Mumbai-based communications consultancy Concept PR has been appointed as the official communications partner for Arkade Developers, as the real estate company accelerates its expansion across Mumbai and adjoining growth markets.Under the mandate, Concept PR will manage Arkade Developers' integrated communications strategy, including corporate communications, media relations, leadership profiling and strategic public relations initiatives aimed at strengthening the developer's brand visibility among investors, stakeholders and homebuyers.The appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Arkade Developers, which is listed on both the BSE and the National Stock Exchange of India. Founded in 1986, the company has built a strong presence in Mumbai's residential real estate market, delivering 32 projects and housing more than 5,500 families over the past four decades.Led by Amit Jain, the developer has completed over 5.5 million sq ft of real estate development, with more than 2 million sq ft currently under construction. The company focuses primarily on premium residential projects and redevelopment opportunities across key Mumbai micro-markets, including Santacruz, Goregaon, Malad, Mulund, Bhandup and Dahisar, while expanding into emerging locations such as Thane.Arkade Developers has recently undertaken a series of strategic acquisitions to strengthen its development pipeline. Among its most notable transactions is the acquisition of the 4-acre Filmistan Studios land parcel in Goregaon West for ?360 crore. The company plans to develop an ultra-luxury residential project on the site with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of approximately ?3,500 crore.The developer has also expanded its footprint in Thane through a major land acquisition with an estimated development potential of around ?2,000 crore, reflecting its long-term growth strategy in Mumbai's suburban housing markets.The communications partnership is expected to support Arkade Developers as it scales operations and strengthens its positioning in Mumbai's competitive luxury and redevelopment-focused real estate segment.

HAVAS Red and First Nations advocate Mundanara Bayles have launched HAVAS Blak, a new communications offering aimed at reshaping Australia’s Indigenous communications landscape through culturally grounded storytelling and strategic advisory services.HAVAS Blak will offer First Nations-led strategic communications and storytelling, alongside cultural capability training and consultancy services designed to help corporate, government and community leaders engage more effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, businesses and communities.The initiative will also provide media training and leadership visibility programmes to strengthen First Nations voices, while developing initiatives focused on improving representation across business, policy and public discourse. In addition, HAVAS Blak will work closely with agencies across the HAVAS Village network to accelerate the growth of First Nations partnership offerings across the wider client ecosystem.Commenting on the launch, James Wright, Group CEO of HAVAS ANZ, Global CEO of HAVAS Red and Global Chair of the HAVAS PR Network, said: “HAVAS Blak is about action, not intention. The communications industry has a responsibility to help shape a more inclusive national narrative, and that starts by creating greater space for First Nations voices to lead.“Partnering with Mundanara ensures this is built on authenticity and focused on impact. Launching during National Reconciliation Week under the theme ‘All In’ is a clear reminder that meaningful progress requires collective and sustained accountability.”Mundanara Bayles, Founder of BlackCard and Co-Founder of HAVAS Blak, added: “This partnership is about shifting power, ensuring First Nations perspectives are embedded, respected and heard at the highest levels. HAVAS Blak creates a platform for culturally grounded storytelling that reflects truth, drives understanding and delivers real outcomes for our communities.“‘All In’ means walking together to reinforce Aboriginal self-determination through economic resilience, and that’s exactly what this partnership with HAVAS is designed to achieve.”

Publicis Groupe Indonesia has acquired Inter Pariwara Global and iLab Indonesia, strengthening its media capabilities and expanding its presence in Indonesia.The agencies will be integrated under Spark Foundry Indonesia, adding around 150 media professionals to the network and broadening its offering across global and local client portfolios.The acquisition is part of Publicis Groupe’s strategy to combine local market expertise with its global capabilities in data, technology, and innovation to deliver more integrated solutions for clients in Indonesia.Amrita Randhawa, CEO of Publicis Groupe Singapore and Southeast Asia, said the acquisition reflects the group’s continued commitment to the Indonesian market.“Indonesia is one of the most important and high-potential markets in Southeast Asia, and this acquisition reflects our continued commitment and optimism for its future at a time when much of the industry seems focused on divestment,” said Randhawa.“This allows us to combine deep local expertise with the full power of our global capabilities in data, technology and innovation. Together, we are building a stronger, more future-ready offering for our clients,” she added.The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions.The acquisition builds on Publicis Groupe’s wider investments across Southeast Asia, including Lotame in the data and identity space, HEPMIL in influencer marketing, and its AI initiatives such as the APAC AI Hub developed in partnership with the Singapore Economic Development Board.Globally, Publicis Groupe has also expanded its AI and data-focused capabilities through acquisitions including LiveRamp in a US$2.2 billion all-cash deal. The move follows its earlier acquisition of Epsilon in 2019, aimed at strengthening its identity and first-party data infrastructure.

Strategic communications and marketing firm, Via, strengthened its bench with the appointment of Jose Verbeek as Communications Director and Kate Evans as Senior Account Manager.Jose joins from H+K, where she served as an Account Director in the corporate communications team, and previously held roles within the investor communications practice at WE Communications. She brings close to a decade of experience advising clients across financial services, fintech, professional services and ASX-listed companies.At Via, Jose will focus on strengthening its corporate, financial and investor communications solutions and providing strategic media relations support to clients across all of Via’s client groups.Kate Evans joins from Burson as a Senior Account Manager, bringing seven years of experience across financial services and corporate communications in Australia and the UK. At Burson, Kate advised clients on integrated communications programmes spanning corporate reputation, brand building, and digital and social media strategy across earned, owned and paid channels. Kate's appointment will deepen Via's integrated global marketing and communications capabilities.Tala Booker, CEO and Founder of Via, said: "We know our clients are increasingly looking for senior, high-touch partners who understand how to weave together commercial acumen with brand and reputation. We partner with our clients in high-stakes situations, where pace matters but judgement prevails. I’m confident that Jose and Kate bring discernment, bold thinking and passion to how we show up and deliver for our clients."Commenting on her appointment, Jose said: "What drew me to Via is how it knits together communications, investor relations and marketing so commercially for its clients. These are moments where decisions carry real commercial and reputational weight for our clients so I’m excited for the opportunity to build on that, supporting clients in a way that is more integrated, more strategic, and aligned to how businesses are operating across borders today."Kate Evans added: "Via has built a strong reputation for combining strategic thinking with high-quality execution across communications and marketing. I’m looking forward to helping clients deliver integrated communications programs that support long-term business growth, increase stakeholder confidence and build cross-border recognition for clients."(Source: telummedia)

NorthStar Insights has officially launched its Mumbai headquarters, marking the firm’s formal entry into India as it looks to strengthen its advisory footprint across high-growth and cross-border sectors.The senior-led global risk and communications consultancy, headquartered in Dubai, said the Mumbai office will focus on sectors including financial services and private capital, Indian conglomerates pursuing international expansion, multinational corporations navigating India’s regulatory landscape, energy and critical minerals, and in-house communications teams handling global stakeholder complexity.Commenting on the expansion, Arth Malani, chief executive officer of NorthStar Insights, said India’s evolving regulatory and investment landscape requires a more nuanced advisory approach.“India is no longer a market the world can afford to misread. The capital flows, the regulatory shifts, the cross-border ambitions of Indian organisations are moving at a pace that demands a different quality of counsel,” Malani said.He added that the firm aims to place senior expertise directly alongside business decision-makers, helping organisations navigate complexity and convert it into strategic advantage.Shalini Singh, senior advisor for strategic communications at NorthStar Insights, said the India launch reflects the company’s commitment to providing globally informed strategic counsel at a time when India is emerging as a major driver of global growth.“As a Senior Advisor to NorthStar Insights, I am excited to be part of its India journey at a time when the country is emerging as a powerful driver of global growth and transformation,” Singh said.The firm said its advisory model operates on two parallel tracks, helping international organisations interpret India’s regulatory and political environment for boards and investment committees, while also supporting Indian businesses with advisory capabilities across the Middle East and North Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe.(Source: telummedia)

The International Communications Consultancy Organisation (ICCO) has officially launched the ICCO World PR Report 2025–2026, offering a comprehensive global snapshot of the public relations and communications industry at a time of rapid technological, geopolitical and societal change.Powered by Opinium and featuring insights from PR leaders across global markets, the report captures the evolving priorities, opportunities and challenges shaping the profession, from the rise of AI and strategic consulting to growing concerns around ethics, talent and misinformation.Based on responses from PR professionals across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and the UK, the report reveals continued optimism across the industry, with strategic consulting, corporate reputation and influencer communications emerging as key growth areas.Among the report’s standout findings:• 91% of respondents believe AI will be the most relevant technology impacting PR over the next five years• Strategic consulting was identified as the top area of investment for PR firms globally according to 39% of respondents • Corporate reputation emerged as the leading growth area for consultancies over the past year• Retaining key talent remains the industry’s biggest talent challenge• Misinformation and disinformation continue to rank as the leading ethical concern for PR professionals according to 40% of respondents The report also highlights a broader industry shift towards advisory-led communications, with PR firms increasingly expected to provide strategic counsel, navigate complex stakeholder environments and help organisations build long-term relationship capital.Commenting on the launch of the report, Massimo Moriconi, President of ICCO, said: “In today’s increasingly fragmented and unpredictable environment, relationship capital is more essential than ever to business resilience, trust, and effective leadership. This year’s ICCO World PR Report clearly demonstrates that our ability to deliver strategic counsel is a vital asset for organizations worldwide - enabling them to listen before reacting, anticipate and address stakeholder concerns before they escalate, act swiftly to mitigate risks, and communicate with clarity and confidence.”Arun Sudhaman, Non-Executive Chair of ICCO, added: “The global communications industry is entering a defining period of transformation. Across markets, we are seeing consultancies and communications leaders being asked to deliver deeper strategic value, stronger measurement and more responsible leadership in increasingly complex environments. The ICCO World PR Report 2025–2026 reflects both the opportunities and the responsibilities facing our profession as technology, talent and trust continue to reshape the future of communications.” The report includes expert commentary and regional analysis from leading voices across the global communications industry, covering topics such as AI integration, ethics, diversity and inclusion, mental wellbeing, talent development, measurement and evaluation, and the future of strategic communications.The ICCO World PR Report 2025–2026 reinforces the growing role of communications professionals as trusted advisors helping organisations navigate uncertainty, reputation risk and increasingly fragmented information environments.(Image by Kohji Asakawa from Pixabay)

Global marketing agency TEAM LEWIS has unveiled a new Singapore office at Orchard Gateway @ Emerald as it ramps up investment in creative production and expands into specialist sectors including defence, energy and healthcare.The new workspace, spread across approximately 6,000 sq ft on the seventh floor of the building, features a dedicated creative studio equipped with a 5.4m x 2.8m LED wall. The facility marks TEAM LEWIS’ second studio investment in the region after the launch of a similar setup in Kuala Lumpur.The Singapore office will also house the agency’s Pacific Creative Hub, a regional production unit focused on creative design, UI/UX, website development and video production for TEAM LEWIS’ international client portfolio.The expansion forms part of the agency’s wider strategy to strengthen its creative and AI-led campaign capabilities. TEAM LEWIS said its global studio network supports a “follow-the-sun” operating model, enabling teams across markets and time zones to collaborate in real time.The office includes additional meeting spaces and expansion capacity to support future hiring plans as the agency scales its regional operations.TEAM LEWIS has operated in Singapore for more than a decade, providing services across research and analytics, PR, creative, social media, digital marketing, corporate communications and crisis management. Its Singapore client portfolio includes Audi Singapore, CapitaLand, Pizza Hut and Sport Singapore.“This new Singapore office is a major step forward for our team and clients. With a purpose-built creative studio, we can collaborate faster, produce at a higher level, and bring integrated ideas to life under one roof,” said Pamela Tor Das.She added that the agency is continuing to deepen investments in Indonesia amid growing demand in the market, while also broadening its specialist vertical expertise and expanding talent capabilities.Meanwhile, Keso Kendall said the new office reflects the agency’s vision for modern communications in the Asia-Pacific region.“As we open the doors to our new Singapore office, we’re making a clear statement about the future we’re building in APAC. This space is designed for the way modern communications works — fast, visual, content-led and always-on,” Kendall said.The Singapore expansion comes as TEAM LEWIS accelerates its regional growth strategy. Earlier this year, the agency opened a representative office in Jakarta, extending its Asia-Pacific presence to six markets.The Indonesia operation complements TEAM LEWIS’ existing offices in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Beijing and Sydney, alongside its regional headquarters in Singapore. The Jakarta team is expected to focus on sectors including sustainability and energy, enterprise technology, consumer technology and food security.

Dubai-based Umami Comms has secured the consumer PR brief for talabat UAE, strengthening its portfolio in the food delivery and hospitality sector.Under the mandate, Umami Comms will oversee talabat UAE’s consumer communications strategy across the brand’s food delivery, talabat mart, grocery and retail businesses in the UAE market.The scope of work includes press office management, campaign amplification, media relations, key opinion leader engagement and data-led storytelling initiatives.Marjorie Chapas said the partnership comes at a significant stage in talabat’s growth journey across the region.“As the region’s original disruptor in the delivery space, talabat has played a defining role in shaping the UAE’s F&B and delivery landscape. Our role is to build on that legacy — bringing forward the human stories, cultural relevance and everyday impact that sets the brand apart,” Chapas said.Meanwhile, Natasha Hajee said Umami Comms’ local market expertise and storytelling capabilities played a key role in the appointment.“Their strong understanding of the local landscape, combined with a creative and strategic approach to storytelling, makes them the ideal partner for this next phase,” Hajee said.Founded in 2017, Umami Comms has expanded into a team of more than 40 professionals and currently works with brands including ZUMA, La Petite Maison, Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Diageo. The agency also operates Good Juju, a sister agency specialising in lifestyle and design-led brands.talabat currently operates across eight markets in the Middle East and North Africa region and is owned by Delivery Hero SE.(Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash)

Pinterest has expanded its UK agency roster with the appointment of Words+Pixels and Weber Shandwick as the company sharpens its communications strategy across consumer, corporate and policy engagement.Words+Pixels has been named Pinterest’s UK and Ireland core retainer agency across consumer, B2B and corporate media. Reporting to Jess Brand, the agency will focus on strengthening Pinterest’s positioning around visual search and shopping, while driving relevance through trend-led storytelling and seasonal campaigns aimed at advertisers and brand partners.Pinterest currently works with major brands in the UK market including Dove, Levi’s and John Lewis. The platform recently crossed US$1 billion in first-quarter revenue and reported a record 631 million monthly active users globally, with more than half of its user base made up of Gen Z audiences.The company has increasingly positioned itself as an AI-powered shopping and discovery platform focused on positive and inspiration-led user experiences.Meanwhile, Weber Shandwick has been appointed to support Pinterest’s policy and corporate communications efforts across the UK and Europe. Reporting to Al Tolan, the agency will work on strengthening the company’s corporate profile as Pinterest expands its international operations, develops its AI capabilities and engages with evolving regulatory discussions.Laura Wilkinson-Rea said the new agency structure reflects the platform’s continued momentum and long-term global ambitions.“The UK is a hugely important market for Pinterest and this new structure reflects both the momentum we’re seeing in the business and our long-term international ambitions. With Jess and Al leading our work with Words+Pixels and Weber Shandwick, we have a model that can tell our story with greater impact across consumer, brand, corporate and policy audiences,” Wilkinson-Rea said.

PRCA MENA has launched the inaugural edition of its Strategic Advantage Report, bringing together analysis, forecasts and expert perspectives on the forces reshaping communication across the Middle East and North Africa.Developed exclusively for PRCA MENA members, the report examines the growing role of strategic communications amid geopolitical uncertainty, artificial intelligence, shifting media consumption habits and changing client expectations. The publication features contributions from the PRCA leadership, PRovoke Media, Seven Media, Ruder Finn Atteline, CARMA and Sprint Partners.The report solidifies communications as an increasingly strategic function, with organisations placing greater emphasis on senior counsel, reputation management, intelligence-led planning and long-term advisory capabilities.Key findings from the report include:  AI adoption is expected to become the industry’s biggest operational challenge  Nearly three in five organisations expect agency spend to either increase or remain stable  Social media engagement, influencer marketing and public relations remain the most active areas for new business investmentConrad Egbert MPRCA, Head of PRCA MENA, said:“The communication industry across the Middle East operates in one of the most complex and fast-moving environments. This report was developed to provide our members with meaningful intelligence, strategic context and practical insight to help organisations navigate uncertainty with greater confidence and clarity.”Sarah Waddington, CBE, CDir, ChartPR, CEO of PRCA, added: “The role of communications continues to evolve at a remarkable pace. As automation, geopolitical pressure and changing audience behaviours reshape the profession, strategic judgement and trusted counsel are becoming more valuable than ever. Reports such as this are designed to support PRCA MENA members with the insight needed to anticipate change rather than simply react to it.”The Strategic Advantage Report forms part of PRCA MENA’s wider investment into industry intelligence, professional development and member resources across the region.

Justlife, the Middle East’s leading at-home services super-app, has appointed Ruder Finn Atteline to lead its corporate communications mandate across the UAE, as the platform continues to scale its integrated home and healthcare offering, building on a partnership that has been underway since October 2025. Ruder Finn Atteline, the MENA arm of the Ruder Finn group, will oversee strategic PR communications across Justlife’s consumer, corporate and healthcare segments. The appointment comes as Justlife continues to expand its unified at home services, designed to make everyday life easier and more accessible. Its offering spans cleaning, beauty and home maintenance services, alongside at home healthcare solutions including doctor on call, laboratory testing, IV therapy, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, guided weight management and nurse on call services.  Ruder Finn Atteline will support Justlife in strengthening its communications strategy around accessibility, trust, and reliability, while reinforcing the brand’s positioning as a leading integrated platform for home and at home healthcare services in the UAE.  Sophie Simpson, Managing Director of Ruder Finn Atteline – MENA, said, “As Justlife continues to grow, our focus will be on telling a clear and meaningful story about the role the platform plays in people’s everyday lives. Justlife sits at an important intersection between home, healthcare and wellbeing, and our role will be to build communications that reflect both its scale and its impact within communities across the UAE.” Ali Cagatay Ozcan, CEO and Co-Founder of Justlife, said the company remains focused on building services that simplify daily life and support households in practical, meaningful ways.“Our goal has always been to make life easier and better supported for people in the region, whether through home services or healthcare. We are focused on building a platform that delivers trust, consistency, and convenience at scale,” he said. Kerem Kuyucu, Co-Founder of Justlife, added that communications will play a key role in shaping understanding of the platform’s expanding ecosystem. “As we grow, it’s important that our communications clearly reflect the simplicity of what we’re building - a connected set of services designed to support people across their everyday needs,” he said.  Ruder Finn Atteline will continue to focus on building a locally relevant communications narrative across the region, to solidify Justlife’s role in the UAE and beyond.

The Public Relations Specialist Agency of the Year category at the ABBY Creative Awards 2026 celebrated agencies that delivered standout communication strategies, impactful storytelling, and innovative brand narratives across platforms.Leading the rankings this year was Tribes Communications Pvt. Ltd., which emerged as the biggest winner in the category with a total of 11 metals. The agency secured 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 5 Bronze, and 2 Merit awards, underlining its strong performance across multiple campaigns and categories.Close behind was Leo India with 7 metals, including 2 Golds, 4 Silvers, and 1 Merit award. The agency’s strong showing highlighted its growing influence in the public relations and integrated communications space.Enormous secured 3 metals with 1 Silver and 2 Bronze awards, while Network18 Media & Investments Limited earned 2 metals, including 1 Bronze and 1 Merit recognition.The results reflected the increasing importance of integrated storytelling, reputation management, and culturally relevant campaigns in shaping modern brand communication. With agencies pushing creative boundaries and blending PR with digital-first strategies, the ABBY Creative Awards once again showcased the evolving landscape of India’s communications industry.

Kreab, a strategic communications consultancy serving clients on corporate communications, public affairs, reputation, and issues management, has launched its first regional office in the Middle East in Riyadh under the name “Kreab Saudi Arabia.” The move reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Saudi market and positioning the Kingdom as a strategic hub for managing its regional expansion plans.This expansion comes as part of a long-term strategic investment aligned with the economic transformation taking place in the Kingdom under Vision 2030, and the significant opportunities it offers across investment, energy, technology, infrastructure, and giga-project sectors, alongside the growing demand for corporate communications, reputation management, and specialized advisory services in the Saudi market.The selection of Riyadh as the company’s regional office reflects the Kingdom’s growing position as a leading business and investment hub in the region, driven by the rapid pace of major national projects, the attraction of regional headquarters for multinational companies, and the growing presence of international investment institutions in the local market.New LeadershipThe launch of the new office was accompanied by the announcement of a new leadership structure to oversee the next phase of expansion. The company appointed Shurjil Syed as Managing Partner of Kreab Saudi Arabia, alongside the appointment of Theodor Swedjemark as Chairman of Kreab Saudi Arabia, as part of a leadership framework aimed at supporting growth plans and strengthening the company’s position in the specialized consulting sector across the Kingdom and the region.Advisory Services The Riyadh office will provide its services to Saudi institutions, government entities, investment firms, family businesses, and multinational corporations operating in the Kingdom and across the region, in addition to international organizations seeking to enter the Saudi market or expand their presence in regional markets.The company’s services focus on strategic communications consultancy, corporate affairs, reputation management, and public affairs solutions, in line with the needs of companies and key entities in the Saudi market, particularly amid the economic expansion and rapid transformation taking place across various sectors.Global NetworkThe establishment of “Kreab Saudi Arabia” aligns with the Kingdom’s direction toward attracting regional headquarters for international companies and localizing and transferring global expertise, particularly given Riyadh’s strong concentration of government entities, the Public Investment Fund, and multinational companies that have chosen the capital as a base for their regional operations.The office will also benefit from Kreab’s global network spanning more than 30 countries across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, further enhancing its ability to deliver advisory solutions that combine international expertise with a deep understanding of local and regional market dynamics.Investment CommitmentPeje Emilsson, (pictured), Founder and Owner, Kreab Worldwide, said: “Saudi Arabia is undergoing exceptional economic and developmental transformations that require advanced communication solutions built on credibility, precision, and deep strategic insight.”He added: “The establishment of Kreab Saudi Arabia reflects our long-term commitment to this vital market and our confidence in its future under Vision 2030. We look forward to working with government entities, the private sector, and international institutions from our new headquarters in Riyadh, while leveraging the expertise of our global network to support organizations across the Kingdom and the region during this important phase of growth and transformation.”Local ExpertiseShurjil Syed , Managing Partner of Kreab Saudi Arabia brings more than 20 years of professional experience in strategic communications and public affairs within the Kingdom. His expertise has been built through working with government institutions and major companies across the energy, technology, engineering, consulting, and consumer goods sectors, in addition to his professional experience at the Public Investment Fund, further strengthening the company’s ability to provide advisory services grounded in a practical understanding of market realities and stakeholder needs.Global PresenceIt is worth noting that Kreab Worldwide was founded in Sweden and has more than 55 years of experience in providing specialized consultancy services in corporate communications, reputation management, and navigating complex regulatory environments.Its extensive international presence across global markets positions the company to support organizations in building effective communication strategies and strengthening relationships with partners and decision-makers at both the local and international levels.

Tribes Communication has winning the Media Grand Prix at the ABBY Awards 2026 for “The Barefoot Journey” created for Kansai Nerolac Paints. The win makes Tribes the first independent network to receive the Media Grand Prix at the ABBY Awards Powered by One Show, a significant milestone in one of India’s most respected platforms celebrating creative and media excellence. Awarded as the only Media Grand Prix across categories this year, “The Barefoot Journey” stood out for its simple yet powerful idea, demonstrating how culturally rooted storytelling and thoughtful media thinking can create meaningful impact at scale. The award-winning campaign took Kansai Nerolac’s heat-reflective coating, Nerolac Perma NoHeat, beyond traditional product communication and transformed it into a lived human experience. At multiple temples across Southern India, pathways were coated with the solution, reducing surface temperatures by up to 15°C and offering barefoot devotees immediate relief during peak summer heat. Instead of advertising the benefit, the campaign allowed people to physically experience it. The campaign stood out for converting a functional product proposition into a culturally rooted, emotionally resonant public intervention, demonstrating how brand experiences can create real-world impact while remaining deeply intuitive and human. Gour Gupta, Chairman Tribes, said: “This win means a lot because it validates the power of ideas that people can actually feel. ‘The Barefoot Journey’ was never designed as an advertising stunt. It came from a simple human truth that sometimes the strongest communication is not what you say, but what people experience themselves. Winning the Media Grand Prix at ABBY’s is a proud moment not just for Tribes, but for independent Indian agencies that are building globally competitive work rooted in culture, empathy and real impact.” The recognition further strengthens Tribes’ position as one of India’s most awarded integrated communications networks, known for blending creativity, culture, technology and immersive brand experiences at scale.

AMEC, the International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication, has launched the AMEC GEO Principles and a companion resource, A Practitioner’s Guide to GEO Measurement, to help communications professionals measure the growing influence of AI-led discovery, generative search and large language models.The resources respond to a fast-changing information environment in which AI-generated summaries, conversational search and zero-click discovery are increasingly shaping how organisations, brands and issues are found, understood and trusted online.GEO, or Generative Engine Optimisation, is increasingly used to describe how organisations appear in AI-generated answers and discovery environments. AMEC’s principles are designed to help practitioners assess this responsibly, without reducing measurement to simplistic rankings, vanity metrics or opaque scores from individual tools.The principles were developed over more than six months through AMEC Agency Group collaboration, AMEC board review, academic scrutiny, vendor and practitioner feedback, and iterative testing. The work was led by primary contributors James Crawford of PR Agency One, Mary Elizabeth Germaine of Ketchum, Ben Levine of FleishmanHillard TRUE Global Intelligence, Matt Oakley of Hotwire Global, Amber Daugherty of Big Valley Marketing and Rob Key of Converseon, with input from AMEC’s Academic Advisory Group and wider AMEC members.The resources were launched at the AMEC Global Summit in Dublin on 20 May, during a panel chaired by Rayna Grudova-de Lange, Founder and CEO of InsightHQ.The AMEC GEO Principles set out a practical framework for measuring AI-led discovery across three connected areas: upstream reputation signals, including earned coverage, third-party commentary, reviews, expert content and owned assets; search and content readiness, including whether an organisation’s digital presence is credible, accessible and structured for interpretation by search engines and AI systems; and downstream AI outputs, including how an organisation appears in AI-generated answers, citations, framing, omissions and potential reputational risk.The principles also introduce baseline evidence requirements, including repeatable prompts, documented methods, transparent assumptions and clear limitations. They reinforce that AI outputs should be treated as directional evidence rather than absolute truth, and caution against relying on any single score, platform or tool.James Crawford, managing director of PR Agency One and AMEC Board Director, said: “Anyone working in PR or communication will know how quickly clients and boards have started asking how GEO and LLM outputs should be measured. There is excellent innovation taking place, but there are also uneven standards, overclaiming, vanity metrics and methodologies that are not always transparent enough.“AMEC has a responsibility to bring discipline to that conversation. These principles give the industry a more rigorous way of looking at AI-led discovery: one that recognises its importance, but also its limits. The most useful measurement will come from triangulating evidence: the reputation signals that feed the information environment, whether organisations are technically and editorially discoverable, and what AI systems then present to users.”Johna Burke, CEO and Global Managing Director of AMEC, said: “As AI increasingly shapes what people see, trust and act upon, the communication industry must hold itself to higher levels of transparency, evidence and accountability.“The AMEC GEO Principles were built through global collaboration across agencies, practitioners, academics, technology leaders and AMEC’s international community because no single organisation, platform or perspective can fully define or measure AI-driven discovery alone.“This initiative reflects the collective expertise, scrutiny and commitment of professionals across regions who understand that rigorous, transparent and ethical evaluation is essential to maintaining trust in the AI era.”

Arketi Group has joined forces with Philadelphia-based Braithwaite Communications, expanding its integrated marketing and communications capabilities.Arketi Group, a digital marketing and public relations agency focused on business-to-business technology companies, received funding in 2024 from private equity firms Go Capital and Station Partners.According to Mike Neumeier, co-founder and CEO of Arketi, both firms share a similar approach to integrated communications, with teams working across digital marketing and public relations functions rather than operating in silos.Braithwaite Communications brings additional expertise in crisis and issues management, with experience spanning sectors including healthcare, food service and regulated industries. The agency has worked with brands including Merck & Co., Cigna and Wawa.Through the combination, Braithwaite clients will gain access to expanded web development, video and technology marketing capabilities offered by Arketi.The acquisition marks Arketi’s second deal since securing private equity funding. The company had previously acquired internal communications consultancy Audacity in June last year.

Havas has acquired Format in a strategic move led by Havas Paris to accelerate the development of new approaches to corporate influence communications across media relations, social media, content creators, and content production.Founded in 2021 by Thomas Khaski, Format has established itself as a player in next-generation corporate influence communications in France.The partnership comes at a time when executives and companies are increasingly building their own communication channels alongside traditional media, while content creators and social media continue to reshape the flow of information. Havas Paris and Format said they will combine capabilities and talent to develop modern communications consulting models.For Havas Paris, co-headed by Mayada Boulos and Julien Carette, the acquisition is aimed at strengthening its digital influence expertise through Format’s approach while expanding its strategic consulting and media relations capabilities for scale-ups, SMEs, and mid-sized companies.For Format, the alliance is expected to support its next phase of development by providing access to Havas’ network, creativity, and broader areas of expertise to scale its operations and offerings.As part of the acquisition, Format’s teams will also join H/Advisors, Havas’ global strategic advisory communications network operating in more than 20 countries, enabling access to international clients.Format will retain its name, structure, and operating model. Thomas Khaski will continue as CEO, and the agency will operate autonomously.“We are delighted to welcome Thomas Khaski and the entire Format team to the Havas family. Their expertise strengthens our global capabilities in corporate influence communications, at a time of rapid transformation and convergence across communication channels. This partnership with Havas Paris is fully aligned with our ambition to build differentiated advisory platforms that give our clients a real competitive edge,” said Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of Havas.“Format was born from the belief that corporate communications must be reinvented in an era defined by a massive shift in information consumption towards social media and the rise of new opinion leaders. Joining Havas give us access to a broader playing field while preserving what defines our DNA: agility, operational excellence, and close proximity to new areas of influence,” said Thomas Khaski, Founder of Format. “Format’s arrival within the Havas Paris ecosystem is a fantastic opportunity to accelerate today and co-create the corporate influence models of tomorrow. With Format, we are bringing in a pure-play ‘Influence 3.0’ player, a cutting-edge, AI-driven structure rooted in technology and corporate social platforms. Combined with the strength, creativity, and network of Havas Paris, our clients will benefit from the very best of both worlds,” said Arielle Schwab, VP at Havas Paris, in charge of Influence activities.“I have been following the work of Thomas Khaski and the Format team for several years. Their approach to new forms of influence, blending digital platforms, traditional media, and content creators, is particularly relevant. With Format, we are strengthening this expertise for the H/Advisors network and building on a future ready model,” said Stéphane Fouks, Executive VP of Havas and Executive Chairman of H/Advisors.

AMPERA has officially launched as an integrated communications firm operating across policy, media, influencers, data and culture.The announcement was shared by Abhi Mahapatra on LinkedIn, where he stated that the firm was developed following months of piloting, beta testing and rebuilding ideas from the ground up.<div class="linkdin-container"><iframe src="https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7462376540169752576?compact=1" height="399" width="504" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Embedded post"></iframe></div>According to Mahapatra, AMPERA has been created with a focus on evolving modern communications beyond traditional silos, vanity metrics and conventional public relations approaches.He also acknowledged the firm’s team members, partners, clients and investors for supporting the venture during its early stages.The company has launched with a stated focus on integrated communications and impact-driven strategies.

KidZania India, the global indoor theme park designed for kids and families, has appointed Bloomingdale Public Relations as its influencer marketing partner to strengthen the brand’s digital storytelling and creator-led engagement strategy across India.Through this mandate, Bloomingdale PR will drive influencer collaborations, creator experiences, and digital-first campaigns focused on connecting KidZania with modern families, young audiences, and parenting communities.The partnership will spotlight KidZania’s immersive learning experiences through creator-led content that resonates with modern families.As experiential entertainment continues to evolve in the digital era, influencer marketing has emerged as a powerful medium for brands to create meaningful audience connections. For destinations like KidZania, creator-led storytelling enables real-time engagement, relatability, and community-driven conversations that resonate strongly with today’s millennial parents and Gen Alpha audiences. The collaboration aims to amplify awareness around the KidZania experience through engaging creator-led content that highlights its interactive learning and entertainment offerings. Vikita Chaudhary, Head of Marketing, KidZania India, said, “At KidZania, we are constantly looking at innovative ways to engage with modern families and young audiences in spaces where they actively consume content and discover experiences. Influencer marketing today goes far beyond visibility; it has become an important extension of storytelling and community engagement. Through our partnership with Bloomingdale PR, we aim to create authentic creator-led narratives that bring the KidZania experience to life in a more relatable, immersive, and culturally relevant way.”Vikram Kharvi, (pictured), CEO, Bloomingdale Public Relations, added, “KidZania is a brand that naturally lends itself to experiential storytelling and meaningful digital engagement. Our focus will be on crafting creator-first narratives that capture the excitement, learning, and imagination that define the KidZania experience. Through strategic influencer collaborations and community-driven content, we aim to build conversations that resonate strongly with families, parents, and young audiences across digital platforms.”As part of the mandate, upcoming initiatives will include influencer walkthroughs, creator experiences, parenting community engagement, community-led digital campaigns, and collaborative storytelling formats designed to amplify KidZania India’s visibility and audience engagement across digital platforms.With expertise spanning lifestyle, hospitality, technology, startups, entertainment, real estate, D2C Brand communication and experiential comms, Bloomingdale PR brings a strong understanding of digital culture, influencer ecosystems, and strategic storytelling. The agency’s approach will focus on building impactful creator partnerships that align with KidZania’s positioning as an engaging, educational, and family-first destination.

New Zealand communications firm Pead has launched a standalone creative agency called All Eyes, as it looks to expand its earned-first brand and advertising capabilities.The new agency will be led by Pead Partner Sarah Munnik, alongside Creative Director Genevieve Chunn.All Eyes launches with a core team of four full-time staff supported by a wider network of more than 20 specialist partners. The agency has already secured foundation clients including Lodestone Energy and Best Foods, alongside several additional business accounts.According to Munnik, the agency combines traditional creative agency services with Pead’s expertise in earned media and attention-driven communications.“Pead has supported clients on creative work for years and they've come back to us time and time again because we deliver results, irrespective of the size of the brief. Now we've launched All Eyes to scale that offering and refine it further,” she said.Munnik added that the new structure is designed to offer clients a more flexible alternative to traditional agency models by assembling specialist contractor teams tailored to each project and business challenge.“Our network of experienced specialists means that regardless of the size of the brief we’re able to move quickly and efficiently, something many companies have told us they are looking for in their agency partners. It means clients pay for the work, not layers of a big team,” she said.Deborah Pead described the launch as a natural evolution of Pead’s long-standing approach to creative-led public relations and brand storytelling.“It’s always been a hallmark of Pead to take a bold creative approach to brand-building PR, work designed to earn attention first, not just buy it. All Eyes is the natural evolution of that thinking,” Pead said.The move comes as agencies across Australia and New Zealand increasingly explore hybrid models that combine public relations, social, content and creative services under more flexible operational structures, responding to growing client demand for integrated campaigns and leaner agency partnerships.

PRCA MENA has announced the agenda for its Annual Conference 2026, set to take place on September 17 under the theme ‘Reset the Mindset’, bringing together senior communications professionals, policymakers, journalists, creators and emerging industry talent from across the region.Positioned as the region’s largest one-day communications symposium, the conference will examine the structural changes reshaping public relations, media, influence and agency business models amid rapid technological and cultural shifts.This year’s programme has been organised around four thematic pillars, Reset Power, Reset Value, Reset Imagination and Reset Future, with discussions expected to focus on the evolving dynamics of trust, influence, artificial intelligence, media fragmentation and agency economics.The agenda reflects growing industry debate around whether traditional communications frameworks still hold relevance in an era increasingly shaped by algorithms, creator-led ecosystems and audience distrust.Sessions throughout the day will explore how the Middle East is taking greater ownership of its global narrative, the changing balance between visibility and credibility, and the pressures facing agencies as clients demand measurable commercial impact alongside reputation management.Artificial intelligence is also expected to emerge as a central theme across multiple conversations, particularly around its influence on creativity, audience engagement and the future role of human storytelling.The conference will additionally host the launch of the PRCA MENA Mental Health Report 2026, highlighting wellbeing challenges across the communications industry. A dedicated NextGen segment will also examine shifting career expectations among younger professionals and the widening disconnect between emerging talent and traditional workplace structures.Conrad Egbert, Head of PRCA MENA, said the conference theme reflects the industry’s need to reassess long-standing assumptions about communications and influence.“Much of the industry still operates on assumptions that no longer reflect reality. How people consume information continues to change. The way influence works has changed. Trust is earned differently today and attention has become the new battlefield,” he said.Egbert added that the conference is designed to challenge outdated thinking within the sector.“Reset the Mindset is about questioning what still works, what doesn’t anymore and whether the industry is willing to confront uncomfortable truths about where it’s headed,” he said.PRCA MENA confirmed that registrations for the conference are now open. The event will conclude with the annual PRCA MENA Networking Soirée, bringing together communications leaders and industry stakeholders from across the region.

Authored by Lalit Sharma, Founder, and CEO, PR Companion and Ethane Web TechnologiesIn India, we often connect online reputation management (ORM) with crisis management. As soon as a brand undergoes a crisis and negative news surfaces online, the panic sets in almost immediately. It becomes more visible once the news starts ranking on the first page of Google. Social media picks it up, the phones start ringing, and the first response in most boardrooms is, "We need an ORM agency."While the panic is understandable, the approach is wrong. And this confusion between online reputation management and crisis communication is something the Indian business ecosystem needs to correct immediately to drive better brand visibility.Yes, ORM is very important in crisis communication, but it is not just restricted to the times when we have to “fix” the brand’s reputation. What most people often miss is that if used well, it can accelerate recovery, push down damaging content, and help rebuild a brand's digital presence faster. To put it in context, using ORM only as a crisis response is like only oiling a machine after it breaks down. It works, but it costs more, takes longer, and the damage is already done.What happens when ORM is a regular practiceWhen a brand uses ORM as a regular brand management practice rather than an emergency measure, you build a system that can conquer in the times when you face a downturn. Positive content gets built and indexed consistently. Credible third-party mentions start ranking. Reviews are monitored and managed. The brand's digital presence, across search results, news coverage, forums, and social platforms, reflects a reliable and trustworthy identity.With this approach, when a crisis hits a brand that has this foundation in place, the entire situation plays out differently.The negative content does not occupy the entire first page because there is already a body of strong, credible content competing for that space. When someone searches the brand, even in the times it is undergoing crisis, they find context, history, and credibility alongside the negative story. At this point, you don’t have to put all the efforts in “proving” your brand. Recovery is faster, the damage is more contained, and the communication team is not building from zero under pressure.ORM does not prevent a crisis. But it determines how much damage a crisis can actually do.The difference between support and a crutchEven in an active crisis, ORM plays a useful supporting role. Content can be pushed out strategically. Search results can be managed. The brand's narrative can be reinforced across platforms. But this works significantly better when there is already a foundation to build on.A brand with no prior ORM investment reaching out to an agency in the middle of a crisis is asking that agency to build a house during a storm. It is possible, but it is slow and expensive, and the results take time to show.A brand that has been practicing ORM consistently is asking that agency to repair and reinforce a structure that already exists. The outcome is different. The timeline is different. The cost is different.Why Indian brands delay this investmentORM does not show overnight results. There is no campaign report that says, "Today your reputation improved by 20 percent." For growing businesses managing tight budgets, it is easy to push this to the backburner in favour of activities that show faster, more measurable returns.But reputation is what every stakeholder finds before they make a decision about a brand. A potential customer researching a product. An investor doing background checks. A senior hire evaluating whether to join. None of these moments announce themselves. They happen quietly, and the brand either shows up well or it does not.ORM belongs in the boardroom, not the incident reportThe brands that come out of reputational challenges stronger are not necessarily the ones with the best crisis communication teams. They are the ones that never let their digital reputation become an afterthought to begin with.ORM can support crisis management. Used well, it can accelerate recovery. But its real value is not what it does when things go wrong. It is the solid, quiet foundation it builds over time so that when things do go wrong, the brand is not starting from scratch.Start before the crisis. The system will thank you when you need it most.

The launch comes as the region undergoes a structural shift in how businesses are built, positioned and scaled, demanding greater agility. SMEs are at the center of this transformation, driven by national diversification strategies, pro-innovation policies, and a business environment that rewards speed, adaptability and resilience by design.  RF Thunder has been established to meet these evolving needs. As a momentum-driven communications consultancy, the agency helps organizations enter markets with clarity, amplify visibility, be more agile and translate strategy into measurable impact. Its flexible project-first model provides access to senior strategic thinking, integrated communications, and data-driven execution without the limitations of traditional long-term structures. Sophie Simpson, Managing Director of Ruder Finn Atteline and RF Thunder, said: “Having been in the region for over a decade, we have seen client needs evolve faster than ever. Aligned with Ruder Finn’s tradition of helping clients move from what’s now to What’s Next, RF Thunder marks an important milestone in that journey. What sets RF Thunder apart is its ability to deliver speed and agility to meet ambitious organizations exactly where they are in their growth journey.” Bianca Riley, General Manager, RF Thunder, added: “The way brands are built today has fundamentally shifted. SMEs, founders, and new market entrants must establish presence, credibility, and momentum simultaneously. Communications can’t follow growth; it must enable it from the outset. RF Thunder understands that and aims to deliver results from the get-go, with engagement models designed for maximum impact at every stage of growth.” Operating as a part of the Ruder Finn group, RF Thunder complements the agency’s long-term integrated communications capabilities by delivering high-impact, digitally native campaigns at speed. RF Thunder offers a fully integrated suite of services including strategic storytelling, creative production, digital marketing, brand experience and insight intelligence powered by advanced analytics and real-time data. The launch of RF Thunder marks the next phase of expansion for the Ruder Finn group in MENA, reinforcing its position as a leading communications partner in a region where business velocity, innovation and narrative are increasingly interconnected.

Seven Media, a Middle East communications agency, has renewed its Innovation Partnership with PRCA MENA, the region’s public relations and communications association, for 2026, extending a collaboration that began last year.Under the renewed agreement, Seven Media will sponsor PRCA MENA’s Annual MENA Conference and the MENA Awards. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation across the communications industry, both in practice and in thought.The PRCA MENA Annual Conference, taking place on Thursday, 17 September, will bring together senior communications leaders from across the public and private sectors. Through a mix of panels, keynote sessions and fireside conversations, the programme will look at how the profession is evolving in practice, from shifting client expectations to the role of technology, culture and AI in modern communications.The partnership will focus on contributing to key industry conversations and supporting platforms that bring together senior professionals and emerging talent. Through this, both organisations aim to encourage more considered, effective approaches to modern communications.Gregg Fray, Owner of Seven Media, said: “Our work with PRCA MENA has always been grounded in a shared view of where the industry is headed. Innovation is not a standalone function. It sits within how we approach challenges, how we develop ideas and how we deliver for clients. Continuing this partnership with the PRCA MENA gives us the opportunity to support that thinking across the wider community.”Conrad Egbert, Head of PRCA MENA, said: “Partnerships like this are most effective when there is a clear alignment in how both sides see the industry evolving. Seven Media has been consistent in its approach and contribution, and this renewal allows us to build on that foundation in a more focused manner.”The renewal comes amidst growing regional influence of both the PRCA MENA and Seven Media through meaningful dialogues, events and research.

Leon Communications has entered into a strategic partnership with Edington Advisors to strengthen its editorial capabilities for financial and professional services clients across the Asia Pacific region.The collaboration brings together Leon Communications’ expertise in financial services communications with Edington Advisors’ focus on editorial advisory services in private banking, wealth management and global finance.As part of the partnership, Elliot Wilson will serve as consulting editor to Leon Communications. Wilson is the founder of Edington Advisors and previously served as global private banking and wealth management editor at Euromoney.In his consulting role, Wilson will work with Leon’s senior leadership team on structured content programmes, awards strategy and executive profiling initiatives, including LinkedIn-focused thought leadership for senior executives.The partnership will also see both firms jointly participate in client pitches and industry networking events across Singapore, Hong Kong and other regional markets.Commenting on the partnership, Tim Williamson said the collaboration is aimed at helping clients communicate with “substance, clarity and credibility,” particularly within financial and professional services sectors.Wilson added that the partnership combines Leon’s communications capabilities across Asia Pacific with Edington Advisors’ editorial expertise and focus on helping senior professionals develop their public voice.The partnership is expected to roll out across existing client engagements in the region with immediate effect.

Senior communications executive Tavy Cussinel has launched Time for T Communications, a new fractional chief communications officer offering aimed at organisations seeking senior-level strategic communications support.The FCCO model is designed to provide executive communications leadership without the structure of a full-time C-suite hire.Cussinel brings more than 25 years of experience across Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Over the course of her career, she has founded and sold a London-based PR agency, led regional and country operations for a global communications agency, and advised boards, CEOs and leadership teams across sectors including hospitality, healthcare, culture, beauty, fashion, sustainability and corporate branding.She was previously Managing Director at Redhill in Singapore, where she joined in 2018 as Director of Strategic Communications before later leading one of the agency’s business units.Through Time for T Communications, Cussinel will work with organisations on areas including brand narrative development, messaging frameworks, internal and external communications alignment, reputational risk preparedness and executive positioning.Speaking on the launch, Cussinel said the FCCO model is intended to help organisations strengthen strategic oversight of communications and align messaging with long-term business objectives.The practice is focused on scaling businesses, internationally focused organisations, founders and leadership teams seeking senior communications counsel and strategic direction.

MikeWorldWide has acquired workforce communications consultancy HudsonLake, adding workforce strategy to the agency’s service offerings. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.Following the acquisition, the consultancy will operate as “HudsonLake, a MikeWorldWide company.”Founded 25 years ago, HudsonLake specialises in organisational transformation, employee experience, talent strategy, employer branding, recruitment marketing and labour relations. Its client roster includes Toyota, 7-Eleven, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and PeaceHealth.According to MWW, the acquisition strengthens its workforce and change communications capabilities, particularly across sectors including transportation, healthcare and consumer brands.The acquisition follows MWW’s earlier purchase of Berk Communications as part of its expansion strategy. Separately, the agency also announced plans to relaunch and expand its Washington office to strengthen its public affairs and policy capabilities.“The future of reputation is continuous, connected, and built from the inside out,” said Michael Kempner, founder and CEO of MikeWorldWide.Cynthia Hudson, founder of HudsonLake, said the acquisition would provide the consultancy with greater scale and access to additional resources and technology capabilities.HudsonLake CEO Don Smialowicz added that MWW’s AI, analytics, digital strategy and influencer capabilities would complement the firm’s existing employee and organisational communications work.

Lazada has appointed Grayling to handle its public relations mandate in Singapore.The appointment is for an initial one year term, with an option to extend for an additional year, according to Grayling.Under the mandate, Grayling will support Lazada in strengthening its position among shoppers and sellers in Singapore, with a focus on promoting the platform as a destination for authentic and high quality products.Over the next 12 months, the agency will work on reinforcing Lazada’s brand presence in Singapore, increasing awareness around its marketplace offerings and driving engagement with consumers and sellers through integrated communications initiatives.Grayling will also support Lazada’s upcoming 6.6 mega sales campaign as part of the partnership.Danny Tan, Managing Director at Grayling, said the agency looks forward to supporting Lazada’s continued growth and brand presence in Singapore amid increasing competition in the eCommerce sector.

Alex Malouf has launched Narrative Shapers, a new consultancy focused on helping Gulf-based organisations and executives strengthen engagement with international audiences.Based in Riyadh, the consultancy will operate across the Gulf region and focus on media and speaking training, executive communications, and preparation for public engagements, including moderation support for high-profile events.Malouf said the consultancy was created to support organisations navigating increasing global visibility and engagement requirements.Narrative Shapers is currently working with clients across sectors including technology, real estate and national development.According to Malouf, the consultancy’s approach combines narrative development with communications preparedness, helping leaders shape messages for international media, stakeholders and audiences.He noted that while many organisations in the Gulf have strong local narratives, communicating those stories to global audiences often requires additional context and positioning.Malouf also said the consultancy aims to help executives prepare for external engagement by focusing not only on messaging, but also on anticipating questions and responding with clarity during public interactions.He added that international engagement has become increasingly important as countries across the Gulf continue to focus on investment, tourism and global partnerships.Prior to launching Narrative Shapers, Malouf worked in corporate communications leadership roles, including at Procter & Gamble.

Unibeam has appointed Red Lorry Yellow Lorry as its public relations agency in the United States.The account will be led from the agency’s Boston office. The mandate will focus on strengthening Unibeam’s profile in SIM-based identity authentication and expanding awareness among technology and security stakeholders.As part of the engagement, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry will work on communicating the limitations of legacy authentication systems and the role of hardware-rooted technologies in addressing emerging security challenges, including AI-driven fraud and identity-based threats.Unibeam’s authentication technology operates within SIM card hardware, offering a layer of identity verification designed to prevent duplication, spoofing and interception. The company positions this approach as a method for enterprises to authenticate users, verify access and mitigate identity-related cyber risks.Rivi Bloch, Chief Business Officer at Unibeam, said the partnership will support efforts to communicate the company’s approach to authentication and its relevance in the current threat landscape.Meredith L. Eaton, Managing Director, North America at Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, added that the collaboration will focus on highlighting the role of security solutions in addressing evolving cyber risks.

Bully Pulpit International has acquired 365 Sherpas, strengthening its corporate affairs capabilities and expanding its presence in Europe.The acquisition adds a Germany-based corporate affairs consultancy to BPI’s European platform, following its earlier integrations of Boldt, Seven Hills and Message House.BPI global CEO Andrew Bleeker said the move reflects shifts in global decision-making and the increasing overlap between policy, politics and communications.The deal positions Germany as one of BPI’s key markets and strengthens its presence across the Berlin–Brussels policy corridor.BPI Europe CEO Jeremy Galbraith said the acquisition followed a detailed evaluation process and highlighted 365 Sherpas’ strategic capabilities and political network as key factors.The 365 Sherpas leadership team, including founder Cornelius Winter, CEO Jan Böttger and chief growth officer Daniel Wixforth, will remain in place and join BPI as partners and shareholders. Winter will also join BPI’s global executive leadership team.Winter said the partnership is aimed at expanding the firm’s capabilities and building on its existing model.BPI Europe president Jo-ann Robertson said the addition strengthens the firm’s regional operations as it continues to scale.The combined European business will have around 200 employees following the acquisition.As part of the transaction, BPI will also enter an exclusive strategic partnership with Hirschen Group to integrate creative capabilities with its advisory services.The company indicated that further expansion in Europe remains under consideration.

Value 360 Communications Limited has announced the launch of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on May 4, 2026. The company aims to raise ?41.69 crore to fuel its transition into a data-driven and AI-led storytelling powerhouse.The public issue is scheduled for subscription from May 4 to May 6, 2026, with the company’s shares subsequently slated for listing on NSE Emerge, the SME platform of the National Stock Exchange. The initial public offering consists of up to 4,254,000 equity shares with a face value of ?10 each, priced within a band of ?95 to ?98 per share. Facilitating the process are key partners Horizon Management Private Limited, acting as the Book Running Lead Manager, and KFin Technologies Limited, serving as the Registrar to the issue.The proceeds from the IPO are earmarked for several strategic high-growth initiatives and the strengthening of overall operations. Specifically, the capital will fund infrastructure and advanced technology to support expansion into new content production verticals, alongside a strategic investment in the influencer marketing platform Irida Interactive Private Limited (ClanConnect). Additionally, the funds will provide the financial backing for potential future acquisitions, the prepayment or repayment of certain outstanding borrowings, and the fulfillment of general corporate and working capital requirements.

Allison Worldwide has acquired Sloane & Company, bringing the public relations firm into its global network.Following the acquisition, Sloane & Company will operate as part of Allison Worldwide. The move expands Allison’s presence in the communications sector and adds Sloane’s strategic communications and advisory capabilities to its offering.Details of the transaction, including financial terms, have not been disclosed.The development reflects ongoing consolidation within the PR industry, as firms look to broaden capabilities and strengthen their market position.

2TON Creative and The Buzz Agency have announced a strategic merger, bringing both firms together under a single structure to expand integrated marketing and communications capabilities in South Florida.Following the merger, The Buzz Agency will operate as a specialised public relations and community engagement division within the combined entity, with added access to digital marketing, branding and creative services.The merged organisation has a team of more than 30 marketing and communications professionals. Leadership includes Jason Emmett as Majority Partner, Sam Nielsen as Partner and Chief Operating Officer, along with Elizabeth Kelley Grace and Julie Mullen as Partners.The integration combines The Buzz Agency’s work in publicity, public affairs and community engagement with 2TON Creative’s capabilities in branding, digital marketing, website development, lead generation and creative services.According to Emmett, the merger brings marketing, branding and communications functions together within a single structure to deliver more integrated campaigns.2TON Creative was formed in 2018 following the acquisition of WOO Creative by Levatas. The two firms have collaborated on client work over the years, including projects for Hilton West Palm Beach, U.S. Immigration Fund, Harbourside Place and Boca West Children’s Foundation.The combined entity will continue to work across sectors such as hospitality, real estate, nonprofit, tourism and lifestyle, offering integrated marketing and communications services.

CIVIC has acquired Wave Kilo, strengthening its corporate communications capabilities.Wave Kilo was founded by Howard Clabo and advises companies on areas including mergers and acquisitions, leadership transitions and corporate positioning.The acquisition adds expertise in corporate affairs, executive visibility and crisis management to CIVIC’s public relations offering.Wave Kilo will continue to operate as a standalone unit.

FTI Consulting, Inc. has reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, with revenues of $983.3 million, an increase of $85.1 million, or 9.5 percent, compared to $898.3 million in the prior year quarter.The growth was driven by higher revenues in the Corporate Finance, Strategic Communications and Technology segments, partially offset by a decline in the Economic Consulting segment. Excluding an estimated positive impact of foreign currency translation, revenues increased $60.8 million, or 6.8 percent year on year.Net income for the quarter stood at $57.6 million, compared to $61.8 million in the prior year quarter. The decline was attributed to higher direct costs and selling, general and administrative expenses, which included legal settlement gains in the prior year period, along with increased interest expense and a higher effective tax rate.Adjusted EBITDA was $96.8 million, representing 9.8 percent of revenues, compared to $115.2 million, or 12.8 percent of revenues, in the prior year quarter.Earnings per share for Q1 2026 came in at $1.90, compared to $1.74 in Q1 2025. The prior year quarter included a $25.3 million special charge related to severance and employee-related costs, reducing EPS by $0.55. Excluding this impact, adjusted EPS in Q1 2025 was $2.29.Commenting on the performance, Steven H. Gunby, CEO and Chairman, said the company delivered strong revenue growth, which translated into solid bottom-line results despite higher tax rates and SG&A expenses.Cash and capital positionNet cash used in operating activities was $310.0 million for the quarter, compared to $465.2 million in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to lower forgivable loan issuances, higher cash collections and reduced income tax payments, partially offset by increased compensation payments.During the quarter, the company repurchased 787,098 shares at an average price of $161.11 per share, for a total of $126.8 million. As of March 31, 2026, $364.9 million remained available under the stock repurchase program.Cash and cash equivalents stood at $198.3 million as of March 31, 2026, compared to $151.1 million a year earlier and $265.1 million as of December 31, 2025. Total debt, net of cash, was $556.7 million, compared to $8.9 million in the prior year quarter and $99.9 million at the end of 2025.Segment performanceCorporate Finance revenues rose 19.2 percent to $409.5 million, driven by demand for turnaround and restructuring, transactions and transformation services. Segment operating income increased to $85.2 million, while adjusted segment EBITDA was $88.7 million.Forensic and Litigation Consulting revenues increased 1.2 percent to $192.9 million. Segment operating income declined to $23.1 million, and adjusted segment EBITDA was $25.3 million.Economic Consulting revenues declined 2.3 percent to $175.6 million. The segment reported an operating loss of $7.3 million, compared to operating income in the prior year. Adjusted segment EBITDA was a loss of $5.9 million.Technology revenues increased 5.3 percent to $102.3 million. Segment operating income rose to $7.7 million, while adjusted segment EBITDA was $11.8 million.Strategic Communications revenues increased 18.4 percent to $103.0 million. Segment operating income rose to $20.8 million, and adjusted segment EBITDA was $21.9 million.OutlookFTI Consulting has reaffirmed its full-year 2026 revenue guidance in the range of $3.940 billion to $4.100 billion. The company also maintained its EPS guidance between $8.90 and $9.60, with no expected difference between EPS and adjusted EPS.No fireworks here. Just a company growing on one side, bleeding a little on the other, and calling it balance. That’s corporate poetry for you.

Gambit Communications, an independent PR and communications agency, has launched its new digital headquarters. The redesigned website signals a significant shift in the agency's visual identity and service narrative as it enters its next phase of growth.Announced by Founder and Managing Director Jamal Al Mawed, the new platform moves away from traditional agency layouts in favor of a sleek, portfolio-led experience. The site is designed to showcase the agency's "G-Men" philosophy and its unique approach to storytelling, along with Interactive breakdowns of high-impact campaigns for global brands across luxury, automotive, and tech sectors.An intuitive user interface is also optimized for mobile and desktop, reflecting the agency's commitment to modern digital standards.In a LinkedIn post unveiling the site, Al Mawed characterized the project as more than just a technical update. He noted that the website reflects the agency's evolution from a boutique firm to a dominant regional player that consistently competes on the global stage.“Our website is our shop window to the world,” said Al Mawed. “It’s a reflection of where we are today—bolder, more creative, and more integrated than ever before.”The launch follows a series of major wins for the firm, which has recently been recognized at the MEPRA and PRCA MENA awards. The new digital presence is expected to serve as a hub for the agency's growing content production and social media capabilities, further diversifying its core PR offering.

EHL Hospitality Business School, ranked the world’s number one institution for hospitality and leisure management by QS World University Rankings, has appointed Ellerton & Co. as its agency of record for India.The move expands the agency’s successful partnership with EHL across Southeast Asia since 2020 and signals the school’s deepening commitment to India as a strategic growth market. It will focus on building thought leadership that positions EHL as the Business School for the Service Economy, highlighting how hospitality education equips leaders for sectors far beyond hotels.India’s planning agency, NITI Aayog’s 2025 report indicates India’s service sector constitutes nearly 55% of Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2024-25, making it the primary driver of economic growth, employing roughly 30% of the workforce with approximately 40 million new jobs added over the past six years. Furthermore, India’s service sector is expected to grow to $6 trillion by 2035, contributing 60% to the country’s GDPEHL trains “Experience Architects”, professionals who combine Swiss rigour with genuine care. These skills are now essential across India’s service-driven economy: managing customer experience in global capability centres, delivering personalised service in private banking lounges and high-end retail, creating memorable wellness journeys, and leading family-run premium hospitality businesses.“India’s services sector is the engine of Viksit Bharat, and the Budget rightly recognises the need to align education with employment and enterprise,” said Kanav Mata, Director & Regional Head – South Asia, Myanmar & Middle East, EHL Hospitality Business School. “EHL brings more than 130 years of Swiss excellence to this conversation. We do not train hoteliers alone; we develop leaders who can humanise technology, elevate every guest interaction, and drive sustainable growth across tech, finance, luxury retail, and beyond. Partnering with Ellerton & Co. will help us share these stories and support India’s ambition to lead the global service economy.”Oliver Ellerton, Founder and Director of Ellerton & Co., added: “Having graduated from a leading Swiss hospitality school and begun my career at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, I have seen first-hand how service excellence translates into business advantage far outside the hotel sector. EHL’s approach is unique – it builds the exact blend of empathy and precision that Indian companies need to thrive in an AI world. We have been proud to support EHL across Southeast Asia since 2020; extending this partnership into India feels both natural and timely. Our role is to elevate the conversation and position EHL as the partner of choice for organisations seeking genuine service leadership.”EHL Hospitality Business School is the global reference in education, innovation and consulting for the hospitality and service sector. Founded in 1893 as Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, EHL Hospitality Business School offers programmes from apprenticeships to master’s degrees and executive education across campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. Ranked number one worldwide by QS for eight consecutive years, EHL is Switzerland’s only hospitality institution recognised as a University of Applied Sciences (HES-SO). Its Singapore campus serves as the Asia-Pacific hub, combining Swiss standards with regional relevance.Ellerton & Co. is a leading public relations partner for brands and businesses across Greater Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, India, Japan and the Middle East. Beyond traditional PR, the agency offers integrated capabilities in branding, thought leadership, Investor Relations, Crisis Comms and stakeholder engagement. Its multi-award-winning team has supported more than 300 clients, from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth enterprises, delivering measurable results aligned with business objectives.

Hotwire Global has announced a series of leadership changes under CEO Grant Toups as the firm reorganises its global leadership structure.As part of the changes, Ute Hildebrandt has been appointed Global Chief Strategy Officer, where she will oversee strategy across Hotwire and ROI DNA. She previously served as CEO of Continental Europe at Hotwire.Will Hutchinson, previously Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, has been named Global Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he will lead operations across the business and chair the firm’s global AI steering committee.In the Americas, Laura Macdonald has been appointed President. She will oversee the agency’s communications business across the region, including the United States.Other senior leaders continue in their existing roles, including Surj Gish, who leads ROI DNA, and Charlotte Harvey, who remains UK Managing Director.The wider leadership team includes Anol Bhattacharya, along with Melissa Cullen, Isabelle Rahe, Beatrice Agostinacchio, Sylvia Ortegon, Robert Stank and Matt Oakley.The company also indicated plans to expand its leadership presence with new roles in Spain and Germany.Toups, who was named Global CEO in November and assumed the role in January, succeeded Heather Kernahan. He previously served as digital and intelligence chief at Burson.

Confiance Communications, an integrated Communications firm, has been appointed as the Strategic Communications partner for Libertario Coffee India, a globally rooted specialty coffee brand bringing a distinctive, hospitality-led café experience to the Indian market.Founded in 2015, Libertario Coffee Co. & Roasters is a Colombian specialty coffee company built on deep expertise in coffee and a strong connection to origin. The broader family journey in coffee spans production, exporting, and hospitality, including the globally acclaimed La Palma y El Tucán coffee farm, which supplies specialty coffee to buyers across 32 countries. Building on this foundation, Libertario has evolved into a consumer-facing brand with a growing network of cafés across five countries. Since its India launch in July 2025, led by Miguel Villaquirán as Founder and CEO of Libertario India, the brand has achieved significant early traction through thoughtfully designed spaces, immersive coffee formats, and a structured coffee program that integrates both Colombian and locally sourced coffees. Under this mandate, Confiance will work closely with Libertario to shape a cohesive brand narrative in India that brings together its global coffee lineage, evolving hospitality format, and early market traction. The focus will be on building a strong and consistent presence across both business and lifestyle media landscapes, positioning Libertario not only as a premium café brand, but as a culturally relevant entrant in India’s rapidly maturing specialty coffee landscape. As the brand continues to deepen its presence in Delhi NCR and prepares for a broader multi-city journey, Communications will also spotlight its expansion vision, founder perspective, and the growing consumer shift towards experience-led café formats. Alongside, efforts will be directed towards strengthening Libertario’s visibility within investor and startup ecosystems through credible, narrative-led storytelling that reflects both scale and long-term ambition. Bushra Ismail, Founder & Chief Strategist, Confiance Communications, said, “Libertario brings together something that is still rare in India’s café ecosystem: a genuine integration of origin, craft, and hospitality. What stands out is not just the quality of coffee, but the intent to build a culturally immersive experience around it. Our focus will be on shaping this story in a way that resonates equally with consumers, media, and the broader business ecosystem.” Miguel Villaquiran, Founder, Libertario India, added, “India represents a long-term opportunity for us to build something meaningful within the specialty coffee space. Our journey here is not just about introducing Colombian coffee, but about creating spaces that reflect craft, community, and global sensibilities. With Confiance, we are looking forward to building a narrative that captures both our heritage and our vision for India.” With this partnership, Libertario and Confiance aim to build a sustained and differentiated voice in the market, anchored in authenticity, experience, and a global-to-local perspective on specialty coffee.

Paritee, the Oslo-based parent company of Brands2Life and Geelmuyden Kiese, has announced the UK launch of specialist advisory firm Fenton Fitzwilliam.Fenton Fitzwilliam was established in Dublin with backing from Paritee and also operates with a small team in Brussels. The firm supports organisations working in complex and highly regulated environments, focusing on the intersection of strategic advisory, public affairs and communications.The firm is led by CEO Moray Macdonald, who has previously held roles at Weber Shandwick and Instinctif Partners. He will continue to serve as head of public affairs at Brands2Life in London alongside this role.In the UK, Fenton Fitzwilliam will operate within the Paritee platform, working alongside Brands2Life, Truth Consulting and RPP to provide integrated services across public affairs, communications and insight.According to Paritee CEO Jonas Palmqvist, the UK launch reflects the company’s focus on expanding advisory capabilities in response to increasing complexity in regulation, policy and public scrutiny. The firm will focus on sectors including energy, defence, telecoms and data, infrastructure and pharmaceuticals.

Salient Holdings is relaunching under a single brand identity, consolidating its portfolio of agencies as Honeymoon.The move brings together Honeymoon Creative, Candor and Salient Agency under the Honeymoon name. The company said this reflects an already integrated operating model spanning creative, PR, marketing and experience.The Honeymoon name, previously used by the group’s creative agency, is now being extended across the broader organisation as part of a unified external identity.Founded in 2021, the firm reported double digit revenue growth in each of its first four years, including nearly 20 percent growth over the past 12 months. Its client roster includes Sazerac, Post Consumer Products, Moen, Wells Enterprises, Gallo and Old Second Bank.According to CEO Tricia Ewald, the rebrand is also aimed at reducing complexity as the business scales. The company added that its legacy teams across creative, PR, marketing and experience have already been working closely together across client assignments, sharing resources and capabilities.

Georgetown Advisory has launched a new practice in the UK, extending its operations beyond the United States and establishing an international government and corporate affairs offering.The UK practice will work with clients both locally and internationally, in coordination with the firm’s team in Washington, D.C. Its focus will be on advising corporates, investors and organisations on political developments, public policy and regulatory matters.The UK business will be led by Harry Fairhead, who joins as partner. He was previously associated with Rud Pedersen UK and Hawthorn Advisors. Fairhead brings experience advising corporates in the UK and international markets.Commenting on the development, Fairhead said the growing pace of political change has increased the need for clear and informed advisory services. He added that he looks forward to working with Georgetown Advisory to support clients and contribute to the firm’s expansion.David Vannier, founding partner at Georgetown Advisory, said the partnership strengthens the firm’s presence across both sides of the Atlantic and enhances its ability to support clients navigating complex political environments.

Alpha Story has been appointed as the public relations agency for Audi Malaysia, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, Agoda, University of Reading Malaysia and GoRental Global.The agency, which operates out of Malaysia and Singapore, has secured these mandates in the first quarter of 2026 as part of its regional growth efforts.Audi Malaysia, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, Agoda and University of Reading Malaysia were appointed following competitive pitches.For Audi Malaysia and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, Alpha Story has been appointed on a two-year mandate covering traditional PR, key opinion leader management, as well as brand partnerships and collaborations.Agoda has tasked the agency with traditional PR and content creation under a one-plus-one contract. University of Reading Malaysia has appointed Alpha Story on a six-month term to support traditional PR.The mandate with GoRental Global marks a renewed engagement. The scope has expanded from an initial four-month project to a two-year retainer. The agency will handle traditional PR and KOL engagement across Singapore and Malaysia, along with partnership sourcing for CSR initiatives and LinkedIn content for the founder.According to the agency, its operating model combines communications strategy with real-time data and proprietary tools to track narrative shifts and identify opportunities across platforms and stakeholders.Jeremy Foo, founder and CEO of Alpha Story, said the approach is aimed at enabling organisations to respond faster and communicate with greater clarity.He added that the recent client wins reflect growing adoption of a model that integrates human judgement with AI capabilities.The new mandates strengthen Alpha Story’s presence across sectors including automotive, travel, education and climate technology.The agency is also planning further regional expansion, with Indonesia identified as a potential next market.

Häagen-Dazs has appointed Day One Agency as its US consumer PR and influencer agency of record following a competitive review.Day One Agency will work with the brand on an ongoing basis, managing earned media and influencer strategy. The remit will include campaigns tied to product launches, limited-time offerings, and the brand’s “Take Your Sweet Time” platform.The appointment comes as Häagen-Dazs looks to evolve how it connects with younger consumers, particularly across creator-led and culturally driven channels. The brand previously worked with The Door for PR and influencer communications.Rachel Jaiven, Head of Marketing at Häagen-Dazs, said the brand was seeking a partner with a strong understanding of the modern media landscape and the ability to deliver culturally relevant ideas. She added that Day One Agency’s perspective and connection with younger audiences aligned with the brand’s objectives.Josh Rosenberg, CEO and co-founder of Day One Agency, said the agency will focus on engaging audiences through culture, creators and meaningful brand moments, supporting Häagen-Dazs in building relevance and impact.

Vero has integrated Mad Hat Asia into its regional network, bringing together its strategic communications expertise with Mad Hat Asia’s creative capabilities.The move strengthens Vero’s presence in Malaysia and expands its capabilities in Singapore. It also provides Mad Hat Asia access to Vero’s regional services, including public relations, government relations and public affairs, corporate communications, strategic planning, data analytics and research.Mad Hat Asia adds consumer lifestyle expertise, social media capabilities and experience in working with emerging audiences to the combined network.The integration will see Vero CEO Brian Griffin continue to lead the company’s long-term direction. Mad Hat Asia founder Rengeeta Rendava will take on a regional strategic role focused on communications strategy and capability development across the network.The partnership also brings closer alignment between Mad Hat Asia and Vero Advocacy, the consultancy’s government relations arm in Malaysia.According to the companies, there are no planned staff redundancies as part of the integration.Vero reported fee income growth of 11.5% in 2025. Following the integration, the company expects revenue to reach USD 13.5 million in 2026, supported by a team of around 300 professionals across multiple markets.Mad Hat Asia will also utilise Vero’s technology and analytics infrastructure to support insight-led communications strategies.Both companies indicated a shared focus on integrating technology and artificial intelligence into communications while maintaining an emphasis on storytelling.

Thrive PR has launched a new sister agency, Acuity, as it looks to address growing demand for specialised, senior-led corporate communications advisory.Acuity will operate as a standalone brand with its own leadership and focus, while drawing on Thrive PR’s network and capabilities. Snezna Kerekovic, founding managing director of Acuity, will continue to hold a senior leadership role across both businesses.According to Kerekovic, the launch responds to increasing complexity in stakeholder environments and a widening trust gap. She noted that human-centred communication remains critical, particularly in translating complex issues into clear and credible narratives.She also highlighted that while AI is accelerating content creation, it is simultaneously increasing the need for clarity, judgement and human insight in communications.Acuity begins operations with foundation clients including BYD, Reddit and Pearson. Its services will span stakeholder engagement, crisis and issues management, executive positioning and content.The agency will operate across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with plans to expand its senior team.The launch has been positioned as a standalone move and is not linked to any broader structural changes within Thrive PR.

ICCPL Group has been officially appointed as the integrated PR and Digital Marketing agency for CREDAI, marking a significant mandate in the real estate communications landscape.Under this partnership, ICCPL’s PR vertical will lead national media relations and strategic communications, driving consistent, high-impact narratives across mainstream and industry platforms. The mandate includes strengthening CREDAI’s positioning as the unified voice of India’s real estate sector while amplifying key policy, industry, and leadership communications.Complementing this, ICCPL’s digital arm, Digicomm, will spearhead pan-India digital campaigns, performance marketing, and targeted outreach initiatives. The focus will be on leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance engagement, visibility, and stakeholder connect across digital ecosystems.This integrated approach ensures a seamless blend of traditional media strength and digital precision, enabling CREDAI to further consolidate its influence across markets and audiences.The collaboration reflects ICCPL Group’s growing leadership in delivering full-stack communication solutions and reinforces its position as a trusted partner for large-scale, national mandates.

Mahek Pandey is not a software engineer. She has no computer science degree. Until two years ago, she had never written a line of code in her life. India's PR industry is projected to cross ?2,800 crore in 2026. Yet it remains one of the last major communications disciplines without standardised measurement infrastructure, lacking real-time multilingual media monitoring, AI-driven sentiment analysis, competitor ROI tracking, predictive risk modelling, and journalist intelligence for the Indian market. "PR consistently delivers 10–15x better trust-per-rupee than paid advertising," says Pandey. "But the industry has never had the tools to prove it. While marketing teams walk into boardrooms with attribution dashboards and conversion funnels, PR teams present digital clipping books and subjective sentiment summaries. NexusAI changes that." As a corporate communications professional who spent 10 years at three of India's top PR agencies - Ogilvy PR, 20:20 MSL (Publicis Groupe), and Mavericks, managing campaigns for Google India, Dell, Alibaba, and NEC Corporation, Pandey watched the PR industry struggle with a problem that digital marketing solved years ago: proving its own value. So Pandey did something unusual. While working a full-time job, she enrolled in the Executive PG Diploma programme in Data Science & AI at IIIT Bangalore (via upGrad), one of India's top technology institutions. "I was terrified," she admits. "I'm a mass communication graduate from Indore. My classmates at IIIT Bangalore were engineers and analysts. But I had one advantage they didn't, I knew exactly what problem needed solving because I'd lived with it for a decade." The result is NexusAI (nexusprai.com), an enterprise-grade PR Intelligence and Automation platform that does what no tool built for the Indian market has done before. ABOUT THE PLATFORM NexusAI covers 12 analytical modules including: • Real-time brand mention detection across news and social media • AI-powered sentiment analysis in 9 Indian regional languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, and English) • Competitor benchmarking and share-of-voice mapping • Journalist and influencer identification and relationship mapping • Campaign ROI calculation in INR• Predictive crisis early warning based on media pattern anomalies • GEO keyword directives for search-optimised PR • Downloadable reports for boardroom-ready presentation The platform is live and functional at nexusprai.com. THE UNLIKELY BUILDER What makes NexusAI's story unusual is not just the platform itself, it's who built it. Pandey represents a growing wave of non-STEM professionals who are using accessible AI and data science education to solve domain-specific problems that technologists often overlook. She had no background in programming, machine learning, or software development. She learned Python, NLP, scikit-learn, and TensorFlow over 12 months while working full-time. "The best AI products aren't always built by the best engineers," says Pandey. "They're built by people who understand the problem deeply enough to know what the solution should look like. I spent 10 years understanding what PR professionals need. The Data Science programme gave me the tools to build it." Her story challenges the assumption that AI innovation requires a STEM background, and suggests that India's next wave of AI applications may come from domain experts in fields like law, healthcare, finance, and communications, not just from engineering teams. 

Teamwork Communications Group, a healthcare-first integrated communication firm, has secured the PR mandate for Sarvodaya Healthcare, a leading group known for delivering comprehensive, patient-centric healthcare.As part of the mandate, Teamwork Communications Group will lead strategic media relations, thought leadership, and integrated communication initiatives to enhance Sarvodaya Healthcare’s visibility and reinforce its positioning as a trusted healthcare destination. The collaboration will focus on amplifying the hospital group’s clinical expertise, patient outcomes, and community-focused healthcare initiatives across its network.Commenting on the development, Nikky Gupta, Founder & CEO, Teamwork Communications Group, said, “Healthcare today is as much about trust as it is about clinical excellence. Sarvodaya Healthcare has built a strong foundation around patient-centric care and quality outcomes, and the focus will be on bringing their vision and meaningful work to the forefront. Our team is excited to bring strategic communication expertise to Sarvodaya Healthcare, supporting their communication goals and broader objectives within the Indian healthcare landscape. The communication approach will highlight the group’s medical expertise, innovation, and commitment to accessible, compassionate care, helping shape informed conversations around healthcare delivery in the country.”Sampada Atri, Director - Brand & Communication, Sarvodaya Healthcare, Faridabad, added here, “As we continue to expand and strengthen our healthcare services, communicating our vision and patient-first philosophy becomes increasingly important. This partnership will help showcase the depth of our clinical capabilities, the dedication of our medical teams, and the initiatives aimed at improving patient experience. The collaboration is expected to support greater awareness around the quality-driven care and community-focused efforts across our network.” Sarvodaya Healthcare offers advanced medical and surgical care across key specialties, including Cancer Care & Surgical Oncology, Orthopaedics & Robotic Joint Replacement, Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Brain & Spine Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, and Advanced Cardiac Care. Teamwork Communications Group offers integrated media and communication services. The agency has partnered with leading organizations across sectors, including healthcare, education, development, consumer brands, technology, and other emerging industries, among others. 

Every year on April 21, the Indian communication landscape pauses to observe National PR Day. While the date is often marked by industry seminars and social media posts, its origin is rooted in a landmark moment of professionalization: the first All India Public Relations Conference held in New Delhi on this day in 1968. It was during this historic gathering that the industry formally adopted its Code of Ethics, shifting the narrative from mere press agentry to a strategic management function.Fast forward to 2026, and the industry is no longer just managing press releases, it is navigating a global shift where technology and human trust intersect. A Fundamental Reset According to Deepti Sethi, CEO of the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI), the industry is currently witnessing mixed growth trends influenced by shifting markets and evolving client expectations. However, she views this period of flux as a unique opportunity for PR to expand its influence, provided the industry undergoes a fundamental reset in skill and capacity building.Sethi emphasizes that the modern communicator's toolkit has evolved beyond storytelling. To remain relevant, the professionals of tomorrow must: Decode Data: Moving from intuition to insights. Navigate AI : Integrating generative tools into the strategic workflow. Operate at the Speed of Culture: Responding to trends and crises in real-time. The Constant: Reputation as Currency Despite the rapid digital transformation and the rise of AI-driven discovery, Sethi reminds practitioners that the industry's core mission remains unchanged."One truth will remain constant: reputation is the ultimate currency of trust," Sethi notes. "Those who can earn, protect, and scale it will lead the future."As we celebrate National PR Day, the focus remains on this delicate balance embracing the cutting-edge tools of tomorrow while safeguarding the timeless values of credibility and trust.