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

Ketchum Sampark is undergoing a strategic transition, with layoffs affecting staff in India and China. The remaining personnel and clients will be integrated into FleishmanHillard. Approximately 40 staff members in India and China are expected to be impacted by these changes.India MD, Rohan Srinivasan, will oversee the transition process for a period. Despite the restructure, sources suggest that the Ketchum Sampark brand may persist even after the transition to FleishmanHillard.Mike Doyle, Ketchum's president and CEO, explained the move as part of the company's growth and innovation strategy. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the Omnicom network and infrastructure to continue providing clients with exceptional service and global connectivity.Established in 1994, Ketchum Sampark initially specialized in financial services before being acquired by Omnicom's Ketchum in 2011. Founders Bela and NS Rajan retired from the company in 2021.This restructuring comes amid a period of growth for the Indian PR industry, although challenges such as flat retainers and talent shortages persist. Despite these obstacles, the industry has continued to show resilience, with double-digit growth reported in recent years.The transition underscores a collaborative effort between Ketchum Sampark and FleishmanHillard to provide clients with enhanced services and expertise in India's evolving PR landscape.

Usha International, one of India?ÇÖs leading consumer durables brands, recently awarded its public relations mandate to Ketchum Sampark. The agency will offer a strategic approach to the brand?ÇÖs product communications and oversee media relations to elevate Usha?ÇÖs presence pan India. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch.Usha International has a legacy of over 85 years and has been a household name touching the lives of millions of consumers across India. With a diverse product portfolio from sewing machines to fans, home appliances, water coolers and dispensers to architectural and decorative lighting, and more, Usha International has been a trusted name for its products and quality.?Ç£We are glad to have Ketchum Sampark on board as our PR partner and are confident that the agency will help us enhance and strengthen our brand positioning and leverage our product offerings and key initiatives across relevant channels?Ç¥ said the spokesperson for Usha International.?Ç£We are excited to partner with Usha International, a heritage brand with the knowledge and vibrancy of today. Usha?ÇÖs consumer-first approach, its innovative and distinct product range align perfectly with our mission of growing the brand through impactful communication and relevant media relations. We look forward to contributing to the continued evolution and success of this much loved and instantly recognisable brand.?Ç¥ said Rohan Srinivasan, Managing Director, Ketchum Sampark.