Adfactors PR has announced the appointment of Rajiv Bhuva as Vice President. With over two decades of experience in business journalism and public relations, Rajiv brings deep expertise in financial reporting, strategic communication, and content development.An MBA in Finance, Rajiv has extensively covered markets, the economy, banking, and alternative investments through his editorial stints at Outlook Business, Business Today, Fortune India, and YourStory.Prior to joining Adfactors PR, he served as Head – Content and Research at The Good Edge Public Relations, where he led initiatives around intellectual property (IP) creation and strategic advisory.In his new role at Adfactors PR, Rajiv will be responsible for offering strategic counsel, crafting creative communication solutions, and driving team efficiencies.

Mercedes-Benz, the country's most desirable luxury car maker, today announced its  partnership with Adfactors PR, India's premier communications consultancy, for managing the company’s  communications mandate in India. Following a rigorous multi-agency evaluation process, Adfactors PR has  secured the mandate, effective April 1, 2025.  Under this partnership, Adfactors PR will drive Mercedes-Benz India's integrated communications programme,  encompassing the brand's coveted product portfolio, corporate narrative, and corporate citizenship initiatives.  Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, "As the most desirable luxury car maker  in India, Mercedes-Benz’s communication to our discerning customers and multiple stakeholders has been  passionate, reflecting the brand’s iconic luxury positioning and unparalleled desirability in the Indian market.  Mercedes-Benz is transitioning to an exciting future, introducing new cars having exceptional aesthetics,  technological innovations and integrated sustainability. We are glad to welcome Adfactors PR as our  communications partner, to collaborate and contribute to our unique brand and sustainable luxury narrative."  Adfactors PR Co-Founder and Chairman Rajesh Chaturvedi said, "Partnering with Mercedes-Benz India represents  a significant milestone for us. The iconic three-pointed star symbolises not just luxury, but engineering excellence,  technological innovation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Our specialist mobility practice combines deep  automotive sector knowledge with cutting-edge communications strategies to enhance brand resonance among  discerning luxury consumers. We are committed to amplifying Mercedes-Benz India's leadership position in  sustainable luxury mobility that perfectly aligns with India's dynamic luxury market."  Mercedes-Benz continues to dominate India's luxury automotive segment with its progressive strategy of  introducing global innovations tailored for the Indian market, while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable  luxury mobility through local manufacturing and an accelerated electric vehicle roadmap for the conscious Indian  luxury consumer. The Three-Pointed Star remains the most aspirational luxury car maker in India with a tailored  customer experience strategy. 

Adfactors PR has bolstered its Capital Market Communications Group (CMCG) by appointing five top-notch industry professionals. The CMCG is a market-leading practice that delivers a range of specialist services to India Inc. – ranging from mid-market businesses to the nation’s largest conglomerates.The senior professionals are: Ajaya Sharma, former Senior Editor-Markets and Anchor at Times Network (ET NOW and ET NOW Swadesh); Prosenjit Ghosh, former Director, Key Account Management and Business Development at CRISIL, and former Group Chief Business Officer at Acuité Ratings & Research; Himanshu Sharma, former Director, M&A at Ernst & Young; Anisha Jain, former Senior News Anchor, Deputy Editor and Head of Research at ET NOW; and Lalit Jaisingh, former Senior Vice-President and Team Lead at Concept Public Relations.Adfactors PR CEO and Head of CMCG Nijay N Nair said, “The strengthening of the Capital Market Communications Group is part of a continuing effort to enhance our competencies and scale. This is critical to address the diverse and complex requirements of our clients in an ever-evolving Indian capital market landscape.”Adfactors PR Co-Founder and Managing Director Madan Bahal said, “As India’s largest public relations firm, we consider it our responsibility to proactively prepare to serve the needs of India Inc. Our long-range vision is based on the firm’s sustained relevance to address the needs of fast-growing Indian capital market and the larger economy.”Adfactors PR is confident that the new leaders, with their rich mix of experience across media, public relations, credit rating, research, investment banking and consulting will add tremendous value to its clients.

The Future Communicators Foundation (FCF) has launched the second year of its global scholarship program that fosters communication skills around sustainability, climate, and social responsibility. By partnering with agency sponsors and universities from around the world, the FCF supports aspiring professionals with education funding and mentoring, while creating professional networks among students, faculty, and industry around sustainability initiatives that positively impact the planet.In 2024, the FCF is delivering eleven scholarships for senior students in public relations and communications, in partnership with our six sponsoring agencies on five continents. The FCF Scholarships include two annual awards provided by Adfactors PR at ScoRE, India (link); two annual awards from ICON at RMIT, Australia (link); and annual awards from FINN Partners at FAMU, Florida (link); Tucker/Hall at University of Florida (link); and SPRG at CUHK, Hong Kong (link). The FCF itself sponsors four full-tuition scholarships at WIUC, in Accra, Ghana, partnering with Mahogany Consult (link). The FCF Scholarship is producing long-term impact by creating an ever-growing network of students, faculty, and professionals that value social responsibility to climate and sustainability in the communications industry. The FCF is further impacting University education in public relations through the integration of the scholarship program into course pedagogy. Prestigious universities including RMIT (Australia) and the University of Florida (US) have incorporated the FCF Scholarship into their communications curricula, seeing it as an invaluable means to teach responsible ethics in professional practice. Students are also taking the initiative themselves to pay-it-forward—just like we all need to do for the planet. At ScoRE, in Chennai, India, the 2023 Adfactors PR winners of the FCF Scholarship have used their funds to set-up a ScoRe Alumni Network Scholarship to support their fellow students, encouraging the growth of the profession in India’s Eastern region.The FCF Scholarship is focused around a yearly theme addressing communications strategies for sustainability and climate initiatives. In 2024, competitions focus around fostering meaningful public action and measuring behavioural change. Each competition addresses the theme in ways particular to the region, from “Communicating a Clean Energy Future in Australia” (ICON at RMIT, Melbourne) to “Protecting Paradise: Responsible Tourism and Environmental Stewardship” (FINN Partners at FAMU, Florida). Regional campaigns include “Behaviour Change for a Swachh Bharat (Clean India)” (Adfactors PR at ScoRe, India); “Smart Ideas for Engaging Citizens in Healthier Lifestyle Choices” (SPRG at CUHK, Hong Kong); “Behaviour change(s) that will contribute to sustainability and/or help curb the climate crisis” (Tucker/Hall at University of Florida); and “Communicating the Climate Crisis: Motivating and Measuring Behavioural Change” (FCF Scholarship at WIUC, Ghana). Student entrants are tasked with designing an inventive communications campaign that not only raises awareness of sustainability and climate challenges but also considers how to do so using low-cost and limited means. Students are required to create a campaign brief, short video, slide deck, and statement of purpose as part of their submission, focusing on one key action or behavioural change that can be implemented, and measured, in their community. Student videos from FCF competitions can be viewed on our FCF Youtube. OUR SPONSORS SPEAK TO SUSTAINABILITY “We’re thrilled to partner with the Future Communicators Foundation and RMIT University to offer a scholarship that challenges the next generation of PRs to create inventive and practical communication campaigns addressing the climate crisis and social justice issues,” says Joanne Painter, Co-Founder of ICON Agency. “Sustainability principles are the foundation of sustainable business and an integral part of corporate reputation. Our scholarships in partnership with The PR Trust and SCoRe are a small step in this direction,” says Madan Bahal, Co-Founder of Adfactors PR.“The SPRG FCF Scholarship serves an excellent opportunity for students to apply their hardearned communication skills and knowledge, combined with their passion, enthusiasm and PAGE 3/3 innovative spirit to develop a campaign that advances the environment, public health and social justice. Moreover, we trust that the programme will benefit the community since stakeholders can draw inspiration from the students, who are providing fresh perspectives on building a sustainable future for all of society,” says Richard Tsang, Chairman of SPRG. “Our firm believes that the FCF’s mission of supporting students and young professionals entering the industry, while addressing sustainability and social responsibility in public relations, is an important one,” says Bill Carlson, President of Tucker/Hall.“Sustainability is one of the most pressing topics in today’s society,” says Allard W. van Veen, Founder of The PR Trust, the 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that administers the Future Communicators Foundation. “I firmly believe that PR professionals can play a more prominent role in promoting sustainability. We hope that the FCF Scholarship will help to develop students’ social conscience and encourage them to make an impact, in terms of promoting a fair and sustainable world.” 

Adfactors PR has announced the appointment of veteran financial journalist, Ajaya Sharma, as Senior Vice-President in its Capital Markets Communications Group. With over two decades of experience covering capital markets and corporate affairs, Sharma brings a wealth of expertise to the role.Sharma has had an extensive career in financial journalism, holding senior positions at prominent business broadcasters. He most recently served as Senior Editor at Times Network, where he was associated with Economic Times Television (ET Now) for over 16 years. In this role, Sharma anchored market hours and led research on financial markets. He was also the Editor of Markets and an anchor, playing a key role in shaping content strategy and leading editorial direction for financial news.Prior to his time at ET Now, Sharma worked as a Senior Research Analyst at Bloomberg TV India from 2007 to 2008, where he provided in-depth analysis and coverage of market trends. He also held a similar role at NDTV Profit from 2006 to 2007. His deep expertise in the capital markets and corporate sectors has been honed through years of experience across various leading financial news platforms.In his new position at Adfactors PR, Sharma will report to the firm’s CEO, Nijay N. Nair, and collaborate closely with Co-Founders Madan Bahal and Rajesh Chaturvedi.

Shefali Mehta has been named the Corporate Communications Head at Lodha. After nearly five years at MSLGroup India as Vice President, she transitioned into this new position. Mehta announced her new role on LinkedIn. With close to 20 years of expertise in communications and public relations, she has worked across a diverse range of industries, handling various facets of communications, including corporate and non-media communications, strategic planning, and media relations. Her prior experience includes senior roles at prominent companies such as Jet Airways, Adfactors PR, and Wizwrk Communications.

Winners of the fourth edition of IMAGEXX Awards 2024 were felicitated amid loud cheers at a glittering ceremony in Gurugram yesterday (July 18, 2024). This year saw over 35% increase in the number of entries received from agencies and corporate across the country.Adfactors PR walked away with the top honours this year, being adjudged PR Agency Of The Year.Kaizzen won the PR Agency Of The Year award (Jury’s Choice), while PR Professionals was declared PR Agency Of The Year (Adgully’s Choice).Best Independent PR Agency Of The Year was Media Mantra. The Right PR was declared Emerging PR Agency Of The Year.Candour Communications walked away with the Specialist Consultancy/ Firm Of The Year award. Teamwork Communications Group won the award for Specialist Consultancy/ Firm Of The Year (Jury’s Choice), while Genesis BCW was adjudged Specialist Consultancy/ Firm Of The Year (Adgully’s Choice).Deepak Jolly of Consocia Advisory was declared Communicator Extraordinaire Of The Year.

Full-service communications consulting agency Bloomingdale Public Relations Pte. Ltd has announced the appointment of Vikram Kharvi as its new CEO. With over 27 years of strategic communications and marketing expertise, Kharvi is set to lead Bloomingdale PR into a new era of growth and innovation.Diana Fernandes, Founder and Group CEO of Bloomingdale Public Relations Pte. Ltd., expressed her excitement about Kharvi's appointment: "We are pleased to welcome Vikram to our leadership team. His extensive experience and innovative approach to communications will be pivotal in driving Bloomingdale PR to new heights. Vikram's leadership will enhance our capabilities and unlock new opportunities for expansion and creativity. With Vikram at the helm, we are poised to elevate our operations and further solidify our position as a key player in the Industry."Vikram Kharvi has held senior roles at leading firms such as Adfactors PR, Tata Housing, Sampark PR, ANSSI Wellness, and Indian Express. His expertise in public relations, corporate communication, and traditional and digital marketing demonstrates his capability to lead Bloomingdale PR with exceptional confidence and vision. Kharvi's appointment aims to leverage his extensive expertise to drive Bloomingdale PR's strategic initiatives. He will focus on growth, operational excellence, talent development, and expansion into untapped geographies."I am honoured to join Bloomingdale PR," said Vikram Kharvi. "Having known Diana for over a decade, I have always been inspired by her tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit. This role is more than a professional milestone; it's an opportunity to work with a dynamic team that shares my passion for excellence. Together, we will elevate Bloomingdale PR to new heights, transforming it into a powerhouse of strategic communication and brand excellence. I am excited to embark on this journey and drive impactful change across industries and borders."

Swagata Gupta has rejoined the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) as Head of Corporate Communications. NPCI also announced her new appointment on their LinkedIn."We are excited to welcome Swagata Gupta as Head of Corporate Communications at NPCI! She is returning to us with a wealth of experience from successfully helming award-winning PR campaigns. Beyond work, Swagata is a big-time traveler and a CrossFit enthusiast. We're really proud to have her vision and leadership back with us. #NPCIFamily"Prior to rejoining NPCI, Swagata was working with HDFC Bank as Vice President of Corporate Communications. She has also been associated with other payment gateway companies before joining NPCI, including CashFree Payments as Senior Director & Head of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs.From May 2019 to April 2021, she was heading PR & Corporate Communications at NPCI. She has served other insurance firms, including Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, where she was heading Brand, Communication & CSR.In addition, she has been associated with PR firms such as Adfactors PR for over four years and Hanmer MS&L for over a year.

Rajalakshmi Azaraih has joined Lupin India & Global as the Vice President & Head of Communications. She started her career in Ramco Systems as a Corporate Communications Executive, later assuming the position of Senior Marketing Communications Executive at Tata Elxsi. She held the position of Senior Account Director at Avian We, besides serving in Mudra Communication, Genesis BCW, Professional Aptitude Council Inc, The PRactice. She was the Group Head at Adfactors PR and the General Manager, Corporate Communications at Himalaya Wellness Company. She worked in DIAGEO India as the Senior General Manager, Corporate & Brand Communications. She is an alumnus of Thiagarajar School of Management and has been contributing to the industry of Strategic Communications for more than two decades, working across sectors like pharma, healthcare, automotive, and technology. She has keen prowess in curating purpose-driven narratives that resonate, forging and sustaining reputation of the brand. Her expertise also lies in digital marketing, where she leverages full-funnel marketing approaches for driving measurable business results which add value to the world. She also oversees managing PR-related crises skillfully, advocating ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) accomplishments and encouraging multicultural partnership. A mentor, she believes in the empowerment of teams for reaching their potential, and seeking collaborations where strategic communications can be fueling growth, making impactful change.

In a significant move towards enhancing their public relations strategy, Rajoo Engineers and Essen Speciality Limited have announced the appointment of Adfactors PR as their official PR consultancy agency. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in fostering stronger communication channels between the two industry leaders and the media.Established in 1986, Rajoo Engineers Limited stands as Asia's premier manufacturer of blown film lines, sheet lines, and thermoformers, leveraging extensive extrusion expertise. The company is renowned for its cutting-edge flexible packaging solutions catering to diverse sectors, ranging from industrial and laminating films to specialized packaging for medical and bakery products.On the other hand, Essen Speciality Films, founded in 2002, has carved a niche for itself as a manufacturer of sustainable plastic products primarily catering to home decor and furnishing needs. From humble beginnings as a family-run business, Essen Speciality Films has expanded its footprint globally, supplying eco-conscious solutions to Fortune 500 retailers. Their focus on eco-friendly materials such as bio-plastics and recycled content underscores their commitment to sustainability.As representatives of Adfactors PR, the chosen agency expresses eagerness in nurturing robust media relationships and ensuring transparent and timely communication channels between Rajoo Engineers, Essen Speciality Limited, and esteemed publications.This strategic partnership promises to amplify the visibility and reputation of both Rajoo Engineers and Essen Speciality Limited, reinforcing their positions as trailblazers in their respective domains.As they embark on this journey with Adfactors PR, the companies remain steadfast in their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in product offerings.

Jaideep Manchanda has joined Adfactors PR as Vice President Digital. Prior to this role, Jaideep worked with Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times Group) as Brand Head- New Initiatives ET & TIMS. He also served at Times Internet for over three years. Additionally, he has been associated with AquGen Technologies Pvt. Ltd., The Economic Times, and IBM Global Business Services.