Top 20 communications professionals to watch out for in 2025

In the ever-evolving PR and communications landscape, there are several professionals whose phenomenal contributions have transformed the industry in numerous ways. They have acted as strong influencers, mentors, and thought leaders who introduced new communications strategies and also served as catalysts for innovation for emerging and young PR practitioners.

As we step into 2025, it’s time to shed some spotlight on the brightest communications leaders who encapsulate diverse expertise, visionary thinking, and a profound commitment to advancing communication across various industries, sectors, and platforms. Exchange4media is proudly presenting its fifth list of “PR & Corp Comm Top 20 communications professionals to watch out for” who carries the spirit of innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking prowess, contribute innovatively to industry’s growth, and inspire the new generation of professionals to work in the industry and for the industry. 

The names are not as per any ranking and are purely the editorial discretion of the exchange4media group.

• Shivaram Lakshminarayan, Chief Operations Officer, Ruder Finn

Shivaram Lakshminarayan is a seasoned communications professional with over two decades of extensive experience. He currently is the Chief Operations Officer at Ruder Finn and has been an integral part of the communications evolution of the India telecom and technology industry. From telecommunications, start-ups, e-commerce, fintech, IT-ITes, R&D, IT to manufacturing, New IT, IT products, BPO and outsourcing, he has contributed to the growth of different sectors. He started his career with Planman Consulting, India as an Associate and then worked with Genesis Burson- Marsteller (now Burson) for over 18 years, and then moved to Ruder Finn. He actively mentors and trains young professionals and has been deeply involved in planning strategic and thought leadership outreach, as well as facilitating messaging and spokesperson training workshops.

• Khusboo Mehra, Associate Vice President, Zomato

​Khushboo Mehra is the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Corporate Communications at Zomato, a leading global food delivery platform. In close to two decades of career, Mehra served as the Corporate Communications Lead at Times Bridge, where she managed communication initiatives for various international partnerships. Her prior experience includes a tenure of over four years at MSL as Group Lead, and roles at LeEco as Corporate Communications Manager. She has also been associated with reputed PR firms such as Avian WE, The PRactice, and Edelman. Other than the professional sphere, she has been an active participant in industry and thought leadership events and conferences.

• Shipra Singh, Head of Communications, South Asia, GE Healthcare

Shipra Singh is a leading communications leader with expertise in corporate reputation, stakeholder advocacy, crisis management, internal comms, media and social media advocacy. She is currently serving as the Head of Communications, South Asia at GE Healthcare. She has represented the world's largest digital-first brands, across India and APAC and led reputation programs for GE HealthCare, Google Cloud, VISA, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, Infosys, Nutanix, NetApp, Pine Labs, Fiserv and several others. Her hands-on experience includes conceptualization, planning, and management of both global and India-centric communications campaigns. 

• Shivalika Chadha Malik, Associate Director of Brand Communications, PepsiCo

Shivalika Chadha Malik is the Associate Director of Brand Communications for PepsiCo AMESA (Africa, Middle East, South Asia). In this role, she leads brand communication strategies across diverse markets, leveraging her extensive experience in public relations and corporate communications. She has also served as Group Business Director at Avian WE from August 2007 to January 2020 and held the position of Account Supervisor at The PRactice between March 2005 and June 2007. ​She has lived a journey from agency life to her corporate role at PepsiCo. Her academic background includes a Master's degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies. 

• Vivek Sabharwal, Head-PR & marketing, Woodland

Vivek Sabharwal is a leading professional with expertise in PR, corporate communications and brand management. He is currently the global marketing lead and heading PR & marketing for Woodland, a leading lifestyle retail brand in India. Sabharwal has been a part of numerous brand development and establishment journeys through agency as well as brand side during his multiple stints with LINOPINION- The Lowe Lintas PR Division, Stella Advisory, EXL public Relations and others. His educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, further underpinning his expertise in the field.

• Ranjini Chalam, Head - Corporate Communications and CSR, Indus Towers Limited

Ranjini Chalam is an award winning and accomplished professional, currently serving as the Head - Corporate Communications and CSR, Indus Towers Limited. She brings over two decades of hands-on experience in developing, leading and executing all aspects of public outreach campaigns for leading Indian and global brands. Her career includes stints with Adfactors PR, Integral PR services, Drizzling Media India, Genesis Burson Marseteller (now Burson), Corporate Voice Weber Shandwick, Ogilvy & Mather, and others. Her analytical approach and research based solutions for complex projects makes her one of the best in the industry. Her understanding of the media environment, media connections, and in-depth understanding of policy, digital, social and traditional outreach programs is well appreciated by several industry leaders.

• Ena Chakravorty, Communications Director, ROADIS

Ena Chakravorty is a seasoned communications professional with over 18 years of experience in media, consultancies, and corporate sectors. She is currently the Communications Director at ROADIS. Throughout her career, Ena has held leadership roles in prominent organizations, including Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan, Takeda, Weber Shandwick, Zee News, and Asian News International (ANI), and others. Her forte is to lead corporate storytelling, leadership profiling, employee communications, social media engagement, change and crisis management across sectors. She is a home baker, fitness enthusiast, and avid traveller. Many leaders also appreciate her understanding of the Indian market and media scenario and consider her a great team player and asset to any organization. 

• Subir Moitra, Senior Advisor, Grant Thornton

Subir Moitra is a dedicated, ambitious, result driven leader and thoughtful communications professional with over 27 years of experience. He is currently serving as Senior Advisor, Grant Thornton. He has a strong track record of managing communications for professional services firms, aviation and infrastructure sectors. His innovative and result-driven strategies have created numerous success stories in the industry. Throughout his career, he has worked at leadership positions at Business Wire India, KPMG, United Technologies, and Pratt & Whitney, Sterlite Power, Dentsu Creative India, and others. Many industry leaders believe that when it comes to media relations, he is the best in the business.

• Arwa Husain, Director, Adfactors PR

Arwa Husain is a veteran communications leader, and a company director at Adfactors PR with over two decades of experience in providing strategic counsel to some of the most reputed national and international organizations. From large MNC banks, investment banks, life insurance companies, non-life insurers, global private equity investors to new-age fintech startups, she has contributed to the growth of diverse sectors. Husain is a well-known and trusted C-suite and boardroom advisor with specialisation in launching and building powerful brands She started her career as a journalist with a leading financial daily and played an essential role in helping Adfactors PR scale new heights of success. Her other passions include strengthening corporate reputation, and championing diversity and inclusion at the workplace.

• Namita Narula, Head-Corporate Communications, Cloudnine Hospitals

Namita Narula is a dedicated, solution oriented and consummate communications professional with close to two decades of experience. She kick-started her career as Assistant Manager PR at Via Media and Communications. She is presently heading Corporate Communications at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals. Moreover, she has significantly contributed to the growth of Edelman India, Weber Shandwick, and more. Her expertise spans media communications, employee and employer branding, strategic policy communications, crisis management, digital brand advocacy, and advocacy campaign frameworks, making her a distinguished figure in the communications field.  

• Ambereen Ali Shah, Head of Corporate Communications, Nestle India

Ambereen Ali Shah is the Head of Corporate Communications at Nestlé India, where she leads the company's media relations and communication strategies. Prior to joining Nestlé India, she served as Senior Account Director at Edelman India for nearly 11 years and has also worked with UNESCO for over five years. At the start of her career, she has worked with a Palestinian NGO specialising in the area of women’s empowerment, Ramallah, Palestine, volunteered with Israeli Women Network, and conducted research on women in conflict, Sri Lanka.  

• Shonali Chakravarty Chauhan, APAC communications leader, Lenovo

Shonali Chakravarty Chauhan is a PR and communications leader with extensive experience in the APAC region, specializing in analyst relations, reputation management, corporate & policy communications, & public affairs in the tech space. Currently, she is associated with Lenovo as APAC communications leader to craft compelling stories that redefine the future of AI, data & cloud technologies. Her career also spans high-impact roles at OYO in India & SE Asia, Uber India & South Asia, Essar Oil, Essar Power, and Marsh India, where she drove strategic branding, public affairs, and social media marketing initiatives. She began her journey in public relations with Edelman, focusing on media relations, public affairs and stakeholder management and today stands as a reputed professional majorly contributing to the industry’s tech space.

• Bhaswati Chakravorty, Senior Vice President Corporate Communication, Bank of America

Bhaswati Chakravorty is a seasoned communications professional, currently working as the Senior Vice President Corporate Communications, Bank of America. She has worked for the world’s leading firms including Capegemini India, HCL Corporation & Shiv Nadar Foundation, Max Life Insurance, TCS, and others. She is an expert leader in crafting engaging campaigns and managing communications for leading companies both nationally and globally. She has played an essential role in developing and managing high-growth campaigns, and contributed to nurture the public relations and communications sector in India.

• Khushboo Gupta, Head of Corporate Communications, Stellantis

Khushboo Gupta is presently heading the Corporate Communications, PR and CSR at Stellantis India. Her expertise in public relations and strategic communication has successfully enhanced the visibility and reputation of the Indian automotive market. She started her career with JK Tyres as a Management Trainee, she then learnt and got exposure to different areas of business. Gupta excels in crafting compelling narratives and her deep understanding of the media landscape have positioned her as a top communications professional to watch out for. She has contributed to the success of reputed companies like Tecnova, Foton Motors, Kia India, and others. 

• Krishnakoli Dutta, SVP and Head of Corporate Communications, Reliance Industries

Krishnakoli Dutta is a Corporate Communications, Advocacy and Public Affairs professional, who has been building, strengthening and defending corporate reputation and brand through media & public relations for close to two decades. She has experience in policy and communications in diverse segments including EV, automotive, healthcare, financial services, science & technology, and manufacturing. She started her career as corporate reporter with Business Standard and then shifted to the communications realm. She has contributed to the success of Hyundai Motors, DuPont, Trilegal, RELX, Ola electric Mobility Pvt. Ltd., and others. Her expertise includes corporate communications, public affairs and public relations, public policy, issues & crisis comms, and business journalism. She is also an active public speaker, opinion writer, and policy expert who has earned several accolades for her contributions.

• Kunal Joshi, Lead Corporate Communications, HeroMotoCorp

Kunal Joshi is an accomplished communications professional with over two decades of experience in public relations and media outreach. He currently serves as Lead Corporate Communications at Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters. Throughout his career, Kunal has demonstrated a strong understanding of media relations and has effectively implemented integrated strategies to drive brand evolution and media endorsement. His previous roles include managerial positions at Mercedes-Benz India,  BMW India, Weber Shandwick, Avian Media, and others. He started his career with Sampark Public Relations as an Associate and since then his strong, persuasive interpersonal skills have significantly contributed to the success of the organizations he has been part of. 

• Sonal Singh, Head of Corporate Communications, Jindal Stainless

Sonal Singh is a graceful, passionate and artful communicator with close to two decades of experience, specialising in media, financial, leadership & advocacy communication. She is the present Head of Corporate Communications at Jindal Stainless, India's largest stainless steel manufacturing company. She defines herself as a student of life, for life. Other than Jindal Stainless, she has also worked with Steel Authority of India Limited, Central Government, and Metro Cash & Carry, and other leading firms. She brightens up the work environment with her talent, her craft, her energy, and her grace and has built several successful teams by empowering the young industry professionals.

• Ajay Padmanabhan, Vice President & Head - Corporate Communications & PR, Intellismart Infrastructure

Ajay Padmanabhan is an experienced strategic communications leader with expertise in corporate communications, PR, public affairs, crisis management, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy.  Presently, he is working as Vice President & Head - Corporate Communications & PR at Intellismart Infrastructure. With over 23 years of diverse experience, he has worked across various sectors and geographies, including corporates, PR agencies, government, and sports, shaping positive images of brands and organisations, and driving campaigns that have resulted in untangling issues, building narratives, and creating a favourable environment for businesses to operate in. Being an energetic self-starter with analytical, organisational, and creative problem-solving skills, he has held leadership positions at Sterlite Power, IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company Limited, Suzlon Group, Government of Kerala, Perfect Relations.

• Dolly Tayal, Managing Director, Burson Genesis

Dolly Tayal is a seasoned communications consultant and Managing Director at Burson Genesis. She holds over 18 years of experience, and a proven track record of success in the Brands, Sports & Entertainment, Corporate, Technology, Automotive, and Spirituality verticals in India and the APAC region. She has been instrumental in leading the Brands, Sports and Entertainment vertical at Genesis BCW, transforming it into the organization's most profitable business unit. In addition to spearheading a team of 100+ members, Tayal has successfully managed crisis mitigation campaigns for clients across diverse industries. She started her career as an Assistant Producer at Kaleidoscope. Her educational background includes a postgraduate degree in mass communication and marketing, as well as a degree in e-commerce. For her exceptional contributions, she has also won 100+ local and international awards.

• Nidhi Gulati, Country Communications Director, Springer Nature

Nidhi Gulati is a corporate storyteller and strategic communicator with over two decades of experience in communications. Currently, she is associated with Springer Nature as their Country Communications Director. She has worked on both the media and corporate sides of the industry, leading strategic communications across the financial services, IT, and scientific publishing sectors. Gulati has developed employer branding and outreach initiatives, as well as organized large-scale industry events. Gulati initiated her professional journey with Bennett, Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times Group). Her dual experience in journalism and communications enables her to strategically package content and devise progressive campaigns. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the growth of companies Bajaj Finserv, Tech Mahindra, NewsX, and others.