In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Vikram Kharvi, CEO of Bloomingdale PR, speaks at length about how Bloomingdale differentiates itself from other PR firms in terms of strategy and client engagement. He also discusses the key challenges the PR industry faces in attracting and retaining top talent, especially in a rapidly evolving communications landscape, the growing popularity of podcasts in India, and how PR agencies can tap into the audio revolution to effectively reach targeted audiences and craft compelling brand stories, and more.How does Bloomingdale differentiate itself from other PR firms in terms of strategy and client engagement?At Bloomingdale PR, our approach is anchored in a deep understanding of each client?ÇÖs unique challenges and opportunities. We don?ÇÖt believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we tailor our strategies to align with our clients?ÇÖ specific business objectives, ensuring that every campaign is not just about visibility but about driving real business outcomes.Our differentiation lies in our ability to integrate traditional PR principles with modern digital techniques. This combination allows us to craft comprehensive narratives that resonate across various platforms, whether it?ÇÖs through earned media, influencer collaborations, or direct digital engagement.Moreover, our client engagement model is built on transparency, partnership, and constant innovation. We see ourselves not merely as service providers but as strategic partners invested in our clients?ÇÖ long-term success. This means we are proactive, continuously looking for new opportunities to add value, and always willing to go the extra mile to exceed expectations.Our team?ÇÖs diverse industry experience and our commitment to lifelong learning ensure that we stay ahead of trends and bring fresh, impactful ideas to the table. We pride ourselves on being adaptable, creative, and deeply committed to helping our clients not just navigate but thrive in an ever-evolving media landscape.Having worked as a Senior Reporter at the Indian Express Group, how has your journalism background informed your approach to PR and communication strategies?My experience as a Senior Reporter at the Indian Express Group has profoundly shaped my approach to PR and communication. Journalism taught me the value of storytelling?Çöhow to craft narratives that are not only compelling but also resonate deeply with the intended audience. This background gives me a unique perspective when it comes to understanding what the media is looking for, how stories are built, and what makes them newsworthy.In PR, this translates to a strategic approach where I prioritize clarity, relevance, and impact. I understand the pressures and deadlines that journalists face, which helps me craft pitches and stories that are timely, precise, and aligned with their editorial needs. This insight has allowed me to build strong, trust-based relationships with the media, ensuring that our clients?ÇÖ messages are not just heard but amplified in the right ways.Furthermore, my journalism experience instilled in me a deep commitment to truth and integrity, which I carry into my PR practice. I believe that authentic communication?Çögrounded in honesty and transparency?Çöis the most powerful tool for building and sustaining reputations.In essence, my journalism background has equipped me with a keen sense of what works in the media world and how to leverage that knowledge to create communication strategies that are both effective and ethical. It?ÇÖs about bridging the gap between the story and the audience, ensuring that our clients?ÇÖ messages cut through the noise and make a lasting impact.How has your experience as a Senior Vice President at Adfactors PR influenced your leadership style and strategy at Bloomingdale?My tenure as a Senior Vice President at Adfactors PR was instrumental in shaping both my leadership style and strategic approach at Bloomingdale PR. Leading diverse teams and managing high-stakes projects across various sectors at Adfactors taught me the importance of adaptability and the power of a collaborative leadership approach.At Adfactors, I learned that effective leadership is about empowering your team?Çöproviding them with the tools, guidance, and trust they need to excel. This belief is at the core of my leadership style at Bloomingdale. I focus on fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and encouraged to bring innovative ideas to the table. By creating an environment of mutual respect and continuous learning, I ensure that our team is always motivated and aligned with our clients?ÇÖ goals.Strategically, my experience at Adfactors has ingrained in me the importance of being client-centric and results-driven. Handling large accounts and complex communications challenges honed my ability to develop strategies that are both comprehensive and flexible, allowing us to navigate the dynamic landscape of PR with agility. At Bloomingdale, this translates into a strategy that is deeply informed by data, yet creative in its execution?Çöalways with a sharp focus on delivering measurable outcomes for our clients.Moreover, my role at Adfactors reinforced the value of long-term thinking in client relationships. I?ÇÖve carried this forward into Bloomingdale, where we aim not just to meet immediate client needs but to build enduring partnerships that contribute to their sustained success.In essence, my experience at Adfactors PR has provided me with a solid foundation of strategic insight and leadership acumen, which I now leverage to steer Bloomingdale PR toward greater heights, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry.You?ÇÖve worked extensively with SaaS, technology, and B2B enterprises. What trends do you see emerging in these sectors, and how should PR strategies evolve to meet these changes?The SaaS, technology, and B2B sectors are evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in AI, automation, and data analytics. One of the key trends I?ÇÖm observing is the increasing demand for personalized, customer-centric solutions. Companies are moving away from generic offerings and are instead focusing on tailoring their products and services to meet the specific needs of their customers. This shift is also reflected in the growing emphasis on customer success as a critical business function.Another significant trend is the convergence of technologies?Çösuch as AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT)?Çöwhich is leading to the creation of more integrated and intelligent solutions. This convergence is transforming how businesses operate, making them more efficient and enabling them to derive deeper insights from their data.In the B2B space, there?ÇÖs a clear move towards digital transformation, with companies increasingly adopting cloud-based solutions to enhance agility and scalability. This digital shift is also changing the buying journey, with decision-makers relying more on digital content and peer reviews before making purchasing decisions.Given these trends, PR strategies need to evolve to stay relevant and impactful. Firstly, PR must become more data-driven. Understanding the metrics that matter to your audience and using these insights to shape your narrative is essential. This means PR professionals need to be comfortable with analytics and able to translate data into compelling stories.Secondly, as businesses demand more personalized solutions, PR strategies should also become more targeted. It?ÇÖs no longer enough to broadcast a message broadly; instead, we need to engage with specific segments of the market through tailored content and channels. This requires a deep understanding of the buyer persona and the ability to craft messages that resonate on a personal level.Thirdly, thought leadership will continue to be a crucial component of PR in these sectors. With the pace of technological change, companies that position themselves as innovators and thought leaders will stand out. This involves not just creating content that educates and informs but also actively participating in industry conversations?Çöwhether through media placements, speaking engagements, or social media.Lastly, PR strategies should embrace the power of digital tools, from AI-driven media monitoring to social listening and automated content distribution. These tools can help us be more responsive and adaptive in our approach, ensuring that we can meet the fast-changing needs of the SaaS, technology, and B2B landscapes.At Bloomingdale PR, we?ÇÖre constantly refining our strategies to align with these trends, ensuring that our clients are not just keeping up with the changes but are leading the way.What are the key challenges the PR industry faces in attracting and retaining top talent, especially in a rapidly evolving communications landscape?The Indian PR industry faces several ground-level challenges in attracting and retaining top talent, particularly in today?ÇÖs fast-evolving communications landscape.Firstly, the allure of startups has grown significantly. Startups often attract talent with the promise of innovation, flexibility, and the excitement of building something new from the ground up. They offer a sense of ownership and direct impact that can be incredibly appealing, especially to younger professionals.Flexibility is another key factor. Startups and in-house roles are increasingly seen as offering more flexible working conditions compared to traditional PR agencies, which can be more rigid in their structure. The appeal of work-from-home options, flexible hours, and a better work-life balance often draws talent away from the agency life.There?ÇÖs also a perception that in-house roles come with less pressure than agency work. Many professionals believe that working for a single brand allows for deeper focus and less of the ?Çÿalways-on?ÇÖ mentality that PR agencies demand. This perception, whether true or not, makes in-house roles, especially in established companies, more attractive.Additionally, many women leaders in the industry face the tough decision of stepping back or taking breaks to manage family responsibilities. The lack of sufficient support systems within agencies to accommodate these needs can result in losing highly experienced and talented professionals.Innovation within the PR industry is also a concern. The industry is sometimes slow to adopt new technologies and approaches, leading to a sense of stagnation among top talent who crave the excitement of working on the cutting edge. Without fresh, dynamic environments, we risk losing creative minds to industries that are more forward-thinking.Lastly, the high-pressure nature of PR, with its relentless pace and the expectation to be always available, leads to fatigue and burnout. This ?Çÿalways-on?ÇÖ culture is unsustainable for many, pushing them to seek roles that offer a better balance between work and personal life.At Bloomingdale PR, we recognize these challenges and are actively working to create a supportive, flexible, and innovative environment that not only attracts top talent but also ensures they can thrive and grow with us for the long term.What strategies can PR firms implement to attract and retain top talent, especially in digital and social media, where the demand for expertise is rapidly growing?To attract and retain talent, Indian PR firms need to adopt several strategic approaches:1. Focus on Competitive Compensation and Recognition:While offering flexible work hours and remote work can be challenging for PR consultancies, providing competitive salaries and robust recognition programs can go a long way. A clear and transparent system of rewards, bonuses, and public acknowledgment for exceptional work can help bridge the gap and keep talent motivated and engaged.2. Invest in Continuous Learning and Development:Digital and social media trends evolve quickly, and professionals in these fields need to stay ahead of the curve. PR firms should provide regular training, certifications, and opportunities for employees to learn and grow, keeping their skills sharp and relevant.3. Foster a Culture of Innovation:To attract creative talent, firms must cultivate an environment where innovation is encouraged and rewarded. This means giving teams the freedom to experiment with new tools, platforms, and strategies without the fear of failure.4. Create Clear Career Progression Paths:Talented individuals need to see a future within the organization. PR firms should map out clear, achievable career paths that allow digital professionals to advance based on their performance and contributions.5. Promote a Collaborative and Inclusive Workplace:Building a workplace culture that values collaboration, diversity, and inclusion can significantly enhance job satisfaction. When employees feel valued and part of a supportive community, they are more likely to stay long-term.6. Leverage Employee Advocacy:Encouraging current employees to share their positive experiences and the innovative work they?ÇÖre doing can help attract like-minded talent. Employee testimonials and case studies showcasing the firm?ÇÖs work in digital and social media can be powerful recruitment tools.With the growing popularity of podcasts in India, how can PR agencies tap into the audio revolution to effectively reach targeted audiences and craft compelling brand stories?The surge in podcast consumption in India presents a unique opportunity for PR agencies to connect with targeted audiences in a more intimate and engaging way. Here?ÇÖs how PR agencies can tap into this audio revolution:1. Develop Branded Podcasts:PR agencies can collaborate with clients to create branded podcasts that align with their brand narrative. These podcasts can delve into industry insights, thought leadership, and customer success stories, offering value-driven content that resonates with the target audience. By creating content that listeners can relate to, brands can build deeper connections and enhance brand loyalty.2. Leverage Guest Appearances:Positioning key client spokespeople as guests on popular podcasts in their industry can significantly enhance visibility and credibility. This strategy allows clients to tap into established audiences and share their expertise, thereby elevating their thought leadership in the market.3. Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities:Sponsoring popular podcasts that align with the brand?ÇÖs values and target audience can be an effective way to reach a specific demographic. Additionally, placing targeted ads within relevant podcasts can help reinforce brand messaging in a more natural and less intrusive manner compared to traditional advertising.4. Create Podcast-Specific Content Strategies:PR agencies should develop content strategies specifically for the podcast format. This includes creating teaser content for social media, developing show notes and blogs that expand on podcast episodes, and leveraging podcast content in other PR and marketing campaigns. Repurposing podcast content into multiple formats can maximize reach and engagement.5. Engage with Niche Audiences:Podcasts often cater to niche audiences with specific interests. PR agencies can help brands identify and engage with these niche communities by crafting stories and content that speak directly to their needs and interests. This targeted approach can lead to more meaningful engagement and higher conversion rates.6. Measure Impact and Adapt:Like any PR initiative, it?ÇÖs crucial to measure the impact of podcast-related activities. Tracking metrics such as listener engagement, shares, and conversions can provide insights into what?ÇÖs working and where adjustments are needed. This data-driven approach ensures that podcast strategies remain effective and aligned with client goals

The 2024 edition of CMOs?ÇÖ Charcha ?Çô Bengaluru Chapter successfully brought together the country?ÇÖs top marketing leaders to chart the future course for India Inc. Since its inception, CMOs?ÇÖ Charcha has evolved into a respected forum, with chapters in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. This year?ÇÖs edition, held onSeptember 25, around the theme, ?ÇÿRevolutionising Marketing: The Fusion of Data, Creativity, and Technology?ÇÖ. The summit explored how the integration of data, creative innovation, and advanced technology is transforming the marketing landscape.In an engaging panel session moderated by Akshaara Lalwani, Founder and CEO of Communicate India, industry leaders gathered to discuss the evolving dynamics of public relations (PR) and crisis management in today?ÇÖs digital era. Featuring prominent voices from real estate, fintech, fashion, and alcoholic beverage sectors, the session delved into the critical balance between traditional and digital media, with a focus on crisis management, audience engagement, and brand narrative building.Poornima Gulati, Associate Director of PR and Corporate Communications at NoBroker.com, emphasized on the importance of preparedness in crisis management. Although NoBroker.com has avoided major crises, she drew parallels with the infamous Maggi noodles controversy. She highlighted how Nestl???ÇÖs initial silence allowed the crisis to escalate.?Ç£One clear example we?ÇÖve all read about is Maggi. For one and a half weeks, nobody from their team interacted with the media. That silence amplified the controversy,?Ç¥ Gulati pointed out.In today?ÇÖs digital-first world, she noted, communication is no longer one-way. Social media has created a two-way dialogue, where consumers can voice their experiences ?Çô good or bad ?Çô instantly. A positive experience may reach ten people, but a negative one could reach hundreds, making it crucial for brands to be responsive and transparent.Nanda Padmanabhan, Head of Corporate Communications at BankBazaar.com, addressed the importance of consumer education in fintech. With financial products being both a necessity and an aspiration, consumer trust is paramount. BankBazaar focuses heavily on educating its diverse demographic about the safety and efficacy of its products.?Ç£For us, it?ÇÖs about detailed audience segmentation and reaching them with the right information, in the format they prefer to consume,?Ç¥ said Padmanabhan. The company uses both traditional and digital media, ensuring they cater to Gen X through print and older formats, while Gen Z and future generations like Gen Alpha require entirely new communication approaches.Sipika Khandaka, Director and Head of Corporate Communications at Myntra, shared her insights on how traditional PR remains central to building narratives, even as digital platforms gain prominence. She emphasized the need to understand the target audience and where they consume content, and how those preferences dictate PR strategy."For instance, for Gen Z you may need to go to the digital spaces they frequent, even if those platforms are niche, and use content formats they resonate with the best" Sipika said.She elaborated on Myntra?ÇÖs approach to blending the two worlds. "Our focus is to create an emotional connection with our consumers. While traditional media helps in shaping broader narratives and perceptions, digital media enables brands to be more agile and experimental. Social media, for example, allows brands to communicate directly with the audience and respond to feedback instantly. It's an opportunity to humanize the brand, show personality, and stay relevant."Sipika emphasized that balancing traditional and digital media is key to ensuring that a brand?ÇÖs message resonates with different segments of its audience, depending on the context. "The key is to create a symbiotic relationship where both contribute to the overall brand narrative."Representing Bosch, Shakambhari Thakur, General Manager of Corporate Communications, explained the complexities of managing a brand with multiple business divisions, from mobility to consumer appliances. For Bosch, reaching varied stakeholders requires a multi-channel strategy, particularly when launching new initiatives, like their smart campus.?Ç£During our 100-year celebration, we used cross-pollination strategies, engaging nano-influencers to lend credibility to our smart solutions. By leveraging both traditional media and nano-influencers with high engagement rates, Bosch created a deeper connection with their audience,?Ç¥ Thakur shared.Puja Asopa, Head of Corporate Communications at United Breweries Ltd., tackles the unique challenges of marketing in the highly regulated alcohol beverage industry. With restrictions limiting direct consumer engagement, United Breweries has found innovative ways to create buzz. She cited the launch of their new beer, Queen Fisher, which combined traditional PR efforts with celebrity influencers and social media.?Ç£Despite the challenges, we created significant buzz through a red-carpet-style event, complete with social media influencers and paparazzi. It wasn?ÇÖt just about traditional media, but the amplification through digital channels that created a lasting impact,?Ç¥ Asopa explained.Concluding the session, Tinu Cherian Abraham, Director and Head of Global PR & Media Relations at UST, underscored the need for collaboration between traditional and digital media. He dispelled the misconception that the two are in competition, stating that they are, in fact, complementary.Abraham shared a compelling example from his time at Ola, where a humorous tweet by a popular influencer led to a creative, personalized response from the brand. The tweet went viral and was subsequently picked up by traditional media, demonstrating the synergy between digital engagement and traditional coverage.Wrapping up the session, Akshaara Lalwani posed an intriguing question: ?Ç£Is PR a part of your content strategy, or is it the other way around??Ç¥ This left the audience reflecting on the changing role of PR in shaping not just media conversations but the overall brand narrative.The session highlighted the importance of agility, innovation, and collaboration in today?ÇÖs PR landscape, where both traditional and digital channels play vital roles in shaping public perception and driving business success.

Shweta Rajpal Kohli, Chief Public Policy and Communications Officer at Peak XV Partners, has officially announced her resignation after four years with the firm. She shared the news in a LinkedIn post, marking the end of a significant chapter in her career.Before joining Peak XV Partners, Shweta held the role of Chief Public Policy Officer at Sequoia Capital India & Southeast Asia for nearly three years. Her extensive experience in the public policy domain also includes serving as Country Director for Government Affairs & Public Policy, India & South Asia, at Salesforce. Prior to that, she was Head of Public Policy, India & South Asia, at Uber.Before transitioning into corporate communications and public policy, Shweta had a distinguished career in journalism. She worked with NDTV as Economic Affairs Editor for over 11 years. She also held roles as Corporate Group Manager at Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times Group), Special Correspondent at Business Standard, and Special Correspondent at Hindustan Times and The Indian Express.

B2B tech agency Fight or Flight has enhanced its media training capabilities with the launch of an AI-powered tool that simulates a real-life reporter interview.Media TrAIner, powered by Chat 4o, offers two key functions that previously required the expertise of a seasoned journalist: generating mock articles based on mock interviews conducted with clients during media training, and providing detailed feedback on trainees' responses. This tool complements existing media training programmes and works in conjunction with a human media trainer.For article production, Media TrAIner creates mock articles in the style of target reporters, offering a realistic simulation of post-interview scenarios.The tool's immediate and detailed feedback on interview responses identifies areas for improvement, enabling more focused training. Media TrAIner addresses, for example, how bridging techniques could have been used to address difficult questions and ensure key messages are delivered effectively. It can also highlight where a spokesperson's answers could have been strengthened by incorporating relevant data points.FoF North America chair Tim Fry, with over two decades of agency and in-house experience, explained that the concept for Media TrAIner stems from his own early career media training, which was conducted by a former ABC News White House correspondent. The journalist's challenging interview style prompted Fry to make common interview mistakes, such as repeating negative language and making lengthy, rambling statements devoid of key messages. This experience provided him with a valuable, albeit difficult, lesson in effective media training.?Ç£Nothing instills the rules of media training like a bruising article resulting from an interview. Generating mock articles is time consuming, though. With Media TrAiner, what once took several hours of a trainer?ÇÖs time can now be accomplished in minutes with a well-trained GPT.We?ÇÖre not just using Media TrAIner for spokesperson training; our teams are using it for analysis of past interviews and insights on clients?ÇÖ competitors,?Ç¥ Fry said.

The Romans has secured the PR account for Wynn Resorts' $4-billion expansion into the UAE, following a competitive pitch.The global hospitality and entertainment brand has entrusted the agency with handling PR, events, and activations across eight markets for the construction and launch of Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), scheduled to open in 2027.Operating from its UAE hub, The Romans will oversee the project in key markets throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including Saudi Arabia, collaborating with its teams in London and Amsterdam.Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,542 rooms and suites, 23 dining, lounge, and bar options, and the region's inaugural casino. The group recently announced the acquisition of an additional 70 square acres of land on Al Marjan Island for future development.The agency's mandate encompasses the construction and launch of the fifth global Wynn resort, as well as contributing to the narrative of Ras Al Khaimah's transformation into a prominent global tourism and entertainment destination. Since the announcement of Wynn Al Marjan Island, numerous international hospitality groups have also committed to the area.Joe Lipscombe, who joined The Romans as a partner to lead its UAE operations in February, commented: ?Ç£This is a mouthwatering partnership. Wynn is one of the biggest and most important entertainment and hospitality groups in the world, and its move to the region has captured worldwide attention. When the brand showed us the plan and ambition we were hooked. Not only will this development change the face of the country?ÇÖs hospitality sector, but it will also play a pivotal role in RAK?ÇÖs evolution as the nation?ÇÖs most loved Emirate. Despite the loaded hospitality and entertainment industry here in the UAE, Wynn is all anyone can talk about. We can?ÇÖt wait to get started.?Ç¥

Irvine Partners, a leading creative communications agency with an international footprint, has teamed up with marketing intelligence company Measurebyte to introduce a comprehensive communications maturity scorecard. This innovative tool is designed to empower businesses of all sizes to assess and enhance the effectiveness of their marketing strategies.?Ç£We've seen clients boost their lead generation capabilities fourfold and increase revenue by up to 47% after implementing improvements identified through our Maturity Scorecard,?Ç¥ says Neil Pursey, CEO and co-founder of Measurebyte. ?Ç£This partnership with Irvine Partners extends that capability into communications and will help more businesses unlock their full marketing potential.?Ç¥By partnering with Irvine Partners, Measurebyte has extended its renowned Maturity Scorecard to specifically address the unique challenges and opportunities within the communications industry. The scorecard provides a detailed evaluation of an organisation's communications effectiveness across four critical pillars: Insights, Strategy, Creative, and Media.How the scorecard benefits businesses  The Communications Maturity Scorecard offers several advantages:  Data-driven insights: It ensures that marketing strategies are grounded in robust data, enabling informed decision-making  Strategic alignment: It guarantees that communications efforts are closely aligned with overall business objectives  Creative excellence: It helps organisations to create compelling content that resonates with their target audience  Optimised media spend: It ensures that marketing resources are allocated effectively to maximise ROI.Irvine Partners' contributionIrvine Partners' deep expertise in creative communications has been instrumental in tailoring the scorecard to meet the needs of businesses across multiple industry sectors. ?Ç£Unfortunately many marketing teams may not understand exactly what their communication needs are,?Ç¥ says Irvine Partners CEO Rachel Irvine (pictured).?Ç£This benchmarking and measurement offering provides our clients the opportunity to assess and understand their needs and for us to better meet those needs.?Ç¥. The assessment processThe assessment process involves a collaborative effort between Irvine Partners and Measurebyte consultants. By evaluating various aspects of a company's communications practices, the scorecard provides a comprehensive assessment, grading effectiveness. This allows businesses to quickly identify areas for improvement and prioritise their efforts accordingly.Leading businesses such as Visa, Showmax, and Morningstar Credit have already benefited from the insights provided by the Communications Maturity Scorecard. "The MaturityScore session was invaluable. In just one hour, we gained insights that would have taken weeks to uncover on our own,?Ç¥ says Rinchen Olthang, Global Brand & Marketing at Morningstar Credit. ?Ç£The clear prioritisation of initiatives has allowed us to focus our efforts and resources where they'll have the most impact."

Political and social awareness have become important issues and today?ÇÖs customers demand brands to take the side on certain topics. It is no longer enough for consumers to view a company as credible and caring about the society; they also want the company to be ethical. However, it is not easy to manoeuvre on this landscape. Striking a balance between advocacy and brand is not an easy task, but it entails understanding audience needs, being real and consistent, being transparent, considering risk factors, and controlling for such scrams as may occur at the event. Authenticity and ConsistencyThere is no greater rallying point than being genuine to who one is or to the position one holds. Corporate organisations have to have these convictions for the causes they associate their brands with and let consumers perceive the action as being influenced by dollars and times. The point is that the concept of authenticity is rooted in a brand?ÇÖs values and its historical background as well as in the brand?ÇÖs reason for being. For instance, a firm that has waged a PR campaign for environmentalism for years can credibly demand climate change than a company that started publicizing only with that theme recently. Consistency is very important. If a brand decides to take a side, it should be consistent with that decision, in actions and messages. This consistency makes consumers trust the specific brands as they seek to associate themselves with those whose values are not likely to change. If a brand is not consistent in its social issue intervention, then it is falsifying its image to the public and this is detrimental to consumers?ÇÖ confidence in the brand. Know Your AudienceKnowing your audience is crucial when speaking in political or social causes. A brand needs to know what its customers or stakeholders value, believe and expect. The analysis of the audience ensures that it is possible to identify those topic areas that are of most interest to the target demographic and therefore where the brand will be most effective in its advocacy of social causes. However, it is crucial to remember that not all the niche customers will share the brand?ÇÖs opinion on all the significant matter. Thus, for brands there is always the risk of controversy and as such they should always consider the pros and cons of having advocacy. All these dynamics can be well-balanced only provided the manager possesses profound knowledge of the audience?ÇÖs values and is open to a direct conversation with it. Transparency and AccountabilityIn the age of social media, transparency is no longer optional it?ÇÖs a necessity. Brands that engage in advocacy must be transparent about their motivations, intentions, and the actions they take to support their chosen causes. This transparency helps to build credibility and allows consumers to hold brands accountable for their commitments. Accountability goes hand in hand with transparency. Brands must not only communicate their advocacy efforts clearly but also be prepared to measure and report on their progress. Whether it?ÇÖs through regular updates, reports, or public statements, being accountable demonstrates a brand?ÇÖs commitment to the cause and reinforces its integrity. Risk AssessmentAdvocating for political or social issues comes with inherent risks. Brands must carefully assess these risks before taking a public stance. This assessment should include evaluating the potential impact on the brand?ÇÖs reputation, customer base, and bottom line. It?ÇÖs crucial to consider how a particular stance might resonate with different segments of the audience and the broader public. Brands should also consider the potential long-term effects of their advocacy. While taking a stand on a controversial issue might generate immediate attention, it could also lead to prolonged scrutiny or negative publicity. A thorough risk assessment can help brands anticipate challenges and develop strategies to mitigate them. Crisis ManagementEven with careful planning, advocacy can sometimes lead to unexpected crises. A brand might face backlash from consumers, media, or other stakeholders, and how it responds in these situations is critical. Effective crisis management involves having a clear plan in place that outlines how the brand will address criticism, clarify its position, and reinforce its commitment to the issue at hand. During a crisis, it?ÇÖs important for brands to remain calm, communicate clearly, and avoid being defensive. A well-prepared crisis management strategy can help turn potential setbacks into opportunities for further engagement and demonstrate the brand?ÇÖs resilience and commitment to its values. Balancing advocacy with brand integrity in public relations is a delicate but essential task in today?ÇÖs socially conscious world. Brands that successfully navigate this landscape do so by being authentic, consistent, and transparent, while also understanding their audience, assessing risks, and being prepared to manage crises. When done right, advocacy can enhance a brand?ÇÖs reputation, build stronger connections with consumers, and contribute to meaningful social change.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ThePRPost.com.

Bengali fine-dining restaurant, 6 Ballygunge Place has made its high-decibel debut in the capital, appointing 80dB Communications as its integrated communications partner.The iconic Kolkata restaurant, under the banner of Savourites Hospitality Pvt Ltd, has chosen 80dB Communications to lead its brand narrative, media relations, and social media strategies as it ventures into New Delhi?ÇÖs competitive dining market.Since its inception in 2003, 6 Ballygunge Place has become a cornerstone of authentic Bengali cuisine in Kolkata, celebrated for its commitment to traditional recipes, refined ambiance, and impeccable service. The expansion to Delhi is more than a geographical growth; it is a strategic move to invite Delhi?ÇÖs discerning diners to experience a legacy of culinary excellence. 80dB Communications, known for its expertise in crafting compelling public relations campaigns, will highlight the rich heritage and culinary mastery of 6 Ballygunge Place. The agency is tasked with boosting the restaurant's visibility online, engaging food enthusiasts through targeted social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and captivating content that appeals to a broad audience.Mr. Swaminathan Ramani, Partner at Savourites Hospitality Pvt Ltd, said, ?Ç£Teaming up with 80dB Communications opens a promising new chapter for 6 Ballygunge Place as we introduce our beloved flavors to New Delhi. Their industry experience and digital acumen are invaluable assets that will help us resonate with the city?ÇÖs epicureans and integrate seamlessly into its vibrant dining tapestry.?Ç¥ Kiran Ray Chaudhury, Co-founder and Jt. Managing Director of 80dB Communications, shared her excitement about the collaboration, ?Ç£It is a privilege to represent such a distinguished brand as it makes its mark in Delhi. 6 Ballygunge Place is renowned for its genuine Bengali fare and deep-rooted heritage, and we are thrilled to elevate its narrative in the capital. Our goal is to establish 6 Ballygunge Place as a must-visit destination for food lovers, where every meal becomes a cherished culinary experience.?Ç¥

Eastman Auto and Power Ltd. has announced the appointment of Sudham Ravinutala as Chief Marketing Officer. With a proven track record of driving growth and brand recognition in the energy sector, Sudham will spearhead the company?ÇÖs marketing and product strategy as it embarks on a new chapter of innovation and expansion to build the brand Eastman. In his new role, Sudham shall focus on enhancing Eastman?ÇÖs visibility and brand presence by developing effective customer engagement strategies. His extensive experience in Marketing Planning, Strategy, Go to Market and, New Product Development shall be instrumental in positioning Eastman as a leader in Last Mile E-Mobility Solutions, Continued Energy Solutions, and Solar Rooftop Solutions. Sudham brings close to twenty-five years of diverse experience, having worked with renowned brands such as Nokia, Lenovo, TVS Electronics, Micromax, and most recently, Luminous, where he served as Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Strategy. He also held the position of National Marketing Head at India?ÇÖs largest FM Radio Network, 92.7 BIG FM, and was the Head of Go-To-Market & Activation at MixRadio India. His multifaceted career spans IT, Telecom, Media, and Mobile VAS, showcasing a rich blend of skills across the marketing spectrum. In addition to his marketing expertise, Sudham is a published novelist. His first book, Eighteen: The End of Innocence, reached the Top 150 Romance Novels on Amazon India, while his second novel, Twenty Somethings: For Love or Ambition, made it to the Top50 Bestsellers in the Contemporary Romance category and the Top25 Hot New sellers lists. He also has published Musings - An Anthology of Poems written in English and in Hindi. Sudham?ÇÖs appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Eastman Auto and Power as the company aims to expand its market footprint and enhance its product offerings. His leadership is expected to catalyze innovative marketing initiatives that resonate with customers and align with the company?ÇÖs vision for sustainable growth. Eastman is excited to leverage Sudham?ÇÖs expertise to strengthen its brand and further establish itself as a trusted name in the industry.

Burson, the global communications leader purpose built to create value for clients through reputation, has been named the strategic communications partner for Ducati in India. Burson will provide integrated communication services to Ducati to further strengthen its brand positioning, reputation and engagement within the Indian market. "We are thrilled to partner with Burson India as our strategic communications partner," said Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India. "Their proven track record in delivering campaigns and a deep understanding of the Indian market makes them the ideal partner to help us further elevate the Ducati brand experience in India." "Ducati is an iconic brand synonymous with performance, style, and a passionate riding community," said Deepshikha Dharmaraj, CEO of Burson Group India. "We are excited to leverage our creative and storytelling capabilities to further strengthen Ducati's presence and help the brand forge a stronger connect with motorcycle enthusiasts across India."

Global independent marketing and communications firm FINN Partners has announced its partnership with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to lead global communications for the ?ÇÿTogether in Travel?ÇÖ community launch. As part of the corporate communications brief, FINN Partners will manage content creation, PR, SEO, and digital advertising for the new initiative being launched by WTTC at the Global Summit in Perth in October.The WTTC is a leading global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel and tourism, representing the sector globally and advocating for its sustainable growth. The Council works with governments, industries, and communities to raise awareness of the travel sector?ÇÖs economic value and to advance important initiatives that promote sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.The creation of the ?ÇÿTogether in Travel?ÇÖ community is specifically aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which make up 80% of the global travel community and strives to provide tools and content to both accelerate their business growth and ensure their voices are heard globally.This dynamic and free-to-subscribe community with additional paid membership options rolling out in later phases will focus on empowering these businesses by facilitating meaningful connections, providing valuable insights, and offering tailored learning programs to help them thrive in a competitive market.The communications mandate for this campaign spans FINN Partners?ÇÖ purpose and social impact teams, as well as their global travel teams. The objective is to drive awareness and engagement that this is the go-to global network for the private sector SMEs in emerging and developed markets and will target all levels from startups to mature businesses.Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: ?Ç£SMEs form the backbone of our global tourism industry and their role in driving growth and innovation is undeniable. By partnering with FINN Partners on the ?ÇÿTogether in Travel?ÇÖ community campaign, we are leveraging their communications and storytelling expertise globally to amplify the voices of SMEs, ensuring they have the sustainable support and visibility needed to thrive in today?ÇÖs competitive landscape.?Ç¥Matthew Upchurch, Vice Chair of Membership at WTTC | Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso, said: ?Ç£As the founder of a membership organisation myself and a long-time member of WTTC I am delighted to see our joint vision becoming a reality and these important voices being given a platform on the global stage. The ?ÇÿTogether in Travel?ÇÖ by WTTC will elevate our role as the voice and advocate for the private sector. I am excited to see the value the WTTC and Together in Travel subscribers will bring to each other as the community thrives.Debbie Flynn, Managing Partner, Global Travel Practice Leader at FINN Partners expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, ?Ç£At FINN Partners, we have always believed in the transformative power of travel. By collaborating with the WTTC on the ?ÇÿTogether in Travel?ÇÖ community, we are excited to be leading the campaign which will inspire confidence in the future for this critical part of our sector and ensure sustainable partnerships, growth and resilience.?Ç¥ Flynn is leading the account alongside a team of 10 across practices and markets, including in India, APAC, Europe, and the US.(Image: finnpartners.com)

Weber Shandwick has recognized Jean Paoli's exceptional creative leadership by promoting him to Executive Creative Director for Europe. In this pivotal role, Paoli will oversee the creative teams across the agency's offices in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, and France.Paoli, who has served as the Creative Director of Weber Shandwick Paris for the past six years, will also play a key role in driving regional growth through multi-market pitches. His impressive track record includes working on award-winning campaigns for brands such as Iberdrola, Dacia, and Purina, earning recognition at Cannes, Eurobest, and Clio.In 2023, Weber Shandwick Paris, under Paoli's guidance, secured the prestigious third-most-awarded French agency status at The One Show Awards. The agency's standout campaigns, including "Turnstile Turbines" for Iberdrola and "The Uncover" for Frida breastfeeding, garnered top honors, including a Best of Show, Gold, and Bronze.Based in Paris, Paoli will report to Tom Beckman, Weber Shandwick's Global Head of Creative.Tom Beckman said: ?Ç£The marketing industry is full of talent, but senior creatives within the earned space is a much smaller pool. Jean sits at the centre of that small pool ?Çô one of the best-earned creatives I?ÇÖve worked with. Increasing his influence will benefit the work, our clients and our colleagues.?Ç¥Paoli said: ?Ç£I?ÇÖm incredibly excited to step into the role of executive creative director, Europe. I look forward to fostering synergies and culture to help opportunities and great ideas emerge across the region.?Ç¥

GOZOOP Group, an independent creative marketing and communications agency, has announced the promotion of Jyoti Bhatia to Group Director. In her new role, Jyoti will take on expanded responsibilities, overseeing key strategic initiatives and driving the agency?ÇÖs continued innovation in marketing and advertising.An experienced Account Director with a proven track record in the marketing and advertising industry, Jyoti has expertise in advertising, integrated marketing, marketing strategy, digital marketing and social media, With a strong focus on strengthening client relationships, Jyoti will be leading a team of members at Gozoop Group to drive growth and innovation.Jyoti Chugh Bhatia, Group Director - Brand Communications, GOZOOP Group, stated: ?Ç£I?ÇÖm thrilled to take on this new role at Gozoop, where the #BreakTheBox mindset constantly pushes us to challenge norms and think beyond traditional solutions. The company?ÇÖs innovative culture has been a key driver in my growth, allowing me to explore new ideas and deliver meaningful impact for our clients. I look forward to further contributing to Gozoop?ÇÖs journey of setting new benchmarks in the industry.?Ç¥Rohan Bhansali, Chairman and Co-founder, of GOZOOP Group, commented: "At Gozoop Group, we take immense pride in our work culture that nurtures growth, innovation, and excellence. It not only retains top talent but also empowers them to take on new challenges, unlocking their full potential. Jyoti is not only a great leader but a great ladder. She is an organization builder and her new role and position reflects our faith in not only her talent but also her value system?Ç¥. With Jyoti?ÇÖs expertise and extensive experience, her contribution as a Group Director will assist Gozoop Group to grow and build strategies, delivering groundbreaking solutions for sustainable growth.

Mavcomm Consulting, a leading firm in integrated communications and digital solutions, has been entrusted with the integrated communications mandate by the XLRI Centre for Automobile Design & Management (XADM) for its groundbreaking initiative, INDEA (Indian School for Design of Automobiles).As India?ÇÖs first dedicated school for automobile design, INDEA aims to bridge the gap between advanced design skills and strategic management, preparing world-class professionals for the rapidly evolving automotive industry.Founded in 2006, Mavcomm Consulting has distinguished itself as a dynamic force in the communications sector, consistently challenging conventional norms. This partnership seeks to amplify INDEA?ÇÖs brand presence and establish its unique role in the automotive landscape of India. Mavcomm will spearhead strategic communications across multiple channels, enhance media engagement, bolster digital presence, and foster thought leadership within the automotive design education community.Prof. Fr. (Dr.) K Casimir, Director of XLRI Delhi NCR, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: ?Ç£We are delighted to formalize our partnership with Mavcomm Consulting for the integrated PR and communications management of INDEA. Mavcomm has been a trusted partner in handling key aspects of the institute?ÇÖs mandate, making this partnership a natural progression. Their deep understanding of our vision for INDEA, combined with their expertise in the automotive sector, will help us strengthen our positioning as a leader in automotive design education.?Ç¥Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson of XADM and Founder of INDEA, added: ?Ç£Our goal at INDEA is to cultivate world-class professionals in automotive design and management equipped with the tools, insights, and experience needed to excel in the industry. We are thrilled to have Mavcomm Consulting on board to help us communicate our vision to a wider audience and position INDEA as a thought and action leader in automotive design education.?Ç¥Anand Mahesh Talari, Founder & Managing Director of Mavcomm Consulting, expressed his excitement about the partnership: ?Ç£We are thrilled to collaborate with INDEA, a trailblazer in automotive design education. Our mission is to position INDEA as a leader in its field through impactful PR strategies and precision-targeted digital campaigns.?Ç¥Noopurr R Chablani, Vice President of Mavcomm Consulting, remarked: ?Ç£Winning the mandate for INDEA is a significant achievement for us. It underscores our capabilities in strategic communications and our expertise in the digital landscape.?Ç¥This collaboration is set to elevate INDEA?ÇÖs profile within the automotive education space, employing a comprehensive communications approach to drive awareness, engagement, and growth.

The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has announced the relaunch of its new Global Advisory Board, a strategic initiative designed to bolster the Association?ÇÖs international reach and reinforce its status as the world?ÇÖs largest professional body for PR professionals.The Global Advisory Board will focus on four key workstreams: Talent, Ethics, Innovation, and Future. Each workstream aims to address crucial aspects of the PR industry, driving forward best practices and ensuring the sector's continued growth and relevance on a global scale.Talent: This workstream is dedicated to addressing talent-related challenges within the industry. Key areas of focus include bridging the gap between education and the workplace, enhancing recruitment strategies, and improving training and salary benchmarking. The board will also address social impacts and refine the PRCA?ÇÖs approach to education.Ethics: Building on the achievements of the PRCA Ethics Council, this workstream will work to lift ethical standards in the global PR industry. Key activities will include developing ethical codes of conduct, creating forums for ethical debate, and sharing best practices. Collaboration with the PRCA Standards Committee and efforts in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) will also be central to this workstream.Innovation: This workstream will explore a wide range of issues related to innovation in public relations practice. It will focus on the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI, on the industry, as well as thought leadership on technological and media trends shaping public relations.Future: This workstream will advocate for the PR industry?ÇÖs role in a rapidly changing world. It will address the global operations of PR agencies, the industry's response to geopolitical shifts, and strategies for enhancing the sector?ÇÖs visibility and influence.The PRCA?ÇÖs Global Advisory Board is composed by:Nitin Mantri, Regional Executive Managing Director, APAC I WE Comms & Group CEO, Avian WELee Nugent, Regional Director, APAC at Archetype (Vice Chair) (SEA)Mary Beth West, Consultant at Mary Beth West (USA)Ahmad Itani, Founder & CEO at Cicero & Bernay Communication Consultancy (MENA)Alex Aiken (UK)Barbara Phillips, Founder at Brownstone Communications (UK)Caroline Hsu, Chief Global Officer at The Hoffman AgencyPaul Cohen, Partner, CEO North America at Milk & Honey (USA)Patr?¡cia ?üvila, Regional Director at Agora (Brazil)Jim Donaldson, CEO and Founder at the Jim Donaldson Partnership (UK)Kwame Senou, Executive Director at THOP (Ivory Coast)Viroslava Novosylna, CEO & Founder at Slova Tech PR (Ukraine)Ipelegeng Thibedi, Chief Executive Officer, Africa at Weber Shandwick (South Africa)Omar Qirem, Chief Executive Officer, Middle East, and Deputy Chair of Corporate Affairs, EMEA at Edelman (MENA)PRCA Global Advisory Board Chair, Nitin Mantri, said,?Ç£The PRCA Global Advisory Board is uniquely positioned to shape the evolution of PR by navigating the complex interplay between business, society, and geopolitics. As Chair, I see this as a critical opportunity to bring diverse perspectives together, set new standards, and redefine communications. Our role is transformative, and I am excited about the potential of this board to elevate the value we bring to brands and communities alike.?Ç¥PRCA Global Advisory Board Vice Chair, Lee Nugent, said, ?Ç£I?ÇÖm honoured to have been appointed to the PRCA?ÇÖs Global Advisory Board and look forward to working with my fellow board members and the PRCA team, helping the organisation to continue to successfully serve our international membership base. I look forward to helping members drive professional best practice in communications, no matter where in the world they?ÇÖre located.?Ç¥

Action Global Communications, a multi-award-winning integrated communications agency, has officially relaunched in Saudi Arabia. The move further solidifies Action?ÇÖs presence in the Middle East, complementing its existing offices in the UAE and Qatar which, respectively, celebrate 30 and 20-year operational milestones this year.  Building on three decades of legacy in the GCC, the independent agency brings its extensive regional expertise and global capabilities to the Kingdom. Based in Riyadh, Action Global Communications Saudi Arabia offers 360?? integrated services, ranging from traditional communications solutions to digital strategies and creative production. The expansion and re-entry into Saudi Arabia follow Action Global Communications?ÇÖ recent recognition at the prestigious PR Week Global Awards in London, where the group was named Best Agency in the Middle East 2024.  Action?ÇÖs on-the-ground relaunch in Saudi Arabia builds upon numerous high-profile projects in the Kingdom led by the company?ÇÖs regional team, including two consecutive years of spearheading PR and media relations at LEAP - the world's largest tech gathering. Other notable events by Action include the cybersecurity conference BlackHat MEA, InFlavour, the PFL MENA Fight series, and a prestigious Disney concert featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Lang Lang at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dammam. Additionally, Action oversees communications for InterContinental Hotels Group in Saudi Arabia and the broader region, as well as corporate communications in Saudi Arabia for multinational technology group, Zoho Corporation.  Commenting on the significance of Action?ÇÖs official re-entry into the Saudi market, Euan Megson, managing director, Action Global Communications MENA, said: ?Ç£In recent years, Saudi Arabia has firmly established itself as a global hub for innovation and business growth. The Kingdom is undergoing a transformative journey of diversification and modernisation through its Vision 2030. By bringing Action?ÇÖs three-decade regional legacy and extensive expertise in communications, marketing, and production to the Saudi market, we align with the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia and the broader region. Re-launching our presence in the Kingdom marks a significant milestone in Action's history and reaffirms our steadfast commitment to the Middle East.?Ç¥  Barry King, general manager of Action Global Communications in Saudi Arabia, added: ?Ç£Our regional teams have delivered exceptional work in the Kingdom over the past half decade, achieving results which have yielded a robust pipeline of multi-sector opportunities. With the continued growth and evolution in Saudi Arabia, now is the optimum time for us to re-establish a physical in-market presence to ensure we continue delivering high quality work, and value, for current clients and future prospects.?Ç¥

Instinctif Partners, a leading strategic reputation advisor in the MENA region, has appointed Ikram Al-Yacoub as Managing Partner and Head of Saudi Arabia. This move underscores the firm's commitment to an integrated advisory approach as it navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of the Kingdom.Ikram Al-Yacoub, a seasoned C-suite advisor with extensive experience in strategic and financial communications, is set to play a pivotal role in driving Instinctif's growth initiatives. Her expertise will enhance the firm's ability to deliver valuable client advice, deepen stakeholder engagement, and foster strategic partnerships across critical sectors in Saudi Arabia.Samantha Bartel, CEO MENA of Instinctif Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating: "We are delighted to welcome Ikram to our team. Having advised clients in Saudi Arabia for over a decade, we are excited to build on our successful momentum with her leadership. With Ikram's strong relationships and stewardship, we will continue to provide best-in-class reputation management services, including investor relations, corporate reporting, ESG, public policy, and crisis communications."In her new role, Al-Yacoub will collaborate closely with EMEA teams to identify opportunities and optimize Instinctif's approach, ensuring that client and partner needs in Saudi Arabia are effectively met.Al-Yacoub, a Saudi citizen, holds an MBA from City University London and a master's degree in International Political Economy of Resources from the Colorado School of Mines, where she focused on energy sustainability and the economic valuation of natural resources. Prior to joining Instinctif, she served as Managing Director and General Manager at Brunswick Group, where she spearheaded strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia, advising clients on financial communications, mergers and acquisitions, and public listings. Expressing her excitement about the new role, Al-Yacoub said: "It's an honor to join such a leading firm and enhance its capabilities. With the region experiencing unprecedented economic development and transformation, clients are seeking genuine partners with the expertise to help navigate complex challenges. Instinctif's unique proposition of localized, world-class capabilities positions us to excel in this environment."Ikram Al-Yacoub is also a member of the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) KSA Memberships and Events Committee, which aims to elevate the profile of investor relations in Saudi Arabia.Instinctif Partners boasts a prestigious client list across the region and internationally, and was recently awarded 'Large Consultancy of the Year, MENA in 2024' by PRCA MENA.

The Public Relations Council of India (PRCI), in collaboration with Birla School of Communication, recently hosted a national conclave on the theme ?Ç£Redefining Public Relations in the Changing Environment.?Ç¥ The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the BGU Anthem (Kulgeet), setting an atmosphere of reverence and anticipation for the day ahead.Dr Ashok Kumar Panda, Chairman of PRCI and Convenor of the National Conclave, kicked off the event with a thoughtful welcome address, offering an overview of the agenda and emphasizing the significance of the conclave in advancing PRCI's mission. The Chief Guest, Prof. P.P. Mathur, Vice Chancellor of BGU, delivered a thought-provoking speech that explored the intersection of education, communication, and public relations, emphasizing how academic institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of the industry.Adding to the discussion, R.N. Mahapatra, Senior Executive President of PRCI, shared his insights on the dynamic landscape of public relations and PRCI's vital role in influencing it. Geetha Shankar, National President of PRCI, followed with an impassioned address, reaffirming the council?ÇÖs dedication to innovation and excellence in the field. Her sentiments were echoed by M.B. Jayram, Chairman Emeritus & Chief Mentor of PRCI, who shed light on the council?ÇÖs strategic vision and achievements.The event also marked the launch of the "Book of Abstracts," a significant contribution to both academic and professional conversations within the PR industry. A highlight of the conclave was the inauguration of PRCI?ÇÖs new chapters in Singapore, London, and Kuwait by Prof. P.P. Mathur, reflecting the council's expanding global footprint.Dr Shiv Shankar Das, Associate Dean of the School of Communication, expressed his gratitude in a vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of all participants and organizers. The valedictory session, which began with the PRCI Anthem, included warm welcomes and floral presentations to the distinguished guests.Dr Ashok Kumar Panda closed the event with a reflective address, encapsulating the key learnings from the discussions. Chief Guest Jalada Kumar Tripathy, Chief Information Commissioner of Odisha, and Guest of Honour Rajesh Jha, Director of NIFT Bhubaneswar, delivered inspiring remarks, stressing the wider significance of the conclave's theme. Guest of Honour Prof. B.K. Das, Registrar of BGU, and Dr. Vinay Kumar, Director & Secretary of PRCI, also contributed valuable insights.The session concluded with the presentation of mementos to the honored guests, a summary of the conclave?ÇÖs discussions by Dr Gyanaranjan Mishra, Assistant Professor at BGU, and a final vote of thanks by Nirakar Das, General Secretary of PRCI.

A recent survey of nearly 1,800 journalists highlights the significant stress and burnout impacting professionals in the journalism industry. Conducted by Muck Rack, the study explored topics such as stress, burnout, work hours, and salaries, providing insight into the challenges faced by journalists in balancing demanding work with personal well-being.<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\84f4400c2164ec0d231f6a52a562d370.jpeg' class='content_image'>Key Findings:High Stress Levels: The majority of journalists (67%) rated their stress level above the midpoint on a 10-point scale, with many citing workload, salary, and the pressure of being ?Ç£always on?Ç¥ as primary stressors.Burnout: More than half of journalists (56%) reported considering quitting their jobs in the past year due to burnout, while 40% have previously left positions for similar reasons.Work-Life Imbalance: A staggering 96% of journalists struggle to fully "switch off" after work, with 64% working more than 40 hours a week and 80% frequently working outside regular business hours.Mental Health and Support:Fewer than 25% of journalists have access to workplace mental health services, and only 42% feel they would receive support from leadership during mental health struggles. A higher percentage (52%) believe their coworkers would offer support.Salary Overview:Journalists earn an average of $67,000 annually, with freelancers averaging $60,000 and non-freelancers making around $70,000. Salaries varied, with non-freelancers generally earning more than freelancers, though over a quarter of freelancers earned less than $40,000 per year.Vacation and Overwork:Vacation days are often interrupted, with 69% of journalists experiencing work disruptions while on leave. The main barriers to taking time off include workload and performance expectations.This comprehensive report sheds light on the ongoing struggles within the journalism profession, emphasizing the urgent need for improved work-life balance, mental health support, and sustainable workloads.

We are in a new era of Public Relations. In the last few years, the importance of reputation management has undergone a sea change. More brands and clients, especially from the leadership teams, are viewing Public Relations from a close range. The industry has undergone a radical change with the advent of social media, which has to a large extent changed the approach to Public Relations. We have a relatively new and young audience that we need to face in the coming years so there are bigger challenges for brands and PR practitioners, who have to be more agile and proactive in their thinking to draw up business solutions for clients.In our exclusive weekly column ?Çô PR Conversation ?Çô Adgully interacts with leading business leaders and obtains their exclusive views and insights on the various trends in the PR and communications industry.In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Rahul Jain and Sudhir Shetty, Partners and Joint CEOs of SGA PR, delve into various aspects of their roles at Strategic Growth Advisors. They share insights into their leadership within the PR practice, discuss the evolving role of public relations in today?ÇÖs dynamic business environment, and explore the opportunities it presents for Strategic Growth Advisors. They also highlight a recent successful PR campaign, detailing the key strategies behind its success and the approach they use to measure the impact and ROI of their PR initiatives. Additionally, they discuss how SGA PR sets itself apart in the industry, offering unique value propositions to clients.Could you tell us about your roles as Partner and Joint CEO at Strategic Growth Advisors, particularly focusing on your involvement with the PR practice?Rahul Jain: Our objective is to create a consulting business that is in alignment with the new world order and understands the dynamic and complex client requirements. As partners to clients, our intent is to not just provide solutions to their communication needs, but also closely work with the founders and the senior managements to collectively develop a ?ÇÿGo-To-Market?ÇÖ strategy that eventually helps clients to achieve their business goals.We figured there is a big mismatch in ideas proposed to clients during the pitch process and the eventual execution of those ideas. We believe in addressing this gap and, therefore, our motto has been to remain deeply integrated with clients and provide hands-on execution to ensure successful and impactful delivery of ideas.SGA has thoughtfully developed holistic communication solutions along with deep domain expertise that cuts across public relations, investor relations, branding & designing and corporate reporting.How do you see the role of public relations evolving in today?ÇÖs rapidly changing business landscape, and what opportunities does it present for Strategic Growth Advisors?Sudhir Shetty: Communications, over the years, have gotten much more integrated than ever before. With the multitude of disruptions being witnessed thanks to technology, the need of the hour is an all-encompassing corporate reputation programme that addresses the priorities of the C-Suite as well as decision makers across product, technology, compliance and human resource.Therefore, it has become imperative that future PR professionals adapt to this new world order and become more hands-on about these emerging priorities of businesses. This will enhance their consulting skills, provide solutions that are more integrated and gradually elevate them to be the eyes and ears of the corporate leadership team. And that?ÇÖs exactly what we are trying to inculcate among every team member at SGA PR right to the last executive.This approach has helped in our journey of the last 18 to 20 months. During this period, we have witnessed a great mix of portfolios from both internet economy such as fintech, SaaS, DeepTech, AI as well as listed entities from corporates, BFSI space, manufacturing, renewable energy, chemical among others.We are very bullish on the growing need of reputation management among corporates and start-ups at a time when India is poised for an accelerated growth path.Could you discuss a recent successful PR campaign or project that you were involved in? What were the key strategies that contributed to its success?Rahul Jain: Thanks to the agility and proactive thinking, in the last 18 to 20 months we have delivered various content-driven campaigns, data-led narratives and brand IPs. Some of those include:For a healthtech brand ?Çô Fitelo ?Çô which offers a unique weight loss programme using psychology, SGA proactively recommended ?ÇÿState of Your Plate?ÇÖ study to understand the relationship of Indians with their food and eating habits based on emotions.On the other hand, for one of the major B2B Saas companies, Bizongo, we drove a shift in their market perception by crafting a narrative that became a new industry categorisation ?Çô ?ÇÿVendor Digitisation?ÇÖ. It reflected the value proposition the company was offering to its stakeholders.As consultants, our aim has always been to deliver an idea that not only creates a resonance with media but also drives business impact.With the increasing emphasis on digital media, how important is it for PR strategies to integrate seamlessly with digital platforms?Sudhir Shetty: Narrative driven communications cannot work in silos, especially in a country like India which is vast and where demography changes in every few hundred kilometres. In order to ensure that the messaging reaches to the relevant audience, across the length and breadth of the country, a perfect blend of traditional and digital mediums would be ideal.How do you approach measuring the impact and effectiveness of PR initiatives, especially in terms of quantifiable results and ROI for clients?Sudhir Shetty: PR measurement metric has come a long way from the days when the success of a PR programme would be determined by the advertisement value equivalent of every clip. Today, thanks to the startup ecosystem and the new-age founders, consulting firms like ours have innovated to re-orient our measurement metric from a different lens like reach of the PR programme, building and/ or reshaping the narrative, opening doors for new business partnership opportunities and finally often PR?ÇÖs success metric is aligned with strong brand acceptance in the ecosystem.In what ways does Strategic Growth Advisors differentiate itself in the PR industry, and what unique value propositions do you offer to clients?Rahul Jain: We are a team of agile and proactive thinkers. As an invested partner with a client, we not only provide counsel on public relations, but owing to our expertise in capital markets we also handhold them in their investor communications and accordingly deliver bespoke storytelling.As an integral member of the client?ÇÖs leadership team, we believe in stepping in to the shoes of the client?ÇÖs CEO and accordingly develop strategies that address the business goals/ problem. Therefore, we have never limited ourselves to media coverage only and many a times have delivered stakeholder engagement programme for clients directly tapping into the core constituencies relevant to client.Moreover, we have always maintained a razor-sharp focus on execution, thereby ensuring that ideas just don?ÇÖt remain on paper, but are implemented in reality.Could you share your insights on the future trends and innovations we can expect to see in the PR and communications sector in the coming years?Rahul Jain and Sudhir Shetty:AI will play a key role going ahead. It will not substitute our jobs, but will help us in sharpening our thinking capabilities and enhance the narrative building competencies.PR will no longer be just for media coverage. It has already started engaging with broader business stakeholders. PR professionals will be equally involved in developing Go-To-Market strategies along with marketeers, will play a crucial role in conflict management and eventually communication professionals will contribute to the growth of the business.We will see more use of data in storytelling. Data brings authenticity and credibility, which will be key in augmenting corporate reputation.Increasingly, brands are focusing on sustainability and compliance communications. Going ahead, PR professionals will have to enhance their learning curve to successfully deliver communications strategies around these and many more areas.

With journalists?ÇÖ inboxes overflowing with pitches, PR professionals face the daunting task of securing the required press coverage. To cut through the noise, they must create compelling pitches that truly capture attention and stand out. In this article, industry experts reveal their secrets for crafting standout media pitches that resonate with journalists and secure coveted coverage.It's important to think like a journalist and put yourself in their shoes to enhance your pitch, opines Manish Sharma, Co-Founder and Director, Key Communications.?Ç£Pitches that resonate with the journalists?ÇÖ beat, are specific to the sector, and relevant to their audience are highly appreciated. Journalists share stories that appeal to a wide audience, so they should be intriguing and relevant. It's essential to strike the right balance by providing just the right amount of information: concise and clear. When structuring the pitch, use the inverted pyramid method, starting with the most significant and attention-grabbing details and then delving into more specific information. Creating curiosity among journalists with your pitch, using catchy words, and highlighting groundbreaking points can make it exclusive and reduce the chances of failure,?Ç¥ says Sharma. <img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\1a5faa1e040dba5e75078dbefb787cbe.jpeg' class='content_image'>For Sandeepa Santiago, Intrapreneur and Head of Project Management & Communications, CommsCredible, investing time to research and understand the journalist or media outlet is a crucial step to creating a powerful media pitch.?Ç£I try to familiarise myself with the previous articles and topics covered by the journalist. I customise the pitch to align with the media?ÇÖs specific interests. Additionally, I try to incorporate an interesting story hook to highlight the newsworthiness and relevance of the story angle. Including statistics and anecdotes to validate my idea, if possible, significantly improves my chances of success,?Ç¥ Santiago explains. <img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\ba88375eaad9e19035012e02536f0793.jpeg' class='content_image'>"When crafting a pitch, we focus on a brief snapshot of the larger story and its impact, which can capture the journalist?ÇÖs attention," says Shailesh Goyal, Director, Simulations Public Affairs Management Services Pvt Ltd.?Ç£It is essential to consider their target audience and what may appeal to them. For instance, the same event may need to be pitched differently to journalists covering different beats. We also realise that journalists are pressed for time, so we make it a point to keep the pitch crisp and to the point,?Ç¥ adds Goyal. <img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\9faefaff347526cda30de1bc60b6ce2e.jpeg' class='content_image'>Girisha Chauhan, Account Director at 80dB Communications Pvt Ltd, emphasizes the importance of aligning pitches with journalists?ÇÖ interests. ?Ç£To create a pitch that resonates, I research their recent articles to understand their preferred topics and angles. Identifying potential hooks like company growth, key announcements, or current industry trends is crucial. A concise, clear pitch with a timely connection to current events strengthens the story,?Ç¥ she notes. <img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\1d9351e98578d07d4a96b28e438e4aa2.jpeg' class='content_image'>Dr Navneet Anand, Founder & Director, GreyMatters Communications & Consulting, believes that good research forms the fundamental basis to ensure the pitch is rich in uniqueness and piques the interest of the journalist.?Ç£At GreyMatters, we spend significant time understanding journalists' needs. We know they are hungry for compelling narratives, and the best way to draw their attention is by proposing a pitch that is novel, fact-rich, and relevant to their specialization. For a newspaper reporter, the pitch must have a news angle; for a magazine, it should convey a trend; and for a TV reporter, a visual asset is critical,?Ç¥ says Anand. <img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\5cb45fd7a61829a84f201b0d4c14cbd8.jpeg' class='content_image'>Handling RejectionsHow do PR professionals handle rejection or a failed pitch, and what do they learn from the experience? It?ÇÖs a fact that not all pitches translate into stories, and rejection is part of the process.?Ç£Rejections are part of the game and need not cause heartbreak,?Ç¥ says Goyal. ?Ç£Often, genuinely good pitches are dismissed due to bad timing or reasons beyond our control. If a pitch doesn?ÇÖt elicit a good response, we try to figure out where we may have erred?Çöwas the subject line not good enough? Could the pitch have been explained better? We learn to take this in stride and improve next time. It?ÇÖs also important to have a backup plan, such as an alternate angle or another publication.?Ç¥Manish Sharma adds: ?Ç£Rejections can be seen as valuable feedback rather than a dead end. A failed pitch presents an opportunity for improvement and learning. By analyzing the reasons for rejections, we can redefine our approach and effectively handle failure.?Ç¥Sandeepa Santiago says that if her story pitch is rejected, she makes an effort to understand why it didn?ÇÖt resonate. "This helps me better customize my pitch in the future to align with their interests. My goal is to collaborate with the media, rather than pushing my story onto them.?Ç¥If a journalist rejects a pitch, Girisha Chauhan takes the opportunity to ask for feedback or learn why it wasn?ÇÖt a fit. "This helps me adjust future pitches. Sometimes, if relevant data isn?ÇÖt available immediately, I pause, gather more details, and circle back later. Every rejection is a learning moment to improve my approach.?Ç¥Dr Navneet Anand believes every failure is a lesson and a challenge to self-introspect to avoid repeating mistakes.Key skill-setsWhat are the most important skill sets or traits a PR professional should possess?According to Dr Navneet Anand, a PR professional must have an abiding belief in the power of knowledge. "In our intensely knowledge-driven environment, it?ÇÖs vital to be equipped with relevant information to earn respect from journalists and clients.?Ç¥As we move ahead in the digital era, Manish Sharma notes that technologies and AI are disrupting PR offerings, but a human-centric approach remains crucial. ?Ç£Communicating with empathy, practicing active listening, and paying attention to detail are key traits for effective PR,?Ç¥ he adds.Shailesh Goyal highlights qualities like a winning attitude, patience, and a strong news sense as essential for success in PR. ?Ç£Without these qualities, it?ÇÖs hard to make a mark in this profession.?Ç¥Sandeepa Santiago emphasizes that effective storytelling is the cornerstone of successful PR. ?Ç£A PR professional must communicate complex story ideas clearly and captivatingly. Research is the backbone of storytelling, enabling the development of effective communication strategies.?Ç¥Dealing with Failed PitchesWhen a story pitch fails to take off, PR pros must think creatively to secure media coverage.Sandeepa Santiago recounts a recent experience involving one of her retail FMCG clients. ?Ç£We were in discussions for a feature story, but the client was unwilling to share critical information. We pivoted, engaging in dialogue with the journalist and proposing an alternative story angle that aligned with their interests while highlighting my client?ÇÖs focus. After ensuring a unique spin, we ultimately secured a relevant story,?Ç¥ she recalls.Manish Sharma shares a similar sentiment: ?Ç£Creativity is at the core of preparing a media pitch. We research industry trends to generate ideas and take calculated risks for breakthrough results. In one instance, we crafted a compelling narrative from a client?ÇÖs social media posts on 'Gender Neutral Toilets,' which garnered widespread media coverage.?Ç¥Shailesh Goyal cites a recent example where they approached a milestone sales figure differently, presenting it as a story about job creation and its impact on the local economy, securing valuable media coverage.One time, Girisha Chauhan says she personally flew to another city to meet with editors and secure a face-to-face introduction on behalf of a client. "Establishing a personal connection, consistently following up, and offering exclusive insights helped me build relationships with key editors. I tailored my pitches to align closely with their editorial needs and interests, which eventually resulted in valuable media coverage in major publications. This creative approach of personal engagement, along with a unique angle, proved to be a game-changer."Dr Navneet Anand recounts: ?Ç£When a big hospital asked us to create media coverage around Asthma Day, we coordinated with Delhi Police to screen traffic personnel, resulting in startling findings that made for great media stories.?Ç¥Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Crosshairs Communication, one of the leading public relations agencies in the country, has announced bagging the PR mandate for the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2024. The same is scheduled for September 25-26 at Taj Lands End and the agency has been the communication partner for the conclave for over a decade now.As the official PR partner, Crosshairs Communication will lead the charge in managing key messaging and communication strategies for the event, ensuring its significance is conveyed nationwide. The agency is committed to delivering impactful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences across the country. The conclave will feature prominent figures such as Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways; Chirag Paswan, Member of Parliament; and Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra among other personalities like Saif Ali Khan, Kartik Aryan, Kiran Rao, Richa Chadha, engaging in a dynamic discussion on key topics.  ?Ç£We are thrilled to be associated with the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2024 for over a decade now. We look forward to the conclave as its one of the pioneers in the country that brings critical national conversations to the forefront,?Ç¥ said Stuti Jalan, Founder & Managing Director, Crosshairs Communication. ?Ç£Our focus is to elevate the discussions and amplify India?ÇÖs voice in this global dialogue.?Ç¥The India Today Conclave Mumbai 2024 promises to be a pivotal platform for thought leadership, fostering insights and discussions that shape India?ÇÖs journey on the world stage.

Global independent marketing and communications firm FINN Partners, today announced its partnership with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to lead global communications for the ?ÇÿTogether in Travel?ÇÖ community launch. As part of the corporate communications brief, FINN Partners will manage content creation, PR, SEO, and digital advertising for the new initiative being launched by WTTC at the Global Summit in Perth in October.The WTTC is a leading global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel and tourism, representing the sector globally and advocating for its sustainable growth. The Council works with governments, industries, and communities to raise awareness of the travel sector's economic value and to advance important initiatives that promote sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.The creation of the ?ÇÿTogether in Travel?ÇÖ community is specifically aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which make up 80% of the global travel community and aims to provide tools and content to both accelerate their business growth and ensure their voices are heard globally. This dynamic and free-to-subscribe community with additional paid membership options rolling out in later phases will focus on empowering these businesses by facilitating meaningful connections, providing valuable insights, and offering tailored learning programs to help them thrive in a competitive market.The communications mandate for this campaign spans FINN Partners' purpose and social impact teams, as well as their global travel teams. The objective is to drive awareness and engagement that this is the go-to global network for the private sector SMEs in emerging and developed markets and will target all levels from startups to mature businessesJulia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said, ?Ç£SMEs form the backbone of our global tourism industry and their role in driving growth and innovation is undeniable. By partnering with FINN Partners on the 'Together in Travel' community campaign, we are leveraging their communications and storytelling expertise globally to amplify the voices of SMEs, ensuring they have the sustainable support and visibility needed to thrive in today's competitive landscape.?Ç¥Matthew Upchurch, Vice Chair of Membership at WTTC | Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso, said ?Ç£As the founder of a membership organisation myself and a long-time member of WTTC I am delighted to see our joint vision becoming a reality and these important voices being given a platform on the global stage. The ?ÇÿTogether in Travel?ÇÖ by WTTC will elevate our role as the voice and advocate for the private sector. I am excited to see the value the WTTC and Together in Travel subscribers will bring to each other as the community thrives. Debbie Flynn, Managing Partner, Global Travel Practice Leader at FINN Partners expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "At FINN Partners, we have always believed in the transformative power of travel. By collaborating with the WTTC on the 'Together in Travel' community, we are excited to be leading the campaign which will inspire confidence in the future for this critical part of our sector and ensure sustainable partnerships, growth and resilience?Ç¥ Flynn is leading the account alongside a team of 10 across practices and markets, including in India, APAC, Europe, and the U.S.

Kekst CNC, a global strategic communications boutique, has announced the appointment of John Rynehart as Director and Head of the UAE, further strengthening its presence in the Middle East.John will oversee operations in the UAE, spearheading growth in one of Kekst CNC?ÇÖs fastest-growing markets globally.?Ç£We are thrilled to welcome John to our business and eagerly anticipate the contributions he will bring to our leadership team,?Ç¥ said Ben Curson, Partner and Head of the Middle East.?Ç£John joins us at a pivotal moment as we continue to expand our unique positioning and presence in the region. His exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking and deep understanding of the evolving and ever-changing Middle East market will be invaluable. We are confident he will play a key role in propelling our business to new heights.?Ç¥Kekst CNC recently announced the opening of its office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, led by experienced Saudi communications consultant Robert Hanvik.With 20 years of experience in journalism, strategic communications, public relations, marketing and leadership, John brings a proven track record of delivering creative solutions for a diverse range of clients. His expertise spans multiple sectors including health, education, energy, defense and aviation.?Ç£Kekst CNC?ÇÖs excellence in delivering strategic foresight, quality assurance and innovation, along with its use of emerging technologies, aligns perfectly with my dedication for helping clients navigate multifaceted challenges and business-critical issues,?Ç¥ said John Rynehart, Director and Head of the UAE. ?Ç£I look forward to working with this impressive team and contributing to the firm?ÇÖs continued success.?Ç¥Prior to joining Kekst CNC, John held senior leadership positions at independent agencies Seven Media and Four Agency Worldwide, where he led teams and major initiatives in corporate communications, crisis management, and integrated communications strategy.As Head of the UAE, John will be responsible for overseeing business development, providing senior-level client counsel, and team leadership, ensuring Kekst CNC continues to deliver best-in-class consultancy services that drives measurable impact for its diverse international client portfolio.Kekst CNC is a global communications agency with 14 offices around the world, focused on corporate actions, special situations and strategic decision making, with strong expertise in advising businesses in the Middle East during times of growth, transformation and reputation protection.

Authored by Pratyush Pandey, Performance-Based PR and Marketing SpecialistIn today?ÇÖs dynamic and ever-evolving branding landscape, businesses are in a constant race to outshine competitors and maintain a lasting connection with their audiences. The secret weapon for 2024? Programmatic PR and Marketing a cutting-edge approach that is reshaping the way brands engage, interact, and grow in the digital age. This strategy uses automation and data-driven insights to power ultra-targeted, personalized campaigns that resonate deeply with consumers. Unlike the traditional, broad-based marketing tactics of the past, Programmatic PR delivers precise, real-time content tailored to individual preferences and behaviours. As a result, brands are not just reaching people they?ÇÖre speaking directly to them, driving higher engagement and greater conversions.Why Programmatic PR is Dominating 2024  The numbers speak for themselves. Recent industry research shows that brands using Programmatic PR and Marketing have witnessed a 30% surge in customer engagement and a 25% rise in brand loyalty. This data-driven approach allows brands to meet consumers where they are, with content that feels personal and relevant. Consumers today expect brands to understand their needs, and Programmatic PR delivers on this expectation in ways that traditional marketing simply cannot.But there?ÇÖs more. Cost-efficiency is another compelling advantage. With automation at the heart of content distribution and media outreach, brands can reduce marketing costs by up to 20%, all while improving their effectiveness. This is a game-changer in an era where marketing budgets are tight, and the pressure to deliver results is higher than ever.Real Success Stories: Brands Winning with Programmatic PR  Case in point: An e-commerce giant in India. By adopting a programmatic strategy, they witnessed a 40% increase in online sales within six months. Leveraging consumer data, they created targeted marketing campaigns that spoke directly to their audience?ÇÖs unique preferences, driving impressive growth in sales and customer retention.Another success story comes from a luxury fashion brand that expanded into new international markets using Programmatic PR. They crafted tailored campaigns based on market insights and consumer trends, leading to a 35% revenue boost in previously untapped regions. These examples underscore how data-driven strategies can power brand growth across industries.The Road Ahead: The Future of Branding with Programmatic PR  As the digital world continues to evolve, Programmatic PR is the future. Brands that adopt these strategies today will not only survive but thrive in a hyper-competitive marketplace. With the ability to deliver personalized content while streamlining costs, brands will secure stronger connections with their target audiences and differentiate themselves in a crowded space. looking ahead, it's clear that Programmatic PR and Marketing will play a central role in shaping the next chapter of brand growth. As consumer expectations continue to rise, brands must adapt by using data to inform every aspect of their outreach transforming how they connect with their audiences in the process.In the words of Pratyush Pandey, Performance-Based PR and Marketing Specialist, ?Ç£In today?ÇÖs fast-paced digital world, Programmatic PR isn?ÇÖt just an option it?ÇÖs a necessity. For brands looking to stay competitive and achieve sustainable growth, embracing this strategy is non-negotiable.?Ç¥With the shift focus toward automation, personalized messaging, and cost-efficiency, Programmatic PR and Marketing is leading the way in 2024 as the ultimate game-changer for brand growth. Don?ÇÖt get left behind be a part of the future of branding.DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and THE PR POST does not necessarily subscribe to it.

Ogilvy PR has introduced a new reputation protection service called Influence Shield to safeguard brands in the Asia Pacific region from the potential risks associated with influencer marketing. This comprehensive solution combines social media expertise, crisis management knowledge, and advanced technology to mitigate reputational threats in today's dynamic social landscape.Leading the initiative is Simon Webb, a seasoned Ogilvy PR veteran with over two decades of experience in crisis counsel. Appointed as Regional Head of Risk Management in APAC, Webb will leverage his expertise to guide brands on how to minimize risks and navigate the complexities of influencer marketing in the region's thriving creator economy.Webb, the architect behind Ogilvy's Brandshield offering, has developed a four-pronged approach to protecting brand reputations: Risk-Mapping, Readiness, Response, and Recovery. This framework will be instrumental in helping brands assess and address potential risks associated with influencer collaborations.?Ç£In the current social media environment, the reputational and commercial risk of a campaign poorly-executed can easily outweigh the opportunities. Influencer Shield shifts the calculus back in the favor of brands, helping them engage in social with confidence once again," said Webb.James Baldwin, Head of Influence for Ogilvy PR in APAC, echoed Webb's sentiments: ?Ç£Influence is no longer a luxury; it?ÇÖs a necessity to ensure we move at the speed to culture, however its essential to remember we are operating in a live environment with infinite personalities and possibilities. Influence Shield helps brands navigate the complex landscape of influencer marketing with confidence, turning potential challenges into competitive advantages."Led by experts in brand reputation and risk mitigation, Influence Shield is underpinned by behavioral science principles and powered by Ogilvy's proprietary technology stack. The service offers a comprehensive suite of solutions, including campaign risk assessment, influencer vetting, content compliance, influencer onboarding, issues mitigation, and PR planning.Influence Shield is part of Ogilvy's broader suite of influencer expertise across Asia Pacific, encompassing crisis and issues management, influencer strategy, creative ideation, influencer selection, and campaign execution. With a focus on Consumer Influence, B2B Influence, Influencer Commerce, and Creator Studio, Ogilvy's award-winning Public Relations business provides end-to-end influencer solutions to help brands thrive in the region.

PRtainment Media and Communications has announced its appointment as the official PR partner for DRRK Foods' flagship brand Crown Rice, a leader in the premium rice segment. This collaboration is set to enhance Crown Rice?ÇÖs brand presence across India, driving greater awareness of its unique product offerings like 100% premium quality basmati rice.PRtainment Media will lead an integrated PR strategy to highlight Crown Rice?ÇÖs commitment to providing nutritious, flavorful rice options to today's health-conscious consumers, ensuring the brand's voice resonates across traditional and digital platforms.Vikram Marwaha, Joint Managing Director of DRRK Foods Pvt Ltd, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with PRtainment Media, a team that understands our passion for quality and innovation. Their deep understanding of our brand values and commitment to storytelling makes them the ideal partner to help us elevate Crown Rice?ÇÖs market presence. With their expertise, we are confident that our unique product offerings will reach a broader audience?Ç¥.Nidhi Sabbarwal, Director and Co-Founder of PRtainment Media and Communications PL, states: "We are excited to take on the PR mandate for Crown Rice. This collaboration enables us to apply our expertise to highlight Crown Rice's exceptional offerings. Our strategic approach will boost the brand?ÇÖs visibility and strengthen its position in the premium rice market. We aim to engage a larger audience, enhancing its market presence while emphasizing its dedication to quality and innovation."This partnership represents a significant milestone for Crown Rice as it plans to scale new heights in the Indian market, while PRtainment Media takes charge of crafting captivating campaigns that resonate with modern consumers.

Ketchum has promoted Rachel Rix, previously deputy MD of brand, to the role of Chief Growth Officer for its UK operations. Rix will continue her current responsibilities as global client lead and EMEA lead for two major accounts, alongside her new duties overseeing Ketchum?ÇÖs integrated offerings. Having joined Ketchum nearly eight years ago from Freuds, Rix has steadily risen through the ranks.This announcement comes shortly after Ketchum UK appointed Estelle Boon as managing director of brand.In her new role, Rix will report to Sera Holland, who became UK CEO in August following the departure of Ruth Allchurch. Holland praised Rix?ÇÖs abilities, stating: ?Ç£Watching Rachel work is like taking a masterclass in client relationship building. She is one of those rare talents that can create depth in the partnerships she owns and breadth in the work through her relentless focus on progress. I?ÇÖm looking forward to working closely with Rachel as she steps into this new role, and we step into this new chapter of growth across our integrated and specialist offerings.?Ç¥Expressing her enthusiasm, Rix shared: ?Ç£I couldn?ÇÖt be more excited to take on this role at the start of Ketchum UK?ÇÖs next chapter. There are two things I love most about my job and our industry: building and nurturing relationships with people who inspire and energise me and doing innovative, progressive work with clients that makes us all better. I can?ÇÖt wait to work with Sera and the senior leadership team to bring our brilliant plans to life.?Ç¥This leadership change is part of a broader restructuring at Ketchum UK, which includes Noor Kheir?ÇÖs arrival from H&K as managing director of corporate, as well as the departure of the agency?ÇÖs chief finance and operations officers, and corporate director Koray Camg??z?ÇÖs transition to CEO of the Taylor Bennett Foundation.

Global strategic communications and advisory firm Concerto has announced the appointment of Cedric Roux as Managing Director for the Middle East. Based in Dubai, Roux will spearhead Concerto?ÇÖs growth and operations across the region, focusing on strategic communications, business intelligence, and public affairs.Concerto's CEO, Fran?ºois Hurstel, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, "We are proud to strengthen strategic ties between the Gulf, Africa, and France. Cedric?ÇÖs expertise in these regions complements our diverse pool of experts. We are thrilled to have him on board."Roux brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as UAE General Manager and Global Chief Transformation Officer at Richard Attias & Associates. His background spans emerging markets and social inclusion projects for major financial institutions across France, the UK, and Africa.Commenting on his new position, Roux said, "Concerto?ÇÖs entrepreneurial spirit and client-focused approach have driven its success in high-growth markets. Joining the team feels like a natural step, and I look forward to providing strategic counsel to government and business leaders on critical regional issues."Concerto's expansion into the Middle East aims to foster deeper connections between the Gulf, Africa, and France, furthering its influence in these high-growth markets.

Megha Bhatia has joined KFC India as Head - Social PR & Purpose. Prior to this she was the Associate Vice President at Edelman and PR Consultant at PR Pundit. She has more than 13 years of experience as a Communications specialist with expertise in conceptualization of earned-centric integrated campaigns.She is skilled in strategic campaign planning & execution, reputation & crisis management,talent development, influencer strategy, stakeholder engagement, brand partnerships and has a demonstrated track record of delivering award-winning campaigns across Travel, Food & Beverage, Hospitality and Lifestyle brands in the last decade.She is an alumnus of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication.

Authored by Aakanksha Gupta, Founder and CEO of The Other Circle In the bustling heart of Mumbai, a young girl dreamed of stories - not just telling them, but shaping  them. Little did she know that her journey would lead her to rewrite the narrative of an entire  industry.  Fresh out of Xavier Institute of Communications in 2009, Aakanksha dove headfirst into the world of  copywriting and PR. But it wasn't long before she felt the itch - the nagging sense that something was  missing in the polished corridors of established PR firms.  "I saw a gap," Aakanksha recalls, her eyes twinkling with the memory. "A space where creativity was  suffocating, where fresh ideas went to die. I knew there had to be another way."  That "other way" became The Other Circle (TOC), Aakanksha's brainchild born in 2013. More than  just a PR firm, TOC emerged as a rebellion against the status quo - a place where out-of-the-box  thinking wasn't just encouraged, it was the norm. As CEO, Aakanksha quickly proved herself a master of many trades. Strategy, crisis management,  lateral thinking - she wore these hats with the ease of a seasoned performer, seamlessly switching  roles as each new challenge demanded. But it was the COVID-19 pandemic that truly showcased Aakanksha's prowess. When the crisis hit in  2020, decimating TOC's core clientele in the hospitality sector, she didn't just pivot - she pirouetted.  "We could have played it safe," she says with a grin. "Instead, we decided to dance." And dance they  did. Aakanksha's lateral thinking kicked into high gear, leading TOC to expand into entertainment,  lifestyle, real estate, and more.  Her strategic foresight and crisis management skills turned potential disaster into opportunity. "In  times of crisis, people need clear, creative communication more than ever," Aakanksha explains. "We  became that beacon for many brands struggling to find their voice."  This agile response didn't go unnoticed. As industries grappled with unprecedented challenges,  TOC's innovative approach made them the go-to choice for numerous players across sectors.  Aakanksha's ability to think on her feet and craft unique strategies for each client solidified TOC's  reputation as a versatile powerhouse. Today, Aakanksha stands at the helm of not just TOC, but also Cavalry Media, her latest venture into  entertainment PR. Her journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and creative problem solving in leadership.  But what truly sets Aakanksha apart isn't just her business acumen. It's her philosophy that kindness  and success aren't mutually exclusive in the cutthroat world of PR.  "People remember how you make them feel," she muses. "In PR, in business, in life - it all comes down  to genuine connections."  When she's not reshaping narratives in the boardroom, you might find Aakanksha lost in a book,  dancing to her own rhythm, or meditating to find her center. It's this blend of sharp business sense,  versatile leadership, and soulful approach that makes her a unicorn in the industry.  Aakanksha Gupta isn't just changing the game - she's creating a whole new playbook. And if her  journey so far is any indication, the next chapter promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Estelar, the beauty brand redefining sass and empowerment, is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Team Pumpkin. Known for its unapologetically bold approach, Estelar celebrates the fierce, fearless you with a stunning range of six vibrant shades that speak the language of bold femininity. Team Pumpkin will undertake Estelar's social media, e-commerce, and influencer marketing efforts, propelling the brand's mission to inspire and empower women everywhere.Estelar isn?ÇÖt just a brand?Çöit?ÇÖs a movement for all the goddesses out there who embrace their inner strength. Each shade is meticulously crafted to enhance your unique beauty, reflecting the powerful, radiant woman you were always meant to be. Whether you're commanding a room or conquering your day, Estelar?ÇÖs collection is designed to complement the fierce energy you bring to the world.Team Pumpkin shares Estelar?ÇÖs vision of celebrating and empowering women. "We are beyond excited to join forces with Estelar. Their commitment to bold femininity and their innovative approach to beauty perfectly align with our passion for creating dynamic, impactful campaigns. We believe this partnership will resonate with women who are ready to embrace their inner goddess and showcase their unique strength", said Swati Nathani, Co-Founder of Team Pumpkin.Rashmi Arun, Founder of Estelar also commented ?Ç£The collaboration with Team Pumpkin will further elevate Estelar?ÇÖs mission to inspire and empower women everywhere. Together, we are set to create a buzz that highlights the essence of Estelar?ÇÖs vibrant, bold spirit. We are also excited to announce that additional ranges of our cosmetics will be launched in the near future, expanding our offerings and continuing to celebrate bold femininity?Ç¥The Estelar account will be managed by Team Pumpkin's Bangalore branch, leveraging the expertise of individual agencies within the Team Pumpkin ecosystem. D2C Pro, Team Pumpkin's dedicated e-commerce agency, will oversee marketplace management, while HypeSquad, their influencer marketing specialists, will curate strategic influencer partnerships.

PRCA Mena, the regional arm of the largest public relations and communications association in the world, has announced the agenda for its annual conference. Scheduled for November 14, 2024, at the Taj Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai, this year's event will bring together industry leaders, innovators and government specialists from across the region to explore the evolving landscape of public relations, communications and media.Key panel sessions include:The Future of Media: Innovation, Regulation, and Economic ImpactThe Future of PR: Navigating the Digital RevolutionPR & Influencers: Friends or Foe?CSR, ESG, Impact, Sustainability: Bogus Buzzwords or Changing Perceptions?What Women Want? Direct Insights from the industry?ÇÖs Leading LadiesSaudi?ÇÖs Secrets to Success: Creative Hype or a New Reality?Artificial Intelligence: Master or Slave?In addition to these sessions, the conference will feature ample networking opportunities over coffee, lunch and evening drinks, providing a social platform for industry professionals to connect and collaborate.Conrad Egbert, Head of PRCA MENA, said: ?Ç£This conference is more than just an event?Çöit?ÇÖs a reflection of where the PR and communications industry stands today and where it?ÇÖs headed. With the rapid changes we?ÇÖre seeing, especially around technology and media, it?ÇÖs vital that we address these issues head-on. I?ÇÖm looking forward to having some candid conversations about what?ÇÖs working, what isn?ÇÖt, and where we go from here.?Ç¥Early bird tickets are available until September 20, 2024, with special offers for PRCA members.Representing more than 35,000 PR professionals in 82 countries worldwide, PRCA is a global advocate for excellence in public relations. The PRCA?ÇÖs teams across Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific work with industry professionals around the world to co-ordinate operations across six continents.

5WPR, one of the largest independently-owned PR firms in the US, has announced the expansion of its specialty video game and gaming PR division. Created in 2022, the division allows for a focused and strategic approach to modern gaming as technologies and access to these games continue to advance and grow in popularity."This is a new era of gaming, and to maintain momentum as the industry continues to evolve requires a dedicated team who possesses a deep knowledge of the gaming industry," said Matthew Caiola, 5WPR's North America CEO. "Impactful campaigns resonate with gamers, and we're excited to continue growing this division and supporting our clients as they navigate such a dynamic market."5WPR has been agency of record for several groundbreaking leaders in the video gaming space including Roblox, Club Koala, Jackbox Games, OperaGX, and Redecor, in addition to a top-ranked social casino developer and mobile game publisher.Founded in 2003, 5W has been named a top US and NYC PR Agency by leading industry publication O'Dwyer's, as well as awarded Agency of the Year in the 2024 American Business Awards?«, and continuously brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold, and results-driven approach to communication. The agency has more than 250 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and Digital Marketing (Social Media, Influencer, Paid Media, SEO). In addition to its business accolades, 5W was named to the 2024 Digiday WorkLife Employer of the Year list. For more information and to join our team visit 5W Careers.

Interpublic Group has announced the appointment of Alex Hesz as the company's Chief Strategy Officer. Hesz will collaborate closely with Interpublic?ÇÖs leadership team on the company's strategic priorities, including the company?ÇÖs go-to-market positioning and its integrated work with global clients.?Ç£Alex is an exceptional strategist who sees what?ÇÖs next and will help both our clients and Interpublic harness change to drive outstanding performance. He?ÇÖll be invaluable in driving our company?ÇÖs strategic initiatives forward as we continue to evolve and grow. An area of long-standing focus for us is the intersection of media, technology and creative, and Alex can accelerate the pace at which we integrate these capabilities so that our teams can most efficiently grow business for brands," said Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of Interpublic. ?Ç£We?ÇÖre very pleased to welcome Alex to the organization.?Ç¥Most recently, Hesz has worked with NGOs and on related projects in his native United Kingdom. Prior to this, Hesz was at Omnicom, where he served as the company?ÇÖs Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer. Hesz previously held a range of strategic roles at Adam & Eve/DDB and was elevated to Global Chief Strategy Officer at DDB Worldwide in 2020. Over the course of his career, Hesz has worked on a range of large clients spanning all major industry categories, from automotive to financial services, consumer goods and technology."Our industry is changing rapidly to deliver innovative, personalized, and scaled solutions for clients that leverage new technologies and adjusted ways of working. Interpublic?ÇÖs success in adopting these types of programs has helped it deliver industry-leading work for clients, who turn to the company to navigate and excel in an increasingly complex marketing environment,?Ç¥ said Alex Hesz. ?Ç£I look forward to joining the Interpublic team to further the company?ÇÖs strategic vision and integrate industry-leading capabilities to help grow Interpublic and our clients.?Ç¥Hesz joins a group of senior functional leaders at the corporate Interpublic level driving connectivity between the company?ÇÖs portfolio of marketing services, capabilities and centralized strategic resources in areas such as data and identity, marketing technology, commerce, production and generative artificial intelligence, all in the service of making precision and performance core elements of its services to marketers around the world.The appointment is effective immediately.

Integrated marketing consultancy, One Source, today announced that it has  won the public relations and corporate communications mandate for Grant Thornton Bharat, India?ÇÖs  premium consulting firm. One Source will assist Grant Thornton Bharat in building and managing its  reputation across earned media through a variety of solutions.  Grant Thornton Bharat is a premium professional services firm in India with over 10,000+ professionals  across 19 locations. #GTBharat works with businesses and governments across industries and sectors,  providing assurance, consulting, tax, risk and digital and technology transformation services. A Great  Place To Work certified organisation, and ranked in Top 10 Best Workplaces in Professional Services,  the firm is constantly working towards building a stronger and more #VibrantBharat. Soumya Palchoudhuri, Partner- Markets Ecosystems, Grant Thornton Bharat, said, ?Ç£We are very  pleased to collaborate with One Source as our new public relations firm. Their expertise in designing  innovative and impactful communication aligns perfectly with our vision for the #GTBharat brand. We  expect this collaboration to enhance our brand messaging and reach all our stakeholders effectively,  as we continue to focus on helping our clients achieve their aspirations both in India and globally."  Speaking about the partnership, Sandeep Rao, Co?ÇôFounder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, One  Source, stated "This collaboration is a testament to the significant business impact we have achieved  for our partners worldwide. Our primary focus is on driving our partners' business growth, which in  turn fuels growth for us and our people. We are thrilled to continue our impactful work with Grant  Thornton Bharat and deeply honoured by their trust in our approach.?Ç¥  One Source has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru which service Indian and global market  leaders across start-ups, BFSI, fintech, edtech, construction, e-commerce, fast fashion, manufacturing,  packaging, business consulting, ICT, foodtech and more. Over the last seven years, the consultancy  has seen consistent 100+% growth across partners and people, beating average industry appraisals  along the way, at 27% YoY. 

The Public Relations and Communications Association MENA (PRCA MENA) has appointed Conrad Egbert as its new Head. Conrad brings with him a wealth of experience marking a new chapter for PRCA MENA focused on enhancing credibility, ethical standards and inclusivity across the industry.With Conrad at the helm, PRCA MENA will expand its reach and offerings, embracing students and individual members alongside corporate professionals. The association is committed to setting the highest ethical standards and will provide more top-notch training opportunities featuring global experts, keeping PRCA MENA as the leading voice of public relations in the region.Conrad Egbert said: ?Ç£I?ÇÖm incredibly humbled that the PRCA MENA has entrusted me to lead it into the foreseeable future. As a journalist and the founder of E+H - a strategic communications consultancy based in the UAE, I have a deep understanding of both sides of the communications industry. While I am committed to taking the PRCA MENA to new heights, I am also passionate about fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity and mental well-being. If there is anything that is crystal clear to me today, it is that change lies with us.?Ç¥Melissa Cannon, PRCA International Director, said: "Conrad?ÇÖs appointment signals a renewed focus on strengthening our ethical framework and enhancing the professional development of our members across the MENA region. His journalistic integrity and global outlook are exactly what we need to guide PRCA MENA into its next phase of growth and inclusivity."PRCA CEO, James Hewes, said: "Conrad?ÇÖs background and commitment to excellence make him a brilliant choice to lead PRCA MENA. His approach combines a rigorous journalistic mindset with a strong dedication to professional ethics, which will undoubtedly resonate with our members. I am confident that Conrad will bring fresh perspectives and drive impactful initiatives that will shape the future of PR in the region."

Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing, has appointed Sunil John as Senior Advisor, Stagwell MENA. John will head Stagwell's forthcoming MENA office, spearheading growth and enhancing collaboration among local agencies and partners. He will also develop new client solutions, utilizing his extensive regional network to support brands aiming for both regional expansion and global reach.John, named the Best PR Professional in the Middle East by PRWeek in 2023 and 2020, brings over three decades of regional experience to Stagwell, having founded ASDA'A BCW, the region's leading PR consultancy and been instrumental in shaping the public relations landscape in the Arab world. During his time at ASDA'A he launched Proof Communications, a specialist digital and design firm, OnePoint5, an ESG advisory and led the annual Arab Youth Survey, the groundbreaking thought leadership platform capturing the hopes and aspirations of the 200 million Arab youth.Additionally, as an Advisory Board Member of the Dubai International Chamber since July 2021, John has been influential in reinforcing Dubai's status as a global trade hub."Marketers who miss out on MENA will miss out on one of the biggest consumer growth stories of our decade," said Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO, Stagwell. "As we focus on becoming more competitive internationally, Sunil's unparalleled experience in MENA and his leadership are what Stagwell needs to deepen our presence and help our clients succeed in this crucial market.""I am excited to join Stagwell and contribute to its unique technology-driven offering in the marketing services landscape," said Sunil John. "The opportunity to integrate my experience, my love of research and insights, and my focus on digital transformation and technology with Stagwell's innovative approach will bring value to a region that is one of the fastest growing in the world. As a challenger network, I believe Stagwell will be the company that creates significant impact for our clients in the MENA region."John's appointment comes at a time when Stagwell is opening a new chapter in the region after recently announcing its intent to acquire Consulum, a leading government advisory firm that specializes in strategic communications, public policy and leadership support in the MENA and other global markets.Stagwell's footprint across MENA includes its omnichannel media agency Assembly and global creative collective Forsman and Bodenfors. Additionally, Stagwell counts marketing and talent management agency FLC and strategic growth advisory firm Phronesis Group among its global affiliate partners in the region. With offices across Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh, Stagwell is positioned to serve clients in a range of industries in MENA, including retail, automotive, crypto, real estate, tech and finance sectors.The MENA region is a key growth market for Stagwell as the company pursues its goal of doubling revenue at the Company beyond North America by 2025. In 2024 to date, Stagwell has acquired seven firms, including LEADERS (Israel), Team Epiphany (US), Sidekick (UK), What's Next Partners (France), PROS (Brazil), Business Traveller (Global), and BERA (US).

In a strategic move to bolster its communication efforts, the Government of Telangana has appointed veteran journalist and communications expert Sriram Karri as its Director of Media and Communications. Karri, previously the Resident Editor of Deccan Chronicle Holdings, brings with him over three decades of experience across journalism, corporate branding, and public affairs.Announcing his new role via LinkedIn, Karri expressed enthusiasm for his appointment, signaling his readiness to contribute to Telangana?ÇÖs communication strategies amid its growing prominence on the national and global stage.Sriram Karri?ÇÖs career spans an impressive journey, beginning in 1995 with The New Indian Express. Over the years, he has developed a formidable reputation as a writer, columnist, orator, and political analyst. His experience includes leadership roles at leading organisations such as Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Satyam Computers, Indian School of Business, and CallHealth, where he played a key role in communications and branding initiatives.Karri?ÇÖs appointment comes at a critical juncture as Telangana positions itself as a leader in India's tech and business sectors, with the state government keen on enhancing its global outreach and visibility. His deep expertise in both corporate communications and journalism is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the government's engagement with media and the public.As Telangana continues to attract investment and attention from major global players, Karri's new position will likely see him at the forefront of shaping the state?ÇÖs communication strategies, both domestically and internationally.

A new report launched today by global reputation and policy management firm, Sandpiper, reveals ESG and sustainability to be the weakest area of reputation management for organisations globally, with only 9% making the leading category in this area.The Sandpiper Global Reputation Capital Index, which is based on data from a survey of over 2,700 C-Suite Leaders across 27 markets, identifies four categories for performance in reputation management through analysis of nine areas of reputation management. Based on this, just 12% globally qualify as Trailblazers, with the remaining categorised as Aspirants (54%), Followers (32%), and Beginners (3%).Reputation Strategy and Crisis & Issues Management are the Indexed areas with the highest portion of Trailblazers, while ESG & Sustainability Strategy, Executive Profiling & Thought Leadership, and Media Engagement have the lowest.Click to DownloadESG and Sustainability Presents Significant Weak SpotsWhile progress in ESG and sustainability is rated as an important reputational area by 83% of respondents, only 39% self-rate their organisations as strong in this. Based on the Index, only 9% qualify as Trailblazers, the lowest of any area, with Followers at 36% and Beginners at 34% ?Çô the highest percentage of Beginners in any area.This result is underpinned by multiple weaknesses. Less than half of respondent organisations have a sustainability and/or ESG strategy or targets, and only 44% are regularly producing any form of sustainability and/or ESG reporting at least annually. Resources is identified as a key barrier, with only 13% have a dedicated sustainability and/or ESG team.The quality of organisational ESG and sustainability communications is also raising concerns, with 43% saying they don?ÇÖt believe these are even accurate. Further to this, climate communications fares poorly, with only 29% having established a climate communications strategy. Less than half (45%) also say their organisations?ÇÖ sustainability strategies are strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Emma Smith, Sandpiper, CEO, said, ?Ç£Amid increasing sustainability issues globally and as we approach the mid-point of the decade of action, the findings are clear that more needs to be done to advance sustainability goals. As stakeholder activism grows and greenwashing regulations increase, organisations that are unprepared risk being caught off guard and experiencing major reputational damages.?Ç¥Reputational Weaknesses Exposed as Risks RiseIn further findings, nearly three quarters (72%) of respondents?ÇÖ organisations were negatively impacted by reputational weaknesses over the past 12 months. These included affecting the ability to do business with customers (61%), to attract and retain talent (54%), to recover from a crisis (54%), incurring financial losses (53%), as well as negatively impacting government and community relationships (51%).These effects are being felt amid a growing risk landscape, with 56% saying reputation is becoming more difficult to manage, with just 21% saying it is becoming easier.Nine out of 10 leaders are very concerned about a range of emerging reputational risks, including misinformation and disinformation (97%), data privacy and cybersecurity (96%), employee, customer and stakeholder activism (95%), DE&I prioritisation (95%), ESG and sustainability scrutiny (95%), geopolitical tensions (95%), impact of AI on communications (95%), and greenwashing claims (94%), and media consolidation (94%).Despite the strong concerns, less than four out of 10 leaders feel well prepared to manage any of these issues. The rise of misinformation and disinformation (67 pt gap), employee activism (67 pt gap), geopolitical tensions (66 pt gap), and greenwashing top the list, indicating a need for immediate attention in these areas. Trailblazers outperform in every category of reputation management, including being 25 points below the global average in negative impacts owing to reputational weaknesses.Emma Smith, Sandpiper, CEO, said, ?Ç£As the risk landscape increases and communications channels are increasingly fragmented and complex, the rules of reputation management have changed. Business leaders need to employ a holistic and multi-dimensional approach to reputation management that hyper-targets stakeholders, all while navigating emerging digital risks that have the potential to destroy reputations in seconds. In this environment, visibility, accountability, and transparency are the crucial ingredients for success.?Ç¥Strategy to Action GapOverall, the Index reveals a significant gap between strategy and action. While 97% of leaders believe having a good reputation is important for their organisation?ÇÖs commercial success, and over 80% see all nine areas of reputation management as important, less than half rate their organisation?ÇÖs performance as strong in any of these areas.At the same time, leaders feel somewhat disempowered in reputational matters, with only 67% of CEOs and 50% of Corporate Affairs Leaders feeling a high level of responsibility for their organisation?ÇÖs reputation. Over half also lack strong access to critical audience and stakeholder insights, which directly impacts their ability to engage and influence.These issues appear to be recognised, with over 70% planning to increase investment in each area of reputation management over the next year.Emma Smith, Sandpiper, CEO, said: ?Ç£While our Index shows some very good signs of progress in reputation management globally, there area still many areas for improvement. A significant strategy to action gap is a consistent theme throughout the data, which shows that organisations have all the right intentions but are failing to mobilise plans. The appetite to increase investment in resources for reputation management efforts in the coming year is a positive sign.?Ç¥

Kaizzen, an award-winning integrated agency, has announced Kaizzen Global ?Çô it's own extensive network and trusted global partners to provide real-time knowledge and service excellence across the globe. Building on years of global recognition and industry-leading innovation, this new venture is driven by a strategic vision for the future, creative storytelling, and devotion to accomplishing impactful outcomes.  Kaizzen already has a proven track record of delivering customized communication campaigns around the world, including local PR and digital consultancy. With our current and expanding network, Kaizzen will be able to swiftly deliver across 80+ markets in the US, Europe, Australia, MENA, APAC, Africa and South America.  ?Ç£Kaizzen Global will offer a comprehensive suite of services that extend beyond traditional PR, encompassing strategic communications, digital marketing, crisis management, ESG consulting, and more. Kaizzen set up its first global footprint in Dubai last year. Now, we are scaling our expertise to help businesses adapt, innovate, and lead in today?ÇÖs competitive market. Kaizzen Global represents not just growth but a transformation in brand communication, staying ahead of the curve to ensure that our clients not only thrive but also shape the future of the industry.?Ç¥ Vineet Handa, Founder and CEO of Kaizzen. Kaizzen Global will be a collective platform, forming an exclusive alliance of independent communication agency partners. The partners along with Kaizzen will offer professional expertise to clients in projects and retainers. Our partners will enjoy the benefit of market referrals and will have the first right of refusal. The network will also include localized knowledge sharing and on ?Çô ground insights services. A win ?Çô win situation for our collective clients who can enjoy value adds and expanded services on request while the partner will enjoy exclusive servicing rights in their respective markets.  Ranked as the 7th fastest growing agency worldwide (PRovoke), Kaizzen in its 17th year of existence, has grown exponentially in size, network, client base, business and operations. With 200+ storytellers, 7 offices and 80+ market presence across the globe, Kaizzen is committed to providing the best to our clients anytime and anywhere.  

Public relations industry veterans Rafi Q Khan and Rohan Srinivasan have announced that they have joined hands to launch an independent communications consulting firm, Compass Communications. Khan, with over two decades of public relations and communications experience, was most recently Head of Client Services and New Business at FleishmanHillard India, part of the Omnicom Group. He has also held several leadership positions across Image Inc., Archetype, and Weber Shandwick, in addition to being the CEO of Cohn & Wolfe, part of BCW when the agency first entered India. He has also been the Head of Communications for an infrastructure developer. Khan is also a certified crisis manager and trainer. Srinivasan, with over 24 years?ÇÖ experience in public relations, integrated marketing and reputation management, has been in leadership roles across corporate, media and agency environments in the subcontinent and the United Kingdom. His previous stints include Managing Director of Ketchum Sampark and South Head at Madison PR. He also spearheaded the market entry of independent UK agency Eulogy and was the Head of Marketing and Communications for Vyoma, a leading digital signage company. Headquartered in Delhi NCR, Compass Communications is a full-service agency, providing end-to-end services and training to clients seeking senior counsel. Currently, the Compass team has under a dozen consultants and the agency works with affiliates across the country. Announcing the launch, Khan said, ?Ç£Our team's diverse backgrounds and experience of working across leading global MNCs, listed companies and start-ups, means we're flexible and agile to ensure our operations and team are aligned with our client's needs from the start. We simply aim to be the ?ÇÿCompass?ÇÖ that guides and delivers on our clients?ÇÖ communication objectives for optimal business impact.?Ç¥Srinivasan added, ?Ç£We?ÇÖve already managed to sign up brands across diverse sectors such as Auto, Consumer, HR, Education, Real Estate and Technology. At our core, we will be true to ensuring our clients get the best of both worlds?Çöan agency that implements and understands global best practices and yet appreciates what it takes to deliver results locally.?Ç¥ 

WiredCo., an independent agency in Australia, has strengthened its earned media division, WireCast, with two strategic new hires, reflecting the agency?ÇÖs growing client roster and expanded mandates from existing partnerships.Jessica "Jess" Nutt has been appointed Senior Account Manager for Earned Media, joining from Liquid Ideas. Nutt brings extensive experience leading communications campaigns for major brands like Maker's Mark, Four Pillars, and Pernod Ricard, adding depth to WiredCo.?ÇÖs media capabilities.Additionally, Constance "Connie" Nicolaou has been brought on board as Senior Account Executive for Earned Media. Nicolaou comes from Primary Comms Group, where she spent three years managing earned media, activations, and content creation, further bolstering the team?ÇÖs expertise.These appointments mark a significant step in WireCast?ÇÖs growth, aligning with the agency's expanding portfolio of clients and projects.Michelle Hampton, Managing Partner, WiredCo., said: "Both Jess and Connie are absolute guns at their craft, and most importantly, they?ÇÖre kind, caring and clever which is already proving to be a winning combo for our agency. We're looking forward to them bringing lots of mischief and mateship to help us create more magic for our clients."

The PRCA APAC?ÇÖs Corporate Affairs Forum 2024 will be held on October 9th in Singapore, coinciding with the prestigious Gold Standard Awards. This year?ÇÖs theme, ?Ç£Surviving and Thriving in Times of Political Change,?Ç¥ comes at a critical moment as over 60 democracies worldwide head to the polls, creating a climate of uncertainty. The forum aims to provide strategic insights into how corporate affairs professionals can navigate these turbulent political landscapes while also driving success.The event will offer a platform for senior leaders in public affairs and strategic communications to explore emerging trends and innovative approaches to managing corporate and political shifts. Participants will engage in discussions on crisis management, stakeholder engagement, and how to adapt communication strategies to maintain organizational stability during political transitions.PRCA APAC, in partnership with PublicAffairsAsia, is building on its regional influence, having recently expanded into markets such as Vietnam and Thailand?(PRCA Global). This partnership ensures the forum continues to be a leading event for public relations and corporate affairs professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.The Gold Standard Awards, running alongside the forum, will honour exceptional achievements in corporate affairs and strategic communications. Both events are highly anticipated, with thought leaders, sponsors, and delegates expected to attend?.

Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, has announced the launch of Decipher Health, its new cognitive artificial intelligence (AI) offering designed to optimize communications impact and stakeholder engagement across patient, advocate, healthcare provider, health decision-makers and analyst communities. This is the third AI offering of its kind from Burson and a key addition to the growing capability within PR Studio in WPP Open, WPP?ÇÖs intelligent marketing operating system powered by AI.Decipher Health by Burson has trained cognitive AI models on a broad spectrum of disease areas, including general health, oncology, neurology, diabetes, respiratory, and sexual health. It integrates predictive believability and virality indicators. The result is a robust framework for forecasting the potential impact of different types of content across healthcare-focused audience segments that is based on observable, repeatable data. The solution, created in partnership with cognitive AI company Limbik, makes predictions about communications impact by determining an audience?ÇÖs level of commitment to a particular topic and the believability of online content related to that topic. As part of WPP Open, Decipher Health will be made available to all WPP healthcare clients and is the latest innovation for Health@WPP.?Ç£The volume of information in the healthcare space can be both daunting and riddled with inaccuracies for people who are searching for material on a particular disease or therapeutic area,?Ç¥ said Chad Latz, Chief Innovation Officer, Burson. ?Ç£We created this capability to predict with near certainty the potential for impact ?Çô including credibility and engagement - that content can have on a wide range of healthcare-specific audiences. This ensures we can help our clients cut through with communications and marketing that build their reputations, but also deliver valuable and effective resources across the patient journey.?Ç¥In addition to message testing, Decipher Health tracks the impact of a variety of global macro themes that can affect the healthcare system, including: The economy; drug costs, pricing and access; supply chain; DEI; sustainability; elections; reproductive rights; women?ÇÖs health and armed conflict.?Ç£What makes this such an extraordinary tool is the depth of our audience modeling,?Ç¥ said Brenna Terry, Global Chair, Healthcare, Burson. ?Ç£Our patient audience is segmented beyond typical demographics to include a wide range of social determinants that can make people more ?Çô or less ?Çô likely to be susceptible to a disease and receptive to information. Drilling down to such a precise level ensures that we reach the right people at the right time with precisely the right content.?Ç£Decipher Health allow us to analyze gaps in message uptake among different critical healthcare stakeholders,?Ç¥ Terry continued. ?Ç£What resonates with a patient is different than what will make an impact with a physician or an analyst. With WPP Open, we can forecast what works well with each audience and then develop compelling content that facilitates high-impact communications with all stakeholder groups. We now have instant market research right at our fingertips.?Ç¥

Prashanth Balarama has joined as Senior Director of Communications & CSRWith over 27 years of extensive experience from IBM, where he most recently served as Global Gro Communication Lead for AI. Known for his expertise in communications strategy, marketing communications, and brand journalism, Prashanth has a proven track record of driving impactful internal and external campaigns. His deep knowledge of the global IT landscape and passion for leveraging technology to transform businesses and society will be instrumental in shaping the company's communication and CSR strategies moving forward.

A new report from PR Newswire reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly significant role in press release creation and distribution. The 2024 State of the Press Release Report, released today, highlights how communications professionals are leveraging AI to enhance their storytelling and reach broader audiences.According to the report, nearly 26% of strategic communicators are already using generative AI to draft press releases, and over 40% are considering its adoption in the future. This trend underscores the growing recognition of AI as a valuable tool for streamlining the press release process and improving content quality.Other key findings from the report include:  A significant increase in the use of multimedia elements, such as videos and infographics, to enhance press release engagement.  A 15% year-over-year growth in mentions of "AI" within press releases, reflecting the technology's rising prominence.  Continued reliance on press releases as a cornerstone of communications strategies, with 93% of professionals planning to send the same or more releases in the coming year."Our highly anticipated State of the Press Release Report continues to serve as a unique resource for public relations professionals from across the industry," said Matt Brown, President of PR Newswire. "The report provides detailed, data-driven insights reflecting the perspectives of many of the industry's leading communicators, and provides a direct view into evolving trends, strategies and best practices in the press release space."

FINN Partners, one of the world's leading independent marketing and communications agencies, has announced the appointment of Julie Adrian as Managing Partner and UK Health Group Lead. In the newly created position, Adrian reports to Gil Bashe, Chair FINN Global Health and Purpose. She will work closely with Fern Lazar, managing partner, FINN Global Health Practice Lead, and Chantal Bowman-Boyles, managing partner, FINN EMEA."Julie Adrian's exceptional track record of leading top health communication firms to spearhead client growth strategies and champion the success of life science companies makes her the ideal person to lead our UK Health Group," said Fern Lazar, managing partner, FINN Global Health Practice Lead. "Creating this position, tailored to Julie's considerable abilities, skills and energy, underscores FINN Partners' increasing leadership in global health communications. It further reinforces our commitment to an integrated and collaborative approach to providing clients in the United Kingdom and beyond with the highest level of service in the competitive worldwide biopharma and medical device sectors."Adrian brings a wealth of experience in health communications, having held executive positions at industry communication leaders such as CCA, InVentiv, and Syneos, where she led the expansion of their EU presence; Real Chemistry, where she served as Chief Client Experience Officer; and most recently, Alverium Health, a contract biotech organization, working with clients in pre-commercialization to accelerate and de-risk the path to market. "In joining FINN Partners, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of a health communications powerhouse that has been recognized, time and again, with industry-defining awards and which is widely known for its abiding commitment to amazing clients," said Adrian. "I am thrilled to be part of this agency community, which has fostered a culture of creativity, integrity, and collaboration. I believe it is the perfect environment for delivering integrated and transformative client solutions in an increasingly complex health-sector landscape."Adrian will also work closely with Chantal Bowman-Boyles, under whose leadership FINN Partners London has established its reputation as a leading integrated communications agency and been recognized for outstanding client service and as a best place to work."We are delighted to welcome Julie to the team," said Bowman-Boyles. "Her experience and understanding of health innovators further strengthen our agency's position as a health communications leader in the UK. We look forward to seeing Julie accelerate our growth in this key sector."Adding Adrian will accelerate the UK Health Group's efforts to build on its comprehensive suite of services, including public relations, investor relations, patient advocacy, digital marketing, scientific and medical communications support, and thought leadership. To achieve these goals, Adrian will collaborate closely with existing senior health specialists Mark Chataway, managing partner, Julian Tyndale-Biscoe and Christopher Nial, senior partners, and Darren Jones, partner.Adrian will continue as an Alverium Health board member, and FINN and Alverium will collaborate to support companies that are accelerating early innovation. Alverium brings expertise in clinical, market access, regulatory strategy and execution, and early-stage commercial activities. These resources, combined to FINN's expertise, reinforce the mutual commitment to innovation that can sustain and save people's lives and ensure clients receive the counsel needed to succeed."Julie's appointment marks a significant milestone for FINN Partners as we continue to expand capabilities in global health communications," said Gil Bashe, Chair Global Health and Purpose. "Having added Hyderus to its global community in 2023 and SPAG in 2022, and with Global Health Practice staff now in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, the FINN Global Health Practice has evolved into one of the world's largest health communication agencies. Julie's appointment is a pivotal moment; her energy, experience, and dedication to client success make her an invaluable asset and an addition to our team that will signal to clients that we never rest on our laurels and continue to pursue excellence in service to their goals."

Ek.indUS, a joint venture established to bring a leading US-based immigration investment company to the Indian market, has engaged Pitchfork Partners as its strategic communications counsel. Through this, Pitchfork Partners will drive the holistic communication narrative and manage the entire gamut of PR, social, and digital mandates for EK.indUS.Ek.indUS is strategically associated with a Beverly Hills, California-based Family Office (IMMCO Investments) and industry leader with 13+ years of experience in the immigration investment space.  Among the top financiers in the EB-5 industry (US permanent residency through investment), they have helped hundreds of investors secure green cards for their families.  Ek.indUS was created as a trusted gateway for Indian investors to obtain U.S. permanent residency through a seasoned EB-5 operator that boasts a perfect track record of green card approvals for its applicants and investment projects. IMMCO has successfully invested over $600 million into real estate development projects under the EB-5 visa program requirements, one of only a few EB-5 managers with such an accomplished track record.The U.S. team works directly with vetted, prominent real estate developers to structure projects utilizing EB-5 capital in their financing. Their commitment to investor security and their proven success rate make Ek.indUS a trusted partner in achieving immigration goals. Ek.indUS is an end-to-end solutions provider for Indian families that guides them through the EB-5 process. It also verifies investor eligibility, coordinates with tax and legal counsel, assists in project selection, and helps investors navigate the entire process, culminating in permanent residency and the return of investment capital.Speaking about the partnership, Parth Vakil, Founding Partner, EK.indUS, said, "We are excited to embark on our communications journey with Pitchfork Partners, leveraging their expertise across public relations, social, and digital platforms to effectively convey our message. Our commitment is to bring a highly reliable, best-in-class EB-5 solution to the Indian market and help Indian families secure U.S. permanent residency (green cards) through harnessing the potential of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.?Ç¥Sharing his views on the appointment, Jaideep Shergill, Co-founder, Pitchfork Partners, said, ?Ç£Ek.indUS and its partners provide comprehensive services to Indian families seeking U.S. residency through investment. Their trusted team offers expert guidance throughout the EB-5 process, helping clients navigate complex regulations with confidence. We are excited to have been entrusted with the strategic corporate communications, social, and digital mandate for Ek.indUS. With our extensive experience and expertise, we are committed to communicating the brand's strengths and ensuring that its objectives are met with clarity and impact.?Ç¥The EB-5 strategies adopted by Ek.indUS (through its association with IMMCO Investments) are government authorized via USA EB-5 regional centers that have been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to serve the entire continental United States.       

Neha Phale, formerly with Huhtamaki India Limited has joined VVF India Limited, a Mumbai-headquartered manufacturer of oleochemicals and personal care products, as the Head of Corporate Communications.In this role, Neha Phale will lead corporate communication efforts, with a focus on driving transformation, refreshing the brand, and implementing strategic communications to adapt to the evolving landscape. She will play a key role in enhancing the company?ÇÖs communication strategies, ensuring they align with VVF?ÇÖs objectives, and strengthening its presence within the industry. Delna Joshi, Chief Transformation Officer, VVF India Limited, said: ?Ç£Neha brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications that will be instrumental as we drive transformation and brand evolution at VVF. Her expertise will be key in enhancing our communication strategies, refreshing our brand, and strengthening our presence in the global market. We are excited to have Neha lead our corporate communications efforts and support our growth journey at this pivotal time.?Ç¥ Neha said: ?ÇÿI am thrilled to join VVF at such a transformative time. I look forward to driving the company?ÇÖs communication strategies, refreshing the brand, and supporting its growth journey.?ÇÖNeha has over 15 years of experience in communications and public affairs. Prior to joining VVF, she held the position of Head of Internal Communications APAC at Huhtamaki, where she played a key role in strengthening internal communications across the region. Before that, she served as Head of Public Affairs at Huhtamaki India, shaping the company?ÇÖs external engagement strategies. Neha has also held senior communications roles at companies like Welspun India Limited, Huntsman International, and Dow Chemical.Founded in 1939, VVF India Limited operates across four continents, with a strong presence in Asia, North America, and Europe.

Varsha Chainani has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Group Head of Corporate Communications and Brand at Vedanta Group, a leading global player in diversified natural resources. She shared the update on LinkedIn.Before joining Vedanta, Varsha was with Adani Group for over two and a half years as Group Head of Corporate Communications. In her new position, she will oversee the corporate communications and branding strategy for Vedanta, focusing on building the company's image and engaging key stakeholders.With more than 30 years of experience, Chainani has held leadership roles in organizations like Mahindra Group, Abbott Laboratories, IBM, and others. She has extensive expertise in areas such as reputation management, branding, mergers and acquisitions communication, sustainability, internal communications, content strategy, digital PR, and crisis communications.