Adfactors PR has appointed Shilpa Desai as Senior Vice-President – Digital & Innovation, BFSI and Capital Markets practices. In this strategic role, Shilpa will focus on bolstering the market-leading Banking, Financial Services, & Insurance (BFSI) and Capital Markets practices of the firm. She will also be a catalyst in fostering innovation and digital thinking in the organisation. Working closely with the Founders and the leadership team, she will design and drive initiatives that strengthen digital capabilities, integrate data-driven insights, and build innovation-led systems to enhance both client impact and organisational readiness for the financial services and capital markets practices.Shilpa brings over two decades of experience in marketing and digital transformation across leading financial institutions of India including ICICI Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, IDFC Bank, Fullerton India and HDFC ERGO. She was part of the founding team at IDFC Bank, where she headed digital business and marketing analytics functions. In her most-recent role at HDFC ERGO she served as Head of Marketing. An engineer and an MBA, she is currently pursuing her PhD in Management at IIT Bombay.Adfactors PR Co-Founder and Managing Director Madan Bahal said, “Shilpa’s appointment is a part of the leadership transformation process to enhance Adfactors PR’s relevance in the current business environment. She will focus on creating market-leading value propositions in our core practices of BFSI and capital markets.”Shilpa Desai said, “Adfactors PR is an institution that has continually redefined communications in India. It is a privilege to join the leadership team and contribute to building a culture of digital and innovation that will enable the firm and its clients to stay ahead of the curve. My focus will be on designing programmes and systems that embed future-ready practices into the very fabric of the organisation.”

Adfactors PR has announced the appointment of Hemant Gaule as Senior Vice President ?Çô Growth & Development Initiatives. In this newly created strategic role, Hemant will focus on multiple streams including building an AI-first work culture, strengthening the firm?ÇÖs value proposition, building new practices, and execute long-term plans for leadership development. Hemant will work closely with the founders and the leadership team to curate and execute programs aimed at future-proofing the organisation. The creation of the Adfactors Academy ?Çô a one-of-its-kind leadership fast-track initiative designed to identify, nurture, and elevate emerging leaders within the firm will be an important part of his mandate. While the Academy will offer structured learning interventions, its broader mission is to make the agency future-ready, equip consultants to manage complex, ever-evolving client briefs and contribute to institutional-scale growth.Madan Bahal, Co-founder and Managing Director of Adfactors PR, said, "I have known Hemant for more than a decade, and value his clarity of thought, professional integrity, and ability to design talent architectures for the future. I look forward to working closely with Hemant in enhancing Adfactors PR?ÇÖs relevance to its clients and internal stakeholders, in an ever-changing environment."Hemant Gaule stated, "Adfactors is a firm of deep purpose and vast potential, and it is an honour to be working with the founders and the CEO who have built a market-leading institution. This role is not just about leadership development - it is about unlocking a future where Adfactors PR stands as a global benchmark for consulting excellence. We will build the systems, structures, and spirit required to take the firm confidently into the next decade and beyond."An IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, Hemant brings a rare blend of business & academic grounding. He started his career in the management cadre of the RPG Group while for the last 10 years he served as the Director and CEO of the School of Communications and Reputation (SCoRe). Hemant has been recognised by multiple industry forums including ASEAN PR Network, Reputation Today, PRovoke Media and serves on the board of IABC Asia Pacific.This appointment reflects Adfactors PR?ÇÖs commitment to institutional capability building for serving the evolving needs of India Inc., and its long-term vision to lead the profession in both business impact and human capital development.

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. ?Çô ranging from mid-market businesses to the nation?ÇÖs 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 Acuit?? 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, ?Ç£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.?Ç¥Adfactors PR Co-Founder and Managing Director Madan Bahal said, ?Ç£As India?ÇÖs 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?ÇÖs sustained relevance to address the needs of fast-growing Indian capital market and the larger economy.?Ç¥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?Çöjust 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?ÇÖs 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 ?Ç£Communicating a Clean Energy Future in Australia?Ç¥ (ICON at RMIT, Melbourne) to ?Ç£Protecting Paradise: Responsible Tourism and Environmental Stewardship?Ç¥ (FINN Partners at FAMU, Florida). Regional campaigns include ?Ç£Behaviour Change for a Swachh Bharat (Clean India)?Ç¥ (Adfactors PR at ScoRe, India); ?Ç£Smart Ideas for Engaging Citizens in Healthier Lifestyle Choices?Ç¥ (SPRG at CUHK, Hong Kong); ?Ç£Behaviour change(s) that will contribute to sustainability and/or help curb the climate crisis?Ç¥ (Tucker/Hall at University of Florida); and ?Ç£Communicating the Climate Crisis: Motivating and Measuring Behavioural Change?Ç¥ (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 ?Ç£We?ÇÖre 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,?Ç¥ says Joanne Painter, Co-Founder of ICON Agency. ?Ç£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,?Ç¥ says Madan Bahal, Co-Founder of Adfactors PR.?Ç£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,?Ç¥ says Richard Tsang, Chairman of SPRG. ?Ç£Our firm believes that the FCF?ÇÖs mission of supporting students and young professionals entering the industry, while addressing sustainability and social responsibility in public relations, is an important one,?Ç¥ says Bill Carlson, President of Tucker/Hall.?Ç£Sustainability is one of the most pressing topics in today?ÇÖs society,?Ç¥ says Allard W. van Veen, Founder of The PR Trust, the 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that administers the Future Communicators Foundation. ?Ç£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?ÇÖ social conscience and encourage them to make an impact, in terms of promoting a fair and sustainable world.?Ç¥ 

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?ÇÖs CEO, Nijay N. Nair, and collaborate closely with Co-Founders Madan Bahal and Rajesh Chaturvedi.

PROI Worldwide has announced that Madan Bahal, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Adfactors PR, has been honoured with the Founders Award.Jeff Lambert, Global Chair of PROI Worldwide and CEO of US-based Lambert by LLYC, stated: "Madan Bahal exemplifies the spirit and vision that our community of independent communications agencies stands for. His dedication to innovation, excellence, and collaboration has significantly enriched the PROI network and the broader industry. We are thrilled to recognize his remarkable achievements with the Founders Award." Madan Bahal shared his gratitude, saying: "I am grateful to the Board of PROI Worldwide for considering me worthy of the coveted Founders Award. It is particularly heartening because the recognition comes from a peer group of Founders/CEOs, representing nearly a hundred PR firms spread around the world. This award is only the icing on the cake. Over the last 15 years, I have benefitted immensely in terms of learning, insights and best practices from this wonderful partnership of leading independent PR firms worldwide." In Bahal?ÇÖs honour, PROI made a US$1,000 donation to the Yoga Institute in Mumbai. Bahal?ÇÖs involvement with PROI spans over a decade and a half, during which time he has played crucial roles within the organisation, including serving on various committees and contributing to strategic initiatives that have propelled PROI's mission forward. Under his leadership, Adfactors PR has not only grown to become one of India's largest independent PR firms but has also actively participated in PROI's global endeavours, sharing knowledge and expertise across markets. Adfactors alignment with PROI's values and objectives has long been an asset to the network, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Bahal's recognition serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the principles of excellence and innovation that define PROI Worldwide.

Shubhreet Kaur, a seasoned media professional, has embarked on a new journey with Adfactors PR, the nation's leading and one of the most decorated PR agencies.Shubhreet Kaur, a dynamic figure known for her extensive experience in journalism, television anchoring, and integrated communications, has officially joined Adfactors PR as Vice President - Integration. This strategic appointment underscores Adfactors' commitment to enhancing its integrated communications capabilities and further solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the industry.Expressing her excitement, Shubhreet shared: "I'm thrilled to announce my association with Adfactors, a pinnacle in the PR domain. It's a privilege to join the team led by Madan Bahal, an industry stalwart whose vision and leadership are unparalleled. The warm welcome from Team Adfactors has truly made me feel at home, and I am eager to embark on this new journey of collaboration and growth."Bringing over 19 years of rich expertise encompassing news, television, production, PR, creative strategy, and influencer marketing, Shubhreet's multifaceted background positions her as a valuable asset to Adfactors' diverse clientele. Her previous stint at Hill & Knowlton has honed her skills in navigating the intricate landscape of communications, making her a perfect fit for her new role at Adfactors.Beyond her professional endeavors, Shubhreet embodies versatility as a full-time VP, part-time influencer, and dedicated mother to her daughters, Karma and Nirvana. When not immersed in work or digital engagements, she indulges in her passions for content creation, tin box collection, and the art of decluttering.

Journalist-turned-communications strategist Boby Kurian and reputation industry veterans Madan Bahal and Rajesh Chaturvedi have formed a joint venture company, StratInk Consulting, offering CEOs and leading investors bespoke communications solutions for complex business environments.Bahal and Chaturvedi, founders of South Asia?ÇÖs leading public relations firm, Adfactors PR, are partnering in their personal capacities. Kurian will lead and drive the management as Co-Founder and Managing Director. StratInk Consulting will deliver communication-led corporate advisory services to India Inc. on the strength of business and industry understanding. The firm will engage with principal stakeholders and their teams on conceiving and supporting value-enhancing and ring-fencing strategies.StratInk will offer counsel on risk intelligence, merger and acquisition, public advocacy, people advisory, investment cycles, and geopolitical and economic trends. The consultancy?ÇÖs specialist team will be drawn from newsrooms, communications, law firms, capital markets and public policy platforms. The firm will have India offices in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai. StratInk will draw on Kurian?ÇÖs strengths in founder, CEO and boardroom advisory. As a newsroom expert, he played an essential role in mainstreaming conversations on private capital and the start-up economy in the last decade.Bahal and Chaturvedi have spearheaded the four-decade-old Adfactors Group, a leading communications conglomerate in the country, comprising Adfactors PR, Adfactors Advertising and chlorophyll, besides ownership interests in research companies such as IndiaStat and Projects Today.Kurian previously held senior editorial functions at The Times of India and The Economic Times, among other media. He advises the world's largest tech investor and multiple business leaders on growth opportunities and business risks.