For Ruder Finn India, 2025 was a year defined by momentum, resilience, and reinvention. As the communications landscape continued to evolve rapidly under the influence of AI, automation, and shifting stakeholder expectations, the agency focused on strengthening its people-first culture while deepening client relationships across sectors. From expanding social-first communication strategies to scaling new capabilities through the global launch of rf.StoryLab, the year reflected Ruder Finn India’s commitment to curiosity-led growth, responsible innovation, and delivering meaningful, future-ready outcomes for its clients.
As part of Adgully’s year-ender special, REWIND 2025, we spoke to Shivaram Lakshminarayan, COO, Ruder Finn India, about how the organisation navigated a transformative year for both the agency and the PR industry at large. In this conversation, he reflects on key milestones, evolving client demands, the changing role of PR from amplification to accountability, and what lies ahead for communications in 2026—offering a grounded perspective on what’s next for the industry.
How would you describe the year 2025 for your organisation? What were the standout moments that defined it?
2025 was an exciting year for us at Ruder Finn. We began with momentum, celebrated significant successes, and managed a few departures—some anticipated, others unexpected. The team kept their heads up, always finding creative solutions and sticking together no matter what came their way. Being a people-first focused agency, we continued to engage more, upskill and reskill our craft and above all continued to have fun while we delivered our what’s next promise to our clients. We grew deeper in our current client relationships with more social first communication strategies. With the global launch of rf.StoryLab, we expanded our AI capabilities to elevate the work we do. With AI and emerging technologies shaping our industry, we aim to lead with curiosity and prioritise responsible innovation.
When you look at the broader PR and communications industry, what defines this year for the industry?
For the industry at large, 2025 marked a shift from amplification to integration and accountability. PR is no longer measured only by reach or share of voice, but by its ability to manage risk, guide leadership, and sustain credibility in uncertain environments. At the same time, automation and AI have fundamentally changed how communications is executed, enabling faster insights, smarter monitoring, and more precise targeting. Together with geopolitical shifts, economic pressures, and evolving consumer expectations, these advances have pushed PR firmly into the realm of strategic decision-making.
Which new big clients did you onboard this year, and what made those wins special?
This year, we grew all of our business portfolio. We continued to grow stronger in the technology space with client acquisitions across storage, semi-conductor, AI Tech, FinTech and Start-ups. We added a few brands in our brand, lifestyle & entertainment portfolio with live -entertainment and snacking. We continued momentum in the healthcare practice with a few wins in the pharma space, while consumer technology remained consistent in its growth with a few strategic wins especially in the smart phone segment.
How has the role of PR evolved? Has it shifted from just managing images to creating deeper, more authentic engagement?
The role of PR has decisively evolved beyond image management. Today, it is about building credibility through consistent, transparent engagement with stakeholders. Audiences are far more discerning, and authenticity cannot be manufactured. PR now sits at the intersection of culture, policy, and business, helping organisations articulate not just what they do, but why they do it and how they respond when conditions change.
What are your expectations for 2026 in terms of growth, industry direction, or new opportunities?
In 2026, we expect growth to be driven by complexity rather than scale alone. Opportunities will emerge in areas such as public affairs, ESG communications, crisis preparedness, and cross-market reputation management. Agencies that invest in strategic talent, data intelligence, and geopolitical understanding will be best positioned to lead the next phase of the industry’s evolution.
So, as we look to 2026, let’s keep telling great stories, experimenting, and challenging the status quo. Here’s to what’s next.
