the ICC T20 World Cup.The ad campaign intends to break the notion that making an insurance claim is a complicated process. It portrays the seamlessness and effortlessness of the submission of an insurance claim on Digit Insurance, transforming doubt into a matter of delight for the customers, further making them go ?ÇÿThat?ÇÖs It??ÇÖ in the end.The ad film Virat Kohli portraying the character of an uncle, who can be seen discussing with his niece about whether they can submit an insurance claim easily as three coconuts have fallen on their car, causing several dents and damage to the windshield. They then worry about the time consuming process that they may have to go through and call Digit Insurance Customer Care Executive, who tells them to just upload a video of the car damage on Digit Insurance, further informing that the claim gets submitted by that, which makes them exclaim ?Ç£That?ÇÖs it!?Ç¥ in surprise.In August, Digit Insurance launched the second ad of the ?ÇÿThat?ÇÖs It?ÇÖ campaign, where Kohli and his niece face an unexpected challenge ?Çô their bike is vandalized by a monkey and the two-wheeler has a severely damaged seat plus several scratches on the vehicle. This time, too, an amiable customer service representative assures the duo that the claims submission process is very simple and requires them to just upload a video of the damage on the Digit Insurance app. This transforms the initial doubt and anxiety into delight as well as surprise, with Kohli and his niece exclaiming, ?Ç£That?ÇÖs It!?Ç¥ and the customer representative responding back ?Ç£That?ÇÖs Digit!?Ç¥In conversation with Adgully, Tanya Marwah, Head ?Çô Marketing & Corporate Communications, Go Digit General Insurance, speaks about the core thought and concept behind the brand campaigns, the message that the campaign is conveying, the traction received, along with how Digit Insurance turns the doubt that people feel surrounding insurance claims submission into delight when they get to experience the seamless and easy process of filing a claim through Digit Insurance, and more.Could you shed light on the thought and concept behind the new campaign 'That's It' launched by Digit Insurance?The idea behind our new campaign, 'That's it, that's Digit', is an emotive expression of the moment of delight that we at Digit Insurance endeavor to create for our customers at the most critical part of the insurance journey i.e. claims!'That's it?' captures the shift from 'doubt to delight' for our customers. Typically, when people think about claims, they are filled with doubts: "Will my claim be accepted?" "How long will it take?" "Will there be tons of paperwork?" Our goal was to flip these expectations and changing this doubt to delight when customers experience Digit's simple, tech-driven claims process. It's that ultimate moment of realization ?Çö "That's it?" ?Çö where everything just works effortlessly and quickly, far beyond what they imagined.What is the message the campaign is trying to convey and what kind of traction has been received out of it?It has been received well in terms of customer feedback, and brand traction as well as our view-through rate is more than 50%, which is very positive.How does Digit Insurance turn the doubt that people feel surrounding insurance claims submission into delight when they get to experience the seamless and easy process of filing a claim through Digit Insurance?How would it feel when days are cut down to minutes? Probably that is what our customers feel too.Generally, when it comes to claims, people expect a lengthy procedure?Çöof filling in multiple forms, providing multiple physical evidence, and waiting multiple days for their damages to be assessed.Let me take an example of car insurance specifically. Generally, when your car meets with an accident, one expects to fill in a physical form, get stamps in place, and so on for their claim to be registered. Post that, a physical surveyor is sent to assess damages. However, at Digit, we have simplified processes at every point. No physical claim forms are required. Our customers don?ÇÖt need to do any kind of paperwork. The call that the customer makes to tell us about their damage is itself converted to a claim form, and the claim is quickly registered. And when it comes to damages, they can be assessed via our tech-enabled processes, wherein a customer can simply upload pictures or a video of their damaged car instead of waiting for a manual surveyor; a surveyor is typically used only in cases of excessive damage, theft or other situations that require further investigation. It is essentially processes like these that turn people?ÇÖs doubts into delight.What differentiates Digit Insurance from its competitors and what are the strategies it employs to offer an enhanced customer experience establishing stronger relationships with the customers? What is the overall brand vision and mission of Digit Insurance?An insurance can truly differentiate itself based on the customer experience only. Having said that, the customer experience itself is based on the entire value chain. Right from policy buying smoothness, product benefits that are made for actually claiming, simply explained, simple buying process, simple issuance, endorsement (changes) process, and then of course the moment of truth, that is, claims! All these parts must be excelled.So, a Digit customer is offered products with real, differentiated benefits like no cap on room rent in case of hospitalization, 75-minute flight delay in case their domestic flight is delayed, as you-drive car insurance add-on that gives lower premium to people who drive less, and many such other benefits which people can benefit from. From a process POV, everything is digital, no waiting for a physical surveyor to come for a car inspection in case of a break-in policy (lapsed policy) or even a claim.Claims are processed with the uploading of videos of the vehicle, that?ÇÖs it.This kind of turnaround time makes the experience delightful for people. There is no IVR, no physical proofs required (online copies do), and even behind the walls, at Digit?ÇÖs end processes are AI & ML enabled, making some time-taking tasks quicker which further improves the timeline for the customer. Making insurance simple is our brand mission and vision. Our company values are, ?Çÿquestioning the status quo?ÇÖ and ?Çÿbeing transparent?ÇÖ and these are reflected in our products and processes.What is the marketing/ media mix strategy of Digit Insurance and how has its TG evolved over the years?Digit insurance largely focusses on digital media, including live cricketing events and recently on select OTTs on the entertainment genre as well.On how our TG has evolved over the years, earlier we would focus primarily on top metro cities. However, now we have also started looking into smaller markets along as well.What are your observations on the current trends, challenges, opportunities, and threats in the two-wheeler insurance industry in India?Two-wheeler insurance is a huge segment for us. India has one of the highest number of two-wheelers in the world and 75% of Indians still travel via two-wheelers today. The segment has seen a pivot in recent years with electric two-wheeler vehicles entering the market. 55% of the EVs sold today are in the two-wheeler segment. While it is a huge opportunity, from an insurance point of view, they also come with their own set of underwriting challenges. It is an evolving segment and risks about EVs compared to an ICE vehicle will get better over time with more data and allow insurers to underwrite the risk better. However, insurance penetration is still low in India. 57% of the vehicles plying on Indian roads don't even have third-party insurance despite it being compulsory. This is a big gap that needs to be filled both through awareness and regulatory interventions. As this mandate picks up, insurance companies will see more growth from this segment.What was the reason for the collaboration with Virat Kohli as the brand ambassador for the campaign and which creative agency has conceptualized it? What was the creative brief given to them?Digit Insurance?ÇÖs collaboration with Virat Kohli goes beyond this specific campaign. He has been our brand ambassador and investor for the last 4 years. In a category where trust is paramount, Virat Kohli adds a significant layer of credibility to the brand. His appeal transcends age groups, resonating with both children and adults alike. As the face of Digit, Virat embodies qualities that align with our brand?ÇÖs personality: he?ÇÖs cool, calm, fun, and relaxed, especially when he?ÇÖs also seen dancing and having fun on the field ?Çô much like Digit, which, despite being in a serious industry maintains a light and approachable demeanor.For this campaign, Digit Insurance partnered with Supari Studios, part of Kulfi Collective, for both the creative strategy and production. The creative brief we provided focused on the idea that people generally perceive insurance, and especially the insurance claim experience, as complex. When they encounter a simple, smooth, and customer-oriented claims process, they are often surprised. Digit consistently creates this surprise with its innovative products and tech-driven simplicity, such as our video upload process for claims.Digit Insurance wanted to own the narrative of transforming doubt into delight within the insurance space, using surrealism as a creative device. Additionally, we infused real claim insights into the campaign stories, like the unexpectedly common occurrences of coconut damage to cars and monkey-related damage to two-wheelers.Could you throw light on the increasing importance of OTT for ad campaigns and the innovative marketing strategies used by Digit Insurance in the past few years?Over the years, Digit Insurance has largely focused our media on topical, cricketing events when it came to OTT as a medium. This was both because it tied in well with our target audience and our brand ambassador, Virat Kohli. However, we are now additionally exploring OTT platforms beyond just cricket, including entertainment too, and focussing on an ?Ç£always on?Ç¥ strategy versus topicality.With a substantial user base of ~500 million, OTT platforms in India have become incredibly popular because they offer the flexibility to watch content whenever it's convenient. This relaxed viewing environment means people are less distracted, making it easier for us as a brand to leave a lasting impression on our target audience. Moreover, OTT platforms give us precise targeting based on demographics, geography, and behaviour, and most importantly give us efficient tools to measure campaign effectiveness through brand lift studies.

The process of filing a third party car insurance is considered to be a cumbersome and time consuming exercise in India, leaving many car owners in distress. Digit Insurance, also known as Go Digit General Insurance, aims to turn make this process simple and easy. It recently launched its new brand campaign, ?ÇÿThat?ÇÖs it!?ÇÖ, featuring brand ambassador Virat Kohli. The campaign sheds light on the transition from ?ÇÿDoubt to Delight?ÇÖ when it comes to filing insurance claims and was launched ahead of Super 8 matches at the ICC T20 World Cup.The ad campaign intends to break the notion that making an insurance claim is a complicated process. It portrays the seamlessness and effortlessness of the submission of an insurance claim on Digit Insurance, transforming doubt into a matter of delight for the customers, further making them go ?ÇÿThat?ÇÖs It??ÇÖ in the end.The ad film Virat Kohli portraying the character of an uncle, who can be seen discussing with his niece about whether they can submit an insurance claim easily as three coconuts have fallen on their car, causing several dents and damage to the windshield. They then worry about the time consuming process that they may have to go through and call Digit Insurance Customer Care Executive, who tells them to just upload a video of the car damage on Digit Insurance, further informing that the claim gets submitted by that, which makes them exclaim ?Ç£That?ÇÖs it!?Ç¥ in surprise.In August, Digit Insurance launched the second ad of the ?ÇÿThat?ÇÖs It?ÇÖ campaign, where Kohli and his niece face an unexpected challenge ?Çô their bike is vandalized by a monkey and the two-wheeler has a severely damaged seat plus several scratches on the vehicle. This time, too, an amiable customer service representative assures the duo that the claims submission process is very simple and requires them to just upload a video of the damage on the Digit Insurance app. This transforms the initial doubt and anxiety into delight as well as surprise, with Kohli and his niece exclaiming, ?Ç£That?ÇÖs It!?Ç¥ and the customer representative responding back ?Ç£That?ÇÖs Digit!?Ç¥In conversation with Adgully, Tanya Marwah, Head ?Çô Marketing & Corporate Communications, Go Digit General Insurance, speaks about the core thought and concept behind the brand campaigns, the message that the campaign is conveying, the traction received, along with how Digit Insurance turns the doubt that people feel surrounding insurance claims submission into delight when they get to experience the seamless and easy process of filing a claim through Digit Insurance, and more.Could you shed light on the thought and concept behind the new campaign 'That's It' launched by Digit Insurance?The idea behind our new campaign, 'That's it, that's Digit', is an emotive expression of the moment of delight that we at Digit Insurance endeavor to create for our customers at the most critical part of the insurance journey i.e. claims!'That's it?' captures the shift from 'doubt to delight' for our customers. Typically, when people think about claims, they are filled with doubts: "Will my claim be accepted?" "How long will it take?" "Will there be tons of paperwork?" Our goal was to flip these expectations and changing this doubt to delight when customers experience Digit's simple, tech-driven claims process. It's that ultimate moment of realization ?Çö "That's it?" ?Çö where everything just works effortlessly and quickly, far beyond what they imagined.What is the message the campaign is trying to convey and what kind of traction has been received out of it?It has been received well in terms of customer feedback, and brand traction as well as our view-through rate is more than 50%, which is very positive.How does Digit Insurance turn the doubt that people feel surrounding insurance claims submission into delight when they get to experience the seamless and easy process of filing a claim through Digit Insurance?How would it feel when days are cut down to minutes? Probably that is what our customers feel too.Generally, when it comes to claims, people expect a lengthy procedure?Çöof filling in multiple forms, providing multiple physical evidence, and waiting multiple days for their damages to be assessed.Let me take an example of car insurance specifically. Generally, when your car meets with an accident, one expects to fill in a physical form, get stamps in place, and so on for their claim to be registered. Post that, a physical surveyor is sent to assess damages. However, at Digit, we have simplified processes at every point. No physical claim forms are required. Our customers don?ÇÖt need to do any kind of paperwork. The call that the customer makes to tell us about their damage is itself converted to a claim form, and the claim is quickly registered. And when it comes to damages, they can be assessed via our tech-enabled processes, wherein a customer can simply upload pictures or a video of their damaged car instead of waiting for a manual surveyor; a surveyor is typically used only in cases of excessive damage, theft or other situations that require further investigation. It is essentially processes like these that turn people?ÇÖs doubts into delight.What differentiates Digit Insurance from its competitors and what are the strategies it employs to offer an enhanced customer experience establishing stronger relationships with the customers? What is the overall brand vision and mission of Digit Insurance?An insurance can truly differentiate itself based on the customer experience only. Having said that, the customer experience itself is based on the entire value chain. Right from policy buying smoothness, product benefits that are made for actually claiming, simply explained, simple buying process, simple issuance, endorsement (changes) process, and then of course the moment of truth, that is, claims! All these parts must be excelled.So, a Digit customer is offered products with real, differentiated benefits like no cap on room rent in case of hospitalization, 75-minute flight delay in case their domestic flight is delayed, as you-drive car insurance add-on that gives lower premium to people who drive less, and many such other benefits which people can benefit from. From a process POV, everything is digital, no waiting for a physical surveyor to come for a car inspection in case of a break-in policy (lapsed policy) or even a claim.Claims are processed with the uploading of videos of the vehicle, that?ÇÖs it.This kind of turnaround time makes the experience delightful for people. There is no IVR, no physical proofs required (online copies do), and even behind the walls, at Digit?ÇÖs end processes are AI & ML enabled, making some time-taking tasks quicker which further improves the timeline for the customer. Making insurance simple is our brand mission and vision. Our company values are, ?Çÿquestioning the status quo?ÇÖ and ?Çÿbeing transparent?ÇÖ and these are reflected in our products and processes.What is the marketing/ media mix strategy of Digit Insurance and how has its TG evolved over the years?Digit insurance largely focusses on digital media, including live cricketing events and recently on select OTTs on the entertainment genre as well.On how our TG has evolved over the years, earlier we would focus primarily on top metro cities. However, now we have also started looking into smaller markets along as well.What are your observations on the current trends, challenges, opportunities, and threats in the two-wheeler insurance industry in India?Two-wheeler insurance is a huge segment for us. India has one of the highest number of two-wheelers in the world and 75% of Indians still travel via two-wheelers today. The segment has seen a pivot in recent years with electric two-wheeler vehicles entering the market. 55% of the EVs sold today are in the two-wheeler segment. While it is a huge opportunity, from an insurance point of view, they also come with their own set of underwriting challenges. It is an evolving segment and risks about EVs compared to an ICE vehicle will get better over time with more data and allow insurers to underwrite the risk better. However, insurance penetration is still low in India. 57% of the vehicles plying on Indian roads don't even have third-party insurance despite it being compulsory. This is a big gap that needs to be filled both through awareness and regulatory interventions. As this mandate picks up, insurance companies will see more growth from this segment.What was the reason for the collaboration with Virat Kohli as the brand ambassador for the campaign and which creative agency has conceptualized it? What was the creative brief given to them?Digit Insurance?ÇÖs collaboration with Virat Kohli goes beyond this specific campaign. He has been our brand ambassador and investor for the last 4 years. In a category where trust is paramount, Virat Kohli adds a significant layer of credibility to the brand. His appeal transcends age groups, resonating with both children and adults alike. As the face of Digit, Virat embodies qualities that align with our brand?ÇÖs personality: he?ÇÖs cool, calm, fun, and relaxed, especially when he?ÇÖs also seen dancing and having fun on the field ?Çô much like Digit, which, despite being in a serious industry maintains a light and approachable demeanor.For this campaign, Digit Insurance partnered with Supari Studios, part of Kulfi Collective, for both the creative strategy and production. The creative brief we provided focused on the idea that people generally perceive insurance, and especially the insurance claim experience, as complex. When they encounter a simple, smooth, and customer-oriented claims process, they are often surprised. Digit consistently creates this surprise with its innovative products and tech-driven simplicity, such as our video upload process for claims.Digit Insurance wanted to own the narrative of transforming doubt into delight within the insurance space, using surrealism as a creative device. Additionally, we infused real claim insights into the campaign stories, like the unexpectedly common occurrences of coconut damage to cars and monkey-related damage to two-wheelers.Could you throw light on the increasing importance of OTT for ad campaigns and the innovative marketing strategies used by Digit Insurance in the past few years?Over the years, Digit Insurance has largely focused our media on topical, cricketing events when it came to OTT as a medium. This was both because it tied in well with our target audience and our brand ambassador, Virat Kohli. However, we are now additionally exploring OTT platforms beyond just cricket, including entertainment too, and focussing on an ?Ç£always on?Ç¥ strategy versus topicality.With a substantial user base of ~500 million, OTT platforms in India have become incredibly popular because they offer the flexibility to watch content whenever it's convenient. This relaxed viewing environment means people are less distracted, making it easier for us as a brand to leave a lasting impression on our target audience. Moreover, OTT platforms give us precise targeting based on demographics, geography, and behaviour, and most importantly give us efficient tools to measure campaign effectiveness through brand lift studies.

Finn Partners has been appointed to lead U.S. media relations for the Iceland Airwaves Festival, set to take place from November 7-9 across downtown Reykjavik. Known as the world?ÇÖs most northerly music showcase, the festival brings continuous music to various venues throughout the city, including nightclubs, bars, churches, record shops, museums, and outdoor stages. This year's lineup highlights Iceland's emerging musical talents alongside international acts, featuring artists like Mary in the Junkyard, Spacestation, Air Jazz, Orbit, Virgin Orchestra, SunDog, Casey Smith Project, and Elin Hall.Over its two-decade history, Iceland Airwaves has hosted renowned artists such as Bj??rk, The Flaming Lips, The Knife, Kraftwerk, Mumford & Sons, and Fleet Foxes. In their role, Finn Partners will handle press briefing materials, media outreach, interview scheduling, travel logistics, and on-site support. They are set to receive a project fee of $20,000, plus expenses for travel and paid influencer partnerships.

PRCA Mena, the regional arm of Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), has announced its line-up of panellists, speakers and moderators for its annual conference, taking place on 14 November at Taj Business Bay, Dubai. Promising to be a pivotal moment for communications professionals across the Middle East and North Africa, this year the conference will feature a keynote address by Her Excellency Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Media Strategy and Policy Sector at the UAE Media Council, who will speak on ?Ç£The Future of Media: Innovation, Regulation, and Economic Impact.?Ç¥ Her Excellency will present a forward-looking vision for the media landscape, focusing on how innovation, regulation, and economic growth are interconnected.Moderating the panels are Conrad Egbert, Head of PRCA Mena, James Hewes, CEO at PRCA and Oscar Wendel, Partner at Flow & Editor-at-Large at MEA-Finance. Their expertise and leadership will ensure an engaging and thoughtful discourse on the most pressing topics in the communications industry.Guest Speakers include some of the region?ÇÖs most influential figures - Mazen Nahawi, Founder & Group CEO at Carma, John Rynehart, Head of UAE at Kekst CNC and Joe Lipscombe, Partner Mena at The Romans.Panellists feature industry thought leaders who will address key challenges and opportunities within the PR and communications industry:?Çó ?Çó Imad Lahad, Managing Director, Dubai and Global Head of AI Comms Lab at APCO Worldwide?Çó ?Çó Ghaleb Zeidan, Regional Managing Director, UAE, Culture, L&D, and PartnershipWeber Shandwick MENAT?Çó ?Çó Jamal Al Mawed, Founder and Managing Director at Gambit Communications?Çó ?Çó James Piecowye, Dean and Associate Professor at Zayed University?Çó ?Çó Kate Hartley, Co-founder at Polpeo?Çó ?Çó Sophie Simpson, Managing Director & Founder at Atteline?Çó ?Çó Peter Van Der Merwe, Managing Director at Weber Shandwick Riyadh?Çó ?Çó Gregg Fray, Co-Founder at Seven Media?Çó ?Çó Ahmed Soudodi, Vice President, Product & Marketing at Kia Middle East and Africa?Çó ?Çó Saad Abu Touq, Managing Director, PR at Memac Ogilvy?Çó ?Çó Alaa Badawi, Associate Partner at Instinctif Partners MENA?Çó ?Çó Judy Bakieh, Associate Integrated Communications Director at Gambit Communications?Çó ?Çó Petra B. Spanko, Regional Director at Katch International?Çó ?Çó Abdulrahman Abed, Founder and General Manager of Legends PR Company?Çó ?Çó Thomas Morris, Senior Partner at FINN Partners, UAEConrad Egbert, Head of PRCA Mena, said:"The PRCA Mena Annual Conference 2024 is the leading platform for PR and communications professionals to exchange ideas, collaborate and drive the future of our industry in the region. With a remarkable lineup of speakers and panellists, we look forward to discussing key trends and the growing influence of media and communications on regional development."James Hewes, CEO of PRCA, added:"This year?ÇÖs conference is set to be a key event for the global communications community. With thought leaders from across the region, the discussions will highlight not only the innovations but also the strategic importance of communications in shaping the economic and societal future of the region.?Ç¥

The Burson Group is enhancing its corporate affairs capabilities with the appointment of two senior leaders, Steve Behm and Dan Doherty, to strategic roles.Steve Behm will join Burson as the Americas Chair of Corporate Affairs. He arrives from Real Chemistry, where he led the agency?ÇÖs crisis communications and reputation practice for the past 14 months. Prior to Real Chemistry, Behm spent 18 years at Edelman, where he played a pivotal role in leading the U.S. crisis, risk, and reputation practice. He also successfully managed the firm?ÇÖs Southern region business, doubling its size over three years. Behm?ÇÖs official start date at Burson is set for November 11.Dan Doherty, in contrast, has been promoted to the newly created position of Global Head of Corporate Affairs for Axicom, Burson?ÇÖs technology-focused agency. Doherty has been with Burson for eight years and most recently served as North American Practice Chair, Global Corporate Affairs. His extensive expertise spans the technology, consumer packaged goods, and energy sectors, where he has helped companies address complex and sensitive issues.

Essar Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Manu Kapoor as its Group Chief of Public Policy and Corporate Affairs.Manu brings over three decades of specialised experience working with corporations, governments, public sector agencies, and industry groups. He is an established leader with a successful career of managing corporation?ÇÖs reputation and brands across Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Russia, CIS, Eastern Europe, Baltics & Asia. He carries an in-depth knowledge of geo-political landscape across the globe. Commenting on his appointment Prashant Ruia, Director, Essar Capital, said, "We are delighted to welcome Manu Kapoor to the Essar family. As Group Chief of Public Policy and Corporate Affairs, Manu will be responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including businesses, government bodies, regulators, media, and policymakers. These are exciting times for Essar, and we look forward to his valuable contributions in driving our company's success.""Essar is strengthening its global presence in energy transition, green steel, digitization, technology, and innovation. It?ÇÖs an incredible opportunity to collaborate with industry experts and contribute to the economic growth of India while making a global impact. I look forward to being part of Essar?ÇÖs ongoing success." said Manu Kapoor.

Golin MENA has appointed Diab Nassar as General Manager, Saudi Arabia. This further strengthens the agency?ÇÖs presence in the Kingdom, supporting both its regional client portfolio and its many Saudi-based clients.Golin MENA is a subsidiary of the leading Middle East marketing and communications group Horizon Holdings, an Interpublic Group (HYSE: IPG) Agency, and the partner of the global communications company Golin in the Middle East & North Africa.Nassar rejoins Golin MENA, the agency where he began his communications career, with over 17 years of experience across a diversity of industries.Stephen Worsley, Regional Managing Director of Golin MENA, said: ?Ç£Diab?ÇÖs vast experience across communications, technology, and creative media makes him the ideal person to begin a new chapter for our agency in Saudi Arabia, helping our clients to create change that matters.?Ç¥Mazen Jawad, CEO of Horizon Holdings, the parent company of Golin MENA, said: ?Ç£Diab brings fresh leadership and a forward-thinking mindset that aligns perfectly with the ambitions of our company in Saudi Arabia. His strategic direction will ensure we continue to provide our clients cutting-edge, integrated communications solutions that make a tangible impact.?Ç¥Holding a bachelor?ÇÖs degree in IT, a master?ÇÖs in PR and media, and proven experience in AI-driven communications, Nassar said he was eager to help regional and international clients unlock the vast opportunities offered by the Middle East?ÇÖs leading economy.?Ç£I?ÇÖm honored to rejoin Golin MENA and Horizon Holdings at this exciting time for both Saudi Arabia and the communications industry. I look forward to leading our team in crafting innovative, locally relevant campaigns that reflect Golin?ÇÖs global excellence and our own deep local knowledge of the Saudi market.?Ç¥

The spotlight once again shines on the region?ÇÖs finest communication campaigns and PR practitioners as the Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) unveils its highly anticipated 2024 Awards shortlist. In its 16th year, this prestigious event saw a record-breaking 770 entries vying for 53 categories, evaluated by a distinguished panel of 130 industry leaders and veterans. A select group of five esteemed regional and international adjudicators ensured that only the most outstanding agencies and individuals were recognized for their contributions to the communications landscape.This year?ÇÖs shortlist celebrates the strategic brilliance, exceptional client servicing, and creative excellence of the Middle East?ÇÖs top PR agencies and professionals. Memac Ogilvy leads the nominations with 67, followed closely by Weber Shandwick with 51, and Gambit Communications securing 40. Each nomination highlights the industry?ÇÖs dedication to harnessing the power of evolving media platforms and delivering innovative solutions while upholding excellence in execution and strategy.Kate Midttun, MEPRA Chairperson, highlighted the shifting themes in the communications industry, noting a stronger focus on sustainability and fostering world-class work cultures. She emphasized the region?ÇÖs deep understanding of brand audiences and the growing link between creativity and business impact. "The entries this year set a commendable standard for strategic excellence in PR, demonstrating the transformative role PR professionals play in elevating client servicing and stakeholder engagement," Midttun said.Congratulating the finalists, she added, "Your work represents compelling campaigns, seamless teamwork, and unmatched creativity. The judging panel faced a tough challenge in selecting the best from such an impressive array of submissions. It?ÇÖs exciting to see the bar raised with each edition, as we witness PR roles evolve in profound ways. The thoughtful research, meticulous execution, and innovative ideas displayed across categories are truly inspiring."The grand celebration will culminate in a black-tie gala at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, on 28th November 2024. This year, Weber Shandwick joins as the Diamond Partner for the third year in a row, while MSL Group Middle East, Action Global Communications, and Memac Ogilvy participate as Platinum Partners. Supporting partners include CARMA, Edelman, Mubadala, TECOM Group Dubai, SEC Newgate Middle East, TrailRunner International, and Burson.MEPRA is the region?ÇÖs leading industry body for public relations and communications professionals. With over 1,000 members from consultancies, corporates, and individual practitioners, MEPRA has been setting industry standards since its inception in 2001. Headquartered in the UAE, it drives growth, sets benchmarks for excellence, and supports the development of PR professionals across the Middle East.

In today?ÇÖs fast-paced world, the landscape of public relations and marketing continues to evolve, driven by innovation and the quest for authenticity. Neha Khilnani, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Connekting Dots, embodies this evolution. With a desire to create a fresh narrative within the industry, she transitioned from working within established agencies to forge her own path. In this exclusive interview, Neha shares the inspiration behind her firm, the challenges she faced during its inception, and how she leverages her entrepreneurial spirit to not only meet client needs but also to drive meaningful connections in an ever-changing market. Join us as we delve into her vision and uncover the strategies that have propelled Connekting Dots to success. What inspired you to transition from working with established agencies to founding your own PR and marketing firm, Connekting Dots, and what were some of the key challenges you faced in the early days?The decision to found Connekting Dots came from a desire to redefine PR and marketing with a focus on creativity, adaptability, and a client-first approach. Working in established agencies, I saw how rigid structures often stifled innovation, and I wanted to change that. The early days were challenging, building a team that shared my vision for excellence was tough; and standing out in a competitive market wasn't easy. The pandemic added another layer of difficulty, pushing us to pivot quickly to a digital-first model. However, our resilience allowed us not only to adapt but to thrive, evolving into an agency that goes beyond just connecting the dots we create new possibilities for our clients.                          Your agency has represented a diverse range of high-profile clients across industries. What's your approach to understanding each client's unique needs, and how do you tailor your services to drive business momentum and prosperity?At Connekting Dots, we prioritize understanding our clients through meaningful conversations that go beyond business objectives. By delving into their brand values, target audiences, and industry challenges, we create customized strategies that truly align with their vision. Our approach fosters deep-rooted partnerships built on trust and collaboration. We don?ÇÖt just offer services; we craft transformative strategies that drive sustainable growth. Our meticulous planning ensures that we exceed expectations and deliver results that resonate with our client's long-term goals, helping them navigate the complexities of their industries with confidence.Connekting Dots has expanded rapidly since its inception. What are your strategies for maintaining quality control and consistency across client relationships as the agency grows?Growth is only valuable if it?ÇÖs built on a foundation of unwavering quality and consistency. At Connekting Dots, we?ÇÖve instituted meticulous processes, from clear communication channels to dedicated points of contact for every client, ensuring that our relationships and experiences remain as personal as they are professional. Our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are not just guidelines; they are rooted in principles of excellence that our team adheres to across all engagements.To further maintain quality control, we prioritize continuous learning and development, with our team constantly evolving and refining their skills to embrace the latest industry trends. We actively seek client feedback to adapt our processes to their changing needs, while rigorous internal quality checks ensure we consistently exceed expectations. This comprehensive approach empowers us to deliver exceptional results that not only meet standards but set them.You've been recognized for your exceptional leadership and influence in the PR and marketing industry. What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals looking to make a mark in this field?Thank you for the kind recognition. For aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals looking to make a mark in PR and marketing?Çöor any industry?Çömy biggest piece of advice is to embrace resilience and consistency. This industry demands adaptability, so being able to pivot quickly and adopt new tools, trends, and platforms is key to staying relevant. Never stop learning, but also never compromise on quality; 80% effort is simply not enough.Building meaningful relationships is equally crucial. Whether with clients, media, or your team, strong relationships founded on trust and collaboration can set you apart. Understanding your client's brand on a deep level is essential, PR isn't just about promotion; it's about storytelling and creating genuine value for a brand. Lastly, be patient and persistent. Success doesn?ÇÖt happen overnight. Focus on delivering quality consistently, and the results will follow. It?ÇÖs about doing the work, even when the outcomes take time to manifest. With plans to establish offices in international markets like the UK and Dubai, how do you envision Connekting Dots adapting to diverse cultural and market landscapes?As we plan to establish offices in international markets, Connekting Dots will embrace this expansion with the same adaptability and foresight that have defined our growth thus far. We recognize that each market presents unique challenges and opportunities, and we are committed to not just adapting but leading in these new environments.Our approach will focus on deeply understanding cultural nuances, local consumer behavior, and market dynamics. By tailoring our strategies to reflect the diverse fabric of each region, we will ensure that our global footprint is marked by the same commitment to excellence that drives us at home. We?ÇÖre not merely bringing our expertise abroad; we?ÇÖre evolving it to meet the specific needs of each market, fostering relationships and delivering impactful results that resonate with local audiences.As a multifaceted individual with passions beyond your professional role, how do you balance your personal interests (such as travel, fitness, and sports) with the demands of leading a thriving agency?Balancing the demands of leading a thriving agency like Connekting Dots with personal passions requires intentionality and a clear sense of priorities. It?ÇÖs not about compromise; it?ÇÖs about integration. For me, travel, fitness, and sports are not just hobbies?Çöthey are integral to my professional excellence. They fuel my creativity, sharpen my focus, and provide fresh perspectives that I bring back into the business.Maintaining a balance between work and personal passions is crucial for long-term success, both professionally and personally. I make time for these activities because they enhance my productivity and allow me to approach my work with renewed energy. Discipline in time management is essential, but so is the courage to step back when needed. I prioritize my interests with the same rigor as my professional commitments, ensuring that I can give my best in both areas. It?ÇÖs about setting boundaries and being disciplined, so I can thrive as both a leader and an individual.

PRCA Mena, the regional arm of the largest public relations and communications association in the world, has launched a new mental health survey.The survey, first conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be used to assess the current state of the industry whilst further understanding the mental health needs of communications professionals in Mena.?Ç£This is an incredibly important initiative, and now is a good time to reintroduce our industry-wide survey on the state of mental health for our industry,?Ç¥ said Conrad Egbert, the recently appointed Head of PRCA Mena.?Ç£The results of the survey will not only provide important insights and learnings, but most importantly, will help guide meaningful and impactful ways we can support professionals struggling with the demands of our industry. ?Ç£We work in a highly pressurized and increasingly challenging environment, and recognizing, supporting and providing the necessary guide rails to enhance mental wellbeing in the workplace is absolutely critical.?Ç¥The results of the survey will be released at the PRCA Mena Annual conference in Dubai next month. The PRCA Mena will also use the findings of the survey to help inform events, activations and partnerships for a year-long programme of key initiatives in 2025.

Havas reported a slight dip in its net revenue for Q3 2024, with a 0.5% decline from ?é¼654 million to ?é¼650 million, approximately $700 million, compared to the same period last year.Vivendi, Havas' parent company, did not disclose the agency?ÇÖs organic growth for Q3, which would normally account for mergers, acquisitions, and currency changes. In Q2 2024, Havas' organic growth had contracted by 1.7%, according to Vivendi.Havas saw positive performance in Europe, where net revenue rose by 3.5% year-on-year to reach ?é¼320 million. Latin America also experienced strong growth, with a 9.6% increase, bringing revenue to ?é¼49 million. Yannick Bollor??, chairman of Vivendi?ÇÖs supervisory board, and CEO Arnaud de Puyfontaine highlighted that Havas Media, alongside Europe and Latin America, drove much of the company's success.However, North America faced challenges, with net revenue falling by 8.6% to ?é¼219 million. Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific and African markets, Havas recorded a 3.2% rise, bringing revenue to ?é¼62 million.The Havas PR Network, which includes agencies like Havas PR, Havas Formula, Republica Havas, and One Green Bean, saw growth, aided by acquisitions contributing to 3% of the net revenue boost. Key acquisitions such as Uncommon Creative Studio, Eprofessional, Shortcut, and Ledger Bennett played notable roles in this.The report highlighted that Havas Media continued to show strong performance, while Havas Creative and Havas Health & You had mixed results commercially.For the first nine months of 2024, Havas' net revenue grew by 2.1% year-on-year, reaching ?é¼2 billion.Vivendi also confirmed progress on its plan to spin off Havas as a separate entity.

Sharmistha Roy has joined Medi Assist as the Associate Vice President, Corporate Communications. In a Linkedin post she shared: ?Ç£I'm thrilled to share about my new stint at Medi Assist as Associate Vice President, Corporate Communications.As India?ÇÖs leading InsureTech player, Medi Assist is transforming the healthcare ecosystem with a robust tech-driven approach, thereby reshaping how people access and manage their healthcare benefits, making quality care more accessible and affordable across the country. I?ÇÖm excited to be part of this mission-driven team, where I?ÇÖll be working on amplifying the brand's journey and incredible innovations. Look forward to creating meaningful stories and fostering relationships that strengthen the brand's impact in the industry.?Ç¥Prior to Medi Assist, she was managing Brand Communications for Mobile Premier League (MPL). She also handled Corporate Communications for Ola (ANI Technologies Ltd). Roy has started her career as a Marketing Communications Specialist at SonicWall, later transitioning to the role of a Project Manager at Kestone. She was also a Senior Campaign Manager at Genesis BCW.She has more than a decade of experience as a Marcom specialist with expertise in building effectual campaigns for augmenting brand visibility, recall, establishing the required narrative for brands and impactful storytelling.

Zeno Health, one of the leading omni-channel platforms for quality and affordable generic medicines in India, has recently hired Pinkesh Dhimar as its new Director for Brand & Communication. The startup has bolstered its leadership team as part of its aggressive growth and expansion plans across India.Dhimar will be at the forefront of the Branding and Communications activities for the startup. He will be responsible for the branding guidelines, communications, public relations and social media outreach at the startup. He aims to position Zeno Health as the most respected and loved brand among consumers. Commenting on his new role, Dhimar said, ?Ç£A good brand moves the business, but a great brand goes beyond just helping the business. It transforms lives and creates a positive impact on society at scale. Zeno Health falls in this category and I feel truly blessed to have this rare opportunity. Together, we will build a brand that will help create a healthier and happier Bharat.?Ç¥Dhimar come with a vast, diverse and rich experience in the marketing and branding sector. He has 12 years of experience working with several consumer-tech brands catering to varied profiles across different categories. Some of these including working with companies such as CoinSwitch, Scripbox, Vedantu, Nestaway, ACT Fibernet and Hathway.Throughout his career, Dhimar has helped brands sharpen their brand positioning and communications not just through high-decibel campaigns but through all consumer-facing touchpoints in the most cohesive and coherent way.

After six successful years in Dubai and Lebanon, Around the Clock Communications (ATC) has strengthened its presence in the UAE with the opening of a new office in Abu Dhabi?ÇÖs Masdar City. Strategically located in Masdar City hailed by Cityscape Intelligence as the world?ÇÖs most sustainable city the new Abu Dhabi office marks a pivotal milestone in ATC?ÇÖs growth trajectory. The expansion is part of the company?ÇÖs broader vertical and horizontal growth strategy.Since its inception in 2018, ATC has cultivated a strong reputation in the local market, becoming a trusted partner for prestigious clients such as COP28, Masdar, Zayed Sustainability Prize (ZSP), Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, and the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF).?Ç£We strive to be a leading name in the advertising, communications, and media industry, always pushing boundaries to exceed our clients' expectations,?Ç¥ says Rizk Naifeh, CEO and Co-Founder of ATC.Naifeh adds: ?Ç£We are targeting 30% client growth, with a focus on acquiring new accounts in Abu Dhabi?ÇÖs key industries such as Real Estate, Automotive, Sustainability, and the public sector. With our highly skilled and diverse team, including a promising Emirati member, we are confident in our ability to act as a strategic communications partner, delivering comprehensive and innovative solutions for both government and private sector clients.?Ç¥

Capital Gate Advisors (CGA), a premier strategic communications consultancy, has announced its official launch, specializing in financial communications, investor relations, public policy, and corporate reputation management across the Middle East and key global markets.Founded by industry veterans Ajith Henry and Wajih Halawa, Capital Gate Advisors offers high-level senior counsel and execution support to businesses.It brings a powerful blend of regional expertise and international best practices to each mandate. Ajith Henry, formerly Managing Director & Head of Strategic Communications at FTI Consulting Middle East, and Wajih Halawa, who previously served as Partner at Brunswick and Head of External Affairs at Majid Al Futtaim, have formed CGA to address the growing need for strategic communications solutions in a rapidly evolving business landscape.Ajith Henry, Managing Partner of Capital Gate Advisors, said: "At Capital Gate Advisors, we differentiate ourselves by offering more than just high-level strategic counsel; we are hands-on partners who ensure the strategies we develop are effectively implemented. Each of our consultants brings at least 20 years of experience and a deep understanding of local market dynamics, complemented by global expertise."Capital Gate Advisors is committed to providing senior-level counsel and execution, ensuring that every client engagement benefits from direct involvement of seasoned experts. CGA's model emphasizes a trusted partner and collaborator mindset, working closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions that go beyond strategy to hands-on execution. The firm is also dedicated to knowledge transfer and capacity building, helping clients?ÇÖ in-house teams evolve to meet world-class standards in communications and investor engagement.Key offerings of Capital Gate Advisors:  Financial Communications & Investor Relations: Strategic advisory on IPOs, M&As, and restructuring transactions, with an emphasis on transparency, regulatory compliance, and trust-building with stakeholders  Corporate Reputation Management: Comprehensive strategies to build, protect, and enhance corporate reputation for financial services entities, backed by data-driven insights and stakeholder engagement  Public Affairs & Policy Advisory: Expert counsel to navigate regulatory environments, geopolitical risks, and public sector engagement  Executive Positioning & Coaching: Personalized executive coaching and thought leadership programs  ESG Advisory: Develop ESG frameworks that align with international best practices  Issues and Crisis Management: Proactive strategies to mitigate risks and safeguard reputations, with real-time crisis management support to ensure business resilienceCGA?ÇÖs consultants are strategically located in key global financial centers, including London, New York, Singapore, Mumbai, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. Each consultant brings at least 20 years of experience, having led major mandates for financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and systemic public-sector entities. The senior team includes experts who have led regional businesses of the world?ÇÖs leading communications firms, served as sell-side analysts, and headed IR departments at large-cap companies in the region.With ex-corporate communications and IR leaders, economists, financial journalists, ESG experts, and marketers, CGA offers a holistic approach to addressing the unique challenges of each client. This expertise and global reach, combined with deep local market knowledge, ensures that CGA provides multi-faceted expertise tailored to specific client needs.The founding members have a proven track record of advising on several of the largest IPOs and M&A transactions in the MENA region, helping clients navigate complex market transactions and build strong reputations in capital markets.

In this competitive and fast-paced world, a brand makes a name for itself through two most crucial factors ?Çô trust and integrity. While employees are the backbone of any organization, it is truly ?Çÿbrand resilience?ÇÖ that has emerged as one of the most critical assets a company can possess. The market is hyper-competitive at the moment; hence, a strong brand reputation is not just desirable?Çöit?ÇÖs essential. It is something that a brand just cannot do without!But what does brand resilience truly mean? At its core, brand resilience refers to a company?ÇÖs ability to withstand crises, adapt to changing market conditions and emerge stronger from reputational challenges. While navigating through an ever-evolving digital landscape, the importance of brand resilience has never been more pronounced. The ability to recover from a crisis or to safeguard a brand's reputation in general is crucial in maintaining long-term success and ensuring that the brand equity is not impacted.Why Brand Reputation MattersThis is the most important question that needs to be addressed. Many will argue that brand reputation is good to have and if a product is selling, then a mere negative article, or an episode of the brand being trolled on social media will not have an impact on the brand cachet. However, there are numerous recent examples of a single social media post drastically denting the brand reputation and pulling down share prices.It will be rightful to say that reputation serves as the foundation of customer trust, influencing everything from purchasing decisions to long-term brand loyalty. Consumers today are empowered with more information than ever before, and they are quick to hold brands accountable for their actions. A positive reputation distinguishes a brand from its competitors, making it more likely to survive disruptions or crises. Whether you?ÇÖre a multinational corporation, a listed venture or a young startup trying to make its place in the minds of consumers, maintaining a positive brand image is key to thriving in today?ÇÖs digital and interconnected world.How Crises Impacts Brand ReputationAny unexpected event that poses a significant threat to a company?ÇÖs operations, reputation, or financial standing can be called a crisis. Crises can range from product recalls and corporate scandals to data breaches and even public relations missteps. Over time, the nature of these crises has evolved, particularly with the rise of digital platforms and social media. In the past, a crisis might be confined to a news cycle or localized to a specific region. However, today, thanks to the global reach of digital and social channels, any brand crisis can become a viral event within hours.Today, crises can knock the doors of a brand anytime. Whether a brand is consumer facing or not, the fear of crises is real for all. As mentioned above, crisis can take many forms- from operational crises where product defects, supply chain disruptions, or service failures directly impact customers, to ethical crises where scandals involving corporate ethics, such as fraud, environmental harm, or labour violations. Data breaches, cyberattacks, or technological failures that compromise customer data or security are also a major threat. Today, the face of a crisis is multi-dimensional. And so are negative media coverage, social media backlash, or controversies sparked by poor communication or behaviour. Impact Of A Reputation CrisisA reputation crisis can have far-reaching consequences. It can shake the very foundation of a brand's market position, erode customer trust and severely impact financial performance. Customers are likely to turn to competitors if they perceive a brand to be unreliable or unethical. Additionally, stock prices can plummet, and long-standing business relationships can be strained. The loss of trust is perhaps the most damaging impact of a reputation crisis?Çöonce lost, it can take years to rebuild.This explains why reputation is key to a brand?ÇÖs success. A strong reputation creates a buffer that can help brands weather crises, whereas a weak or tarnished reputation can lead to a rapid downfall.How To Undo The Damage when you are engulfed with an unavoidable crisisEffective crisis communication is extremely crucial in mitigating the damage caused by a reputation crisis. There are various ways in which a brand can navigate a crisis. Firstly, it?ÇÖs important to acknowledge the crisis quickly. A swift yet well thought through acknowledgment of the issue demonstrates responsibility and helps control the narrative. It is important to do a thorough analysis before putting out the response on behalf of an organization. Next, open communication and transparency is crucial. Brands must provide accurate information to stakeholders, clearly stating what went wrong and how they are addressing it. Thirdly, the brand needs to take responsibility. Deflecting blame can worsen the situation. Brands must take ownership of their actions and communicate how they plan to make amends.  It?ÇÖs equally important to outline a plan of action, where the brand needs to provide details about how the issue will be resolved, reassuring stakeholders that the situation is under control. The brand needs to be put together a crisis communications team and ensure it has one designated spokesperson for managing the external conversations. This helps in better narrative setting.Lastly, monitoring feedback by keeping track of social media, news outlets and customer feedback to address concerns is important. If the brands keep track of the social sentiment, it can gauge initial signs of issues that may go unnoticed. It can, in turn, help to nip some crisis in the bud.Rebuilding Trust And Reputation Post-CrisisOnce the crisis is managed, brands must focus on rebuilding trust. This involves consistent and positive engagement with customers, implementing reforms and demonstrating that the company has learned from its mistakes. The company must show customers that the brand is committed to rectifying the situation and delivering on its promises. It also needs to use the crisis as an opportunity to make positive changes, whether through improved policies, better products, or enhanced customer service. Positive testimonials and endorsements from loyal customers can help repair a damaged reputation. Also, the company?ÇÖs top management should focus on setting and reinforcing the positive narrative via a well thought through PR and digital campaigns.The Double-Edged Sword Of Social MediaSocial media plays a significant role in managing crises today, but it carries its own set of troubles. While social media platforms allow brands to quickly communicate with customers and correct misinformation, they also provide a breeding ground for fake news and negative publicity. Brands must be vigilant in monitoring social media, responding to inquiries and correcting false information promptly. They should focus a lot more on active listening to address any misinformation, disinformation and fake news.Demonstrating Responsibility And AccountabilityDuring and after a crisis, demonstrating responsibility is crucial to regaining trust. This can be done by making public commitments to improve, resolving the issue with the concerned parties and showing genuine concern for the well-being of stakeholders. To ensure a crisis doesn?ÇÖt occur again, it?ÇÖs important to implement preventive measures. Conducting a post-crisis analysis can help identify what went wrong and what changes are needed. This may involve strengthening internal processes, retraining employees or revising company policies.Consistent Messaging And Customer LoyaltyConsistency in messaging during a crisis is key to maintaining brand integrity. Mixed messages can confuse and frustrate stakeholders. They can negatively impact the brand reputation rather than strengthening it, as customers will not be clear about the brand purpose and focus.Also, customer loyalty programs can enhance brand resilience by rewarding customers for their continued trust and engagement. Brands with strong loyalty programs tend to recover faster from crises because they have an established base of loyal customers. Long-Term Reputation ManagementBrand resilience is not just about surviving a crisis but maintaining a strong reputation over the long term. This requires ongoing efforts to uphold ethical practices, continuously engage with stakeholders and adapt to evolving market conditions. By learning from past mistakes, maintaining transparency and continuously engaging with customers, brands can recover from crises and emerge stronger than ever. The importance of brand resilience cannot be overstated?Çöit is the key to long-term success, helping businesses weather storms, rebuild trust and maintain a strong market position.

IPG reported that its PR and experiential agency group experienced 1.2% organic growth during the third quarter of this year. This growth was primarily driven by ?Ç£very strong growth?Ç¥ at the sports and entertainment marketing group Octagon, along with ?Ç£continued growth?Ç¥ in public relations at Weber Shandwick and Golin.The Weber Shandwick Collective achieved ?Ç£solid?Ç¥ single-digit growth during the quarter, with strong performances in North America and LATAM. Key quarterly highlights included securing new partnerships with Primark, The Aspen Group, and clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company Bicycle Therapeutics. Additionally, the network collaborated with United Way Worldwide to launch its new brand strategy and was awarded the PR and social media accounts for gaming company Tombola.Golin also saw ?Ç£good growth?Ç¥ across its practice groups, particularly in influencer marketing, content creation, and social media. The agency continued to invest in talent, adding a new executive to lead global AI learning, who will focus on designing, developing, and delivering multimodal AI training programs for Golin's employees worldwide.Although the PR group's performance in Q3 was slightly lower than in Q2 (1.3% revenue increase) and Q1 (1.5% revenue increase), it continued its growth streak, which has lasted for more than two years since the onset of the Covid pandemic. The group?ÇÖs performance was also lower than recent quarters, such as Q4 2023 (2.9% growth) and Q3 2023 (6.5% growth).IPG as a whole saw net revenue decline by 2.9% to $2.63 billion in Q3, with flat organic growth compared to Q3 2023. Over the first nine months of 2024, IPG's net revenue was $6.75 billion, a 0.9% decrease from the same period in 2023, while organic revenue growth was 1% year-over-year.IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky commented: ?Ç£Net revenue in the third quarter was unchanged organically from the same period a year ago, which brings organic growth over the first nine months of this year to 1.0%. During the quarter, we saw solid contributions to growth from media services, sports marketing, data management, and public relations. Our adjusted EBITA margin was 17.2%, underscoring continued operating discipline as we continue our enterprise-wide investments in growth and business transformation."He added, ?Ç£Third-quarter results include non-cash goodwill impairment expense of $232 million related to our digital specialist agencies and progress with the strategic sales process for R/GA and Huge."Krakowsky also highlighted the ongoing evolution of IPG's offerings and organizational structure, stating, ?Ç£The launch of Interact marks the next evolution of our marketing intelligence engine, which integrates data flows across the campaign lifecycle and consumer journey. This core technology connects our entire portfolio, from brand research and audience insights to creative ideation, production, commerce, and personalized CRM programs through the use of generative AI. It also powers media activation and optimization, including earned and owned channels, delivering better marketing results across media channels and touchpoints for our clients, in real time.?Ç¥Looking ahead, he noted, ?Ç£We are seeing a strong new business pipeline for both Q4 activity and longer-term AOR opportunities, and we remain focused on achieving organic growth of approximately 1% this year. At that level, we continue to target adjusted EBITA margin of 16.6%. Our long-standing commitment to capital returns remains an important priority and our strong balance sheet provides a solid foundation from which to continue to evolve our offerings and the solutions we provide for marketers.?Ç¥

Before podcasts became a global phenomenon, the world of digital audio content was already evolving through video blogs and internet radio shows. The turning point came in 2003 when software engineer Dave Winer developed an audio RSS feed for Christopher Lydon, a former The New York Times reporter and public radio host. This innovation allowed Lydon to deliver audio interviews on his blog, spawning a brand-new world of podcasting.In 2004, the concept took a major leap forward with the creation of iPodder by Winer and former MTV VJ Adam Curry. This programme enabled users to download internet radio broadcasts and audio content directly to their iPods, leading to the term "podcast"?Çöa portmanteau of "iPod" and "broadcast." The launch of the first podcast hosting platform, Libsyn, later that year, further mainstreamed the medium. By 2005, Steve Jobs integrated podcast subscriptions into iTunes, solidifying podcasts' transition from a niche interest to a widely recognized format.Today, with the burgeoning popularity of podcasts in India, PR agencies have a unique opportunity to harness this audio revolution to engage targeted audiences and craft compelling brand stories. The rise of podcasts as a mainstream medium has transformed how brands communicate, offering a fresh and dynamic approach to storytelling and audience engagement.Leveraging the Podcast Boom: Insights from PR ProfessionalsTarunjeet Rattan, Managing Partner, Nucleus PR, observes: ?Ç£If you thought podcast popularity is about the audio... then you are wrong. It is now all about the video that accompanies it. The snippets on social media platforms along with the video-fication of podcasts is what is drawing viewers, advertisers, and guests to the medium.?Ç¥ This shift towards a multimedia approach highlights the evolving nature of podcasts and the importance of integrating visual elements to maximize engagement.The surge in podcast consumption presents several strategic opportunities for PR agencies, says Vikram Kharvi, CEO, Bloomingdale PR. He elaborates on how agencies can tap into this growth: ?Ç£The surge in podcast consumption in India presents a unique opportunity for PR agencies to connect with targeted audiences in a more intimate and engaging way. Here?ÇÖs how PR agencies can tap into this audio revolution:Develop Branded Podcasts: PR agencies can collaborate with clients to create branded podcasts that align with their brand narrative. These podcasts can delve into industry insights, thought leadership, and customer success stories, offering value-driven content that resonates with the target audience. By creating content that listeners can relate to, brands can build deeper connections and enhance brand loyalty.Leverage Guest Appearances: Positioning key client spokespeople as guests on popular podcasts in their industry can significantly enhance visibility and credibility. This strategy allows clients to tap into established audiences and share their expertise, thereby elevating their thought leadership in the market.Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities: Sponsoring popular podcasts that align with the brand?ÇÖs values and target audience can be an effective way to reach a specific demographic. Additionally, placing targeted ads within relevant podcasts can help reinforce brand messaging in a more natural and less intrusive manner compared to traditional advertising.Create Podcast-Specific Content Strategies: PR agencies should develop content strategies specifically for the podcast format. This includes creating teaser content for social media, developing show notes and blogs that expand on podcast episodes, and leveraging podcast content in other PR and marketing campaigns. Repurposing podcast content into multiple formats can maximize reach and engagement.Engage with Niche Audiences: Podcasts often cater to niche audiences with specific interests. PR agencies can help brands identify and engage with these niche communities by crafting stories and content that speak directly to their needs and interests. This targeted approach can lead to more meaningful engagement and higher conversion rates.Measure Impact and Adapt: Like any PR initiative, it?ÇÖs crucial to measure the impact of podcast-related activities. Tracking metrics such as listener engagement, shares, and conversions can provide insights into what?ÇÖs working and where adjustments are needed. This data-driven approach ensures that podcast strategies remain effective and aligned with client goals.?Ç¥Abhishek Puri, Corporate & Marketing Communications at NIIT Limited, adds another layer to the conversation: ?Ç£Developing engaging podcast series that align with the brand's values and resonate with target audiences is crucial. Leveraging influencers by partnering with popular podcast hosts and influencers can amplify brand messages and reach niche audiences. Using podcasts as a platform to tell compelling brand stories engages listeners on a deeper level.?Ç¥By understanding and tapping into the evolving podcast landscape, PR agencies can effectively reach their target audiences and drive impactful brand narratives in this rapidly expanding medium. The integration of multimedia elements, strategic guest appearances, and targeted content strategies can help brands stand out in the crowded podcast space and build stronger connections with their audiences. As the podcast industry continues to grow, its potential to influence and engage will only expand, offering new opportunities for innovative and compelling PR strategies.

ICR, a leading strategic communications and advisory firm, has announced a comprehensive brand update designed to provide a single, unified global identity across the firm?ÇÖs core offering.Founded in 1998 by a team of former Wall Street analysts and rooted in a deep understanding of the how investors evaluate and determine value creation, ICR has since evolved to become a singularly-unique agency, providing communications advisory services at the intersection of Wall Street and corporate reputation, across all key corporate stakeholders and to companies at all stages of growth and development. With more than 400 team members organized into dedicated industry sector groups, across seven global offices, ICR provides highly-informed, consequential and integrated communications expertise focused on value creation.The updated branding reflects ICR?ÇÖs continued growth and evolution as a fully-integrated strategic communications and advisory firm, offering clients a full suite of services including investor relations, public relations, corporate and crisis communications, transaction and special situations advisory, capital markets advisory, ESG and shareholder activism advisory solutions, digital and social media services, and event planning and management.Tom Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of ICR, commented: ?Ç£As ICR continues to grow organically and through strategic acquisitions, we recognized the need to create a unified identity that showcases the full breadth of our capabilities while maintaining the trust and reputation we?ÇÖve built over 26 years. The new brand reflects our enhanced global capabilities and underscores our unique value proposition focused on providing the most comprehensive and innovative communications solutions in the industry with an integrated and sector-specific approach that not only delivers value to our clients but is strategically focused on helping them create value.?Ç¥Key elements of the brand update include:?Çó New Visual Identity: A modernized logo and color scheme that embodies ICR?ÇÖs differentiated approach, Wall Street and capital markets roots, and comprehensive service offering.?Çó Unified Messaging: A cohesive narrative that articulates ICR?ÇÖs expanded value proposition across all communication disciplines and industry sectors.?Çó Integrated Service Offerings: A streamlined presentation of ICR?ÇÖs full suite of services, emphasizing the synergies across the full spectrum of services.?Çó Enhanced Digital Presence: A new website and social media presence that reflects ICR?ÇÖs integrated approach to value creation, sector-specific expertise and distinct thought leadership.The brand refresh follows a series of successful acquisitions and service expansions that have significantly broadened and enhanced ICR?ÇÖs global capabilities and reach in recent years including:Healthcare Public & Investor Relations:?Çó Acquired Westwicke Partners, North America?ÇÖs leading healthcare-focused IPO advisor and investor relations firm, in 2019 and Consilium Strategic Communications, a leading international strategic healthcare communications firm focused on Europe and headquartered in London, in 2023. Combined with ICR?ÇÖs legacy healthcare business, the group forms a global healthcare strategic and financial communications powerhouse with nearly 200 clients and more than 100 team members across three continents and every communications discipline operating under the name, ICR Healthcare.Technology Public & Investor Relations:?Çó Acquired Lumina Communications, an award-winning B2B technology-focused public relations firm specializing in cybersecurity, enterprise software and IT infrastructure in 2023, combining with ICR?ÇÖs existing technology public and investor relations practices, significantly enhancing the firm?ÇÖs capabilities and broadening its service offerings. The unified technology team will operate under the ICR Technology name.Capital Markets Advisory:?Çó ICR Capital, originally established in 2015 has expanded its capabilities and team to advise corporate management teams, financial sponsors, venture capital firms and boards of directors across all categories of capital markets transactions including IPOs, public equity offerings and convertible and equity derivatives transactions.ESG & Shareholder Advisory?Çó ICR?ÇÖs ESG team has continued to expand and enhance its focus with a growing emphasis on advising public issuers in a range of complex and contested shareholder events that require an intimate understanding of and ability to communicate and engage with the passive investment community.Investor Access?Çó ICR has leveraged technology, data analytics and its extensive knowledge and understanding of the investment community buy-side to develop an independent and issuer-centric advisory platform to provide best-in-class investor targeting and outreach.

In today's competitive business landscape, effective storytelling is essential for building a strong brand. PR articles play a crucial role in crafting and disseminating compelling narratives that resonate with your target audience. By leveraging the power of storytelling through well-crafted PR articles, you can enhance brand awareness, build trust, and drive customer loyalty.The Benefits of Storytelling in PR ArticlesThought Leadership: PR articles provide a platform to position your brand as an industry expert. By sharing valuable insights and perspectives, you can establish credibility and attract potential customers.Brand Visibility: High-quality PR articles can be picked up by media outlets, increasing your brand's visibility and reach. This exposure can help you generate leads and drive traffic to your website.Customer Engagement: PR articles that tell compelling stories can capture attention and spark conversations. By engaging your audience with relevant and interesting content, you can foster stronger relationships and build brand loyalty.SEO Benefits: Well-written PR articles can improve your search engine rankings. By incorporating relevant keywords and optimizing your content, you can increase your website's visibility in search results.Crafting Compelling PR ArticlesTo create effective PR articles that tell your brand's story, consider the following tips:Know Your Audience: Understand your target audience's needs, interests, and pain points. Tailor your storytelling to resonate with their specific concerns.Develop a Strong Narrative: Craft a compelling story that highlights your brand's unique value proposition. Use vivid language and imagery to engage your readers.Showcase Your Expertise: Demonstrate your knowledge and experience in your industry. Offer valuable insights and advice that your audience will find helpful.Optimize for Distribution: Consider the media outlets that your target audience follows. Tailor your PR articles to fit their editorial guidelines and increase your chances of placement.Partner with Brandcasting for Expert StorytellingAt Brandcasting, we specialize in helping businesses leverage the power of storytelling through PR articles. Our team of experienced writers and PR professionals can help you craft compelling narratives that resonate with your target audience and drive results.

We are in a new era of Public Relations. In the last few years, the importance of reputation management has undergone a sea change. More brands and clients, especially from the leadership teams, are viewing Public Relations from a close range. The industry has undergone a radical change with the advent of social media, which has to a large extent changed the approach to Public Relations. We have a relatively new and young audience that we need to face in the coming years so there are bigger challenges for brands and PR practitioners, who have to be more agile and proactive in their thinking to draw up business solutions for clients.In our exclusive weekly column, PR Conversation, Adgully interacts with leading business leaders to gain their exclusive views and insights on various trends in the PR and communications industry.In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Hitesh Raj Bhagat, Global Head of Corporate Communications at Truecaller, discusses his motivations for transitioning into corporate communications at the company. He elaborates on how Truecaller prepares for and manages potential communication crises, the strategies used to engage users. Bhagat also emphasizes on the role of internal communication in aligning Truecaller?ÇÖs employees with the company?ÇÖs goals and values.Additionally, he shares insights on managing communication with external partners, stakeholders, and media, as well as how corporate communications are evolving in the tech industry.After spending nearly a decade in technology journalism, what motivated you to transition into corporate communications at Truecaller?Having spent over 17 years in technology journalism, I developed a deep passion for the tech industry and storytelling. Truecaller as a company always caught my attention, and I closely followed it due to its innovative approach and the significant impact it had on my life personally. When the opportunity arose to be part of a brand that was making a real difference in people?ÇÖs lives, I jumped at it. Today, I am proud to be in a role that allows me to shape the communication strategy of a company that is an essential part of the daily lives of over 30 crore Indians.My journey in journalism equipped me with the skills to craft engaging narratives, so transitioning to corporate communications at Truecaller felt like a natural progression, allowing me to apply those skills in a new and impactful way.How has your experience at The Economic Times and CyberMedia shaped your approach to corporate communications, especially in conveying technical information to a broader audience?My experience at The Economic Times and CyberMedia provided a strong foundation for simplifying complex technical concepts for a wider audience. As a technology journalist, I was often tasked with taking highly specialised, jargon-heavy information and translating it into engaging content that could inform readers from all walks of life. Being responsible for the Personal Technology sections at The Economic Times, I covered various topics, from emerging technologies to product launches and industry trends. This role taught me the importance of clear, concise messaging, ensuring that a diverse readership could understand and appreciate even intricate advancements in fields like AI, camera technologies, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.At Truecaller, I apply the same principles. I prioritise simplicity and clarity in messaging, ensuring our communication resonates with technical experts and everyday users. Whether discussing advanced features like AI-driven spam detection or providing updates on privacy and security initiatives, the goal is always to make the message accessible and engaging.In an era where misinformation can spread quickly, how does Truecaller prepare for and manage potential communication crises? Could you provide an example of a situation you?ÇÖve navigated successfully?In today?ÇÖs fast-paced digital landscape, Truecaller is keenly aware of the risks of misinformation. People are now more concerned about where their data is being stored and how it is being used, and rightly so! Everyone who uses any digital service should be well aware of their digital rights and all the controls available to them ?Çô and they should ask the services/ apps they use about these things.In our case, a crisis occurs when someone with influence spreads misinformation without knowing the facts or without contacting us for clarifications. To proactively manage this, we emphasise transparency and open communication, which are foundational to building and maintaining trust with our stakeholders, including media friends, our consumers, internally with colleagues and investors.We are committed to addressing issues promptly by providing accurate information. This helps us dispel misinformation before it escalates, ensuring our stakeholders are always well-informed and knowledgeable. Our strategy involves regular monitoring of conversations across platforms, which ensures that we are always aware of potential issues. This, along with timely responses to concerns and clear messaging on sensitive topics like privacy, data security, and app functionality, provides a sense of security to our stakeholders.What strategies do you employ to engage users through communication, and how do you measure the effectiveness of these strategies?At Truecaller, our communication strategy is designed to stay aligned with emerging trends and user needs. We carefully plan our message timings, whether introducing new features, responding to industry changes or alerting our users about new market scams. Depending on the nature of the product, we test a feature in one market first before expanding globally. We leverage various tools and strategies, from targeted messaging to data-driven campaigns, and often collaborate with external agencies to enhance our outreach. To measure effectiveness, we closely monitor engagement metrics, user feedback, and market response, allowing us to refine our approach continuously.What role does internal communication play in aligning Truecaller employees with the company?ÇÖs goals and values, and how do you foster a culture of open communication within the organisation? Additionally, how do you manage communication with external partners, stakeholders, and media to strengthen Truecaller?ÇÖs brand image and community presence?At Truecaller, our internal communication strategy is not just a tool, but a reflection of our commitment to transparency and trust. It is essential to align our colleagues with the company?ÇÖs goals and values, just as in our external communications.We are committed to clear and open communication with our consumers, media friends, and stakeholders. This includes explaining how the app functions, how we generate revenue, and addressing critical issues like app permissions. We consistently respond to all questions, including those related to privacy, data safety, and security.Truecaller is also one of the few apps that offer users complete, granular control over their privacy and data directly within the app, further enhancing trust and transparency.What key performance indicators (KPIs) do you use to assess the effectiveness of your corporate communication efforts, and how do you adjust strategies based on these insights?Apart from the usual number of targets for measuring our campaigns?ÇÖ success, we also measure effectiveness by directly speaking with relevant stakeholders like media and consumers (through the official Truecaller community ?ÇÿTrueTalks?ÇÖ, via social media, or our support channels). The message has to have both high reach and retention.How does Truecaller incorporate user feedback into its communication strategies, and what processes do you have in place to respond to user concerns or suggestions effectively?At Truecaller, we prioritise user feedback and incorporate it into our communication strategies through active engagement on platforms like the TrueTalks community and X (formerly Twitter). We regularly monitor these channels to understand user needs and gather insights directly influencing feature development. Many of our key features, such as Call Reason, Spam Statistics, Inbox Cleaner, advanced spam blocking tools (such as the ability to completely block calls from a certain country or block a number series) and many of the privacy tools, were developed directly in response to consumer requests.To address user concerns and suggestions, we have established processes that ensure timely responses. We also prioritise transparency in our communications, informing users about product updates, addressing their questions, and clarifying any issues. This collaborative approach enables us to build a user-centric platform and maintain strong relationships with our community.How do you foresee the role of corporate communications evolving in the tech industry, and what challenges do you anticipate for Truecaller in this regard?Technology has transformed the communications landscape. There will be much higher use of generative AI ?Çô which is both a boon and a curse. Faster means of communication demand a real-time response from us. And we have to be monitoring and handling situations that can lead to potential crises.The positive aspect of fast technology is the medium that allows us to connect and communicate with our audiences at any given moment, be it through emails, messaging, social media platforms, or other means. At the same time, the flip side is the misinformation that spreads and affects brands and individuals alike.

Confiance Communications, an integrated communications agency renowned for its expertise in brand-building across genres and scales, has acquired the PR mandate for Stratzy, a SEBI-registered investment advisory platform.Founded in 2021 by Mohit Bhandari and Gaurav Sangle, Stratzy is empowering India?ÇÖs next-generation investors with a tech-first approach, transforming how they approach capital markets. The platform leverages its proprietary technology ?Çödeveloped with years of research?Çöto deploy data-driven, quantitative strategies that democratise investing and simplify wealth creation for retail investors. It has attracted over 4 lac sign-ups since its launch, and currently serves around 35,000 monthly active users, facilitating trading volumes over Rs 1000 crore. Confiance Communications will leverage its deep comprehension of the fintech and startup ecosystem to develop Stratzy?ÇÖs communication strategy. This includes crafting a resilient PR framework, streamlining Stratzy?ÇÖs brand messaging, and fostering strategic media relations. The primary objective of this collaboration is to build a robust narrative for Stratzy in the retail investment landscape, thereby enabling time- and expertise-constrained retail investors to employ enterprise-grade tech tools for optimised returns.Speaking on the partnership, Bushra Ismail, Founder & Chief Strategist, Confiance Communications, said, ?Ç£We're pleased to partner with Mohit and Gaurav in their journey to make retail investing more accessible and intuitive. With its proprietary technology for quant-driven investing?Çösomething traditionally used by seasoned fund managers to maximise returns?ÇöStratzy is poised to be a game-changer for retail investors. As its communications partner, we strive to enhance the visibility of its investment solutions and bring their transformative impact to the forefront.?Ç¥ Mohit Bhandari, Co-founder and CEO of Stratzy, commented, ?Ç£Our collaboration with Confiance comes at a time when Stratzy is scaling rapidly. As we work to revolutionise the investment landscape in India, we believe Confiance?ÇÖs experience in the startup and financial ecosystem will be instrumental in helping us amplify our brand voice and establish a stronger connection with retail investors and other business stakeholders alike.?Ç¥ Founded by seasoned publicist Bushra Ismail in 2019, Confiance Communications has established a strong foothold as one of India's most reliable and outcome-driven PR agencies, particularly within the startup and venture capital ecosystems. The agency has an exceptional track record of catapulting the media and digital presence of over 80 organisations in India and abroad. Confiance's esteemed clientele includes notable brands like The Quorum Club, Leo Capital, Turkiye Tourism, Salad Days, Transition VC, Bureau ID, PlanetSpark, ProcMart, and Khyaal, among other distinguished names.

Orchestra, the communications group behind agencies like Derris and BerlinRosen, has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Small Girls PR. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Small Girls PR, known for its expertise in influencer and experiential marketing as well as traditional earned media, boasts an impressive client roster that includes brands such as Billie, Olay (a P&G-owned skincare line), and workwear retailer M.M.LaFleur. Headquartered in New York City and Los Angeles, the agency has a team of 75 employees.Mallory Blair, who co-founded Small Girls PR in 2010, will continue to lead the agency as CEO and will also take on the role of partner at Orchestra.Orchestra, founded in 2022 following BerlinRosen's acquisition of Derris, rebranded from BerlinRosen Holdings earlier this year. With this latest addition, Orchestra now owns 10 agencies, having acquired eight since 2022. The firm has built a reputation as a leader in PR for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands like Everlane, Glossier, and Warby Parker.This acquisition reflects a growing trend of consolidation in the fashion PR industry. Fashion communications company The Independents has added five agencies to its portfolio in 2024, including The Sunshine Company, Bureau B??atrice, and Kitten Production. Meanwhile, The Lede Company acquired OBCM last year, showcasing a movement towards larger, more competitive PR conglomerates.

Edelman has promoted Anthony Chelvanathan to Global Creative Partner. As Edelman?ÇÖs first ever Global Creative Partner, Chelvanathan will work alongside Global Chief Creative Officer Judy John, driving creative excellence across the firm?ÇÖs top clients and greatest opportunities. He retains his Chief Creative Officer role for Edelman Canada.?Ç£The importance of creative excellence has never been greater. As generative AI leads to more and more content flooding the feeds, earning attention in culture has become critical for brands and companies,?Ç¥ says Judy John. ?Ç£Edelman?ÇÖs creative offering was built for this moment ?Çô we know the power of creativity in earning a brand?ÇÖs place in culture and solidifying its reputation. And with the incredible talent of Anthony Chelvanathan as Global Creative Partner we will continue to elevate our work for clients across the globe.?Ç¥Partnering with regional CCOs, Global ECDs and client teams, Chelvanathan will accelerate creative excellence across the business, focused on driving consistency of creative standards and elevation of the firm?ÇÖs work. In his nearly four years with Edelman, Anthony has helped teams focus on excellence in idea, execution and craft, leading to some of the agency?ÇÖs most recognized work that drive change for both business and society including IKEA?ÇÖs SHT Tax campaign, Allegra Airways and Dove #KeepTheGrey.?Ç£Being appointed to this role is very humbling and I?ÇÖm honoured to be championing idea-driven work that pushes our clients?ÇÖ business goals forward at an agency that understands the power of creativity in culture,?Ç¥ says Chelvanathan. ?Ç£I believe in the power of helping people be the best at what they do. This journey is proof that with the right combination of passion, hard-work, opportunity, and awesome people around you, nothing can stop you from getting to where you want to be. Even if your journey begins as a small Sri Lankan immigrant kid with big dreams.?Ç¥This announcement follows a stunning creative year for Edelman highlighted by its performance at the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, being named the Independent Agency of the Year on the Good Track, ranking second place for Independent Network of the Year and earning the firm's first Titanium Lion win, for DP World Move to -15.Chelvanthan has begun his new role effectively immediately, reporting to Judy John.

Media Mantra Group (MM Group), one of India's leading independent PR and integrated communications conglomerates, has announced the opening of its first international office in Dubai.This strategic expansion into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region marks a pivotal step in MM Group's journey to broaden its global reach and offer cutting-edge communication services to a diverse clientele.Over the past decade, Media Mantra Group has emerged as a powerhouse in India's competitive PR industry. Headquartered in Gurugram, with additional offices in Bangalore and Mumbai, the company boasts a team of 150 talented professionals. The Dubai office not only represents a new chapter for MM Group but also aligns with its goal of meeting the growing demand for sophisticated communication solutions in the MENA region.Commenting on the expansion, Udit Pathak, Founder Director of Media Mantra Group, said: "Expanding into Dubai is a significant moment for the Media Mantra Group. For over a decade, we?ÇÖve pushed the boundaries of strategic communications in India, and now we?ÇÖre ready to bring that expertise to this part of the world. I'm confident that this new chapter will enable us to foster even stronger relationships with global clients and partners. It?ÇÖs a proud step forward for our team, and we look forward to doing path-breaking work in the MENA region."Dubai's dynamic business environment and its role as a global hub for trade, media, and commerce made it the ideal location for MM Group?ÇÖs first overseas office. The Dubai branch will serve as a central hub for businesses across the MENA region, offering bespoke public relations, media relations, and integrated communications services tailored to regional needs.Pooja Pathak, Founder Director of Media Mantra Group, added: "The decision to establish a presence in Dubai comes from our desire to strengthen the services we provide to clients, especially those with a global outlook. As an organisation, we?ÇÖve always placed a premium on understanding cultural nuances and market dynamics, and this new office allows us to do that on a broader scale. We look forward to offering our unique blend of creative and data-driven communications to clients in this exciting market."This international expansion comes on the heels of several accolades for Media Mantra Group. The company was recently ranked as the third-fastest growing PR agency in AMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) by PRovoke Media?ÇÖs Global PR Agency Rankings 2024, and it previously earned the title of the second-fastest growing PR firm in the Asia Pacific and ninth-fastest globally.As MM Group continues to expand its global footprint, it remains committed to leveraging its communication expertise to foster meaningful connections and drive positive social impact. The Dubai office will play a key role in advancing the company?ÇÖs vision of becoming a global leader in the PR and communications industry, underpinned by its ethos of ABCs (Aggressive, Bold & Credible).

MSL Group Middle East, a prominent communications and PR agency within Publicis Groupe Middle East, has appointed Nadin Al-Alami as Business Lead for its Saudi Arabian operations. This move highlights MSL?ÇÖs commitment to expanding its presence in the Kingdom, where the team has experienced significant growth, tripling in size over the past year.In her new role, Nadin will lead the agency?ÇÖs efforts to drive growth, foster client relationships, and pursue new business opportunities in the Saudi market. Her interdisciplinary leadership experience will be critical in advancing Publicis Groupe?ÇÖs ?ÇÿPower of One?ÇÖ model, which integrates the company?ÇÖs diverse capabilities to deliver comprehensive client solutions.MacLean Brodie, CEO of MSL ME, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating: ?Ç£I?ÇÖm thrilled to welcome Nadin to lead our Saudi team. Her leadership, energy, and regional expertise are exactly what we need to continue growing in this dynamic market. Nadin's deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our clients will help us tell their stories at this pivotal time.?Ç¥Nadin Al-Alami brings over 20 years of experience in the GCC region, having held leadership roles at top agencies such as ASDA?ÇÖA Burson Marsteller, Wunderman Thompson, and most recently Horizon FCB, where she served as Managing Director. Her expertise spans a wide array of industries including financial services, healthcare, real estate, consumer goods, and sports. Nadin is widely recognized for her ability to craft and execute strategic omnichannel marketing campaigns that create meaningful customer experiences.Commenting on her new role, Nadin said: "I?ÇÖm excited to join MSL KSA and look forward to driving innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our goal is to strengthen partnerships and leverage the vast capabilities within Publicis Groupe to ensure long-term success in this fast-growing market.?Ç¥Nadin?ÇÖs track record of building strong relationships with key stakeholders, media, and influencers has earned her a reputation as a respected industry leader, known for delivering impactful communications strategies that align with both client and company objectives.

In our latest edition of our PR ACE column, spotlighting young PR leaders, we feature Mythily Nair, VP of Communications at UE LifeSciences. She shares communication strategies implemented to raise awareness about the company's mission and the unique challenges of discussing medical devices and cancer detection. Nair reflects on how her agency background has shaped her approach and recounts her experience navigating a communication crisis, including lessons learned. She also discusses anticipated trends in the medical devices industry regarding communication and branding, as well as balancing business results with creative branding and communication efforts, and more. UE LifeSciences is known for its innovative approach to early cancer detection. Can you share how the company differentiates itself in this critical space and what communication strategies you have implemented to raise awareness about UE LifeSciences and its mission?UE LifeSciences has been in the early detection game for well over 16 years. We operate like a startup, and have the mindset, the hustle and most importantly, an uncomplicated way of going about things. It?ÇÖs simple- cancer sucks. We can quite clearly see a catastrophe coming our way. Our founders spent a long time developing, implementing, and testing these solutions, and have had immense success in the B2G and B2B spaces. I think our approach in going patient access and comfort first, is what sets us apart from our competitors- we always wanted to ensure that the device reached the women, and that it wasn?ÇÖt the other way around. To ensure that this is effectively communicated, we?ÇÖve gone for a three-pronged approach- one, to maintain our very grassroots-level approach where screening camps and ensure coverage in vernacular newspapers; second, to plan the positioning of senior leadership as key opinion leaders in English dailies; and finally, trying new and innovative approaches partnering with docuseries houses like BBC Storyworks. We have some exciting projects coming up, so stay tuned! What unique challenges do you face when communicating about medical devices and cancer detection, and how do you overcome them?So many! For starters, there?ÇÖs an immense gap in REALLY educating the population about breast cancer. In the decades past, campaigns to associate the pink ribbon with Breast Cancer Awareness Day have succeeded in making pink synonymous with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Monuments light up around the world, but what do folks know about incidence rates? About chances of survival, if you find it early? About the current legislative conversations happening around the world surrounding breast tissue density? Most folks (including myself, until a few months ago) don?ÇÖt know about Triple Negative breast cancer, one of the deadliest types. Breast cancer awareness, unfortunately, has been packaged and sealed into a really pretty CSR project for large firms to spend their budgets on. But to say you support Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one thing- but you don?ÇÖt educate or help the populations around you know what they need to do. With medical devices, the problem is twofold. You want to explain the technology in a way that highlights the innovation, but also simplifies it for all audiences, regardless of their background. For both issues, we?ÇÖve found that the easiest way to tackle it, is simplify and story tell. Explaining breast cancer awareness sessions in vernacular languages, with simple imagery, or a treatment protocol interactively, with storytelling. We believe in telling universal stories that highlight a sense of community, and that when women feel a sense of community, they take everyone forward with them. Having experience in both agency and in-house roles, how do you think your agency background has influenced your approach to communications at UE LifeSciences?Agency shapes work ethic. With agency life, you had no time to get attached to a project or a pitch. If something doesn?ÇÖt work, you have to scrap it and move on to turn something around. I think that approach is what I?ÇÖve brought with me to UE LifeSciences- I remember telling my bosses early on that I will come up with ideas, we will try things out- if it works and you like it, great. If it doesn?ÇÖt, we scrap it and try again. All I asked for was the freedom to try and to experiment. I?ÇÖm really grateful that they?ÇÖve trusted me with the same. Can you share an experience where you had to navigate a communication crisis? What did you learn from that situation? What trends do you foresee in the medical devices industry, particularly in communication and branding, over the next few years?I think medical devices will have an overhaul in terms of communications and branding, leaning towards more transparent, consumer centric communications. With Millennials slowly becoming more financially stable, considering that they were the first of the internet generations, they are more media literate, and they will ask critical questions around efficacy, access and affordability, demanding transparency. It?ÇÖs an exciting time! What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career in communications and branding?Learn around it! I?ÇÖm fairly green myself, but I?ÇÖve always relied on my understanding of areas around communications (like sociology, politics, economics) to inform my communications and branding strategy. It?ÇÖs important to be well informed in today?ÇÖs world, so having a well-rounded perspective of why one strategy may work can ensure a holistic lens is applied when you pitch a campaign! How do you balance the need for business results with the creative aspects of branding and communication?That?ÇÖs a tough one. I generally to take a call in tandem with my founders and the needs they have operationally, but most of the time, I balance it by focusing on any pressing events or announcements we have in the next 6 months, and work backwards, allocating priority/importance to each event, and taking a call from there. I believe there?ÇÖs merit to a slow-burning brand building exercise. Can you share an experience where you had to navigate a communication crisis? What did you learn from that situation?Navigating a communications crisis is never easy. But from the ones I?ÇÖve experienced, here are a few valuable pieces of advice I?ÇÖve picked up in my time. In the event of a communications crisis, maintaining composure and strategic action are paramount. Based on experience, I recommend the following approach: Assessment and Strategy: Before initiating any external communication, take time to gather all relevant information and assess the situation's scope and severity. Develop a clear plan of action that can be communicated internally and externally. Accountability and Transparency: Prepare a preliminary statement acknowledging the issue directly and transparently. This demonstrates accountability and a commitment to addressing the situation. While working on a more comprehensive response, this initial statement can help manage immediate public perception. Remember, a well-managed crisis response can strengthen brand trust and reputation in the long run.

Dentsu has promoted Anindita Sarkar from Senior Director of Corporate Communications to Vice President of Brand & Communications, South Asia. She announced her new role on her LinkedIn profile.Sarkar held the position of Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Dentsu International for over nine years. Before joining the communications world, she worked as an Editor at various publication firms.

At the prestigious 24th Edition of the Dragons of Asia 2024 Awards held on October 18th in Kuala Lumpur, Tribes Communication, a leading integrated marketing communications agency, achieved remarkable recognition. In addition to being named India?ÇÖs top agency, it ranked at second in the continent. These distinct rankings are attributed to Tribes, in collaboration with its esteemed partners winning the coveted Blue Dragon for Best Campaign in India and Gold Dragons for Best Brand Loyalty Campaign and Best Marketing Discipline Campaign. In total, Tribes in collaboration with its partners, brought home eight prestigious awards, which also included two Silver, and three Black Dragon recognitions, apart from the above. The Silver Dragons were awarded for Best Product Launch and Best Use of Media, while Black Dragon honors were given for Best Brand Loyalty Campaign, Best Innovative Idea, and Best Small Budget Campaign.The Dragons of Asia Awards are renowned for recognizing the best marketing communications work across the APAC region, with a focus on creativity that drives tangible business results. Tribes Communication?ÇÖs triumph at one of Asia?ÇÖs most elite marketing communications?ÇÖ honors since 2000, reflects its dedication to producing groundbreaking campaigns across diverse sectors. Gour Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of Tribes Communication, said, "We are extremely happy to have been bestowed with this double honor at the Dragons of Asia 2024. This is a special moment for us as it is a celebration of our incredible campaigns that have earned accolades across different categories. It is a testament to the power of collaboration with our partners and clients and the hard work of our teams and has enabled us to deliver winning campaigns consistently.?Ç¥ The Dragons of Asia Director, Mike Da Silva, said, ?Ç£This year?ÇÖs international Judging Panels, representing 22 Countries, reported that the 24th Dragons of Asia Programme generated a quality of entries never seen before. Along with winning multiple awards ?Çô including the prestigious Blue Dragon for the best campaign in India, as well as Gold, Silver, and Black Dragon recommendations ?Çô Tribes ranked number one in India and second in Asia, making them standout agency of the year.?Ç¥