MxMIndia

Tag: Radhika Shapoorjee

  • Mahajan joins from MSLGroup where he has been Managing Director of 20:20 MSL and Publicis Consultants Asia

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies India appoints Chetan Mahajan as President & CEO

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies India (H+K) has appointed Chetan Mahajan as President & CEO of H+K India (called IPAN earlier). Mahajan joins from MSLGroup where he has been Managing Director of 20:20 MSL and Publicis Consultants Asia.

     

    Mahajan takes over leadership of H+K from Radhika Shapoorjee who will continue to lead H+K India until Mahajan joins in the new year to ensure a smooth transition, and will then leave to pursue other opportunities.  Mahajan began his career at 20:20 Media where he worked as head of operations before 20:20 Media was acquired by MSL. After the acquisition, he led 20:20 MSL and Publicis Consultants Asia with a proven track record of business success working on high-profile clients. He has also served as the President of Public Relations Consultants Association of India.

     

    Said Vivian Lines, H+K Asia-Pacific Chairman:  “Chetan Mahajan is known for his ability to grow clients and nurture talent and I am delighted to welcome him to H+K.”

     

    Mahajan added: “I am proud to take over the leadership of Hill+Knowlton Strategies and I look forward to getting a deep understanding of our clients, our people, and our opportunities in order to build the business across geographies, sectors, and competencies, in particular strengthening content and creativity.”

     

    About the transition, Lines adds, “Earlier this year, Radhika advised me she would like to move on once we had identified a successor. She has been a strong advocate of H+K and our network and has worked with me throughout this process which strongly reflects the care and commitment she has brought to our staff and our clients throughout her time at H+K. I wish her the very best for the future.”

     

  • He has spearheaded issues management, developed key message and brand positioning, media policies and crisis preparedness for various clients

    Aseem Bhargava appointed VP – Media Relations and Crisis at Hill+Knowlton Strategies

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies announced the appointment of Aseem Bhargava – Vice President, Media Relations and Crisis. Based at the Gurgaon head-office, Aseem will run a national mandate for Media relations and Issues + Crisis Communications for clients

     

    “Aseem will actively work at supporting, nurturing and building strong relationships, for Hill + Knowlton Strategies clients across India. His comfort in dealing with senior level media personnel, will be an added advantage and will help establish deep links for our clients’ benefit. In addition with his knowledge and understanding of how Issues and crises can affect all stakeholders and publics, he will look at actively reaching out to any business or organization under duress and add business critical value there. He has a well-established track record of working and leading his clientele in achieving top of mind recall and recognition. I am delighted to welcome him in a leadership role, into the H+K Strategies family” said Radhika Shapoorjee, President-India & South Asia.

     

    Aseem is an agency veteran with over 13 years of experience in the agency world and nearly 13 years on the corporate side. He has worked across sectors including IT, Technology and Telecom, BFSI, Aviation, Entertainment, FMCG, Retail and Lifestyle. He has provided strategic communications counsel to senior clients, advice on media engagement strategies and been responsible for the development and implementation of multiple campaigns.

     

  • Michelle is an agency veteran with over 17 years of experience, she is a specialist in consumer and brand marketing

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies strengthens senior leadership in India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies has announced the appointment of Michelle Pereira – Director Marketing Communication and Consumer Practice India&Managing Director, Mumbai office and Vidisha Chatterjee as General Manager –Client engagement and Operations.

     

    “Michelle will establish the India marketing and communication practice and consolidate our clients and teams to build creative, integrated powerful campaigns. She has a well-established track record of winning and leading some of India’s most sought after client partnerships and her experience will be a significant asset to our business and growth strategy. Vidisha will work closely with clients and teams to focus on creativity and operational excellence.I am delighted to welcome both leaders into the H+K family,” said Radhika Shapoorjee, President-India & South Asia.

     

    Michelle is an agency veteran with over 17 years of experience, she is a specialist in consumer and brand marketing. She has worked across sectors including Technology, Consumer and Marketing, Travel and Tourism, Hospitality, FMCG, Retail, Lifestyle and Auto. She has provided strategic communications counsel to senior clients, advice on media engagement strategies and responsible for the development and implementation of multiple campaigns.

     

    Operating out of Gurgaon office,Vidisha Chatterjee has close to two decades of diverse experience in the Indian media industry, corporate communications and public relations industry.She has successfully handled large mandates and created strategic campaigns for clients across the telecom, technology, F&B, e-commerce and FMCG sector. She was also an integral part of the team that set up India’s top music channels.

     

  • Aims to give clients a high-powered 'One India' solution

    New leadership structure at Hill+Knowlton Strategies

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies announced a new leadership structure in India that eliminates regional divisions, and gives clients a high-powered ‘One India’ solution.

     

    Radhika Shapoorjee, President South Asia will now be supported by Deepa Jayaraman as Chief Operating Officer; Carolina Bajaj as Chief Strategy Officer; and Sunil Raman as Managing Director, Public Affairs. All of the above bring unique individual skills that add up to give clients strategic thinking and execution capabilities unmatched in the industry.

     

    “The communications industry in India is experiencing  many of the fundamental changes that we are seeing globally, and Hill+Knowlton Strategies is well prepared for the changes that are happening in India,” said Radhika Shapoorjee, President, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, South Asia. “Clients want integrated solutions that are channel agnostic and focused on creativity, content and that deliver business impact. By moving away from the industry norm of geographically-limited responsibilities, we will optimise our resources and provide clients with the best solutions and people, irrespective of where they are located in the country.”

     

    Deepa Jayaraman has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. She will now be responsible for the day-to-day management of client business across all Hill+Knowlton offices in India. She will focus to drive best practices in client servicing, help teams innovate to provide value for clients and will strive to create an organization that’s constantly learning, with a culture of high performance, and a deep commitment to quality. Deepa will be based in Bengaluru.

     

    As Chief Strategy Officer, Carolina Bajaj will be primarily responsible for leading the strategic change in the firm’s approach towards client servicing initiatives and new services as well as integration with practices. Carolina will be based in Mumbai.

     

    Sunil Raman will lead public policy. He is a highly experienced political journalist who has worked with BBC World Service and The Economic Times, and closely tracked and interpreted Indian Politics for 24 years. Today, more than ever clients are seeking counsel on the changing legislative process and policy making which impact their organisations. Sunil will be based in Gurgaon.

     

    Vinod Moorthy has moved on from Hill+Knowlton Strategies.

     

  • 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.

     

  • Hill+Knowlton Strategies has announced changes to the leadership in two of its offices in India

    IPAN H+K Strategies announces new leadership

    By a correspondent

     

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies has announced changes to the leadership in two of its offices in India, reflecting a period of sustained and robust growth across its largest operations. Vinod Moorthy, a member of the H+K Strategies team since 2007, has been appointed as Senior Vice President, North India and APAC regional Corporate Practice Leader. Vinod will be based in the H+K Strategies Gurgaon office and takes on this new role after a successful tenure as Senior Vice President, West. While Devasis Chattopadhay, who joined H+K Strategies in early 2013, has been promoted to VP, West India with responsibility for the Mumbai operations and the continued growth of the finance practice across India. He most recently served as Senior Client Services Director in Mumbai.

     

    Radhika Shapoorjee, President, South Asia & India, H+K Strategies commented: “The opportunity in a market like India is that we are in transformative times where we are seeing a political and social change that will have a huge impact on business. This rapid pace of change and growth needs leaders who are flexible and quick to adapt new environments with ease. We inherently believe in giving our senior people the opportunity to experience new markets and take on new roles both in India and internationally. Vinod has been an instrumental part of the Mumbai business for over seven years, and in that time has grown our footprint into diverse sectors including infrastructure, entertainment, FMCG and finance and we’re looking forward to seeing more of that expansion in North India. Devasis has exactly the right level of experience and passion to take the Mumbai business forward to even greater heights. These are exciting times for us here in India.”

     

    Vinod has been associated with the Indian communications industry for over two decades, and has exposure spanning diverse sectors & disciplines. He is a crisis communications expert and has advised CEOs across a wide range of industries on issues including managing policy & regulatory challenges, factory closure & industrial relations, consumer crisis, NGO activism, tax litigation, aircraft crash landing, and environment & health issues.

     

    Devasis brings nearly three decades of senior experience in the corporate and financial communications sector to H+K Strategies. His special expertise is in identifying and resolving the highest priority communication challenges of diversified corporate entities and organizations operating across sectors. Before joining H+K Strategies he held senior positions in companies in the finance and various industrial sectors.

     

  • The mood at the recently held Praxis 2013 was clear: PR agencies need to relook at the way they do their business

    Do Indian Public Relations agencies need to reinvent to thrive?

     

    The writing may have been on the wall for a while, but with the strains of the slowdown, almost everyone the mood at the recently held PR and corporate communications conference Praxis 2013 was clear that Public Relations agencies need to reinvent to thrive. Some – though not necessarily on record – even said that in the form that it is practised in India, Public Relations needs to reinvent. Perhaps.

     

    MxMIndia asked a group of final year MBA (PR) students from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC), Pune  – Deboshree Bhattacharjee, Nairita Ghosh, Karishma Khanna and Aditi Khare  to speak to a cross-section of industry professionals (in alphabetical order of their last names).

     

    Anne Costello – Regional Director – Asia Pacific, Text 100

    PR agencies need to look at an integrated picture, without segregating traditional and digital. It’s all about telling the story differently. We do this by creating personas for the buyer. We try to understand the buyer, the problem we are solving for him, the relevance of our story and finally, decide how we will reach him. In the coming times as well, storytelling will be key. Digital is but a medium.

     

    Ajay Kakar, CMO – Financial Services, Aditya Birla Group

    In recent years, the world has moved a distance. And the role that PR can play in the life of corporate India has changed dramatically. It is no longer only about media relations. The potential for PR agencies to influence CEOs, boardrooms and business has only heightened. But there is need for PR agencies to introspect: what is it that they can actually deliver – measurable and tangible deliveries. And are they staffed to deliver to this new world. They then need to educate the client world, hold their hand – and then deliver. More than ever before, there is an urgent need for PR agencies in India to do their own PR.

     

    Sconaid McGeachin, President & CEO (India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey) – Hill+Knowlton Strategies

    Digital certainly needs to be embraced. But as consultants in a changing industry, integration is important. PR agencies need to work on developing expertise based on sectors focus and engage in meaningful dialogue with their clients.”

     

    Sujit Patil, Vice President – Corporate Communications – Godrej

    It is absolutely essential for PR agencies to understand their client’s business better. This includes the context, the environment and the macro-economic picture. They need to stop being tactical and start being strategic. This also means that strategic measurement of PR is a must.

     

    David Rockland, Partner/CEO – Ketchum Change & Global Research and Chairman – AMEC

    There has to be marked movement towards research, analytics and insights. PR agencies often rush to the tactic, without engaging in the quest for insight creation. Big global companies work in an integrated manner, with a connection between the fun tactic and the reason behind. This can come through a clear understanding of the client, the business and the context.

     

    Radhika Shapoorjee – ‎President, South Asia, IPAN Hill+Knowlton Strategies

    Geography is now history. In this interconnected world, the terms local and global are dissolving – we live in an emotional economy. The role of public relations, ultimately, is to tap into emotions and bring confidence, thus ensuring that people have trust in your client’s business. While several things change, there are a few that don’t. The strings of the heart, for instance. PR agencies need to remember that and maintain clarity of thought to thrive.

     

    Jaideep Shergill, CEO, MSLgroup

    Yes, agencies must reinvent and fast if we need to thrive. In fact in some cases, we must change right away before it’s too late. The business is changing and we aren’t keeping up.

     

  • IPAN Hill+Knowlton Strategies has promoted Radhika Shapoorjee to President – South Asia, and Sara Gourlay is appointed Chief Operating officer – India

    IPAN H+K elevates Radhika Shapoorjee as Prez-S Asia, brings Sara Gourlay as COO-India

    By A  Correspondent

     

    Radhika Shapoorjee

    Leading PR and public affairs firm Hill+Knowlton Strategies has announced a new leadership structure in India with Radhika Shapoorjee being promoted to President – South Asia, which includes India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. She has been President of IPAN H+K Strategies since 2008. Sara Gourlay, has been with H+K Strategies for 13 years, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer for IPAN H+K Strategies, based in New Delhi. She had most recently been serving as the client service director for the region encompassing Africa, India, the Middle East and Turkey, having previously worked with H+K Strategies in Singapore, Qatar, Kuwait and the UK.

     

    As COO, Ms Gourlay will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the businesses across the five IPAN H+K Strategies offices, including client servicing and retention, business development, practices development, talent development, and operational management.

     

    Ms Shapoorjee commented via a communique: “I am delighted, and truly privileged to chart out and drive the next phase of growth for IPAN Hill+Knowlton Strategies in the region. I will also be looking at strategic business initiatives that will expand and enhance our role in the communications industry in India and the South Asian region.”

     

    “India is a magical, intoxicating and absorbing country, and the opportunity to play a role in driving our business forward in that market is compelling,” Ms Gourlay said.