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Tag: Hill+Knowlton

  • To help transform lives of blue-collar workers by building digital platforms

    H+K Strategies bags communication AOR of GoodWorker

    By Our Staff

     

    GoodWorker has appointed Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) as its official communications agency of record. With an ambitious vision of impacting 300 million lives by bridging the gap between workers and employers by 2030. H+K will partner with GoodWorker and support its aim of transforming the lives of blue-collar workers in India. The mandate will encompass raising visibility, driving brand awareness, and building thought leadership across India amongst national and regional audiences.

     

    Confirming the appointment, Ketul Acharya, COO, GoodWorker said: “We look forward to working with Hill+Knowlton Strategies India as our public relationship and communications partner. H+K’s diversified experience across sectors and its track record of success makes them an excellent partner to drive our communications in a compelling manner and support our immediate endeavor our vision of empowering millions of workers.”

     

    Commenting on the announcement, Abhishek Gulyani, CEO, Hill+Knowlton Strategies India added: “We are delighted to begin an exciting journey with GoodWorker and to support their strategic communications in India. Through this partnership, we will help them build a reputation through insight, analysis and broad media, investor, and influencer relationships. With a dedicated team and sectoral knowledge, H+K is well placed to deliver the desired outcome and positioning of the brand. We are thrilled to become a part of GoodWorker’s brand story in India.”

     

  • To drive growth of the practice through policy advocacy

    H+K India gets Srinivas Vunnava to head public affairs

    By Our Staff

     

    Srinivas Vunnava
    Srinivas Vunnava

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) has strengthened its leadership in India by appointing Srinivas Vunnava as Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations. Working closely with Abhishek Gulyani, CEO, Vunnava will lead the domestic Public Affairs and Government Relations practice.

     

    Announcing the appointment, Gulyani said: “We are pleased to welcome Srinivas Vunnava as our new Director of Public Affairs. Srini’s extensive experience with leading corporates as well as Central and State Government departments, multi-lateral and bilateral agencies, and policy think tanks adds strategic value and contributes immensely to our India growth story.”

     

    Commenting on the new role, Vunnava added: “I am very excited to be joining H+K India at a time when India is amidst systemic transformation. Businesses, especially foreign owned entities are seeking a trusted partner to help them mitigate risk, build reputation, and accelerate growth. I look forward to leveraging my experience and H+K’s impressive expertise to enhance clients’ business outcomes through an integrated communications and public affairs approach.”

     

  • Gulyani will lead H+K’s operations in India

    Hill+Knowlton appoints Abhishek Gulyani as CEO

    By A Correspondent

     

    Abhishek Gulyani

    WPP-owned public relations firm Hill+Knowlton Strategies (eka IPAN) has appointed Abhishek Gulyani as Chief Executive Officer to lead its operations in India.

     

    Sharing details of his new role, Gulyani said: “To join an agency with H+K’s credentials is very exciting. They have a brilliant reputation for innovative and creative communications around the world. In this global time of uncertainty, I have never been more certain of the relevance of our industry. Businesses will look to communications experts to ensure they remain at the heart of the conversation as they seek to build brand purpose and showcase impact. I look forward to joining the team in India and collaborating with them to continue delivering great work for our clients.”

     

    With over two decades of experience in India and Asia, Gulyani’s has run his own agency, Facio Communications, and worked as senior counsel in leadding agencies including Avian ME and Genesis BM.

     

    Said Bashar AlKadhi, CEO for H+K in the Middle East, Turkey, India and Africa (METIA): “India is one of H+K’s high growth potential markets with clients across many sectors. With his track record of driving business and vision for collective success, Abhishek’s appointment as CEO is not only exciting for our colleagues in India, but for H+K’s leadership across the wider region,” adding “I look forward to working closely with Abhishek and our leadership team, and on behalf of everybody in India, we welcome him to the H+K family.”

     

     

  • Prema Sagar will continue to serve as an advisor and mentor in India

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies announces leadership change in India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Kavita Rao

    H+K Strategies has announced that Kavita Rao has been named Interim Chief Executive of H+K Strategies India, effective immediately. Current India CEO, Chetan Mahajan is leaving to pursue personal interests.

     

    Commenting on the executive shift, Jack Martin, Global Executive Chairman and CEO, said: “We welcome Kavita Rao, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of Strategic Public Relations and Corporate Communications. Kavita will be working closely with me and my team as she moves our India operation forward.”

     

    “To achieve success in today’s business environment,” Martin continued, “companies must look beyond traditional sources of insight and advice. At Hill+Knowlton, we believe in the importance of the public; we also understand how to use this powerful platform to leverage our wisdom in clear and actionable ways – regarding management, finance, law and other core areas of interest to our clients.”

     

    Regarding India, one of the largest and most dynamic communications markets in the world, Martin said: “We believe that we have the knowledge and the expertise to play a significant role in India, and Kavita is joining us at a very interesting time in terms of our going-forward prospects. In recognition, Kavita will be working directly with me over the next few months to deliver on our shared vision for H+K in India.”

     

    Prema Sagar

    “I also want to acknowledge and personally thank Prema Sagar, Vice Chair, Burson-Marsteller Asia Pacific & Principal/Founder of Genesis Burson-Marsteller, who has played a key role during this transition,” Martin added.

     

    Sagar will continue to serve as an advisor and mentor in India.

     

     

  • She assumes the role previously held by Devasis Chattopadhyay who has decided to move on to pursue his own interests

    Carolina James Bajaj joins Hill+Knowlton as VP

    By A Correspondent

     

    Carolina James Bajaj

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies announced the appointment of Carolina James Bajaj as Vice President, West and Marketing Communications India Practice lead. She assumes the role previously held by Devasis Chattopadhyay who has decided to move on to pursue his own interests. Her remit will also encompass the role of India Marketing Communications Practice Lead and she will report to H+K President South Asia, Radhika Shapoorjee. This will be effective from the 5th March 2015.

     

    “Carolina is a formidable talent, with a well-established track record of winning and leading some of India’s most sought after client partnerships,” said Radhika Shapoorjee, “Her wealth of experience will be a significant asset to our business in Mumbai as we continue to drive our growth strategy and success in this market.  She also brings creativity and an insights-driven approach to integrated marketing communications which is increasingly sought after by our clients in from all sectors.  I am delighted to welcome her to our firm.”

     

    A seventeen-year communications veteran, both agency and in-house, Carolina is a specialist in Corporate and Brand reputation management with deep exposure in the consumer, corporate, financial and technology sectors. Over the years she has led Marketing Communications, Crisis Communications, Employee Engagement, Media Planning and Integrated Brand Engagement initiatives at some of the world’s largest PR agencies and beloved brands.

     

  • Sconaid McGeachin has been appointed regional president and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey

    Sconaid McGeachin steps up at Hill+Knowlton

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies has announced that Sconaid McGeachin, Chief Operating Officer of H+K Middle East and Turkey, will become Regional President and Chief Executive Officer for the firm’s India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey operations. Ms McGeachin will continue to be based in Dubai and report directly to Jack Martin, global chairman and CEO of H+K Strategies.

     

    Ms McGeachin formally assumes the role of Regional President and CEO following the sad passing of Dave Robinson, former Regional President and CEO of H+K for Australia, Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia, in late September. While she will take on Mr Robinson’s roles in India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Sue Cook will continue to lead Australia as Managing Director.

     

    As COO of H+K Middle East and Turkey for the last four years, Ms McGeachin oversaw the operations across Turkey and the eight H+K offices in the Middle East network. In addition to her corporate leadership responsibilities, she also served as a senior client leader on multiple accounts, including dnata, Intel, Dubai World Trade Centre, Etihad Rail, GAFI and Mubadala Aerospace.

     

    “Sconaid is one of our most trusted and respected colleagues within the H+K global network and I am extremely confident in her abilities to lead this far-reaching region,” said Mr Martin. “She worked closely with Dave for many years and has extensive experience managing integrated corporate communications campaigns including devising cross border corporate reputation programs. Sconaid provides unrivaled senior counsel on internal communications and change management, and on issues and crisis management, which positions her to continue our growth in India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey.”

     

    Ms McGeachin has spent more than 20 years working in international communications, beginning her career by implementing specialist marketing communications in the defense sector for Avon Rubber plc. She then worked for a regional UK PR consultancy before joining Mmd. During her 18 years there, she headed up the IT practice in London before moving to set up an office in Russia. Ms McGeachin became general manager in Poland and then regional director for Mmd’s South East Europe operations overseeing all of South East Europe before Mmd’s sale to the Huntsworth Group plc.

     

    “It is a tremendous privilege to have been appointed Dave’s successor,” said Ms McGeachin, who is currently Chair of the Middle East PR Association (MEPRA). “Having collaborated so closely with Dave over the last few years, I will endeavour to continue his vision to mentor and develop our teams, increase professionalism and successfully grow our operations in these developing markets.”