Varghese M Thomas’s journey from a chance communications practitioner to comms champion

In today’s e4m ‘Comms Pioneer’ series, we engaged in a free-wheeling conversation with Varghese M. Thomas – Global head of Communications, Tata Electronics.

Varghese M. Thomas is a seasoned professional with over 26 years of experience in the PR & Comms industry. Currently serving as a key figure at Tata Electronics, he has contributed immensely to the industry through his expertise in corporate communication, brand management, and strategic storytelling. However, what many don't know is that apart from his professional accomplishments, Varghese is also deeply passionate about activities outside the corporate sphere, like he is an avid motorcyclist, a community worker, and a lover of sports.

In this story, we’ll get a closer look at Varghese’s journey and explore:
• His career path, from his initial steps in the PR and communications industry to completing over 26 years in the field
• Key milestones in his career, include working with global leaders such as Intel, Cisco, TVS Motor Company, and BlackBerry
• Lessons he gained from managing international markets
• His passions beyond work, such as motorcycling, community involvement, sports, and more
• His vision for the future of communications

How he entered the PR & Comms Industry?

Thomas candidly admits that public relations was never his first career choice. “I often joke that I'm a 'Chance Communications Practitioner,'" he says. After completing his master’s degree, he began in a research role at an American law firm, later transitioning to Corporate Voice Shandwick, managing New Business Development. Like many in PR, he was quickly thrust into client servicing, where he felt entirely out of his depth, like a fish out of water.

He humorously narrates the memory of writing his first press release. He mentions that when the release went LIVE, it received zero coverage, and that moment left him grappling with self-doubt. “I still remember my boss asking me why there was no coverage, and I just stood there, completely clueless,” he shares. When asked if he had done the follow-up, his blank stare said it all. "With all the innocence of a fresh recruit, I responded, 'What's a follow-up?’.

However, despite the rocky start, Thomas refused to give up. He realized that success in PR required more than technical skills—it demanded confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Over time, he nurtured qualities like being observant, approachable, and a team player. Highlighting his nearly 26 years in PR, he acknowledges the steep learning curve and challenges but refers to them as stepping stones to his growth. “What began as an uncomfortable experience slowly transformed into a journey of personal and professional growth,” he concludes, looking back with pride and humour at how far he's come.

Inspiration Behind His Journey

Thomas attributes his enduring career in PR to the support and belief of his mentors—Prema, Atul, Balinder, Seema, and Geetanjali—who encouraged him during his early days. Their confidence in him gave him the courage to persevere, even when he was unsure of his abilities. “Their belief in me, especially during my early days, played a pivotal role in shaping my journey and boosting my confidence. And that's probably what kept me in PR all these years,” he says, crediting them for shaping his path in the communications realm.

His memorable experience of working with global giants

Describing his memorable experience of working with global giants like Intel, Cisco, TVS Motor Company, and BlackBerry, he starts by thanking his excellent mentors—Jayant Murty, Terry Alberstein, Terry Anderson, and Heidi Davidson, and some exceptional colleagues Moushumi, Sunil L and Sid DasGupta whose guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping both his professional growth and personal development.

Next, he underscored that throughout his career, he has gained expertise in managing high-profile brands, navigating complex communications ecosystems, and tailoring strategies to meet industry demands. These experiences helped him refine his skills in crisis management, messaging, media relations, and stakeholder engagement, while also learning the importance of adaptability, resilience, and trust-based relationships.

While it's easy to remember the successes and positive moments, Thomas believes it's the crisis situations that prove to be a game changer for him.

“Facing high-pressure challenges—like the BlackBerry crisis in 2010/11 when the Indian government demanded access to BlackBerry’s encrypted messages, threatening operations in a key market, while a three-day server outage caused widespread panic. This pushed me to think on my feet, remain calm under fire, and focus on finding solutions. In those moments, I learned to prioritize clear communication, quick decision-making, and the importance of staying composed when everything around you seems uncertain,” he elucidated.

His successes and challenges in launching international products and managing global communications

Thomas describes his experience of launching international products and managing communications across diverse regions as an enriching experience.
Mentioning the challenges of managing these markets, he states, “One of the biggest challenges is understanding the cultural nuances and market dynamics in each region. What resonates with consumers in one market may not have the same impact in another. Additionally, managing cross-regional coordination and ensuring consistent messaging while tailoring content to local preferences can be a logistical challenge.”

However, he believes that the wins he attained were also incredibly gratifying. He emphasizes, “One major success was launching a product in the Latin and Central America region, where we saw rapid adoption of our products. Another win was establishing strong, lasting relationships with local media outlets and partners, which helped build credibility and trust in those regions. Ultimately, the experience of launching international products taught me the value of localizing your approach while staying true to the global brand vision.”

He states that success in these markets is all about understanding the unique needs of each market and building strategies that resonate with the people there.
His passions or interests other than PR and Comms

Thomas is a lively individual who values activities that keep him balanced and energized. Being a PR and Communications professional, he is agile and responsive, quickly adapting to changing situations while effectively communicating with stakeholders, similarly, his other interests reflect a similar passion. He loves riding motorcycles, holds a passion for communication, and community work, and is also an active sportsperson.

Talking about his riding adventures, he shares, “I've had the opportunity to ride through some breathtaking locales in Europe and across the Indian subcontinent. There's something about the open road, the wind in your face, and the freedom of exploration that helps me relax and unwind. It's more than a hobby—it's a way for me to disconnect from the hustle and clear my mind.”

Other than this, he is also passionate about sharing insights in communication, contributing to books, writing articles, and mentoring communication students to guide their early careers. Moreover, he is also committed to community work, inspired by his father’s role as a founding member of Deepalaya, an NGO focused on educating underprivileged children, supporting its mission to provide education and uplift those in need. He further adds, “Sport has also played a huge part in my life. Growing up, I was an active athlete, competing at the state level in athletics and playing football at the university level.”

Lastly, he shares a few details of his dream project. Psst...Not to reveal too much, but all we can say is that the manuscript (well, it is a mystery) is a work in progress.

What qualities does he look for in a high-performing professional?

Other than being a phenomenal comms leader, he is also an exceptional mentor to many. Talking about the quality of a high-performing professional, he believes that they are a blend of technical expertise, emotional intelligence, and strong interpersonal skills. Also, the most successful individuals exhibit qualities beyond just competence.
He also discusses the qualities one nurtures to become a high-performing professional, mentioning, “At the core, empathy and kindness are essential. A professional who treats others with respect and consideration builds trust, encourages collaboration, and fosters a positive work environment.

Next, adaptability is another critical quality. High performers can navigate change, handle setbacks with resilience, and maintain focus on long-term goals. These individuals take initiative, embrace challenges, and continuously seek learning opportunities to refine their skills.

Lastly, integrity and accountability are fundamental. Professionals who act ethically, honour their commitments, and take responsibility for their actions earn the trust and respect of those around them. This integrity builds strong relationships and is key to sustained success.”

Sharing his personal experience of hiring and working with these exceptional individuals, he asserts, “Many of them have advanced to senior roles in respected companies, and I hope they continue to nurture the next generation of leaders. For me, kindness and respect remain absolutely critical in building high-performing teams and fostering lasting success.”

What excites him most about the future of communications?

After dedicating over 26 years to the PR & Comms industry, Thomas is fully aware of every nerve of the industry and believes that the future of communications is thrilling, a little overwhelming, and full of potential.

He further expresses that the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on how we engage with audiences is what excites him the most. He mentions, “With AI, ML, and Data Analytics, we can now craft communication strategies that are hyper-targeted—understanding audiences not just by demographics, but by behaviours, preferences, and even emotions. It's like we're getting closer to reading minds (in a non-creepy way). This ability to tailor messages so precisely means we can build deeper, more meaningful connections with our stakeholders—and, of course, maybe even get them to like our posts!”

Next, adding to what excites him most about the future of communication, he says, “What's especially exciting is the growing demand for authenticity and transparency. Audiences today are savvy, and they can spot inauthenticity a mile away. As communicators, we must be more accountable and human in our approach. Those who do this right—who prioritize trust and honesty—will not only thrive but set the standard for the future of communication.”