Adfactors PR and the Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) have awarded the 2025 Adfactors PR FCF Scholarship at the School of Communications & Reputation (SCoRe) to Chaarutha Arabind and Shrimoyee Sur. The scholarship, fully funded by Adfactors PR, is presented annually to two top students from the Adfactors PR FCF Scholarship competition. This year, the top five applicants presented their campaign briefs in person at the Adfactors PR Mumbai office, with winners selected based on their 20-minute presentations.The theme for the 2025 scholarship was “Mumbai Reimagined: Dreams in Sustainable Motion.” Students were required to create campaign briefs addressing Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) challenges in Mumbai, focusing on sustainability, inclusiveness, and climate resilience. They were tasked with selecting a focus area such as heritage preservation, affordable housing, or infrastructure, defining three Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for communication outcomes, and planning stakeholder engagement involving citizens, artists, and civil-society groups.Shrimoyee Sur’s campaign, titled Shards from the Crown: Mumbai’s Vanishing Heritage, proposed a multi-pronged approach to heritage preservation. Initiatives included highlighting risks to architecture from flooding, waste, gentrification, and large-scale construction. The campaign featured a 30-minute documentary on Mumbai’s vanishing heritage, advocacy for composting and waste segregation to reduce flood damage, mapping waterlogged areas to promote public-private infrastructure partnerships, and encouraging electric buses to minimize the impact of large transport projects on heritage sites.Chaarutha Arabind’s campaign, City of Dreams, City of Change, focused on citizen-led ESG initiatives. Projects included converting neglected city walls near heritage sites into carbon-capturing murals with QR codes to share sustainability and heritage stories, a gamified website encouraging green actions, partnerships with NGOs to integrate ESG into community events, and a ticketed comedy event to raise funds for green initiatives while promoting heritage preservation.The scholarship highlights the growing integration of sustainability and ESG principles into communications education and professional practice. Both campaigns demonstrate how students can combine creativity, technology, and community engagement to address urban challenges while promoting heritage and sustainability in Mumbai.The Adfactors PR FCF Scholarship continues to support the development of the next generation of communication leaders by providing a platform to apply classroom learning to real-world, sustainability-focused campaigns.

In order to meet the demands of its rapidly increasing portfolio and geographic footprints across India, PR Professionals (PRP), India’s leading integrated communications firm and the flagship of PRP Group, has strengthened its pan-India leadership by onboarding senior industry specialists across key markets, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Patna, and Vijayawada. These strategic hires of leaders with proven capabilities will fuel the growth across public relations, digital, and video production verticals. As part of this growth phase, PRP has added nearly 60 new professionals across 16 centres in India in the calendar year 2025.The key leadership appointments include Rajiv Sharma - AGM, Client Servicing & Media Relations, Patna. He joins PRP’s Patna office, bringing 25 years of experience in journalism. He was earlier associated with Dainik Jagran, overseeing media operations across 17 districts in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. An alumnus of Banaras Hindu University, he brings strong editorial insights, regional expertise, and a deep understanding of local media ecosystems.Dr. Gunna Karthik, as Project Lead, Vijayawada, Dr. Karthik, who holds a doctorate in Visual Communication from Andhra University, brings over 15 years of experience in media and public relations. His expertise spans visual storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and integrated project management. He will play a key role in strengthening the agency’s presence in Andhra Pradesh and the southern region. Ranjit Kumar Singh, General Manager, HQ (Gurugram). With two decades of experience across leading media houses such as India Today Group, Dainik Bhaskar, and Amar Ujala, Ranjit Kumar Singh joins PRP’s headquarters as General Manager. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), he brings strategic leadership capabilities that will drive client servicing and media excellence across national mandates.Sapana Yengua joins as Account Director – Mumbai with over 16 years of experience in corporate communications, brand strategy, content, and strategic media relations. She has worked across diverse sectors, including Education, BFSI, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Real Estate, and FinTech, delivering impactful PR and crisis management programs for leading brands. Sapana has previously worked with Adfactors PR, Concept PR, and Madison Public Relations and brings strong expertise in client servicing and new business growth.Dr Sarvesh Tiwari, Founder & Managing Director, shared, “I am delighted to welcome our new leaders to the PR Professionals family. Each of them brings deep expertise, strong regional insight, and an impressive track record of work. The year 2025 has been a period of exponential growth for PRP both in scale and capability, and these strategic appointments further fuel our momentum. As we continue to expand across geographies and service verticals, we remain committed to building a future-ready organization powered by exceptional talent and trusted by our clients.” Earlier this year, PRP also announced the appointment of Mayank Gaur as Creative Director, marking a significant boost to its creative and integrated communication capabilities. With over 30 years of experience, Mayank is a seasoned brand strategist, filmmaker, author, and creative leader who has worked with marquee brands including JK Cement, GAIL, Denver, Incredible India, Arunachal Pradesh Tourism, Sarovar Hotels, and more. He has led award-winning campaigns, including the iconic Chhutkau Painter and Phodu aur Jodu TVCs for JK Wall Putty. He has produced over 100 corporate films and documentaries for national and global organizations.PR Professionals has emerged as a leading player in the integrated communications space, with some of India's leading organizations trusting it with their integrated communications mandate.

For decades, PR has been measured in impressions, clippings, and “brand awareness.” But today, Cameo is rewriting the rules. The UAE’s leading performance PR agency has announced Performance PR 2.0, a bold, first-of-its-kind model that transforms PR from a visibility tool into a measurable revenue engine.In an industry where results have traditionally stopped at coverage, Cameo is pushing PR into entirely new territory.The Moment It All Changed Cameo first disrupted the region with a model where clients paid only for secured coverage: No retainers, no vague promises, no guessing. But as the agency grew, something unexpected began to happen: PR wasn’t just generating awareness. It was influencing buyer behaviour and directly driving sales.Footfall. Orders. Downloads. Signups. App usage.All off the back of PR moments.“That’s when it hit us,” says Lara Geadah, Founder & CEO of Cameo Comms. “PR was already driving conversions - we just hadn’t formalized the system that made it happen. Performance PR 2.0 is that system. It’s PR engineered for business impact.”Performance PR 2.0 isn’t an upgrade. It’s a reinvention.It’s built from Lara’s decade of experience across media, social media, events, and real estate, merging the strongest parts of every discipline into one unified model where PR doesn’t just spark attention… it drives action.A New PR Model Built for Business Outcomes Every Performance PR 2.0 partnership follows a rigorous, data-powered structure:It starts with a deep discovery phase, followed by a custom-built strategy for the brand’s category. Cameo then activates a blend of PR storytelling, branded moments, influencers, UGC content, strategic collaborations, and private previews - all crafted to influence behaviour and push consumers toward conversion.Each month, clients share sales or usage data, and Cameo uses it to refine and optimize the campaign, strengthening the commercial impact over time. Only brands that show clear potential are accepted - the program is application-based and highly selective to protect performance.What Performance PR 2.0 Looks Like in Action Unlike traditional PR, this model integrates multiple conversion mechanisms into a single storytelling engine - from UGC ads inspired by PR moments, to ticketed brand experiences, partnership outreach, influencer storytelling, private viewings, creator content, and targeted press designed to convert interest into action.This is PR that behaves like marketing - without losing the credibility of earned media.And the results speak for themselves.Herogo, a food-waste app, increased platform usage after Cameo combined influencers, UGC assets, and targeted partnerships into a PR-led adoption campaign. Quince, an F&B brand, saw a measurable sales lift within three months through curated events and creator-led promotions. And luxury and real estate brands have used the model to generate qualified leads through VIP previews and narrative-driven media features.A Revenue-Sharing Model That Aligns IncentivesPerformance PR 2.0 is priced with a flat management fee plus a commission on every sale. If clients grow, Cameo grows. If they don’t, the agency doesn’t benefit. It’s an accountability-first approach that challenges decades of PR tradition.“Brands don’t just want visibility anymore,” says Geadah. “They want proof. They want movement. They want impact. Performance PR 2.0 finally gives PR the commercial role it deserves.”

Eesha Maheshwari has joined K Raheja Corp as Assistant Manager – Corporate Communications. In her new role, Maheshwari will oversee a range of corporate communications functions, including external storytelling, internal communications, employer branding, CSR initiatives, and social presence management.Prior to joining K Raheja Corp, Maheshwari worked with JioStar as Assistant Manager – Corporate Communications, handling communication strategies for the Mumbai region. She also served as Senior Executive at Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd., managing corporate communications across entertainment clusters and campaigns, and contributed to ShareChat as Associate – Communications.Maheshwari began her career with Avian WE, holding positions from Account Executive to Senior Account Executive, before gaining experience in marketing and communications through roles at Shree Krishnam Jewellery, Eight Thousand Miles, Dot 'N' Dash Graphics, and The Srajan – India.Throughout her career, she has worked on PR strategy, content development, media relations, event management, influencer engagement, and brand strategy across sectors including entertainment, digital media, and corporate communications.Her appointment at K Raheja Corp marks a transition from the fast-paced entertainment industry to corporate communications in the real estate and infrastructure sector, bringing her diverse experience to a new organizational environment.

Nileema Mandal has stepped into a new role as Head of Public Relations at Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. She announced the move on LinkedIn, marking the start of this position in December 2025.Mandal brings nearly eight years of experience from Universal Communications, where she worked across Bollywood and Hollywood projects as well as independent talent. Her tenure there included roles as Public Relations Manager and Senior PR Manager, handling campaigns, talent relations, media strategy, screenings, city tours, digital promotions, crisis management and national media outreach. Her client and project portfolio covered actors, studios, and films across genres, along with major titles such as Brahmastra Part One: Shiva, Bhediya, Angrezi Medium, Manikarnika, Roohi, Dasvi, Street Dancer 3D, Khuda Haafiz and several Hollywood releases.Before Universal Communications, Mandal worked with Weber Shandwick, where she managed PR and communication for shows on Colors. Her responsibilities included planning PR strategy, managing talent and crisis situations, driving publicity, pitching stories and supporting brand visibility.She previously worked with MSLGROUP, handling PR for shows on Star Bharat and Life OK. Her work covered launch strategies, logistics for press events, promotions across cities, brand tie ups, media relations, competitor scanning and campaign planning. Her performance included leading the PR for the channel’s non fiction show Om Shanti Om.Her early experience spans roles at Wooplr, Purple Squirrel Eduventures, Vidyasagar Learning and Wickedleak, covering social media campaigns, market research, business development and PR representation.Mandal’s appointment marks her return to Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment in a leadership capacity after years of handling communication for the company’s projects through agency partnerships.

Shashwat Varma has stepped into the role of Head of Brand Communication Media at BMW India, returning to the automaker after a gap. He previously worked with the BMW Group from 2020 to 2022, managing press and corporate affairs as well as retail and experiential marketing communication.Before this move, he was at William Grant & Sons, where he handled brand marketing for Monkey Shoulder Whisky and Hendrick’s Gin.

Mumbai marketer Komal Malani walked away from a 14 year corporate run to launch her own brand consultancy, Branding You, and the announcement didn’t come from a press release. It came from her 7 year old daughter, Prisha, who recorded a short voice note to introduce the venture.The casual message, first shared on WhatsApp and then forwarded across social platforms, has turned into a launch campaign on its own. In the clip, Prisha introduces her mother’s new consultancy and asks listeners to support her journey in the simplest, most unpolished way possible.For Malani, who has spent years shaping brand narratives, the reaction became an unexpected lesson in what she wants Branding You to represent: honesty, clarity, and familiarity. She says she never imagined the audio would spread beyond close contacts.“It surprised me how far her message travelled. It reminded me that the loudest support often comes from home, not office corridors,” she says.The response from young founders, parents, and marketers also reflects a broader shift. Early stage businesses are increasingly leaning into low cost, authentic communication instead of expensive, overproduced launches. Malani’s experience shows how relatability can sometimes outperform traditional marketing muscle.Her belief remains simple. In a crowded market, brands that stay consistent, human, and real are the ones that will stand out.

Diana Monteiro has taken on a new chapter in her career, joining Hinduja Group Limited as Vice President – Branding & Communications. Sharing the update, she said she is “thrilled” to be part of the multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, which carries a 111-year legacy across sectors such as automotive, banking and finance, healthcare, media and entertainment, real estate, infrastructure, and energy in more than 100 countries.In her new role, Monteiro will lead reputation management and brand-building initiatives for the Group. She said she looks forward to shaping how the organisation connects with its stakeholders, communities, and global audiences. “As I embark on this new chapter, I look forward to collaborating and partnering with the best to build strategies that reflect the Group’s values and vision,” she shared.Monteiro brings close to a decade of senior communications and brand leadership experience. Most recently, she served as Vice President – Corporate Communications & Branding at Star Health and Allied Insurance, where she worked from February 2024 to December 2025, crafting communication strategy and strengthening the brand’s industry position.Before that, she was Chief Brand Storyteller at Shriram Finance Limited and Shriram Housing Finance for almost three years, focusing on digital marketing and brand storytelling. Earlier roles include Head of Public Relations & GM IR & CSR at Magma Fincorp (now Poonawalla Fincorp) and Associate Director – Corporate Communications & Investor Relations at Fitch Ratings, where she managed investor relations and marcom functions.Monteiro is currently based in Mumbai in her new role with Hinduja Group.

Vega Auto Accessories Ltd., managed by Scratchpad Digital has appointed Value 360 Communications Limited as its strategic PR and media relations partner. Value 360 has been onboarded through Scratchpad Digital as part of a newly established strategic collaboration. “We have always believed that true leadership goes beyond market share. It is about shaping conversations that contribute back to society and make it safe. As we enter our next phase of growth and advocacy, we need a Media Relations partner who combines great industry experience, flawless execution and has an instinctive understanding of the safety ecosystem. Value 360 Communications Limited demonstrated exactly that. We are confident this collaboration will help us reach more riders, influencers, and policymakers with messages that matter, while reinforcing Vega’s position as one of the most credible voices in Indian road safety.”, said Kunal Chandak, Director, Vega Helmets India (Vega Auto Accessories Ltd.)This partnership marks a significant step in Vega’s journey to further strengthen its leadership narrative as the country’s foremost advocate for rider safety while continuing to set global benchmarks in design and innovation. Manisha Chaudhary, Founder & Director, Value 360 Communications, commented, “Joining Vega Auto Accessories Ltd as an official partner is both an honour and a responsibility. For decades, the brand has been the gold standard in rider protection and trusted by millions of Indians with their lives every single day. We are thrilled to partner with a true category creator that has made safety aspirational. Through this partnership, we will amplify the brand’s extraordinary legacy, sharpen its equity as India’s no. 1 road safety brand, and ensure its stories of innovation, responsibility, and style resonate powerfully across every stakeholder segment.”

Ember Cookware, has appointed Communicate India (CI), one of the country’s leading integrated communications consultancies, as its Public Relations partner. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in Ember’s mission to bring clean, high-performance cookware to every Indian home and spark meaningful conversations about wellness, food, and lifestyle.With its proprietary Arcilla™ ceramic coating and Thermoclad™ technology, Ember has redefined how India cooks, offering toxin-free, high-performance, and beautifully designed cookware that is accessible rather than aspirational luxury. As Ember expands beyond metros into diverse regions and audiences, Communicate India’s deep understanding of India’s cultural and regional landscape will help the brand scale its voice and connect authentically with changemakers, creators, and households across the country.Siddharth Gadodia, Co-Founder & CEO, Ember Cookware, said:“India’s appetite for wellness-focused, high-quality kitchenware is growing rapidly, and Ember is proud to be at the forefront of this clean-kitchen movement. We’re not just building products; we’re shaping conversations about how India cooks and eats. Communicate India’s expertise in lifestyle and consumer brands, coupled with their ability to craft culturally resonant narratives across diverse audiences, makes them the ideal partner to amplify our mission and take our story nationwide.”Himanshi Tandon, Co-Founder & CMO, Ember Cookware, added:“Our goal has always been to make clean, high-performance cookware desirable and accessible for Indian households, from big cities to smaller towns. With their pulse on India’s evolving consumer landscape and a track record of shaping conversations for lifestyle brands, Communicate India will help us educate consumers on the benefits of toxin-free cooking and further position Ember as India’s go-to brand for modern, design-led kitchens.”Akshaara Lalwani, Founder & CEO, Communicate India, said:“Ember is a rare brand that combines form, function, and a genuine purpose. In just a short time, it has earned immense organic love and is already driving a cultural shift toward clean cooking. We’re inspired by Ember’s global outlook and its commitment to innovating for India, from its Innovation Lab to its strong industry backers. Our role will be to take this powerful voice to scale, build real conversations with the people shaping culture across the country, and help cement Ember’s position as a movement rather than just a cookware brand.”This partnership comes at a time when India’s premium cookware segment is undergoing a transformation, fuelled by rising home cooking, a heightened focus on wellness, and global culinary trends. With Communicate India’s expertise and Ember’s innovation-led approach, the collaboration aims to create high-impact campaigns that transcend luxury categories and resonate with a diverse spectrum of Indian consumers, from creative professionals to families building their first kitchen.

Allison Worldwide, part of Stagwell, hasbased in London and will oversee the agency’s operations across the region. His responsibilities include strengthening its regional presence and supporting clients at the executive level, along with developing capabilities in reputation management, stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, influencer work, analytics and marketing. He will report to Allison Global CEO Jonathan Heit.Lucas previously served as UK CEO at Hotwire and has held senior roles at Edelman, Ogilvy and Teneo. His client experience includes work with Meta, FedEx, McDonalds, Coca-Cola and Disney. Before entering consultancy, he worked as a journalist and producer at Sky News and the BBC. He has been listed in PRWeek’s PowerBook for the past seven years.Ray Day, executive chair of Allison Worldwide and vice chair at Stagwell, stated that Lucas’ appointment reflects the agency’s focus on strengthening its leadership and regional growth.Lucas said he is looking forward to working across the agency’s European teams and contributing to its future direction.Allison Worldwide is a communications agency offering global services in PR, influencer engagement, analytics and marketing. The company operates within Stagwell, a global marketing and communications network.

Varroc has appointed Namrata Parashar as its new Head of Marketing and Communications.Parashar brings close to two decades of experience across communications, media relations, corporate reputation building, and strategic marketing. She most recently served at TransUnion CIBIL Limited for more than sixteen years, holding roles including Assistant Vice President, Deputy Vice President, and ultimately Joint Vice President and Head of Communications. Her responsibilities spanned media relations, marketing communications, and stakeholder engagement.Before TransUnion CIBIL, she worked as Manager of PR and Communications at Gateway Terminals India, where she led communication planning, media outreach, branding initiatives, CSR campaigns, internal communication platforms, and speech and presentation development.Parashar began her career at Genesis Burson-Marsteller, where she handled key clients across technology, finance, tourism, and consumer sectors. Her work included developing PR plans, overseeing stakeholder programs, managing major events such as SAP Summit 2006 and Switzerland Tourism Roadshow 2007, and supporting national and regional communication campaigns.

Maars Communicates, one of India’s fastest-growing PR and communications agencies, has been appointed as the official communications partner for BabyOrgano, a leading Ayurvedic wellness brand for children. This announcement comes on the heels of BabyOrgano raising ?20 crore ($2.4 million) in a pre-Series A funding round led by RPSG Capital Ventures with participation from Sauce.vc.The fresh capital will fuel BabyOrgano’s expansion plans across product development, marketing, and scaling operations, with the brand targeting ?100 crore in revenue by FY27. With a community of over one million parents and an impressive 40% repeat purchase rate, BabyOrgano continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s most trusted names in holistic child wellness.Maars Communicates, a fast-rising communications powerhouse founded by siblings Mausam Shah and Aayush Shah. Maars Communicates has rapidly established itself as a dynamic force in strategic storytelling and brand reputation building.Mausam, a seasoned communications strategist, leads the agency’s narrative direction, while actor-entrepreneur Aayush Shah drives digital strategy and business growth. A PR agency with a robust and diverse team, Maars today manages communications for 50+ retainer clients across real estate, corporate, lifestyle, entertainment, and leading AI Studios and the creator economy platforms.With over a decade of experience, Mausam has spearheaded PR for leading brands and platforms, including:- MX Player (launch team)- EPIC Channel (Rebranding of the channel and their shows)- Major marquee IPs such as Lux Golden Rose Awards- Event Capital’s on-ground IPs including WindMill Festival, PetFed, and more- Social impact verticals of the Birla Group such as Mpower and Ujaas by Neerja Birla & Aditya Birla Education Trust- Communications for top kids’ consumer brand R for Rabbit, among othersMausam Shah, Founder & Director – PR, Maars Communicates, said, “BabyOrgano stands at the intersection of trust, tradition, and innovation. Their mission aligns perfectly with the purpose-driven brands we champion at Maars Communicates. We are excited to shape their narrative, amplify their vision, and elevate Ayurveda-led child wellness into mainstream conversations.”Aayush Shah, Co- Founder & Director – Digital & Business Development, Maars Communicates, says, “At Maars, we prioritise brands that create meaningful impact. BabyOrgano’s growth reflects strong values and deep consumer trust. We look forward to strengthening their reputation and leading high-impact storytelling as they expand across India.”Speaking about the partnership, Ripul Sharma, COO of Natureovedic Consumers Pvt Ltd said “As BabyOrgano makes strides in the kids’ care space, the strategic expertise of Maars Communicates will be an immense asset. BabyOrgano is a leading kids’ D2C health, wellness and personal care brand built on innovative, science-backed Ayurvedic products. Partnering with Maars Communicates enables us to leverage their deep experience and strong industry relationships, creating a powerful synergy that aligns with our vision for accelerated and impactful growth.”

Sorta Famous, a next-generation public relations and communications agency known for its culture-driven storytelling and modern brand-building strategies, today announced its official launch in India. The agency enters the market with a mission to redefine how brands earn relevance, influence conversations, and build authentic visibility in an evolving media environment.Founded by Nandini Mahant, Communications Strategist, Sorta Famous. Sorta Famous aims to bridge the gap between traditional PR and contemporary cultural influence. The agency will offer a comprehensive suite of services including brand communications, media relations, digital PR, thought leadership development, creator partnerships, reputation management, and launch strategies for emerging and established brands.“India’s communication landscape is transforming at an incredible pace, and brands today need more than conventional PR—they need cultural intelligence,” said Nandini Mahant, Founder of Sorta Famous. “Sorta Famous is created to help brands show up in ways that feel real, relevant, and resonant. We don’t just chase headlines; we build narratives that people genuinely care about.“At Sorta Famous, our approach is rooted in clarity, creativity, and credibility,” added Mahant. “Whether it’s shaping brand identity, amplifying voices, or driving meaningful visibility, we’re here to build influence that lasts—not hype that fades.”With its India launch, Sorta Famous aims to support high-growth startups, consumer brands, creators, and leaders seeking a strategic storytelling partner that blends editorial instincts with digital-era momentum.The agency will operate remotely across India with plans to establish on-ground teams in key metro hubs in the coming year.

Banana Republic has strengthened its leadership team in the United States with the appointment of Max McCormack as Senior Director of PR and Partnerships. In this role, Max will oversee the brand’s public relations strategy and guide its collaborations and partnership initiatives across the market.The move marks a focused push by the clothing and accessories brand to sharpen its communication efforts and build stronger external relationships.

NARS Cosmetics has introduced a series of updates within its communications team as it enters a new phase of the year. Hannah Rylands-Bolton, who leads Communications and Digital Engagement, has begun her maternity leave. Stepping in during her absence is Aylah Shabbir-Din, who will take on the role of Senior Communications and Digital Engagement Manager. She will be working closely with Rose Chabvuka, who continues in her position as PR Coordinator.The brand has also added new support to the department, with Ellie Priest joining as Interim Assistant Communications and Digital Engagement Manager. These changes ensure continuity across NARS’ PR and digital initiatives while the team transitions through this period.

Signature Global has appointed Imran Shaikh as the new General Manager for Marketing and Communication. He will report to Jayanta Barua, Head of Marketing Communications.Shaikh brings more than 17 years of experience in real estate marketing across Gurugram, Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. His background includes leading brand development, project launches, and integrated marketing campaigns in earlier roles at M3M India Pvt. Ltd., Mantra Properties DPL, Solitaire Group, and Kolte-Patil Developers Ltd.He holds an MBA in Marketing from the University of Wales, UK, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Marketing Analytics from SP Jain IMR, Mumbai. His work blends strategic planning with data-driven decision making.At Signature Global, Shaikh will focus on strengthening the company’s marketing and communication initiatives and supporting its expansion in the real estate market.

Tala Maass has announced her promotion to Senior Account Executive at Gambit PR & Communications, marking another step in her fast-paced communications career. She shared the update on LinkedIn, expressing delight at moving into the new role.Maass has been with Gambit PR & Communications for one year and five months. Before stepping into her new position in December 2025, she served as an Account Executive for seven months, following an eleven-month tenure as Junior Account Executive. Her association with the agency began even earlier through a full-time Public Relations Internship in 2023.Her career spans multiple international experiences across the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, and the United States. Before joining Gambit PR full-time, she worked with San Francisco State University as a Study Abroad and Exchange Student Assistant for three months in 2023.Maass also brings corporate communication experience from her six-month role as Corporate Communications Assistant at IMCD Group in Rotterdam. Prior to that, she worked as a Public Relations Assistant at MVRDV for eight months and gained early industry exposure as a Sportstyle Marketing Intern at Mizuno Corporation EMEA for six months.Across these roles, Maass has built a profile with skills in media planning, cross-channel marketing, and international media. Her promotion represents continuity in her journey through diverse communication environments and global markets.

The true strength of an organisation does not lie in its high-tech infrastructure, but in the people who turn dreams into goals and goals into achievements through their relentless dedication. A company’s foundation day marks not just a date on the calendar, but the beginning of a journey that shapes its identity. For PR 24x7, one of India’s leading regional PR agencies and North India’s most prominent regional PR agency, Foundation Day is a celebration of the steps that transformed a small one-room office into one of the country’s top regional communication firms.The organisation celebrated its Foundation Day with great enthusiasm, warmth and team spirit. A review meeting was also held to reflect on areas requiring improvement, so the team can polish their skills, overcome gaps, and strengthen PR 24x7’s work and reputation with renewed energy.As part of the celebrations, PR 24x7 honoured a group of exceptional employees who demonstrated not only hard work throughout the year, but also upheld the company’s values and contributed fresh energy to the organisation. The recognitions were divided into three major categories:Promotion CategoryEmployees who consistently excelled in performance and inspired the teams and skills were acknowledged. Awardees included:Ramprasad Jaiswal, Ankuj Rana, Rohit Dholiya, Tabish Badar and Ranu Bairagi.Newcomer of the YearThis category applauded talent that made a significant impact in a short span. Ishika Gour was recognised for her remarkable contribution.Star of the YearTeam members who showcased exceptional creativity, consistency, and commitment to the company’s mission and vision received this honour. Awardees included:Abhishek Vishwakarma, Shivani Tandon, Ankuj Rana, Narendra Vishwakarma and Vikas Rajora.Addressing the team, Dr Atul Malikram, Founder of PR 24x7, said:"Every small step eventually becomes history. 3rd December reminds us that dreams—big or small—can be achieved with determination. PR 24x7 is not just an organisation; it is a journey of learning, growth, and delivering excellence to our clients, the media and our team. The achievements we celebrate today are rooted in the trust placed in us. The employees honoured today are the true driving force behind our continued success. In the coming years, we aim to set new benchmarks in technology, innovation and quality."Tejaswini Gulati, Managing Partner, PR 24x7, added:"A company’s stability comes from its team and its consistency in delivering quality work. Over the years, PR 24x7 has proven that challenges can be transformed into opportunities through a united approach and persistent effort. The enthusiasm we witness on Foundation Day strengthens our collective resolve. We are committed to offering not just services, but strategies that elevate our clients’ brands. Whether it is regional communication or digital PR, excellence remains our focus."The awards were not merely performance-based but also recognised honesty, dedication, and the ability to stay positive and resilient under pressure—qualities that define PR 24x7. The celebrations concluded with a team dinner at a local restaurant, further strengthening the sense of unity and shared purpose. The team reaffirmed its commitment to client-first and media-first values—the pillars that have shaped the company’s journey.PR 24x7 has worked with hundreds of leading brands across entertainment, FMCG, lifestyle, technology, healthcare, non-profit, and corporate sectors. With a strong presence in more than 20 states, the company monitors over 1500 keywords daily, tracks 650+ newspapers and 50+ magazines, and continues to set new benchmarks in content, media intelligence and communication excellence.With decades of experience and one of the strongest regional media networks in the industry, PR 24x7 stands not merely as a company but as a trusted communication partner. Foundation Day 2025 sent out a clear message—PR 24x7 is committed to moving ahead with better technology, an exceptional team, and the unwavering trust of clients and media.

House of Communication, a fastest-growing PR & communications consulting firm, has been entrusted with the nationwide PR mandate for PropertyPistol, a leading technology-enabled real estate advisory platform. The partnership aims to advance stakeholder perception, scale media visibility across key markets and reinforce category leadership for PropertyPistol during its next phase of expansion.Under the new engagement, House Of Communication will architect a comprehensive reputation management roadmap, spanning corporate and business communications, consumer narrative building, product visibility, investor and industry engagement, and multi-format storytelling designed to align with PropertyPistol’s growth agenda. The collaboration is positioned to catalyse stronger mindshare within India’s competitive real estate landscape, leveraging data-backed insights, regional penetration, and strategic influence across mainstream and digital ecosystems.Positioned at the intersection of real estate intelligence and technology-led enablement, PropertyPistol continues to build differentiated value for homebuyers, channel partners, and developers. The evolving communication framework will focus on articulating this value proposition while strengthening market confidence and amplifying the brand’s voice across tier-I, tier-II and emerging high-growth corridors.Ashish Narain Agarwal, Founder & MD, PropertyPistol stated, “This association marks an important inflection point in our communication strategy as we scale our footprint and enhance our engagement with customers, developers and channel partners. We look forward to leveraging House Of Communication’s integrated expertise to build a credible and compelling narrative that mirrors our vision of transforming the real estate experience through innovation and trust.”Shivam Trivedi, Director, House Of Communication said, “PropertyPistol represents a future-forward shift in how Indian real estate connects with its stakeholders, and we are committed to crafting high-precision communication frameworks that elevate the brand’s strategic priorities. Our focus will remain on strengthening visibility, enhancing competitive positioning and creating sustained market influence.”The partnership is effective immediately, covering corporate reputation, brand storytelling, thought leadership and media relations across national and regional markets.

Authored by: Upasna Dash, Founder & CEO, Jajabor Brand ConsultancyYou founded Jajabor at a time when the PR and communications landscape was already crowded. What gap did you see in the ecosystem that made you confident there was room for a new kind of consultancy?When I started Jajabor, I kept hearing the same thing everywhere. There were many agencies and a lot of noise, but very few partners who helped founders feel and sound like themselves. The real gap was that communication was treated as a support service rather than strategy. Startups were growing at a fast pace but their story was scattered across product, marketing and operations. Everyone was speaking but no one was leading. I built Jajabor to solve this. We treat narrative as a design problem and bring strategy, storytelling and communication into one system. This gives brands coherence instead of confusion. That is where the real opportunity was and it still exists. Working closely with high-growth startups and new-age brands, what do you find they struggle with most when it comes to building their narrative in the early stages? Founders know their vision deeply, but they struggle to express it in simple language that others can remember. Early teams are busy with product, hiring and growth. Narrative work is often pushed aside and by the time they enter the market, the world has already formed an opinion with very little information. The core issue is alignment. Founders mean one thing, teams say another and the market hears something else. Early narrative work gives the company a strong centre of gravity. It creates a clear guide that shapes every message, every decision and every hire. When this is done well, scale does not break the story. You often speak about founders needing to “own their story” before the startup scales. What does that truly mean in practice, and why does it matter for long-term reputation? Owning your story means you take control of how your company is understood. It is not about polishing a hero journey. It is about being clear about your intent, your values and the promises you do not compromise on. In practice, it means founders must spend time writing down the company’s point of view and testing it until it is simple and memorable. It also means using that clarity to guide every communication and every decision. When you own your story, people can predict how you will show up and that creates trust. When you do not, the market fills the silence and that version is very hard to correct later. Traditional PR still chases media visibility, but you emphasise “designing influence”. How is this approach changing the way brands build trust and recall today? Visibility without substance fades quickly. Designing influence focuses on the experience people have with your brand at every touchpoint. This includes the product, customer support, what the founder says in public and how the team behaves on social platforms. Influence is built through a consistent voice and a steady point of view that you keep showing up for. People trust brands that behave the same way wherever they appear. When that happens, the audience remembers your story in the same way even when you are not present. That is the new measure of trust.Many fast-moving companies face communication challenges before they even reach a crisis. What early signals should founders watch for, and how can they crisis-proof their narrative proactively? Most crises begin with small warning signs. Teams share mixed messages. Customers feel the product promise does not match their experience. Leaders change their tone every other week. These are early signals and they are important. The best way to prevent a crisis is to create internal clarity first. Set narrative guardrails and keep communication open inside the company so issues surface early. When something goes wrong, speak soon and speak simply. Silence allows speculation to grow. The biggest protection during a difficult moment is a strong track record of behaving as you say you will. That creates space to fix things without losing trust. With AI transforming content, workflows and even media ecosystems, what does the new PR playbook look like for startups trying to stand out in an AI-first world? AI changes the speed and scale of how content moves. It does not change the purpose of communication. The new playbook begins with clarity. Brands must know what they stand for before they amplify it. The second pillar is authenticity. People immediately sense what feels artificial. The third is agility. Brands must respond with speed and emotional intelligence. Using AI to help with research and distribution but keeping the intent human. Technology can amplify our message, but it cannot define our values. That is the job of founders and communication leaders.As a founder building an agency in such a dynamic space, what’s the one piece of advice you would give to future communication leaders who want to shape the next decade of storytelling? Focus on impact, not impressions. Spend time listening to people. Listen to customers, teams and critics. The strongest communication leaders understand sentiment before they shape a message. Build range by learning strategy, content behaviour and crisis judgement. Above everything, lead with honesty. Truth creates trust in a world where everything else can be scaled. Leaders who carry clarity and courage will shape how organisations earn trust in the next decade.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and theprpost.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.

Google has appointed The Mavericks as its communications partner in India across all business lines, except Google Cloud. With this development, The Mavericks becomes the primary agency managing Google’s media interactions in the country.Founded in 2018 by Chetan Mahajan, The Mavericks focuses on integrated communications aimed at creating long-term brand impact. Mahajan brings more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, leading large mandates, and advising senior leaders on brand reputation management.The agency places emphasis on working with a limited number of clients while building strong, meaningful relationships. Its approach centers on ideas and strategies designed to keep brands relevant and connected to their audiences.With its new mandate from Google India, The Mavericks will manage media engagement and support the company’s ongoing communication efforts across the market.

Edelman has appointed Pooja Rawat as its chief strategy officer for the Asia Pacific region. She joins the communications firm from MullenLowe Lintas and will be based in Mumbai.Rawat brings 18 years of experience in brand strategy across India, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and China. Over her career, she has worked on brands such as Axis Bank, Tata Motors, Saridon, Supradyn, Godrej, PhonePe, Jeep, Vim and Lifebuoy.At Edelman, she will focus on strengthening the firm’s strategic capabilities across the region and working with teams to support clients in diverse markets. The company stated that her appointment aligns with its ongoing efforts to enhance strategic consulting and reinforce its regional leadership.

str8bat, India’s leading sports technology innovator transforming how cricketers measure and improve performance through data-driven insights, has awarded its communications and public relations mandate to CPR Global.Under this partnership, CPR Global will lead media relations and stakeholder engagement for str8bat across India, supporting the company’s growth and visibility within the rapidly expanding sports technology ecosystem.Founded in 2018 by Gagan Daga, Rahul Nagar, and Madhusudan R, str8bat is a sports technology company providing real-time data analytics for athletes. Its flagship innovation — a smart bat sensor (str8bat Classic) and the newly launched AI-powered str8bat Pro — enables players to access real-time insights on bat speed, bat path, impact zones, and more, helping them refine their technique with precision.str8bat has partnered with top institutions, including Cricket Australia, Rajasthan Royals, and elite academies across India. The company was the Official Skilling Partner for Rajasthan Royals during the 2025 IPL season, integrating its technology into the team’s scouting and development systems. The brand is endorsed by legendary cricketers Kiran More and Greg Chappell, reinforcing its credibility within the global cricketing community. str8bat recently announced its official expansion into 10 countries, including India, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and Trinidad & Tobago, among others. Through this expansion, str8bat aims to empower young athletes worldwide.Backed by Exfinity Venture Partners, TRTL Ventures, Sadev Ventures, Techstars, and SucSEED Indovation Fund, str8bat stands as one of India’s most promising and well-funded sports tech ventures.Commenting on the association, Gagan Daga, Co-founder and CEO of str8bat, said, “At str8bat, we’re building technology that’s transforming how cricketers understand and enhance their game. As we scale our impact and global presence, we’re excited to partner with CPR Global to strengthen our communication strategy and share our vision with a wider audience.”Chaitali Pishay Roy, Founder of CPR Global, added, “It’s inspiring to witness such game-changing innovation emerging from India. By bringing advanced technology and AI into cricket, str8bat is not just enhancing the sport — it’s creating an entirely new category within the sportstech landscape. Being part of this journey and helping take a breakthrough product from India to consumers across the world is a remarkable opportunity. I’m genuinely excited that CPR Global gets to work alongside str8bat, because the chance to help build a new global category from India is something few are fortunate to experience.”CPR Global is a strategic communications consultancy that specialises in building brand narratives, strategic storytelling, stakeholder engagement, media relations, influencer marketing, and personal branding. The firm works with leading brands across AI, drone technology, healthcare, healthcare technology, venture capital, retail, and D2C sectors, helping them build visibility, credibility, and long-term reputation.The partnership between str8bat and CPR Global brings together sports innovation and communication excellence, setting the stage for enhanced brand visibility and engagement across India.

Omnicom’s takeover of Interpublic last week has pushed Chris Foster into one of the most influential roles in global communications. Already leading Omnicom Public Relations Group since 2021, he will now guide the combined PR operations of the newly merged holding company.The move brings Interpublic’s flagship PR agencies — Weber Shandwick, Golin and Porter Novelli — into the same network as Omnicom’s FleishmanHillard and Ketchum. All of them will now operate under Foster’s leadership as the two groups come together.A major part of his mandate is to bring the expanded roster onto Omni, Omnicom’s data and intelligence platform that will sit at the heart of the merged communications offering. His job spans aligning workflows, unifying capabilities and smoothing the transition for teams across both companies.The consolidation is being viewed as one of the biggest structural resets in the communications industry in years. With clients placing heavier emphasis on measurable results, AI-driven insights and quicker campaign turnaround, Foster’s expanded remit arrives at a pivotal moment.By stepping into this enlarged leadership role, Foster shifts from running Omnicom’s PR businesses to managing a far broader, cross-holding company network. The merger effectively reshapes the scale and configuration of global PR services, putting him at the centre of its next chapter.

Kaivalya Communications is pleased to announce the appointment of Nitin Trivedy as Vice President & Business Head. With over 25 years of professional experience, Nitin brings strong leadership and a deep understanding of Marketing Communications (MarComm), Corporate Communications (CorpComm), Marketing, and Sales across multiple sectors. Nitin has worked with leading organisations including Pinch, Telenor (India) Communications Pvt. Ltd., Aircel, Idea Cellular, The Times of India, and The Indian Express. Over the years, he has held senior management roles and contributed significantly to brand building, business expansion, and strategic communication across diverse markets. He holds a strong academic foundation in business and communications, which has supported his extensive and multi-sectoral professional journey. Expressing his happiness Nitin Trivedy said, “I am truly excited to join Kaivalya Communications. The agency’s vision, culture, and commitment to delivering impactful communication solutions resonate strongly with me. I look forward to leveraging my experience in MarComm, CorpComm, Marketing, and Sales to contribute to the organisation’s growth and to create meaningful value for our clients.” Vishal Mishra, Founder & Director, Kaivalya Communications said, “We are delighted to welcome Nitin to our leadership team. His two decades of experience with top organisations and his broad expertise in MarComm, CorpComm, Marketing, and Sales make him a perfect fit for this role. We are confident that his vision and leadership will significantly strengthen our capabilities and national operations.”

Bharti Airtel has appointed senior journalist Romit Guha as its Head of Corporate Communications. In this position, he will oversee the company’s external and internal communications strategy.Guha shared the news of his appointment through a LinkedIn post, noting that he has moved to the corporate sector after nearly 28 years in journalism. He stated that he joined Bharti Airtel on November 10 to lead communications at one of India’s largest companies by market value.He also expressed appreciation for the company’s leadership, acknowledging the trust placed in him to manage the organisation’s communication function.Guha’s journalism career spans more than 28 years, including 12 years at The Economic Times. He has also worked with The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones Newswires, Thomson Reuters, and other media organisations. His background includes experience in reporting, editing, and strategic communication roles.Airtel’s appointment of Guha reflects the company’s focus on strengthening communication as the telecom sector continues to evolve with ongoing digital developments.

Kinshuk Gupta has joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as Chief Communications Officer, effective November 2025. He brings with him a wealth of experience in corporate communications, having most recently served as Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications at Bharti Airtel from September 2022 to December 2025. Prior to Airtel, Kinshuk held senior communications and corporate affairs roles at GSK Consumer Healthcare India, leading corporate communications and CSR initiatives across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. His responsibilities there included shaping leadership narratives, managing listed entity communications, driving supply chain and brand communications, and aligning with global and regional teams to cascade key messaging. Over his career, he has gained extensive exposure across industries, from consumer healthcare and FMCG to telecom, combining agency experience with in-house corporate communications leadership. At TCS, he is expected to lead global communications efforts, strengthen corporate narratives, and enhance stakeholder engagement, leveraging his diverse experience to support the IT giant’s business and brand objectives. This appointment reflects the growing importance of strategic communications in India’s leading technology companies, where clear and consistent messaging plays a crucial role in reputation, employee engagement, and market positioning.

Media Mantra Consulting, the global public relations and integrated communications arm of the Media Mantra Group, has announced the appointment of Eslam Al Toom as Head of its Influencer Marketing wing. The appointment reinforces the agency’s strategic vision to build an extensive suite of services for brands across the Middle East, further strengthening its presence in the UAE while advancing its latest expansion into Saudi Arabia.With over eleven years of extensive industry experience, Eslam brings a deep understanding of the digital and influencer ecosystem in the region. He has previously worked with prominent organisations, including iCubeswire and Noon, where he played a central role in building influencer-led strategies and ensuring seamless campaign execution. He specialises in campaign planning, data analysis, and relationship management that have consistently driven impactful outcomes for brands in the region.This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Media Mantra Consulting, which has quickly established its Dubai office as a trusted communications partner for regional and international clients. The firm’s expertise in public relations, digital communications, and influencer marketing has supported leading brands in achieving greater visibility and meaningful audience engagement. Eslam’s leadership will further refine this practice, ensuring data-backed influencer collaborations that align with brand goals and regional trends.  Udit Pathak, Founder Director of Media Mantra Consulting, said, “Eslam’s appointment marks another milestone in our mission to build a future-ready communication agency in the Middle East. His proven experience in the influencer marketing space complements our broader strategy to offer holistic communication solutions that address the evolving needs of our clients. Influencer collaborations have become an integral part of brand storytelling today, and with Eslam on board, we aim to deliver campaigns that are not only creative but also rooted in measurable business impact. As we continue to expand into Saudi Arabia, his expertise will add significant strength to our regional operations.”Eslam Al Toom, Head of Influencer Marketing at Media Mantra Consulting, said, “I am excited to join Media Mantra Consulting and lead its influencer marketing initiatives at such an exciting stage of its growth in the Middle East. The region presents a lot of opportunities for brands to connect with audiences through creative collaborations. The agency’s integrated approach and focus on building credible brand voices align perfectly with my own professional philosophy. I look forward to contributing to its vision while working with our partners and clients to deliver value through strategic, data-driven campaigns.”Media Mantra Consulting remains focused on its commitment to offering a wide range of communication and marketing services that support clients across sectors. With a growing team and service portfolio in the MENA region, the agency continues to combine strategic thinking with creative execution to help brands communicate their stories with authenticity and clarity.

Idea Farm, the UK born creative PR consultancy, has expanded its footprint to the UAE following a string of widely discussed viral campaigns for GymNation. The agency is bringing its social first earned media approach to regional brands and agencies, led by founder and creative director Lewis Davey, who has been steering the consultancy for six years.The company’s model has been built around bold creative thinking, digital culture insights and a system designed for today’s media climate, where social platforms heavily influence what becomes newsworthy. Idea Farm specialises in white label creative and earned media strategies for PR, advertising and social agencies, while also working directly with brands.The consultancy’s methodology is rooted in how modern stories spread. Social reactions, comments and engagement serve as the starting point for campaign development, with viral momentum shaping the earned media narrative. Through its collaboration with TikScript, its TikTok focused partner agency, Idea Farm builds concepts that are designed for social traction and then leverages online response to fuel press coverage.The agency’s work with GymNation has already demonstrated the impact of this model. Idea Farm crafted attention grabbing campaigns including temporarily removing weights from gyms to highlight mental wellbeing and a London outdoor campaign encouraging people to escape rising street crime by learning self defence in Dubai. These initiatives reinforced Idea Farm’s reputation for disruptive creativity anchored in cultural conversation.In the UAE, Idea Farm plans to operate with a collaborative structure, supporting agencies or acting as an extension of in house teams. Alongside GymNation, the consultancy also works with DrivenFlex, the UAE’s first Uber inspired bus service developed in partnership with the RTA. Two additional clients are expected to be revealed before the end of the year.With operations based in Barsha Heights, Idea Farm intends to expand its team with new hires at the beginning of 2026 as demand grows across the region. Its white label creative offering is already active across the UK, US and Australia.Davey also leads Pixel, positioned as the first AI influencer talent management agency, which helps brands engage with existing AI creators, build custom AI talent and develop campaigns around them. Pixel is scheduled to launch in the UAE in early 2026.

The Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES), the country’s first industry-led Self-Regulatory Organisation created by and for the gold industry has appointed boutique firm Actimedia PR & Digital as its pan-India communications and digital partner. IAGES is a self-regulatory organisation that’s building compliances by & for the industry, by adopting best practices verified by a third-party assessor and assuring & ensuring & ensuring Trust and Transparency in the entire gold value chain. “IAGES is an industry-led initiative, first-of-its kind organisation in India that will reshape our gold industry with its standard code of conduct built on the tenets of credibility, authenticity and responsibility. For both retailers and consumers, this marks a turning point in the way India sells and buys gold. We are delighted to have Actimedia use their extensive brand building expertise to partner us through this journey,” said Kaushlendra Sinha, CEO, IAGES.Actimedia PR & Digital is a leading boutique lifestyle communications agency that has worked with some of the biggest and most impactful brands in India and globally for almost three decades now. Actimedia is also the exclusive Indian representative at the global Travel Lifestyle Network (TLN).“IAGES has just begun an incredible journey to change the landscape of India’s highly fragmented yet hugely potential gold sector for the better with its accreditation directive. We look forward to building an engaging narrative for the brand and amplifying its vision and mission across India.” Said, Amitabh Saksena, Founder & Director, Actimedia PR & Digital.IAGES provides a trusted sign of assurance, transparency, and trust once a jeweller is accredited and found compliant, giving consumers complete confidence that it is a great place to buy.

The Public Relations Council of India, one of the country’s most influential platforms for communications and reputation management professionals, has appointed Baldev Raj, Founder & CEO of Prius Communications, as the ‘Vice Chairman’ of its Delhi Chapter.The appointment comes at a time when the communication function in India is undergoing a profound shift. Institutions today operate in an environment defined by hyper-accelerated information flow, increasing public scrutiny, and a rising demand for clarity, accountability, and trust. In response, PRCI is strengthening its leadership bench to guide the profession through this transition — ensuring communicators are equipped to navigate complexity with both skill and responsibility.Under its renewed strategic direction, PRCI aims to reinforce the linkages between communication professionals, public institutions, industry leaders, and academic ecosystems. The Delhi Chapter, owing to the city’s policy influence and institutional density, is being positioned as a centre for knowledge leadership and research, ethical and transparent reputation management, Technology-enabled communication practices, AI-driven capacity building and talent development for the next generation of communicators.Baldev Raj’s appointment is too aligned with this broader mandate — bringing industry experience, sectoral diversity, and a practitioner’s understanding of how communication shapes public trust and organisational reputation.M. B. Jayaram, Chief Mentor & Chairman Emeritus, PRCI, said, “As communication moves closer to the centre of decision-making — whether in governance, healthcare, business, or public life — PRCI needs leaders who understand the full arc of this responsibility. Baldev has worked at the intersection of these spaces for more than two decades. He has built teams, institutions, and systems that place credibility and strategic rigour at the forefront.What stood out for us is not just the scale of his experience, but the consistency with which he has contributed to the profession — mentoring young professionals, guiding organisations through complex communication challenges, and advocating for higher standards of practice.We see his appointment as an important step in strengthening PRCI’s Delhi Chapter and accelerating our mission to develop communicators who can operate confidently in an increasingly complex communication environment.”Baldev’s career spans over 25 years across healthcare, Finance & Banking, Start Up, technology, education, infrastructure, public policy communication, and development sectors. As Founder & CEO of Prius Communications, he has built one of India’s most respected integrated communication firms with 12+ offices, 80+ partner networks, and 2,000+ campaigns across industries.In addition to his entrepreneurial role, Baldev has been an active contributor to India’s communication discourse. He has spoken at 2000+ platforms, authored over 1800 thought pieces and mentored 5,000+ professionals and students — making his presence felt across both industry and academia.Baldev Raj, ‘Vice Chairman’, PRCI Delhi Chapter, said, “I am pleased to take on this responsibility and grateful for the trust PRCI has placed in me. This is an important moment for our profession. The expectations from communication — whether from the public, from institutions, or from industry — have grown significantly.I look forward to working with the Delhi Chapter to build programmes that strengthen professional capability, deepen cross-sector dialogue, and prepare young communicators for a landscape that demands both precision and purpose. I am committed to contributing meaningfully to PRCI’s growth and to the development of a more responsible communication ecosystem.”With this leadership transition, PRCI Delhi is positioned to play a defining role in shaping India’s communication priorities — strengthening collaboration across stakeholders, advancing ethical communication practices, and supporting the country’s readiness for an information environment where credibility is the foundation of trust.

Ethane Web Technologies, a trusted name in the world of digital marketing, takes pride in announcing the official launch of the groundbreaking all-in-one site, “PR Companion.” This comprehensive site, launched, features a suite of innovative Public Relations Services designed to help brands build meaningful connections and drive tangible impact in today’s ever-evolving digital landscape. The website is a one-stop destination for all public relations needs, and will offer a detailed look at Ethane Web Technology’s strategic approach to public relations. The site will also integrate traditional media relations with modern digital storytelling to enhance brand visibility. Recognizing that effective PR is about creating a long-lasting impact rather than just making noise, this agency focuses on data-driven strategies to ensure brands define deep and clear messages to achieve measurable results. “We’ve developed PR Companion with a simple yet powerful belief: that every brand has a story to tell, and the right way narrative can spark movements, shape perceptions, and drive positive business results,” said Lalit Sharma, founder and CEO of Ethane Web Technologies and Ranking By SEO. “Our full-fledged website will reflect our strong commitment to offering cutting-edge PR solutions that go beyond traditional methods. We’re not just keeping up with the time. Our site is built for what’s next - AI-driven insights, captivating storytelling, seamless integration across every digital channel, and what not. We’re redefining PR for the future - where data will meet creativity and every brand narrative will be powered by advanced technology”, Sharma added with a futuristic approach and a mission to reshape today’s PR landscape. Key Features PR Companion Will Offer: Crisis Communication: Offering professional support to navigate and manage sensitive situations to protect their clients’ brand reputation.Digital Storytelling: Leveraging modern digital storytelling to create compelling brand narratives that stand out. Media Relations: Establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with media outlets and top journalists to secure positive press coverage and showcase their clients’ brands in the best possible light online. Strategic Communication Planning: Developing targeted communication strategies to ensure a brand’s message effectively reaches the right audience. Press Release Distribution: Creating and distributing press releases to highlight brand achievements and make major announcements. With over 15 years of experience and a track record of successfully serving more than thousands of brands, Ethane Web Technologies is set to help brands achieve their PR and branding goals. The multi-functional website will serve as a central hub to offer detailed explanations of modern PR services. Ethane Web Technologies invites potential clients to come explore their comprehensive PR hub and learn how they can elevate their brand presence and successfully achieve their communication goals. 

 Titan Intech Limited, a leading innovator in Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) for OEM/ODM solutions and advanced embedded systems, announced a strategic technology partnership with Seoul-based Media Information Communication Co., Ltd. (MIC), a renowned Korean display technology company. The collaboration focuses on co-developing and localizing advanced LED, SMD, MiP, Mini-LED, and LCD display control systems in India, paving the way for import substitution and self-reliance in the high-performance display technology segment. This partnership will see a phased investment of approximately ? 135 crore (USD 1.53 million) over the next 7 years toward technology absorption, infrastructure expansion, and localized production of advanced display modules and control systems. Under the agreement, MIC will transfer comprehensive design documentation, hardware and firmware packages, and software licenses required for LED control and calibration tools to Titan Intech. This includes the mLED Master Suite (Standard, Premium, and 4K versions), a seven-year, non-exclusive license (2025–2032) that covers production and calibration tools for SMD and Mini-LED systems. Speaking on the collaboration, Kumarraju Rudraraju, Managing Director, Titan Intech Limited, said, “This partnership represents a defining moment in Indias journey toward technological self-reliance. By integrating Korean innovation with Indian engineering, we aim to build a globally competitive base for advanced display technologies. The initiative aligns strongly with the Government of Indias Make in India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat programs, reducing imports, enhancing domestic value addition, and creating export-ready products for global markets.” The collaboration also encompasses joint development of FPGA/SoC-based LED control systems, Android controller boards for interactive LCD displays, and IP-based Passenger Information Systems (PIS) for airways, railways, and metro networks, extending Titan Intechs technological capabilities into critical public and commercial infrastructure segments.As part of the arrangement, Titan Intech will receive exclusive manufacturing and commercialization rights for India and non-exclusive research and development rights globally, enabling the company to build and export India-engineered display solutions under its TitanView and TitanPro brands.

Vikram Solar has appointed Sramana Chakraborty Sengupta as assistant general manager communications. She steps into the role after nearly a year with Flying Man Ventures, where she served as head AVP marketing and public relations.At Flying Man Ventures, she led brand building, PR strategy and communication initiatives focused on growth and partnerships. Before that, she worked with Bandhan Bank for more than five years in multiple marketing and brand leadership roles, including managing brand strategy, media planning and the launch strategy for the bank’s credit card portfolio.Her earlier experience spans communications and brand management across Srei, ABP Group, Perfect Relations, Genesis BCW, and several internships with media and communications organisations including MSL, The Statesman and Bennett Coleman and Co.In her new role at Vikram Solar, she will oversee communication strategy, brand messaging and stakeholder engagement for the company.

ANAND Group India has appointed Mohua Mandal as Senior General Manager and Head Group Communications. She stepped into the role in November 2025 and will oversee the organisation’s communications strategy across platforms from its headquarters in New Delhi.Mandal brings close to two decades of experience in corporate communications, brand management, marketing and digital PR. Before joining ANAND Group India, she led global marketing and communications at Varroc, managing the brand’s presence across India, Europe, Japan and China. During her tenure, she handled integrated communication strategies and steered major initiatives including Varroc’s debut at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2024.Prior to Varroc, Mandal served as Vice President and Head of Brand, PR and Corporate Communication at Poonawalla Fincorp, where she managed PR, ORM, ATL and BTL marketing, content, thought leadership and internal branding functions. She has also worked with Credit Saison India and held a significant leadership stint at Bajaj Finserv, where she drove group level communication, media relations, financial communication, marketing and digital initiatives.Her earlier roles include heading communications for Max Life Insurance’s media and operations portfolio, and managing national level corporate communication for Bajaj Finance. Mandal began her communications career at Cairn Oil and Gas, handling corporate communications, media relations, CSR and digital marketing.She has also spent time as a visiting faculty at FLAME University, contributing to communication and presentation skill development.At ANAND Group India, Mandal is set to work closely with internal teams and partners to strengthen the group’s brand presence, integrate strategic communication efforts and support the organisation’s overall narrative building.

Adfactors PR has reported a significant role in India’s capital market activity over the past 45 days, during which 25 companies were listed on the stock exchanges. According to the firm, it supported public awareness efforts for 16 of these IPOs, representing roughly 80 percent of the more than ?70,000 crore raised in this period.The firm’s mandates included issuances linked with multinational corporations, four unicorn IPOs, and what it identifies as the largest NBFC IPO in the country. Adfactors PR also handled several offerings where pre-IPO reputation-building programs were part of the communication strategy.The work drew on multiple verticals within the organisation, including public relations, investor relations, digital, content, ESG, experiential and advertising teams.Adfactors PR expressed appreciation for the confidence shown by clients, and acknowledged the collaboration with investment bankers, legal advisors, and other market participants. The firm also credited its teams across offices for their coordinated execution throughout the concentrated IPO window.

Value 360 Communications Limited announced today that it has received an in-principle approval from the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) for the listing of its equity shares on the Emerge Platform of NSE (NSE Emerge), subject to the Company meeting all regulatory requirements and completing the necessary formalities.The in-principle approval marks an important regulatory milestone following the filing of the Company’s Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP). This approval does not represent a confirmation of the issue, nor does it indicate any approval of the securities offered. Final approval will be subject to the Company filing the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP), Prospectus and fulfilling all conditions prescribed by NSE and SEBI.Value 360 Communications is an integrated communications company working with brands across public relations, digital communications, creative strategy, and reputation management. The Company’s proposed listing aims to support its long-term vision of strengthening capabilities across its group entities and expanding its service ecosystem.Kunal Kishore, Chairman and Managing Director of Value 360 Communications Limited, said,“We acknowledge the in-principle approval granted by NSE. This is a procedural step in the overall regulatory process, and we remain focused on fulfilling all compliance requirements in line with the applicable guidelines.”The Company will continue to adhere to all disclosure norms as required under SEBI and Exchange regulations. Any further updates will be communicated through the appropriate statutory channels.Mandatory DisclaimerThis announcement is being made in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines. The in-principle approval granted by NSE should not be considered as an approval for the securities or an indication of the merits of the Company, its promoters, or the issue. The listing will be subject to the Company fulfilling all regulatory requirements and obtaining final approvals.

Gutenberg, an integrated marketing communications firm, announced that Amardeep Singh has been promoted to Co-Founder and President. This strategic leadership appointment reinforces the agency’s commitment to help global brands accelerate their marketing transformations at a time when AI is reshaping how businesses connect with their audiences.Amardeep's elevation comes at a critical time when traditional agency models are being disrupted by AI, yet most enterprises remain in the early stages of adoption. McKinsey’s recent report highlights this gap; a vast majority (68%) of marketing and sales teams do not use AI agents, with only 6% reaching a scaling phase. Gutenberg is uniquely positioned as an early mover, operating a fully Human + AI model designed to move brands swiftly from experimentation to measurable, scaled impact.Since joining the agency in 2007, Amardeep has been instrumental in Gutenberg’s evolution into an integrated marketing powerhouse across seven countries. “For the last 24 months, Amardeep has led our organizational transformation toward becoming a 100% AI-ready agency,” said Harjiv Singh, Founder and CEO of Gutenberg. "While the largest agencies wrestle with legacy structures and AI disruption to their traditional models, Amardeep's vision for Human + AI integration positions us to help clients move faster and smarter. His people-first leadership and operational excellence have shaped our evolution into a true partner for marketing transformation."His leadership has directly fueled the agency’s capability to offer an enterprise-ready model that merges human-led strategic oversight with AI-driven workflows. This Human-in-the-Loop approach is well-advocated by experts like Dr. Ethan Mollick (Professor at The Wharton School) that ensures creative integrity while unlocking AI’s true potential and performance velocity.“I am honored to step into the role of Co-Founder and President at such a defining moment for our industry,” said Amardeep Singh. “Over the past two years, our teams have embraced AI with curiosity, courage, and a growth mindset, transforming how we work and what we can deliver. As we look ahead, I’m excited to lead our teams as we build innovative, high-performance marketing ecosystems and help CMOs build impactful marketing engines that are intelligent, authentic and performance driven.”Gutenberg’s two-decade journey marked by 75+ global awards, multiple industry honors and its Great Place to Work certification, underscores the team’s deeply rooted culture of innovation and performance. Amardeep’s appointment marks the agency’s next phase of acceleration, building a fully AI-enabled operating model engineered for speed, personalization, and measurable brand impact. 

A white paper on ‘AI Adoption Among PR Professionals In Asia 2025’, published by the One Asia Communications network, provides some interesting insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the communications profession across Asia, besides highlighting ground realities of AI adoption and key challenges. The survey covered 12 markets in Asia: Cambodia, China/ Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, representing a diverse mix of economies and digital maturity levels. According to the AI Adoption in Asian Communications 2025 survey, communicators across Asia are optimistic, curious, and increasingly adaptive in how they use artificial intelligence. 58% of the respondents view AI positively, enhancing efficiency, creativity, and analytical capability, challenging job displacement fears. AI has moved from theory to practice, becoming a valuable tool for automating workflows, enhancing creativity, and supporting decision-making. Yet, the journey toward full integration remains uneven, limited by differences in readiness, training, and strategic alignment. The results show that while awareness is nearly universal, confidence in execution is still developing. Many professionals rely on self-learning and experimentation, while structured frameworks for training, governance, and ethical application are still emerging. For AI to deliver its full value, communications leaders must move beyond technical adoption toward strategic integration — embedding AI into planning, measurement, and stakeholder engagement. However, AI adoption remains uneven. While over half the respondents are “proficient” in AI tools, integration varies based on organisational readiness, resources, and leadership. The survey highlights that adopting new technologies (60%), measuring communication success (42%), and managing misinformation (41%) are top concerns. As AI increasingly shapes how audiences consume information, communicators must ensure that reliable and structured content is accessible to these systems. Traditional metrics must evolve to capture influence and visibility in an AI-driven information environment.Moreover, transparency, data privacy, and human oversight are crucial as AI integrates into communications. Ethics and human oversight will define the next phase of AI adoption. Communicators agree that technology must operate within boundaries of transparency, accountability, and trust. AI can enhance output, but only human judgment can preserve credibility. How PR Professionals View AI While headlines often emphasise AI’s potential to replace humans, the survey’s findings show that PR professionals in the region largely embrace AI as a complement, and do not view it as a competitor. Optimism is particularly strong in markets like Indonesia and Vietnam, where respondents are highly likely to see AI as a driver of productivity and innovation. Conversely, professionals in Japan and South Korea exhibit more caution. While still positive overall, these mature markets show higher neutral sentiment, indicating a focus on governance, risk, and long-term stability over rapid experimentation. Across Asia, AI tools are mainly used for: Content development and editing – refining writing.Trend and sentiment analysis – tracking public conversations.Performance measurement – evaluating campaigns.PR Role TransformationMarketing Communications teams lead in active experimentation, using AI for campaign ideation, content personalisation, and audience insights. Corporate Communications departments take a more strategic approach — applying AI for sentiment tracking, message consistency, and stakeholder engagement. In Thailand, marketing teams use AI to refine social media content and measure engagement, helping them adjust messaging to changing audience behaviours. In Taiwan, corporate communicators integrate AI into reputation monitoring and stakeholder mapping to support faster and more informed decisions. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, PR teams are beginning to leverage AI-driven analytics to guide outreach strategies and detect emerging media trends, though many still call for clearer frameworks to evaluate its impact. Key Challenges - Barriers to AdoptionWhen asked about the biggest challenges they anticipate in the next two years, a clear majority of respondents (60%) cited adopting AI and new technology as their top concern. The second and third most common concerns are deeply interconnected. As more audiences consume information filtered through AI-powered platforms, from search engines to generative assistants, PR professionals must ensure that the data feeding those systems is reliable, structured, and current. The report emphasises that communicators must now treat search optimisation, structured content, and data transparency as part of their storytelling responsibilities. Ethics and Accountability in AI UseAs AI becomes an integral part of communications work, ethical and accountability considerations are emerging as top priorities. The survey findings show that most professionals agree on three key ethical priorities: Transparency: AI-assisted content and insights must be clearly disclosed, traceable, and verified to maintain credibility and public trust.Human Oversight: Practitioners remain accountable for reviewing, interpreting, and approving AI-generated materials to ensure accuracy and context.Data Protection: Safeguarding sensitive organisational and audience information is essential as AI tools become more deeply integrated into communications systems.Ultimately, the future of communications in Asia will depend not on how quickly AI is adopted, but on how responsibly it is applied. The communicators who combine technological fluency with ethical clarity and strategic vision will lead the profession forward — proving that in an age of automation, human expertise remains the foundation of trust. 

The International Communications Consultancy Organization (ICCO) has named Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn, a 2025 Hall of Fame inductee. The ICCO Hall of Fame honors PR professionals who have made exceptional progress in leading the internationalization of the industry.As a global visionary, Bloomgarden has spearheaded the growth of Ruder Finn’s presence in markets across the world. Since expanding the agency to India in 2011, she has forged strategic client partnerships and built tech-forward teams across the country, expanding Ruder Finn’s presence in the region to 5 offices and 130 staff members. Her early leadership in AI adoption, including establishing one of the first agency AI incubators, rf.TechLab, underscores Bloomgarden’s forward-thinking and longstanding commitment to integrating emerging technologies that power Ruder Finn’s growth strategies and deliver measurable impact for clients. Her vision has positioned Ruder Finn to lead in a new era of communications, combining local insights with global resources, and AI with human ingenuity to create meaningful impact across offices in the US, Asia, the UK and the Middle East.“I’m deeply honored to be inducted into the ICCO Hall of Fame,” said Bloomgarden. “At Ruder Finn, we’re constantly implementing new tools and solutions that define the standard of communications in the AI era, harnessing the power of innovation in a rapidly changing world. Thank you for this recognition, and congratulations to my fellow inductees this year.”Bloomgarden was officially inducted into the ICCO Hall of Fame on November 12, 2025, at the organization’s Global Summit.

Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia's premier express air and integrated transportation & distribution company, has been conferred the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance 2025 by the Institute of Directors (IOD), India. The award was presented at IOD India’s 2025 Annual London Global Convention on Corporate Governance & Sustainability – Global Business Meet. The recognition underlines Blue Dart’s efforts to strengthen its corporate governance framework and embed the principles of transparency, accountability and ethical conduct across the organisation. A robust legal and compliance architecture, led by Tushar Gunderia, Head – Legal & Compliance and Company Secretary, has been instrumental in aligning the company’s practices with an evolving regulatory environment while protecting the interests of stakeholders. The award was presented in the presence of eminent dignitaries including ?N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, India; Sir Chris Bryant, MP, Hon’ble Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, Government of the United Kingdom; His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, IFS, Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Mr. Chanchal Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Government of India; and Baroness Verma, Global Chair, Advisory Council, Institute of Directors (IOD), India, Member of the House of Lords and former Minister for International Development and Energy & Climate Change, Government of the United Kingdom. Commenting on the recognition, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue Dart, said “Good governance sits at the core of our licence to operate and grow. The Golden Peacock Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance is a valued acknowledgment of our commitment to strong governance, compliance and legal standards that support our business and build long-term trust with customers, investors, regulators and partners.”This accolade further reinforces Blue Dart’s position as a trusted leader in the logistics sector, combining operational excellence and innovation with a strong foundation of ethical and legal practices.

Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create  value for clients through reputation, today announced its appointment as the communications  partner for Mirae Asset Sharekhan, a leading Indian brokerage and financial services firm. As part of  the assignment, Burson will elevate brand awareness and strengthen Mirae Asset Sharekhan’s  position as a full-service financial solutions provider for both current and emerging generations of  Indian investors.  “We are incredibly proud to partner with Mirae Asset Sharekhan, a truly innovative and established  player in India’s financial services landscape,” said Deepshikha Dharmaraj, Chief Executive  Officer, Burson Group India. “We look forward to helping the company articulate its vision,  showcase its expertise, and strengthen its reputation as a trusted provider of comprehensive  financial solutions.” “We are delighted to partner with Burson as we continue building Mirae Asset Sharekhan’s brand  and amplifying the value we deliver to our customers with our full-service offering of research, experienced advisors and our branches spread across 1100+ cities in India” said Moon Kyung  Kang, Chief Executive Officer, Mirae Asset Sharekhan. “Burson’s market expertise and innovative  thinking will help us deepen connections with a wider community and champion the next phase of  wealth creation for everyday investors, anchoring our commitment to transparency, trust, and  growth.” 

JioStar has strengthened its marketing leadership with the appointment of Seema Kamath as Associate Director, Marketing Communications, effective November 2025. She steps into the role with nearly two decades of experience spanning entertainment, media, and advertising.Before joining JioStar, Seema spent over three years at Disney+ Hotstar as Marketing Communications Manager, where she worked across campaigns, design thinking, and a wide range of marketing programs. Prior to that, she held a long tenure at Sony Pictures Networks India as Senior Brand Marketing Manager. There, she played a key role in content marketing, helped shape the launch of a channel, and worked on strengthening customer experience across platforms.Seema’s earlier career includes roles at Scarecrow Communications and Log 5 Communications, giving her a strong foundation in brand solutions, creative briefing, client servicing, and end-to-end project delivery.With her move to JioStar, she brings a blend of B2B marketing, product communication, and event experience, positioning her to contribute meaningfully to the brand’s next phase of growth.

Public Relations has entered a bold new era. No longer just a back-office function, it has transformed into a strategic powerhouse shaping brand reputation and influence. Companies and leaders now see PR not as an afterthought, but as an essential force driving credibility, trust, and long-term success. The industry has undergone a radical shift with the rise of social media, fundamentally transforming PR strategies. Influencers now play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and engagement. PR is no longer confined to securing media visibility; it has expanded into a dynamic, results-driven discipline focused on meaningful interactions and measurable outcomes. With a younger, more digitally savvy audience emerging, PR professionals face new challenges. Brands and practitioners must be more agile, data-driven, and proactive in crafting business solutions that resonate with their audience. The future of PR lies in adaptability, authenticity, and strategic storytelling that build lasting trust and impact. 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 conversation with Adgully, Pranav Patil, Head of Communications Zone India at Siemens Healthineers, breaks down how clear, empathetic communication can shape a patient’s entire healthcare experience. What could easily remain a technical, medtech heavy domain has, under his lens, become a space where information carries both precision and comfort.From simplifying dense scientific concepts to addressing real anxieties around diagnostics, Patil focuses on building trust through clarity, credibility, and human understanding. His approach mirrors the company’s larger belief that technology should not just advance care but make patients feel more supported and secure at every step.Patil reflects on how patient insights drive their messaging, why cultural and linguistic nuance matters in a country as layered as India, and how Siemens Healthineers is shaping healthcare communication that is transparent, inclusive, and deeply human. How does Siemens Healthineers approach communication in healthcare to help patients feel informed and reassured throughout their care journey? At Siemens Healthineers, we view communication in healthcare as both a responsibility and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. We believe that every communication should go beyond simply sharing information. It should build trust, provide clarity, and offer comfort. We understand that medical journeys can often feel complex and overwhelming, and that’s why we strive to make every healthcare conversation more humane and reassuring. By simplifying complex information and delivering it with empathy, we aim to help every patient feel supported, confident, and cared for throughout their entire healthcare journey. The ‘Knowing is Comforting’ initiative reflects a strong patient-centric narrative. How do you ensure that communication remains empathetic while staying scientifically accurate? Over the years, we have seen how technology can truly make a difference in people’s health, helping improve outcomes and making the care experience more reassuring and connected. At Siemens Healthineers, we innovate with purpose, driven by a simple belief: every technological breakthrough should make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives and experiences. Our campaign, “Knowing is Comforting”, was born from a simple yet profound human truth: knowledge has the power to ease fear. In every message we share, we aim to combine empathy with accuracy, making sure the information is not only medically sound but also emotionally supportive and easy to relate to. We always encourage people to speak with their healthcare professionals for personalized guidance, because we believe that real comfort comes from both credible information and a caring connection. In a technical space like medical imaging, what are the biggest challenges in simplifying complex information without losing credibility or depth? One of the greatest challenges in medical imaging communications is humanizing complex technology. The field is rich in technical depth, but the key lies in translating that complexity into meaning that patients can understand and connect with. The goal isn’t to oversimplify but to contextualise. We do this by shifting the focus from technical jargon to real patient benefits, how innovation enhances lives, not just outcomes. By framing technology through the lens of its impact on people, we make science more approachable without compromising its accuracy or credibility. This balance allows us to preserve the integrity of science while making it resonate on a deep human level. How did patient and caregiver insights specifically shape your messaging approach for addressing healthcare anxiety, often referred to as “scanxiety”? Patient and caregiver insights were at the very heart of our messaging strategy, ensuring that every element of communication reflected genuine understanding and empathy. By actively listening to their stories, we gained a deeper appreciation of the emotions surrounding “scanxiety”, from fear and uncertainty to hope and resilience. These perspectives guided us to develop messages that demystify the scan process through clear, relatable language while offering authentic reassurance and practical coping support. The result is communication that helps patients and families feel understood, comforted, and empowered during one of the most anxious stages of their healthcare journey. With multilingual content being a part of this effort, how important is regional and cultural adaptation in building trust and connection with diverse audiences in India? In a country as linguistically and culturally diverse as India, regional and cultural adaptation is not just important but is crucial to building trust and a genuine connection. Multilingual communication ensures that people engage with information in the language that feels most natural and emotionally resonant to them. While English remains prevalent in healthcare and urban contexts, regional languages continue to be the most trusted medium of understanding across tier 2 and 3 towns, as well as rural communities. ‘Knowing is Comforting’ is an awareness initiative by Siemens Healthineers that reflects this belief. By developing awareness materials in ten major Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, Assamese, Malayalam, Gujarati, and Marathi, the initiative brings advanced healthcare information closer to people’s everyday realities. This inclusive approach not only enhances comprehension but also nurtures a sense of respect, familiarity, and belonging. With this approach, we are trying to bridge informational gaps, making modern medical technology more approachable, trustworthy, and comforting for every family, no matter where they live. How do you measure the impact of such awareness initiatives beyond metrics like reach or visibility, specifically in terms of building trust, improving understanding, or enhancing patient engagement? Our goal is to help people understand that today’s diagnostic imaging is not only highly advanced but also signi?cantly more patient-friendly than ever before. This initiative enables us to reach millions of people across the nation, raising awareness about how technology is transforming the ‘patient experience’ and how early diagnosis leads to earlier treatment and improved outcomes. We believe that the impact of awareness initiatives beyond reach, or visibility, is measured by focusing on feedback that reveals genuine shifts in trust, understanding, and patient engagement. The feedback we have been receiving from customers, critics, and colleagues is very encouraging and has been a major differentiator. More importantly, it reflects our commitment to compassion and empathy, showcasing that we are an organization that thinks beyond business and truly cares about the well-being of patients. Looking ahead, how is Siemens Healthineers evolving its communication strategy to make healthcare conversations more inclusive, transparent, and empowering for patients? At Siemens Healthineers, customer and patient centricity are at the core of everything we do. In an era of information overload, we recognize our profound responsibility to provide clear, trustworthy, and compassionate communication that both empowers and reassures patients. Our approach is guided by the belief that healthcare communication should humanise technology, inform without overwhelming, inspire confidence without sensationalism, and always reflect empathy and understanding. We are committed to ensuring that every message we share is inclusive, transparent, and patient-focused, designed to be accessible, culturally sensitive, and relevant. By speaking with authenticity, we aim to foster stronger connections and lasting trust throughout every stage of the healthcare journey. We will continue this intentional shift to move healthcare communication beyond marketing jargons toward authentic, relatable storytelling. This will help us create meaningful value and make a positive difference in the lives of millions of patients. 

UST has announced the promotion of Tinu Cherian Abraham to Senior Director and Global Head of PR and Media Relations. Based in Bengaluru, he now leads the company’s global PR function across more than 30 countries.In his announcement, Abraham acknowledged the support of UST’s CMO Leslie Schultz and the broader leadership team. He also credited his three member global PR team, Neha Misri, Merrick Laravea and Roshni Das, along with Chief People Officer Colleen Doherty and HR BSE Santhosh Mala Visvesvaran.Abraham has spent more than six years at UST, overseeing global PR operations, government affairs, industry relations and agency partnerships across regions such as the US, UK, India, Spain, Bulgaria and Australia. His earlier leadership roles included Director and Global Head of PR and Media Relations, and Group Manager and Global Head of PR and Media Relations.Before joining UST, he held communications leadership positions at HARMAN India and Ola, managing media relations, crisis communication, product PR and corporate communication. He also previously worked with UST in its earlier phase as UST Global, where he handled traditional PR, digital communications, social media strategy, external engagement and content development.Abraham began his career in engineering with technical roles at Juniper Networks, Cisco and Infosys. He has also served in voluntary leadership roles with Wikimedia India as Head of Communications and Executive Committee Member.With two decades of experience in technology, communications and global media relations, his expanded mandate signals a new chapter in his long standing association with UST.

Tanvi Gangwar has taken on a new mandate at Licious as Associate Director PR and Communications, marking the latest move in her thirteen year career across start ups, consumer brands, e learning, beauty and fashion. She announced the transition through a public update, noting that she has begun her responsibilities at the Bengaluru headquartered meat and seafood brand.At Licious, her role spans corporate communications, employer branding and internal communications, along with ESG and sustainability related messaging. Her responsibilities include shaping the company’s narrative, leading PR outreach across national and regional media, overseeing product and format launches, strengthening leadership visibility and publishing insight led content for external stakeholders. She also manages employee advocacy, culture storytelling and communication frameworks tied to quality, sourcing, waste reduction and community impact.Before joining Licious, Gangwar headed corporate communications at Orient Electric, where she led corporate reputation programs, crisis planning, media relations, digital communication initiatives and internal engagement platforms.Her earlier experience includes a five year tenure at Epigamia, where she led corporate communications, CSR and external affairs. She has worked across media planning, PR strategy, influencer engagement, external visibility for leadership and crisis management. Her work also covered internal communication programs and coordination with legal and government bodies.Over the years, Gangwar has held communications and media leadership roles at Unacademy, DRUMS Food International and Madison Public Relations, handling brand campaigns, stakeholder relations, partnerships, media planning and digital content programs.She began her career with internships and trainee roles in public relations and brand communications, supporting clients across sectors including technology, FMCG, fashion, and consumer brands.Her move to Licious adds another chapter to a career built on multi sector communications, media strategy and integrated brand storytelling.

PR firm Bacchus has opened a new office in Riyadh, marking its seventh global location alongside London, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Dubai and Doha. Registered as Bee Arabia LLC, the expansion strengthens the agency’s regional presence and formalises its operations in Saudi Arabia.The Riyadh office will offer Bacchus’ full range of integrated services, including consumer, corporate and crisis communications, strategic advisory, reputation management, digital and social media, and event production.Tarek ElMoukachar has been appointed Senior Partner and Co Founder of Bacchus KSA, taking charge of the agency’s operations in the Kingdom. He will work closely with the UAE leadership team and receive global support from the agency’s senior executives.His mandate includes driving the agency’s growth strategy in Saudi Arabia and tapping into the rising opportunities fueled by expanding tourism and sustained economic development across the GCC.Bacchus aims to scale its presence across key sectors such as real estate, hospitality and technology. The team in Riyadh comprises local specialists and international communications professionals, positioning the agency for further expansion.The firm is already supporting clients aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, including Boutique Group, Rosewood Jeddah, Leylaty Group and Jayasom Wellness Resort AMAALA.

Max Level, a leading marketing and PR agency built by gamers, has been appointed as the official PR and communications partner for LVL Zero, a first-of-its-kind incubator program spearheaded by ChimeraVC in partnership with MIXI Global Investments and Nazara Technologies. The initiative aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage gaming startups in India through a 100-day structured program combining mentorship, product acceleration and capital access. LVL Zero offers an equity-free grant pool worth USD 100,000, open to all startups across the gaming ecosystem. Each cohort will see 10 startups receive a USD 10,000 equity-free grant. The program is designed to help startups accelerate product development through targeted mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and connections with publishing networks. Over the next five years, LVL Zero aims to empower more than 100 promising startups to build sustainable businesses and compete globally.Speaking on the partnership, Krish Anurag, Managing Partner at ChimeraVC and Founding Partner at LVL Zero said: “LVL Zero is our commitment to catalysing the next generation of gaming founders from India and Asia. We’re thrilled to have Max Level on board as our communications partner. Their deep understanding of the gaming ecosystem, narrative expertise, and proven network within the media landscape make them the ideal agency to help us amplify this initiative and the founders who will shape the future of gaming.”As the PR and communications partner for LVL Zero, Max Level will lead the initiative’s storytelling and thought leadership strategy, spotlighting the success stories emerging from each cohort to highlight the program’s impact on the gaming startup ecosystem. With a proven track record as the communications partner for some of India’s leading gaming and esports brands, including NODWIN Gaming, S8UL Esports, Riot Games, and CyberPowerPC India, Max Level brings deep industry insight, strategic narrative expertise, and an authentic understanding of the gaming community to help LVL Zero achieve its vision and amplify its influence across the region.Siddharth Nayyar, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Max Level, added: “LVL Zero is an incredible incubator program for gaming startups in India, and we’re excited to help tell its story. The program is perfectly aligned with our mission to support the growth of India’s gaming and creator economy, and we look forward to driving awareness around the founders, ideas, and innovations emerging from LVL Zero’s cohorts.”In addition to PR and communications, Max Level provides gaming and esports brands with an array of services, including campaign management, brand building, production, video editing, social media marketing, influencer programs, and consultancy. The agency’s portfolio spans leading names such as NODWIN Gaming, S8UL, Riot Games India and South Asia, CyberPowerPC India, KRAFTON, the Saudi Esports Federation, ESL FACEIT Group, The Esports World Cup, ASUS ROG, Jio Games, TVS, and HyperX, among others.This partnership marks another milestone in Max Level’s mission to power narratives that elevate India’s gaming, esports, and tech ecosystem globally.

Adgcraft, one of India’s most trusted PR agencies, has joined hands with Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies as the PR partner for MediaVerse 2025, the flagship communication event hosted by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) as their PR Partner. The collaboration is designed to enhance students’ understanding of real-world public relations practices, offering them first-hand exposure to how strategic communication and media relations function within the industry.With the theme “Clicks, Content, and Credibility: Strategic Communication in a Hyperlinked World,” the event brings together young communicators, PR strategists, and media aspirants from across the country to explore the evolving dimensions of trust and authenticity in modern communication. The event features a mix of intellectually engaging and creatively charged competitions such as PR Shark Tank, Crisis Clicks: The Real-Time PR Challenge, Behind the Buzz: The PR Storyroom, Canvas of Credibility, and Slogan Shastra, designed to test strategic thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making in real-time PR scenarios.Speaking on the association, Abhinay Kumar Singh, Founder and Managing Director, Adgcraft, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies for MediaVerse 2025, a platform that celebrates the future of communication. At Adgcraft, we believe in nurturing young talent and promoting the power of authentic storytelling that drives credibility and change. This partnership reflects our commitment to empowering voices that will define tomorrow’s PR and media landscape.”As a fast-growing national agency, Adgcraft has consistently shown purpose-led storytelling, helping over 200 brands build trust, authenticity, and thought leadership. The agency has offices in Noida, Lucknow, Mumbai, Gujarat, and Bengaluru, catering to clients across sectors including education, technology, lifestyle, Real estate, and Health.

Public Relations has entered a bold new era. No longer just a back-office function, it has transformed into a strategic powerhouse shaping brand reputation and influence. Companies and leaders now see PR not as an afterthought, but as an essential force driving credibility, trust, and long-term success. The industry has undergone a radical shift with the rise of social media, fundamentally transforming PR strategies. Influencers now play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and engagement. PR is no longer confined to securing media visibility; it has expanded into a dynamic, results-driven discipline focused on meaningful interactions and measurable outcomes. With a younger, more digitally savvy audience emerging, PR professionals face new challenges. Brands and practitioners must be more agile, data-driven, and proactive in crafting business solutions that resonate with their audience. The future of PR lies in adaptability, authenticity, and strategic storytelling that build lasting trust and impact. 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 conversation with Adgully, Charu Benegal, Senior Director – Strategy, Dentsu Creative PR, shares her insights on how the world of communications has evolved from traditional media relations to becoming a strategic driver of trust, purpose, and cultural relevance. Drawing from her extensive career spanning over two decades, Charu reflects on the transformation of PR in the digital age — from managing narratives to building ecosystems of trust — and discusses how authenticity, empathy, and data-driven storytelling are redefining the way brands connect with audiences today. You’ve had an extensive career in communications. What initially drew you to the world of public relations, and how has your perspective on the industry evolved over time? When I began my career in the late ’90s, PR in India was still largely synonymous with media relations and press coverage. What drew me in was the storytelling aspect - the idea that you could shape narratives, influence perception, and give purpose and visibility to ideas that matter. Over the years, the industry has evolved dramatically. Today, PR is no longer a support function; it’s a strategic partner that sits at the table where brand reputation, policy, consumer behaviour, and social sentiment intersect. Today, consumer PR is about building communities, influencing conversations, and embedding brands meaningfully into culture — far beyond a press release or event. My perspective has shifted from “managing communication” to “building trust ecosystems”. In today’s fast-changing media environment, how do you define the role of PR beyond traditional reputation management? PR today is the custodian of brand integrity and public understanding. Beyond reputation management, it’s about shaping narratives that align a brand’s purpose with societal expectations. Whether it’s through thought leadership, sustainability storytelling, or digital advocacy, PR plays a key role in ensuring that organizations act — and are seen to act — responsibly. In a fragmented, hyper-connected media landscape, PR is the bridge between what a brand says, what it does, and what people believe about it. Whether through purpose-driven storytelling, influencer collaborations, or digital-first content ecosystems, the role of PR is to ensure that a brand’s values and actions align with what its audiences care about. In that sense, PR has become the conscience of the brand, not just its megaphone. What are some of the biggest shifts you’ve observed in how brands approach storytelling and audience engagement in the post-digital era? Earlier, brand storytelling was top-down — controlled, polished, and one-way. Today, audiences co-create the narrative. The shift has been from broadcasting messages to building conversations. In India, particularly, we’ve seen the rise of regional voices, micro-influencers, and community-led storytelling. Authenticity, relatability, and cultural nuance have become central. The digital ecosystem has democratized storytelling — every individual can now be a publisher, and brands must learn to listen as much as they speak. Storytelling today is about emotional truth and shared experiences, not just clever campaigns. With authenticity becoming a key differentiator, how can PR professionals balance brand messaging with genuine, transparent communication? Authenticity comes from alignment — between a brand’s internal culture, its external promises, and its behaviour in moments of scrutiny. PR professionals need to move from “message crafting” to truth-telling. That means being comfortable with imperfection — acknowledging gaps, sharing progress, and allowing human voices to come through. Transparency builds credibility, but consistency sustains it. The role of PR is to help brands articulate that authenticity without losing strategic clarity. Crisis communication is often the ultimate test of a PR strategy. Could you share an instance or key learning that shaped your approach to managing reputational challenges? One key learning over the years has been that speed matters, but empathy matters more. In one instance — during a product recall for a consumer brand — we realised that the most effective response wasn’t the press release or the media statement, but a direct, honest communication from the CEO to customers on social media. It reinforced that during crises; people don’t just want information; they want reassurance. My approach now is grounded in three principles: listen first, communicate with empathy, and act with integrity. The reputation you build in normal times is what gives you the benefit of doubt during a crisis. Data and insights are playing a larger role in PR planning today. How do you see analytics influencing creativity and narrative design in communications? Data has become the new creative fuel. It helps us understand audience sentiment, map conversation clusters, and anticipate trends before they break. But numbers alone don’t move hearts — insights do. The key is using analytics not just for reporting, but for story mining. For instance, social listening might reveal an emerging cultural tension or consumer need that can inspire a powerful campaign. The best PR today marries data intelligence with emotional intelligence. As a leader, how do you nurture young PR talent to think strategically and not just tactically in their approach to campaigns? For me, leadership is as much about emotional mentorship as professional guidance. I tell young professionals: strategy is important, but empathy is non-negotiable. Understanding audiences begins with understanding people — your colleagues, clients, and yourself. I make time to listen — really listen — to my team’s perspectives, fears, and ideas. I encourage them to ask “why” before “how,” to find purpose before the plan. When people feel seen and valued, they become better storytellers, better strategists, and better humans. A leader’s role is not just to guide outcomes, but to nurture confidence, compassion, and courage in others. Looking ahead, what do you think will define the next era of PR — especially in how brands build trust and emotional resonance with audiences? I think the next era of PR will be shaped by trust and empathy. People today are quick to spot what’s real and what’s not, so sincerity will matter more than ever. The brands that build lasting relationships will be the ones that communicate with clarity, purpose, and respect. In India, I see a real opportunity in blending technology with a human touch — using data and AI to understand audiences better, while keeping stories authentic and locally rooted. At its heart, PR will continue to evolve, moving beyond just communicating to fostering real connections — trust, engagement, and meaningful resonance with people.