Commwiser, a specialised Indian communications agency into the legal and professional services space, has joined hands with Mirovia, a global network of PR agencies providing specialist communications, marketing and business development advice across borders to legal sector clients. With Commwiser being a part of Mirovia, it broadens its reach across Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America. Commwiser India currently has its presence in India and Canada.

This also presents Commwiser with an opportunity to enhance its service offerings, broaden its horizons, and access a variety of specialised talents and resources in the field of legal marketing, paving the way for more comprehensive client support.

Aman Abbas, Co-founder and CEO at Commwiser, commented: “The Mirovia network truly matches the nature of the legal market - global, collaborative and quality-driven. As part of this global network of legal marketing firms, members are well placed to add value to clients who have similar aspirations. We are excited to be a part of this excellent bunch of professionals as this gives us the capability to support our clients’ growth requirements in different parts of the world.
Commwiser India would also benefit from Mirovia’s unmatched specialised capabilities in litigation PR and handling Class Action suits in India. This is another milestone in Commwiser’s speciality in the legal industry in India, which has been recognised time and again by the industry.”

Gus Sellitto, Founder of Byfield Consultancy in London, said: “As Mirovia continues to grow, we are excited to welcome Commwiser and TriOn & Co. Having new members in India and Singapore represent a significant milestone in our efforts to expand globally and enables us to assist clients in a broader range of geographies. Singapore has become one of the biggest global centres for arbitration as well as the primary business hub for Southeast Asia, while India is set to become the third-largest economy in the world within a decade and is beginning to open its vast legal market to foreign firms. With Commwiser’s and TriOn’s deep knowledge of their respective markets, Mirovia will be able to enhance its ability to provide the best communications advice to its clients at an international level.”

Founded in 2017 by Aman Abbas, former Communications Head at KPMG and former Director of Client & Market Development at leading Indian law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Commwiser is a specialist PR agency focusing on Professional Services and Law Firm Marketing, including strategic and reputation counsel, media relations, litigation PR, digital and social media integration, and stakeholder mapping and engagement.

The Mirovia alliance was founded in February 2020 by leading agencies Byfield Consultancy in the UK, Eliott & Markus in France, Eye Communications in Germany, Valletta Relazioni Pubbliche in Italy and Gerico Associates in Spain and Latin America. Benelux agency Stark Narrative joined in 2022. Commwiser and TriOn, a Singapore-based strategic communications firm - are the first Asia-based members to join the Mirovia network.

As recognised legal PR specialists in their respective jurisdictions, Mirovia partner agencies collaborate on cross-border mandates by pooling their respective strengths to legal sector clients’ advantage internationally – providing local market expertise and supporting clients with profile-raising, communications, legal directories submissions and marketing activities. Mirovia members now comprise over 100 specialists ideally placed to support international law firms, including US firms, looking to enhance their profile across Europe and Asia.

Additionally, Mirovia provides crisis PR and litigation PR support to clients internationally. Mirovia members also advise law firm clients in need of reputation counsel. In litigation PR, Mirovia members work closely with dispute resolution lawyers helping to manage the reputation of businesses and individuals who are bringing or defending litigation across borders. Last year, and in direct response to the anticipated growth in class actions across Europe, Mirovia launched a dedicated Class Action desk to provide reputation management PR services to businesses launching or defending class actions in Europe and internationally.

Shalini Singh has joined RPG Group as Group Head - Brand and Communications.

Prior to this, she was associated with Ambuja Cement and ACC as Chief-Corporate Communications, Chairman-POSH Committee and Add.

Director ACC Mineral Resources Ltd. Singh is an integrated communication and sustainability professional with over 27 years of multi-industry experience. She has worked with various organisations such as Holcim, TATA Power, Accenture, Bharti Tele-Ventures Limited, Kale Consultants Limited and Arvind Mills.

Value 360 Communications and RepIndia today announced a JV to form a new entity named RepValue to offer clients and brands an advanced mechanism for superior, real-time reputation management insights and solutions. The combined synergy of RepIndia and Value 360’s digital and PR capabilities over decades will enable clients to significantly enhance their reputation and brand communication matrix.

RepValue will focus on creating a strategic crossover of PR and digital reputation management to build holistic, full-service, insight lead and outcome-based brand reputation solutions. The collaborative ambit will span tech-backed capabilities, including creative innovation, content creation, online branding, crisis management, social listening, and round the clock response management, CRM, SEO, social media, corporate communication, and perception management, to bolster the online reputation and presence for key brands. 

Ayesha Chenoy, Chairperson and Founder, RepIndia, said, "I’m excited to partner with Value 360. We have a common vision, ethics and a proven track record and reputation. What the market needs today is a single strategic, seamless solution. Reputation management is not reactive, but proactive. We need to own our narrative. Every piece of communication needs to go through a reputation filter, every brand issue needs to be managed before it becomes a crisis. This is the first solution that will make the brands future ready, in a world where everything can change in a minute” 

Kunal Kishore, Founder Director, Value 360 Communications, said, "Both Value 360 Communications and RepIndia have charted similar growth trajectories in the communications and digital space. In a world witnessing strong integration of comms and digital, the two powerhouses will together bring in a solution for Indian organisations that can lead to effective reputation management. In a digital-first world where online conversations impact the sentiment around a brand, we will offer a comprehensive solution that draws strengths from both and raises the bar in reputation management." 

Archit Chenoy, CEO, RepIndia, said, "The strategy will be based on the fundamental needs of the business and brand, and the partners will ensure economies of scale not only in terms of pricing but also in efficiency and quality so as to protect shareholder values.” 

RepValue brings a brand promise of exceptional thought leadership, strategic, customised solutions and sniper-focussed execution with experience spanning across industries and a talent base of over 800+ dedicated professionals. It will create a single integrated solution to protect and nurture client reputation. Both communication firms have a legacy of building strong global and Indian brands, including Adani Group, JSW, Tata Trusts, MG Motor India, Canon, Suzuki, Amazon, Paytm, Audi, Shopify, KAYAK, The Body Shop, Haldiram's, and many more.

The advisory board for RepValue will be announced soon. 

Pitchfork Partners Strategic Consulting LLP has been awarded the India communication mandate for the largest UK-owned motorcycle manufacturer, Triumph Motorcycles, by Bajaj Auto. This widens the existing partnership between Pitchfork and Bajaj Auto, the world’s most valuable two-and three-wheeler company. Pitchfork already manages Bajaj Auto’s corporate and brand communication mandates for its own range and the KTM brand.

Recently, Triumph transferred its India sales and marketing operations to Bajaj Auto. The two auto majors in 2020 had announced a strategic partnership to jointly create a new range of mid-sized Triumph Motorcycles, and the transfer marks a new phase of the partnership. Pitchfork Partners will work with the Triumph team at Bajaj Auto to strengthen its reputation and increase brand visibility in India. The consultancy will manage corporate and product communication, including products that will be launched under the partnership. 

Triumph Motorcycles, the British motorcycle brand established in 1902, has always set the standard for category-winning machines that combine design, character, desirability and performance to create truly distinctive motorcycles. True to its brand ethos, each product in the Indian market is dedicated to delivering a great riding experience through the fusion of a well-balanced, easy-to-handle chassis and strong, flexible engines. The result is an inspiring range of motorcycles delivering usable performance blended with character. 

Jaideep Shergill, Co-Founder, Pitchfork Partners, added: “Triumph’s transfer of sales and marketing operations to Bajaj Auto is a huge milestone. We are excited to work with these iconic automobile brands. Working with Bajaj Auto on its corporate and brand mandate has been truly invigorating and we are very excited to now also take on the Triumph mandate.” 

Pitchfork Partners is a strategy consultancy focused on client reputation, which it believes is the key differentiator between business success and failure. The automotive industry is thriving in India with several brands aiming to increase mindshare. Pitchfork Partners specialises in understanding business needs and aligning communication to business goals, championing reputation building, management and protection. The consultancy sees itself as a reputation warrior, offering bespoke solutions and a team comprising marketing and communication veterans.

Peter Finn, CEO, Founding Managing Partner, FINN Partners, opens up about the agency, how acquisitions made over the years have deepened the talent pool and memories of his father David Finn.

What has been the journey of FINN Partners since 2011?

As CEO and founding managing partner of FINN Partners, I am proud to reflect on our journey since our establishment in 2011. FINN Partners has expanded organically and via acquisition into one of the largest independents in the US. There’s a strong consumer practice, including deep domain expertise in fashion and beauty and travel and lifestyle marketing; a fast-growing global health capability capable of competing with the best specialist firms; a tech practice that was the stellar performer of 2021; and specialist offerings in the arts and in education.

Our agency was born out of a desire to create something different. From humble beginnings as a small community of colleagues who trusted each other, we have grown into a global agency with over 1,400 employees working across 33 offices worldwide. Throughout this journey, we have remained true to our core values of caring for people, ethical behaviour, inspiring change, championing justice and equality, and rallying around companies and causes to solve the most pressing social problems. These values have served as our North Star, guiding us through the most complex challenges posed by the pandemic, climate crisis, and racial divide.

At FINN Partners, we believe that people are the heart and soul of the agency. Our growth over the past decade is a testament to the power of coming together around a shared vision and core values. We have built a genuine culture of caring with passionate people who "Work Hard and Play Nice" and share the mission to make a difference in the world. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a fundamental part of our core values, and our industry standard-bearing DEI program, Actions Speak Louder, continues to drive real results.

Since its inception, FINN Partners has made over 30 acquisitions across the world. In what ways have these acquisitions helped the agency expand and deepen its talent pool?

30+ acquisitions across the globe have helped us expand and deepen our talent pool. These acquisitions have allowed us to bring in diverse expertise and experiences from different industries and regions, enabling us to offer more comprehensive and customized services to our clients. We have been able to grow our agency's capabilities, expand our reach, and bring in talented professionals with unique skill sets, ultimately helping us achieve our mission.

How have you seen the talent pool change, evolve and adapt to the rapidly-transforming PR landscape? What innovative ideas/execution methods are the new generation of talent bringing to the table?

The new generation is more tech-savvy, data-driven, and socially conscious, which has enabled them to adapt quickly to the rapidly-changing PR landscape. They are using cutting-edge technologies and tools to analyze data, track performance, and measure the success of PR campaigns. Moreover, the new generation of talent is bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table, which are challenging the traditional PR approach. They are focusing more on storytelling, brand purpose, and social impact, which are resonating with audiences and driving positive change.

Tell us about FINN Partners' acquisition of SPAG Asia

The acquisition of SPAG Asia has been a significant move that has bolstered FINN Partners' global healthcare operations and presence in the Asia-Pacific region. With this merger, SPAG has become Asia's largest health innovation and communications agency, which is a tremendous achievement.

This acquisition has positioned FINN Partners as one of the world's largest independent health practices, with nearly  USD 50 million in revenues and over 1,400 employees worldwide, including 150 professionals based in Asia. The addition of SPAG has also increased the company's global service capabilities and offerings for clients, which is a significant advantage.

It is worth noting that there were no staff redundancies or client conflicts resulting from the acquisition, which indicates a seamless integration process. This move is a testament to FINN Partners' commitment to delivering excellent services and value to its clients, and is a significant step towards expanding its presence in the healthcare industry.

Your father, David Finn, a dominant figure in creating the modern public relations industry, was also a painter, photographer and sculptor. What were the industry lessons you imbibed from him? Do you have any creative passion that you pursue?

One of the founding core values of FINN Partners is that we should work every day to make the world a better place. Every employee of FINN Partners is aware of this.

I was inspired by this belief by the idealism of David Finn, who was not only my father but also my boss, my business partner, my mentor and my best friend. When he was 47, he wrote a book called The Corporate Oligarch. He ends that book reflecting:

“Of this, I am sure: if the corporate oligarch does not, in the years ahead, create a new sense of purpose in his business, he will not be able to commit the full resources of his organization to the betterment of man. If, on the other hand, he realizes the promise shown by a few pioneers, he will succeed one day in transforming the corporation into a vital public institution worthy of the dedicated efforts of the nation’s ablest citizens. No leader of men could ask for a greater opportunity.”

I thank my father for never giving up on his idealism, and for passing this on to me.

Unlike my father, I am not an artist, but the arts are very important to me. Twenty-five years ago, my wife and I created a non-profit arts organization called the Catskill Mountain Foundation, one of the largest multi-arts organisations in upstate NY. It now presents more than 80 performances a year, shows over 50 films per year, runs a year-round studio art school that attracts students from around the US, and hosts arts residencies every year.

How do you see Asia as a part of your growth journey in the coming years?

Asia is paving the way for global health innovation, and clients that are eager to engage can generate greater value by taking bold and strategic action in the region. The region's rapid economic growth, technological advancements, and innovations in the healthcare sector pose a great opportunity for FINN Partners to establish a strong footing for its healthcare and technology practice.

Consumer confidence in the vibrant Asia region, supported by the world’s strongest economic growth also opens for growth of our other sectors, from Consumer to Financial communication to Education. We also believe that Asia’s diversity will bring new ideas in the area of Sustainability and ESG, helping drive expansion of our Purpose and Social Impact offering around the world.

Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), the professional resource for public affairs practitioners in the country, today announced its new office bearers for the year 2023-24. 

Vice President of PAFI for 2022-23,  Vinita Sethi, took over as the President of PAFI for 2023-24 with immediate effect from Virat Bhatia, who completed his tenure as the President of PAFI for 2022-23. 

Vinita Sethi, the incoming President of PAFI and Senior Vice President & Chief Public Affairs at the Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “It is a privilege to take over as the second woman President of PAFI. Seeing more women in the leadership team of PAFI this year is terrific. There wouldn’t be a better time to be in Public Affairs as we navigate major global shifts and impacts in today’s inter-connected world by regularly engaging with policymakers and peers in India and abroad. 

At PAFI, we have been deepening capacity building in the public affairs domain through sharing experiences and navigating critical shifts in policymaking by engaging with the central and state governments and think tanks and aligning with other external stakeholders. Our focus has been on new paradig of governance, growth and development. The other office bearers and I will continue our dialogue and outreach with stakeholders in the government and businesses across sectors. We will continue to strengthen cross-sectoral collaborations, innovate and build new policy-dialogue platfor to support the government’s efforts towards accelerating the country’s economic growth and overall development”. 

Deepshikha Dharmaraj, Chief Executive Officer of BCW India Group is the new Vice President of PAFI.  Chetan Krishnaswamy, India Public Policy, Amazon India is the new Secretary, and  Medha Girotra, Vice President, Public Policy, South Asia, Mastercard India Services Pvt Ltd is the new Treasurer.

Integrated communications agency PR Professionals, the flagship of the PRP Group, has appointed Suresh Rathod as Senior Vice President (West) to grow its business in the region and strengthen its senior management team. Rathod is the former Head of Corporate Communications and PR, Avaada Group. During his tenure at Avaada, he maximised brand awareness through various media channels and cultivated relationships with media and influential professionals, which resulted in the group attracting investment to support green ammonia and renewable energy expansion plans.. Mr Rathod will be responsible for the agency's overall business development and lead the client management team. He will be based out of the PRP Mumbai office. 

Rathod is a seasoned communications professional with more than 20 years of experience in various sectors that have contributed significantly to India's growth story.  He has extensive experience of PR, corporate communications, crisis management, planning and implementing new business strategies. Mr Rathod has worked for leading corporates and PR agencies such as Avaada Group, Nahar Group, Omkar Realtors, Hill+Knowlton Strategies and Concept Communications, among others.  He has worked as a communication strategist in agency roles for GVK, Microsoft, Hyundai, CEAT, JSW Group and Bajaj Auto.

Speaking on the appointment, Dr. Sarvesh Tiwari, Founder and Managing Director of PR Professionals, said, "We are thrilled to have Suresh join our team as Senior Vice President West. His extensive experience in corporate communications and proven track record of implementing successful communication strategies for clients across segments will be a valuable asset to PRP. We look forward to him driving the growth of PRP 's business"

Rathod has successfully led communication strategies for clients across a range of sectors including real estate, energy, aviation, auto infrastructure and hospitality. He started his career as a business journalist with reputed media houses like Indian Express, Ennadu TV and Rashtriya Sahara.

Commenting on his new role, Suresh Rathod said, "I am excited to join PR Professionals and be part of this dynamic team. I look forward to using my experience to contribute to the growth and success of the company."

PRP’ Mumbai branch gown multi fold in the last 2 years, with marquee BFSI clients in its kitty including IDFC First Bank and Bajaj Finance. The company had also won the digital mandate of Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB) Holding Company Ltd. in a multi- agency pitch last year.

PR Professionals is a 360-degree public relations and communications agency that has been delivering quality and excellence since 2011 and has also initiated several philanthropic activities. It excels in providing end-to-end branding and customised public relations solutions that enable businesses to become market leaders. From humble beginnings, PRP today has 12 offices in India and six offices in offshore locations. The 150-member team shares Tiwari's passion for doing extraordinary things PR and making a difference to the underprivileged through philanthropic activities.