First Partners announces leadership transition as it marks 10 years

First Partners has announced a leadership transition as it completes 10 years since its inception in 2016.

As part of the changes, co-founder Atul Ahluwalia has been appointed Non-Executive Chairman, while Dilip Yadav has been elevated to Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. Santanu Gogoi has been named Managing Director of the firm.

Founded in 2016 by former Weber Shandwick leaders Atul Ahluwalia, Dilip Yadav and Santanu Gogoi, First Partners was established with the objective of building a consulting-led communications firm focused on strategic counsel, high-impact campaigns and measurable business outcomes. Over the past decade, the agency has expanded its capabilities across corporate communications, public affairs, advocacy and policy communication, crisis and reputation management, stakeholder engagement, content-led communication and leadership advisory.

Today, the firm works with a portfolio of global and Indian brands across sectors, including Rolls-Royce, Coca-Cola, Hyundai Motor India, McDonald's North & East, Bain & Company, Education New Zealand, ITC Ltd, HDFC Bank, Vedanta Iron & Steel, Max Healthcare and ITC Hotels.

The leadership transition comes nearly two years after First Partners became the exclusive India affiliate of SEC Newgate Group, the Milan-headquartered global strategic communications and advocacy network. The affiliation enables the firm to leverage SEC Newgate's international footprint across five continents, strengthening its capabilities in corporate affairs, reputation management, advocacy and geopolitical communications.

The consultancy has also earned global recognition for its work. In 2025, PRovoke Media named First Partners India Agency of the Year 2025, alongside Edelman India. The firm was also featured among The 100 Best PR Agencies in the World and The 100 Best Corporate PR Agencies in the World.

Commenting on the milestone, Atul Ahluwalia, Non-Executive Chairman, First Partners, said: “First Partners was built on a simple but powerful belief — that communications must go beyond visibility and create real business impact. As the firm completes 10 years, this is the right moment to institutionalise the next phase of leadership. Dilip and Santanu have been central to the firm’s journey from day one, and I am confident that under their leadership First Partners will continue to strengthen its position as a premier communications consulting firm in India.”

Speaking on his new role, Dilip Yadav, Vice Chairman & CEO, First Partners, said: “The first decade of First Partners has been about building credibility, trust and a differentiated consulting model. The next decade will be about scaling that model with sharper focus, deeper specialisation and stronger impact for clients. We will continue to build on our strengths in corporate reputation, advocacy, public policy communication and high-stakes strategic counsel, while investing in content, research, digital and integrated communication capabilities.”

Santanu Gogoi, Managing Director, First Partners, added: "Our next phase is focused on building a stronger, more resilient First Partners. My focus will be on driving sustainable growth, nurturing exceptional talent, deepening client partnerships, strengthening operational capabilities, and fostering a culture of ownership and collaboration that enables long-term success.”