Pitchfork Partners named strategic communication partner for Somaiya Group

The most awaited jury meet to identify the winners of the prestigious 5th edition of PR & Corp Comm 40 Under 40 Awards took place virtually on April 20, 2024. After a rigorous selection process, the jury evaluated and chose the future leaders of the industry from 80+ entries.

The 5th edition of PR & Corp Comm 40 Under 40 Summit & Awards aims to highlight and honor the excellence, impact, and creativity of the next generation of PR and communication leaders. This year’s jury meet had a distinguished panel of communication veterans where the jury chair was led by Purnima Sahni Mohanty, Group Head - Communications, India & South Asia at Amazon Web Services. The other members of the jury are Ajey Maharaj, Head Corporate Communications & PR, Fortis Healthcare, Prof. (Dr.) Anubhuti Yadav – Head, Department of New Media & Technology Course Director, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, Aman Abbas -  Co-founder & CEO, Commwiser, Aman Dhall - Founder, CommsCredible, Anand Rao - Chief Client Officer, Genesis BCW, Beedisha Chakrabarti - Vice President & Managing Consultant, Archetype, Bishnupriya Narayan - Head - Corporate Communications & CSR, Akasa AiR, Bhawna Gupta - Director Client Relations, Hill & Knowlton, Bhavani Giddu - CEO, Footprint Global Communications, Bhavya Suri, Director - PR & Corporate Affairs, India & MEA, Pearson, Gagan Talwar - Managing Director, Business Wire India, Girish Huria - Head of Growth APAC, Avian WE, Munavar Attari - Managing Director, FleishmanHillard, Nikhil Pavithran - Group President, Kaizzen, Pradeep Wadhwa - Founder, Kritical Edge Consulting Pvt Ltd, Rohit Moudgill - Chief Operating Officer, CoreComm Consultants, and Sunanda Rao - Founder and CEO, Seraphim Communications LLP.

The jury panel was tasked with the critical responsibility of selecting the brightest talents under the age of 40 who are shaping the PR & Corp Comm landscape. The entire meet was filled with lively discussions and lasted for over four hours. The jury panel meticulously reviewed each nomination based on innovation, impact, strategic vision, a commitment to growth and sustainability, and the potential to shape the future of the industry.

After thorough deliberation, the jury selected the final winners who will be felicitated for their exceptional contributions and celebrated as the future torchbearers of the PR and Corp Comm industry in India at an on-ground event in May 2024 in New Delhi.

OpenAI, the Microsoft Corp-backed company, has appointed Pragya Misra as Public Policy and Partnerships Head, making her the first hired employee of Open AI from India.

The appointment of Misra has not yet been made public. However, sources familiar with the matter have confirmed the news that she will lead Open AI’s public policy affairs and partnerships in India.

Since July 2021, Misra has been serving as the Director of Public Affairs for Truecaller AB where she works closely with government ministries, key stakeholders, investors, and media partners to advance the company's agenda.

Other than this, she was also associated with Meta Platforms Inc., where she led WhatsApp's initiatives against misinformation in 2018, Ernst & Young and the Royal Danish Embassy in New Delhi.

The PR 40 Under 40 Awards celebrate the achievements of young professionals who are making a significant mark in the PR & communications field. This year's summit & awards promises to be even more competitive, with the veteran and expert jury tasked with identifying the future leaders who will shape the ever-evolving world of public relations and communications.

The jury meet for the 5th edition of PR & Corp Comm 40 Under 40 Summit & Awards will held on April 20, 2024. With a distinguished jury, we are all set to recognize and honor the future leaders who will shape the narrative and propel the PR industry forward.

This year's PR 40 Under 40 Summit & Awards jury meet will be held virtually where all the nominees will be meticulously reviewed and then the jury will make the final decisions of this year’s winners.

In this year’s jury, we have a diverse group of industry veterans who are tasked with selecting the next generation of PR & communication leaders.

• Purnima Sahni Mohanty - Group Head - Communications, India & South Asia, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Ajey Maharaj - Head Corporate Communications & PR, Fortis Healthcare
• (Dr.) Anubhuti Yadav – Head, Department of New Media & Technology Course Director, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi
• Aman Abbas - Co-founder & CEO, Commwiser
• Aman Dhall - Founder, CommsCredible
• Anand Rao - Chief Client Officer, Genesis BCW
• Beedisha Chakrabarti - Vice President & Managing Consultant, Archetype
• Bishnupriya Narayan - Head - Corporate Communications & CSR, Akasa AiR
• Bhawna Gupta - Director Client Relations, Hill & Knowlton
• Bhavani Giddu - CEO, Footprint Global Communications
• Bhavya Suri, Director - PR & Corporate Affairs, India & MEA, Pearson
• Gagan Talwar - Managing Director, Business Wire India
• Girish Huria - Head of Growth APAC, Avian WE
• Munavar Attari - Managing Director, FleishmanHillard
• Nikhil Pavithran - Group President, Kaizzen
• Pradeep Wadhwa - Founder, Kritical Edge Consulting Pvt Ltd
• Rohit Moudgill - Chief Operating Officer, CoreComm Consultants
• Sunanda Rao - Founder and CEO, Seraphim Communications LLP

This year’s awards promise to be even more competitive as these phenomenal industry leaders will closely observe and evaluate the future leaders shaping the ever-evolving world of public relations and communications.

e4m is thrilled to announce the ‘e4m Communication Trailblazer’, an inspiring leadership series that aims to empower and celebrate the next generation of communication professionals under the age of 35.

e4m has collaborated with the leading communications firm, Hill & Knowlton, India to discover and acknowledge the work and ideas of young communications professionals.

Want to participate? Here are the criteria:

• Submit a well-researched and original content piece of 1000-1250 words on any one of the below topics:
• Ethical implications of predictive analytics in communication
• Communication strategies for managing ideological polarisation
• Global crisis communication across cultural boundaries
• Sustainability narratives and Greenwashing
• Counteracting information warfare with communication tactics
• Communication professionals’ role in AI ethics and regulation advocacy
• Post-Truth communication strategies
• Addressing global digital inequities and communication access
  
  
• The submitted content should be compelling, have a fresh perspective, and an engaging voice. It should be thoroughly researched, originally written, well formatted, and plagiarism-free. 
  
  
• The arguments mentioned should be clear, logical, evidence-based, and well-supported by relevant sources. 

All the submissions will be evaluated by our internal eminent jury based on originality, research depth, argument clarity, logical flow, grammar and style, and formatting.

Out of all the submissions, the top 15 articles will be part of ‘e4m Communication Trailblazer’ series and out of 15, the top 10 winning entries will be recognized at our prestigious IPRCCA event to be held on 6^th June, 2024 in New Delhi. 

So, if you possess exceptional writing skills, a passion for research, and a keen understanding of the evolving communication landscape, this is your chance to showcase your expertise and gain industry recognition like never before.

The submission window opens on April 17, 2024, and closes on May 3, 2024. For entry submission and more information, you can reach out to Ritika Upmanyu at ritika.upmanyu@exchange4media.com

Whether it's guiding a new generation of employees or battling constant industry challenges, women leaders are the true epitome of how to make progress in the dynamic PR industry in the most difficult of circumstances.

So, to celebrate the spirit of the women leaders who are breaking barriers in the PR and Corp Comm industry, exchange4media launched the 4th edition of e4m PR and Corp Comm Women Achievers' Awards 2023. The awards honored the remarkable contributions of numerous incredible women leaders, achievers, and trendsetters who have brought new trends, overcome challenges, and paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the PR and Comm Industry globally.

In this edition, we honor Seema Shah Ahuja, SVP and Global Head of Communication & Corporate Brand, Biocon Group, a veteran and multifaceted expert in Reputation Management, and Corporate Brand & Communications, with over 30 years of experience in publicly listed leading pharma biotech & life-sciences companies. She was facilitated as the ‘Mentor of the year in the Corp Comm’ at the 4th edition of e4m PR and Corp Comm Women Achievers’ Awards 2023.

Excerpts:
Congratulations on your win at the e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers Awards 2023. How do you feel?
I am grateful to e4m and all the jury members of the e4m PR & Corp Comm Women Achievers Awards, for conferring on me the ‘Mentor of the Year’ award for the second consecutive year. Throughout my career, I've always prioritized leveraging my strength as a developer to mentor and nurture my teammates. It brings me immense joy to see many of them excelling in their respective roles across different companies. This award serves as a validation of the dedication and commitment I've put into mentoring young professionals over the years, and I'm deeply motivated to continue this journey of mentorship and development.

What inspires you on your journey and endeavours?
What inspires me is a combination of internal drive and external inspiration. Since the beginning of my career in 1989, I've been fuelled by an innate sense of purpose to do something extraordinary, and I have been self-driven and self-motivated to constantly push the boundaries of what I can achieve. This internal fire has been a driving force behind my pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement.

Additionally, I find inspiration in observing the innovative practices of other brands and professionals within the industry. By staying attuned to the ever-evolving ecosystem and monitoring best practices, I am able to glean insights and ideas that further fuel my passion and drive for success. This blend of intrinsic motivation and external inspiration propels me forward on my journey, empowering me to strive for greater heights and make meaningful contributions in my endeavours.

In what ways have you witnessed the PR and Corporate Communications industry change and evolve over the years?
Over the years, I've observed significant shifts within the PR and Corporate Communications industry. One notable change has been the advent of digital media and technology, which has revolutionized how we connect and engage with audiences. Social media platforms, in particular, have become essential tools for disseminating information, managing brand reputation, and fostering two-way communication with stakeholders.

Furthermore, there has been a noticeable emphasis on transparency and authenticity in communication strategies. With the rise of social activism and heightened public scrutiny, companies are increasingly expected to be open and honest in their messaging. This shift has led to a greater focus on ethical communication practices and a move away from traditional, one-way broadcasting of messages.

Additionally, the role of storytelling has become paramount in PR and Corporate Communications. Brands are recognizing the power of narrative in shaping perceptions and building emotional connections with audiences. Whether it's through compelling narratives in press releases, engaging content on social media, or impactful brand storytelling campaigns, companies are leveraging storytelling to humanize their brand and resonate with consumers on a deeper level.

Moreover, the globalization of markets has transformed the landscape of PR and Corporate Communications. With companies operating on a global scale, communicators must navigate cultural nuances and adapt messaging strategies to resonate with diverse audiences worldwide. This has led to an increased emphasis on cultural competency and the need for localized communication approaches.

In summary, the PR and Corporate Communications industry has undergone significant evolution, driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer expectations, and the globalization of markets. As communicators, it's essential to stay agile and adaptable, continually embracing new trends and strategies to effectively engage with audiences in an ever-evolving landscape.

What global practices in the area of PR and Communications would you like to see implemented in India?
In the realm of PR and communications, several global practices could be implemented in India to enhance effectiveness and adaptability to modern trends. Here are some key practices.
⦁ Digital PR Strategies: Embracing digital platforms for PR activities such as social media engagement, influencer partnerships, and online reputation management. This involves leveraging social media analytics, SEO techniques, and content marketing to reach target audiences effectively.
⦁ Integrated Communication Campaigns: Adopting a holistic approach to communication by integrating PR with marketing, advertising, and other communication channels. This ensures consistency in messaging and maximizes reach and impact across various platforms.
⦁ Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data analytics tools to gather insights into audience behaviour, media coverage, and campaign performance. This enables PR professionals to make informed decisions, optimize strategies, and demonstrate ROI to stakeholders.
⦁ Crisis Communication Preparedness: Developing robust crisis communication plans and protocols to effectively manage and mitigate reputational risks. This includes proactive monitoring of online conversations, swift response strategies, and transparent communication with stakeholders during crises.
⦁ Content Storytelling: Emphasizing compelling storytelling in PR content to engage audiences and evoke emotions. This involves crafting narratives that resonate with target demographics, leveraging multimedia formats, and incorporating user-generated content for authenticity.
⦁ Influencer Relations: Building relationships with relevant influencers and thought leaders in various industries to amplify brand messaging and reach niche audiences. This includes identifying key opinion leaders, fostering genuine partnerships, and measuring influencer impact.
⦁ Employee Advocacy Programs: Empowering employees to serve as brand advocates by providing them with training, resources, and platforms to share company news and values. This fosters employee engagement, enhances brand credibility, and amplifies reach on social media.
⦁ Localization and Cultural Sensitivity: Tailoring PR strategies and messaging to resonate with diverse cultural and linguistic nuances across India's regions and demographics. This involves understanding local customs, traditions, and media landscapes to ensure relevance and authenticity.
⦁ Thought Leadership Initiatives: Positioning company executives and subject matter experts as thought leaders in their respective industries through speaking engagements, contributed articles, and industry research. This enhances brand visibility, credibility, and influence within target markets.
⦁ Measuring and Evaluating Impact: Implementing robust measurement and evaluation metrics to assess the success and effectiveness of PR campaigns. This includes tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting sentiment analysis, and benchmarking against industry standards to continuously improve strategies.
⦁ Seat at the Table: PR & Corporate Communications needs to be accepted as a strategic function for the organization. The leader of Comms needs to be a part of the Executive Leadership Team and this function needs to have an independent budget to be effective and not be dependent on commercial or marketing budgets.

By embracing these global PR and communication practices, organizations in India can strengthen their brand reputation, build meaningful relationships with stakeholders, and navigate the evolving media landscape effectively.

Tell us about your most valuable learning from the industry.
One of the most valuable learnings I've gained from my extensive experience in the PR and Communications industry, particularly within the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector, is the power of authenticity and transparency in building trust and credibility. In an industry where public perception and stakeholder trust are paramount, it's essential to prioritize open, honest communication, even in challenging situations. I've witnessed firsthand how being transparent about company practices, product developments, and corporate initiatives can foster stronger relationships with stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, regulators, and the general public.
Looking ahead, I foresee the PR and Communications industry undergoing further transformation driven by rapid advancements in technology, evolving media landscapes, and shifting consumer behaviours. In the coming days, I believe we'll see a continued emphasis on digital communication strategies, personalized messaging, and data-driven insights to engage with increasingly diverse and fragmented audiences effectively. Moreover, with growing public scrutiny and demand for corporate accountability, ethical communication practices and corporate social responsibility will play an even more significant role in shaping brand reputation and perception.

What would be your message to the future generation of professionals?
⦁ Cultivate patience and invest in understanding your clients and your company's business deeply. Building this foundational knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to your work.
⦁ Strive to add value in everything you undertake. Whether it's a project, a task, or an interaction with colleagues, aim to go above and beyond to deliver excellence and exceed expectations.
⦁ Embrace a culture of respect and collaboration. Recognize the value of diverse perspectives and ideas, and actively seek opportunities to collaborate with others. By fostering a respectful and inclusive environment, you'll create space for innovation and mutual growth.
⦁ Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. When you inevitably encounter setbacks, take ownership of your mistakes, seek assistance in addressing them, and extract valuable lessons to avoid repeating them in the future. View each mistake as an opportunity for improvement and growth.
⦁ Remain flexible, open-minded, and committed to continuous learning and evolution. The professional landscape is constantly evolving, and adaptability is key to staying relevant and thriving in your career. Embrace change as an opportunity for personal and professional development and be proactive in seeking out new skills and knowledge.

By embodying these principles of patience, value addition, respect, accountability, and adaptability, you'll not only navigate the challenges of the future workplace with confidence but also contribute positively to your own growth and the success of your organization.

Priya Dhawan has been promoted to the Head of Communication, YouTube APAC at Google. Dhawan is a seasoned communications and public affairs professional with over 14 years of experience.

She announced the news of her promotion on LinkedIn by sharing, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Head of Communications, YouTube APAC at Google”.

She has been associated with Google for more than six years and has held positions like Head of Policy & Reputation Comms, YouTube APAC, APAC Lead, Product & Policy Comms, YouTube, and more. Other than Google, she has worked with leading organizations like Edelman for more than 5+ years and 20:20 Media.

Kaizzen, an Indian public relations firm with a global footprint, recently celebrated its 16th anniversary. In celebration of this milestone, Founder and CEO Vineet Handa took a trip down memory lane to reminisce about the past, deliberate on the present, and reflect on the company's future. With even bigger ambitions on the horizon, Kaizzen continues to make its mark and set new benchmark of success in the industry.

Q) What were the driving forces and motivational factors that drove you to become an entrepreneur?

Once you become an entrepreneur there is never a dull moment in your life because every day you must dig a well and only then drink water. It was the monotony or the comfort level at my earlier jobs that forced me to take a plunge. But I can assure you that from that very moment, there has never been a dull moment in my life. At that time, I could sense an opportunity to create an organization that works on result-oriented comms strategies and not merely on cosmetic ones. 

Q) Starting a new business venture can be both exhilarating and daunting. Please share your fears and concerns regarding this journey.

The greatest fear for me has always been the fear of failure. Even today, I stress about the failure of an employee in delivering a certain task to a client, of having an unsuccessful press conference or a botched-up press release. Fear of losing an employee or losing an award etc. are my constant fears. These apprehensions will always be there no matter how big Kaizzen becomes. Unhappy employees and reputational risks to Kaizzen are my other fear factors. These fears are also our strengths, which have inspired us throughout our journey.

Q) Were there any moments and situations when you wanted to give up? If yes, how did you manage to soak up the pressure to continue?

There was only one time when I wanted to give it all up, which was the second year of the launch of Kaizzen. I had less than a couple of hundred in my pocket, with a sizeable chunk of the money locked up in receivables. It was indeed an extremely tough situation. But what kept me going was the validation from my family and friends, who remain my biggest strength, and my responsibilities to the Kaizzen family, colleagues who have stood by time through thick and thin and remained a source of strength and motivation. At the back of my mind, there was also a desire to prove my naysayers wrong and have the last laugh.

Q) How has your experience been with Kaizzen so far?

Like every other organization, ours, too, has seen many highs and lows, twists, and turns, which has made this journey interesting and worthwhile. In the past three years, we have grown five times—from 34 employees to 170 now. During the pandemic, when bigger agencies were downsizing, we saw it as an opportunity and hired people. That practice has continued ever since because we believe that every individual brings certain qualities and good luck with him or her, which helps the organization to grow and shine. Today, we are accredited as a “Best Place to Work,” organization which is a dream come true for me. We started our global journey from the Middle East, which makes us the only India-origin independent agency with global footprints, apart from other milestones. 

Q) What is your vision for Kaizzen when it turns 20? 

The pace of change in our industry is so fast that aligning Kaizzen’s vision with those of a fast-changing world will continue to be our top priority, while not losing sight of our DNA, core values, and cultural ethos. The plan is to ensure that Kaizzen remains a fun place to work where employees will also have an opportunity to sharpen their knowledge and skill sets as professionals.

We will focus on technology, creating a diversified workforce to cater to emerging areas like artificial technology, sustainability, and green technologies, among others. Adding new services like investor relations and public affairs. Being a part of the government policy-making process and incorporating global and diversified players in our client list will be very much a part of our “to-do” list. Similarly, it will be also about providing a varied portfolio of unmatched services to delight our customers. 

Q) What is your vision for Kaizzen at 25?

By the time Kaizzen turns 25, the obituary of many of the traditional PR firms would have been written. The only way for us to survive is to adapt and innovate to meet the world’s consumption patterns, which remain highly unpredictable even today. To remain relevant, we have built our organization to be nimble enough to adapt, innovate, and deliver.

Newspapers would have become a luxury and people would be consuming their daily news, views, and entertainment on hand-held devices mostly through the service providers. 

When Kaizzen turns 25, my vision is to see the company transformed into a one-stop shop and a solutions provider for Indian and global corporates across sectors and industries. We will not only be among the top three PR in terms of revenues but will be competing with consulting firms to provide the best-in-class services to diversified global conglomerates. For those willing to adjust to the “new normal” of the PR industry, I envision an extremely bright future for the industry and industry mates in the coming years.