Rachana Panda: Setting new benchmarks of communications strategy, purpose & social impact

Rachana Panda is a name synonymous with dedication, finesse, and impact. She is a highly skilled communications leader with nearly three decades of experience driving growth and innovation in the industry. For decades, she has been known for her exceptional organizational abilities, leadership and resolute vision for social impact. She commands deep respect and influence across the industry, media landscape, and corporate communications domain. Her leadership, communication acumen, and inclusive approach have consistently delivered meaningful impact and inspired transformation.

Moreover, Rachana is an exceptional mentor and team builder who has trained and nurtured several high-performing, cross-functional teams. She has also led several pioneering branding initiatives with creativity, originality, and a results-driven mindset that have significantly enhanced the reputation of the organizations she has served. As a remarkable leader, Rachana seamlessly navigates both Fortune 100 boardrooms and dynamic start-up environments with equal confidence and finesse.

In today’s PR & Corp Comm ‘Comms Pioneer’ series, we feature Rachana’s three decades of purposeful and impactful journey, starting from:

• How did she get her big break in the industry
• Her working experience with some of the big and leading organisations
• Her love and passion for women empowerment and mentoring future professionals
• Her contributions to elevating professional standards in the communications industry
• Her future plans, and so much more

Her entry and big break into the industry

Rachana began her career as a management trainee at Apollo Tyres, initially drawn to the corporate world rather than communications itself. However, during that time, she met Mr. Venkat Ramani, a seasoned communicator whose passion inspired her to pursue corporate communications. That’s how what started as an interest quickly became a career-defining pursuit.

After this, she moved into the development sector, working on British Council-funded projects in India which involved partnering with state governments, NGOs, and funders. “This not only helped me understand the power of communication in driving meaningful change but also taught me the value of collaboration. This experience laid the foundation for my future roles, where I increasingly viewed communications as a strategic function rather than just a support role,” she further elaborated explaining the things that shaped her as a communicator.

Her working experience with some of the leading organisations

With nearly 30 years of experience, Rachana has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Bayer, GE, Alstom, UTStarcom, and Alcatel South Asia. She states, “Every organization I’ve worked with has added a unique layer to my communications playbook.”

Sharing her learning and experience at GE, she mentioned, “At GE, I experienced communications at a strategic level—deeply embedded in business decision-making. Working with inspiring global leaders, I witnessed how communications could influence business outcomes, making it an integral part of the organisation.”

During her time at Alcatel, she spearheaded internal communications in South Asia and led the launch of Alcatel handsets in Bangladesh. She referred to it as a rewarding and exciting period of rapid technological growth as she worked at the forefront of industry partnerships during India’s telecom revolution.

Presently, she is the VP & Cluster Comms Head at Bayer. She defines her journey at Bayer as being purposeful. “Leading campaigns like Run Blue, which raised awareness about water conservation through marathons, and driving initiatives like Discovering Hands, which empowers visually impaired women to detect breast cancer, have been deeply impactful. Bayer’s mission of “Health for all, Hunger for none” makes every campaign feel meaningful, as we strive to create a real difference in people’s lives.” Rachana said, sharing the impact she has been creating through her role. 

Her love and passion for women empowerment & mentoring future professionals

As a founding board member of GWPR India, she has played an essential role in advocating for women in the communications industry. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen how women, despite their immense capabilities, often face barriers to growth—be it a lack of representation, limited mentorship, or systemic biases. My own journey has been shaped by strong mentors and opportunities, which is why I am passionate about paying it forward,” Rachana illustrated, highlighting her inspiration to support this cause. 

Through platforms like GWPR India, she and her team are creating more spaces for women communicators to network, share experiences, and support each other’s professional growth. Her goal is to enable women to have stronger representation at leadership tables and in decision-making roles. By championing diversity and inclusion through such platforms, she hopes to see more women break barriers, claim their space, and thrive in the communications field.

Furthermore, she collaborates with communities, policymakers, and change makers to empower women, smallholder farmers, and underserved groups to foster sustainable livelihoods and drive inclusive growth.

Explaining the role mentorship has played in her journey, she said, “Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my growth. In almost all my roles, I’ve been fortunate to have had mentors who offered guidance and challenged me to think beyond my comfort zone. Working with leaders in various organisations has given me a front-row seat to how communications can drive business strategy. Their mentorship shaped my belief in the power of candid feedback and open dialogue.” Today, she strives to pass on the same support to young professionals, especially women, offering guidance and sharing industry insights. 

She firmly believes, “Mentorship is a two-way street, while I share my experiences, I also learn immensely from the next generation’s fresh perspectives.”

Lastly, she guides young professionals to build credibility through knowledge, stay curious, and never hesitate to ask questions.

Her contributions to elevating professional standards in the communications industry

Today, Rachana stands as a strong advocate for driving professional standards in communications and public affairs. In her three decades of journey, she has passionately worked for elevating the role of communication and public affairs—not just as support functions but as strategic drivers of business success.

“At Alstom and GE, I made a conscious effort to embed communication into the core of business strategy. It was about aligning communication with business goals to actively shape perceptions, strengthen stakeholder trust, and drive meaningful results, rather than just amplifying messages,” Rachana emphasised. 

At Bayer, she is leading campaigns that go beyond a business-centric approach, focusing on advocacy for social change. She highlighted the Preserve the Uterus campaign that raises awareness about unnecessary hysterectomies, while Better Life Farming drives sustainable agriculture and livelihood opportunities. These initiatives reflect her belief that communications, when executed strategically, can influence both policy and public perception.

Throughout her journey, she has consistently emphasized authentic leadership communication. In today’s landscape, while she embraces the use of AI tools, she believes staying true to one’s voice and perspective is important. Furthermore, as a leader, she actively promotes transparency, clarity, and relevance in all forms of communication.

Her Future Plans

Rachana is deeply passionate about driving purpose-led communications. In her current role as cluster lead, she is focused on expanding Bayer’s impact across ASEAN, ANZ, and South Asia - regions marked by diversity and immense potential. “I am proud to represent some of the fastest-growing countries in the region. The team is highly talented, and each day offers fresh learning, from the nuances of communication to how tools and media perform across varied demographics and cultures,” she shares.

“On a personal level, I am committed to mentoring and empowering more women professionals, ensuring they have access to opportunities and networks that can accelerate their growth. I believe that empowered women empower communities, and fostering this ripple effect is something I intend to focus on,” says Rachana, emphasizing her goals dedicated to social change. 

She asserts that in future, she aspires to dedicate more time to her longstanding dream of working with children in need, particularly street children. She hopes to actively contribute to their welfare and education in the years to come.

“In every initiative—whether professional or personal—I remain driven by a simple philosophy: to create meaningful impact and leave things better than I found them,” she affirms.

Her way to relax & unwind

To unwind amidst her dynamic and demanding career, Rachana spends quality time with her family, especially her daughter. They travel together and explore new cultures to disconnect from the pressures of work and create lasting memories.

Along with regularly practicing Yoga, she embraces the simple act of walking, using it as a way to connect with her surroundings and clear her mind. In quieter moments, she turns to reading, often revisiting her favourite books on leadership and business strategy. For her, these books offer insights and a comforting rhythm of reflection and inspiration.