Tag: corporate communications

  • Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    Hero MotoCorp appoints Latika Taneja to lead communications, corporate affairs and CSR

    MUMBAI: Hero MotoCorp has strengthened its leadership bench with the appointment of Latika Taneja as head of corporate communications, corporate affairs and CSR. In her new role, she will be responsible for shaping the company’s brand narrative, deepening stakeholder trust and advancing its agenda of purposeful and sustainable growth.

    Taneja brings more than two decades of experience in building reputations for multinational corporations across energy, financial services, technology and insurance. She joins Hero MotoCorp from Shell, where she spent over three years leading corporate relations across government affairs, communications and sustainability. Prior to that, she held senior mandates at Mastercard, including director of public policy and government relations for South Asia and head of corporate communications.

    Her earlier career spans stints at DuPont, where she managed external and leadership communications across South Asia; Alcatel-Lucent India, where she developed integrated marketing campaigns; and MetLife, where she ran corporate communications for India. She began her career at Genesis Burson-Marsteller, supporting clients on insurance and financial services.

    Hero MotoCorp said Taneja’s appointment reflects the company’s sharpened focus on long-term value creation, stronger governance and broader stakeholder engagement as the mobility sector undergoes rapid transformation.

    Known for her passion for policy, partnerships and sustainability, Taneja has consistently worked at the intersection of communications, corporate affairs and social responsibility. Her remit at Hero MotoCorp will include aligning the brand’s voice with its strategy for an evolving global mobility ecosystem, while reinforcing its reputation with regulators, partners and customers.

    The company added that her leadership will play a critical role in energising its ESG commitments, strengthening corporate responsibility initiatives and amplifying Hero MotoCorp’s global brand positioning.

  • Agilitas snags ex-Bumble director Samarpita Samaddar for comms lead

    Agilitas snags ex-Bumble director Samarpita Samaddar for comms lead

    MUMBAI: Agilitas is making bold moves, and this time, it’s off the track. India’s fastest-growing, end-to-end futuristic sportswear company has roped in Samarpita Samaddar as its communications lead, ensuring the brand sprints ahead in storytelling, reputation, and PR-led campaigns.

    With a stellar track record, Samaddar is no stranger to crafting narratives that resonate. As the former communications director, India and southeast Asia at Bumble Inc., she was the force behind the women-first dating app’s award-winning campaigns, leading its communication strategies and serving as its official spokesperson in India for nearly four years. If Bumble made headlines, chances are, she had a hand in it.

    But her expertise goes beyond swiping right. With 14 years of experience under her belt, Samaddar has built aspirational brands across consumer technology, entertainment, arts, lifestyle, and sports. Before diving into the world of dating apps, she shaped India’s film industry, helping establish powerhouse studios such as Zee Studios and Eros International. Her portfolio boasts over 40 film campaigns, including blockbusters like Bajirao Mastani, Newton, Aligarh, Dhadak, Ki & Ka, and Kesari.

    Now, at Agilitas, she steps into a world where performance meets innovation—this time, in sportswear. Her challenge? To drive brand and corporate communications while ensuring Agilitas makes as much noise in the media as it does in the athletic arena.

    Sharing her excitement on LinkedIn, Samaddar stated, “Super excited to share that I’ll be leading communications strategies at Agilitas in my new role! Building a pathbreaking journey for and telling the story of India’s fastest growing end-to-end, agile, futuristic, consumer-focused sportswear company is a rare opportunity, and I’m all geared up to go! I’m thrilled to help revolutionise India’s sports, fitness and fashion landscape, working closely with visionaries and an incredibly talented team. Here’s to making moves to change how people look and feel as they move!”

    From Hindi cinema to Bumble and now to bold new beginnings in sportswear, Samaddar’s journey proves that storytelling has no boundaries—only new arenas waiting to be conquered.

  • Value 360 Communications appoints Archana Hindocha to lead Bangalore

    Value 360 Communications appoints Archana Hindocha to lead Bangalore

    MUMBAI: What’s the secret to turning a good PR firm into a great one? Leadership.

    As part of its ambitious growth strategy for 2025, Value 360 Communications has named Archana Hindocha as the head of its Bangalore operations. This bold move signals the first step in the company’s plans to achieve hypergrowth, geographic expansion, and a deeper dive into new industry capabilities.

    With a stellar career spanning over 20 years, Hindocha is no stranger to steering big brands towards communication success. Her impressive resume includes leading strategies for titans like Wipro Technologies, Bharti AXA General Insurance, Bosch, Dell, and AWS. Whether it’s corporate communications, PR, or marketing strategy, Archana’s track record speaks volumes.

    Her mission at Value 360? To anchor and amplify the firm’s presence in South India, a region rich with opportunities but fiercely competitive. Armed with a deep understanding of business development and marketing, Hindocha is well-positioned to take the Bangalore office to new heights.

    Commenting on this key appointment, Value 360 Communications group CEO & co-founder & joint CEO, Kunal Kishore stated, “Value 360 Communications is at a critical inflection point as we prepare to unlock our next phase of accelerated growth. The year 2025 will witness our hypergrowth strategy in action, with a sharp focus on geographical expansion, industry diversification, and capability building. Archana’s appointment is a strategic step in this journey, and we are confident that her experience and leadership will drive our Bangalore operations to new heights.”

    But what does Hindocha think of this challenge? She’s thrilled to take the reins.
    “I am thrilled to join Value 360 Communications at such a transformative time in the company’s journey. The firm’s vision, client-centric approach, and innovative strategies resonate deeply with my professional values. I look forward to leveraging my experience to contribute to the company’s ambitious growth plans and deliver impactful communication solutions for our clients in South India,” she said.

    With a client roster boasting big names like Kia India, Tata Motors, Pernod Ricard, Audi India, Mondelez, and EaseMyTrip, Value 360 isn’t just playing to win—they’re redefining the game. The company plans to expand its footprint across key regions while boosting its capabilities in emerging industry verticals.

    In an industry where adaptability and vision are everything, strong leadership isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the difference between staying relevant and becoming indispensable. Will Value 360’s bold strategy set a new benchmark for PR and communications in India? Only time will tell, but the pieces are certainly in place.

  • Sunaina Jairath joins RPG group as VP – group brand & communications

    Sunaina Jairath joins RPG group as VP – group brand & communications

    MUMBAI: Communications professional Sunaina Jairath has been appointed as vice president – group brand & communications at RPG Group. In her new role, she will oversee brand management, corporate communications, CSR, employer branding, and reputation management.

    Sunaina brings extensive experience to this role, with a career spanning over two decades across diverse industries, including corporate communications, policy advocacy, marketing strategies, and social impact campaigns. She has previously held senior positions at organizations such as Bencos Research Solutions, Cred, Aliaxis, and Dentsu Creative, where she contributed to building robust communication protocols, spearheading digital campaigns, and mentoring cross-functional teams.

    A graduate of Delhi University with a Postgraduate diploma in communication from Xavier Institute of Communication, Sunaina is known for her leadership, strategic acumen, and expertise in branding, stakeholder engagement, and market intelligence.

    A big Calvin & Hobbes fan, the first things she looks out for in any newspaper is the comic strip. of her favorite characters And of course she loves her cuppa – nothing like coffee to freshen her up.

    She expresses  her enthusiasm for the new assignment:  “Excited to join RPG Group and contribute to its legacy through impactful branding and communications strategies.

  • Komal Kakkar heads to HP India as head of  corporate  communications

    Komal Kakkar heads to HP India as head of corporate communications

    MUMBAI: It’s been some journey for Komal Kakkar. She began her career in 2008 as a PR executive in the Grasshoppers after completing her  post graduate diploma in advertising and PR, pulic relations and image management from the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Mass Communications. Today she’s perched right on top at multinational tech firm HP India as the head of corporate communications.

    The young professional who familiarised herself  with German by studying it for three years  at the Max Mueller Bhavan, was with Samsung Electronics in corporate communications for more than five years based in Gurgaon. She resigned in January 2024 and took time off to introspect. (Wish we all could have the courage to do that!)

    Prior to Samsung, Komal spent seven years and more at Apollo Munich Health Insurance Co where her knowledge of German would have been handy. She also got herself communication agency exposure by working as a senior management associate at Ipan Hill & Knowlton between 2008 and 2010.

    Komal, who carries her positivity openly,  said on Linkedin: “The year 2024 has been super special. After an enriching sabbatical filled with many adventures, a yoga certification, bucket-list travels, meeting some incredible people on the way, and self-discovery, I’m happy to share that I’ve joined HP as the Head of Communications for India. This time away was transformative—it gave me the space to reflect, rejuvenate, and return with a fresh perspective. I’m thrilled to channel this newfound energy into creating impactful communication strategies for HP, a brand with the vision to create technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere.”

    All we can say to Komal, is more power to you! 

  • Warner Bros Discovery promotes Deepa Sridhar to sr director corp comm -south Asia

    Warner Bros Discovery promotes Deepa Sridhar to sr director corp comm -south Asia

    MUMBAI: Deepa Sridhar has been promoted to senior director corporate communications, south Asia at Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) India unit.  Sridhar has been with WBD for the past nine years and her immediate previous position was director corporate communications.

    She has more than 20 years of communications and brand building experience with companies as diverse as Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Emirates Airlines, J. Walter Thompson, CII, Bajaj Electricals, India’s first American Chinese chain of restaurants, Yo! China, and Titan Watches.

    As senior director, she will be driving brand strategy and communications across the diverse spectrum of genres within the WBD network- factual and lifestyle, sports and kids and theatrical.

    “This is an incredible milestone in my nine year journey with WBD India,” Sridhar posted on Linkedin. “I’m eager to continue contributing, growing, and embracing new challenges in this new role.”
     

  • Aditya Birla Group appoints Meghna Sharma as AGM of corporate communications

    Aditya Birla Group appoints Meghna Sharma as AGM of corporate communications

    Mumbai: In a significant addition to its leadership, Aditya Birla Management Corporation has appointed Meghna Sharma as assistant general manager (AGM) of corporate communications and PR. Sharma, a seasoned communications expert, brings two decades of experience in strategic PR and corporate communications, making her a valuable asset to Aditya Birla’s extensive network.

    With a portfolio that spans leading firms across various industries, Sharma is known for her expertise in reputation management, media relations, and crisis communication. Her appointment at Aditya Birla aligns with the corporation’s goal to reinforce its brand presence across traditional and digital channels.

    Sharma’s expertise will play a key role in advancing Aditya Birla’s communication strategies, especially as the company focuses on engaging stakeholders in an increasingly digital landscape.

     

  • FUJIFILM India’s latest ad film showcases the brand’s vision to eradicate TB

    FUJIFILM India’s latest ad film showcases the brand’s vision to eradicate TB

    Mumbai: FUJIFILM India, renowned for using innovation for the greater good, has come up with its heart-touching brand film, illustrating its “Where Innovation Meets Care” campaign which is the company’s dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative towards eradicating Tuberculosis (TB) in India.

    With its groundbreaking CSR endeavour, FUJIFILM India extends its care to the remotest regions, touching lives and weaving stories of hope and transformation. Through an emotionally charged and impactful brand film, FUJIFILM India captures the essence of its CSR journey, unveiling the profound impact it has made on communities in the farthest reaches of the nation with its project implementation partner Apollo Tele Medicine Network Foundation.

    Conceptualised by the brand team of FUJIFILM India basis their extensive field learnings, the ad film was coordinated by Hakuhodo Sync with the storyline, copywriting and direction by Ranvir Kumar Suman from Seaface Films.  The ad film is centred around an inspirational storyline of a doctor who is involved in public health and is leading the change in the farthest reaches of the nation. The screenplay is engrained with an in-depth script, inspiring music by Abhinav Kaushik and an impactful voiceover, perfectly blending with the moving visuals depicting the generous act of door-to-door TB screening. As a pioneer in advanced diagnostic imaging and healthcare services, FUJIFILM India’s inspiring CSR initiative substantiates the brand’s contribution in the field of healthcare as a prominent player which is playing a substantial role in uplifting the well-being of the citizens.  The heart of this campaign is aligned with India’s mission of becoming TB-free by 2025, with FUJIFILM India’s latest endeavour focusing on supporting public health professionals with its ultra-portable X-ray technology which captures the essence of the campaign name “Where Innovation Meets Care”, reaching the farther regions of the country with innovation and amenities that can detect TB.

    Touching upon the latest brand campaign, FUJIFILM India the managing director Koji Wada said, “In pursuit of creating a positive societal impact, FUJIFILM India remains dedicated to leveraging technology for the betterment of healthcare services in the farthest corners of India. We envision leading the diagnostic imaging technology sector to drive an impactful change towards a TB-free India by 2025. The brand campaign is a perfect amalgamation of FUJIFILM India’s Reach, Technology and Mission wherein the story has highlighted the company’s dedication to providing accessible and advanced healthcare supported by heartfelt narratives of healthcare professionals and patients. The campaign aims to communicate the society about the efforts that we, as a healthcare company are putting in for betterment of the society. We will always stand and remain at the forefront for #WhereInnovationMeetsCare.”

    “This brand film is close to my heart because the inspiration came from the result of my extensive travel and field experience in Kutch & Banaskantha. Along with technology, in which we are already a pioneer, this ad film touches the aspect of the motivated young public health professionals who have the zeal to do something for the community and drive change. The making of this exhilarating ad film hasn’t been a smooth ride with every changing weather condition of Rann of Kutch that consumed at least 30 days of travel for me, from concept to the shoot. But the grandeur of this ad film has made it all worth the time, patience, and hard work.  We shot extensively in Dholavira and the recently developed “Road to Heaven” which were very tough to shoot however our Fujifilm Fujinon Premista Cine lenses and the excellent production team made them look easy. I hope the film touches the hearts of public health professions and people at large since it is their story of resilience” – said Corporate Communications & CSR vertical head Abhi Shekhar Singh.

    FUJIFILM India’s latest ad campaign is a stellar work of art joining the remote corners of the nation to mainstream healthcare. The brand film can be viewed on the Youtube channel and social media of FUJIFILM India.

  • We take pride in calling ourselves storytellers for brands – Abhinay Kumar Singh

    We take pride in calling ourselves storytellers for brands – Abhinay Kumar Singh

    Mumbai: From traditional to sophisticated communication techniques, it is now a game changer for many corporate organisations to sustain the brands with the advent of technology and right product mix. Advent of AI changing the ball game for synergy of brands. As a brand custodian Indiantelevision.com exclusively speaks to Mr Abhinay Kumar Singh founder and managing director, Adgcraft Communications. Under his guidance, Adgcraft Communications has rapidly grown, serving 75 clients across diverse industries. Here are excerpts –

    On journey from an experienced PR professional turned successful Entrepreneur –

    I began my career in 2011, initially working on various projects with the Bihar Government for two years. Upon moving to Delhi, I started working with new-age businesses. This was during the boom of Startup India in 2014, and fortunately, I had the opportunity to work with more than 100 startups. Having witnessed the growth of the startup ecosystem, I recognized the impact of PR in fostering startup success. This profession allowed me to collaborate with bright minds from prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs, working with startup founders and various entities, from MSMEs to ministries.

    Post-COVID, drawing on my 13 years of experience in media and public relations, I identified a crucial gap in the market. This insight led to the founding of Adgcraft Communications, where we specialize in helping startups articulate their narratives effectively. Over two years, we expanded our footprint with offices in Noida and Lucknow, and our business development team operates from Bangalore and Surat. Our growth is a testament to our team strength, now exceeding 33 members. In this short span, we have become one of the fastest-growing PR agencies in India.

    2) On digital transformation of current PR industry –

    In the past ten years, Public Relations (PR) has transformed from being relatively unknown to becoming a sought-after service for every company. The Indian PR industry is projected to grow to Rs 3500 billion by 2027. Digital changes have made our lives much easier. Back then, I had to physically take printed press releases to journalists. Now, it’s just a quick email. I remember typing press releases in different fonts, but today, with Google keyboard, it’s a breeze.

    Sharing media lists used to be uncommon, but now it’s just a click away. Speed matters a lot in our responses to clients and journalists. Technology helps us find the right stories, fact- check, and even promote stories from far-off places. Now, companies use AI tools, and to keep up, we organize sessions and workshops for our team. We need to stay updated and make the most of these new technologies

    On different segmentation of PR clientele at Adgcraft Communication –

    At Adgcraft Communications, we take pride in calling ourselves storytellers for brands. It’s at the heart of what we do because we believe every founder has a special story. We use that story to tell customers what the brand is all about.

    From when we were kids until now, we have seen that a strong story can make people believe in something. In our campaigns, we focus on making stories strong but simple. We help brands share their story with the right audience. Each client is different – customers might want to hear reviews, while employees might want to get inspired by leadership stories. So, our campaigns and stories are all about what our brand partners need and want.

    On generative AI effect on target audience –

    AI is a big thing right now, and it’s crucial. We are happy to say we are learning and growing with this technology. However, it’s important to note that despite our extensive use of AI, we remain committed to infusing a human touch into our content and campaigns. In the realm of communication, maintaining a sense of sensitivity is paramount, particularly in industries where emotions hold considerable weight. We hold emotions in high regard and leverage state-of-the-art technology to achieve outstanding results.

    For instance, while Chabots are valuable tools, we recognise that there comes a point where human intervention becomes essential to sustain a meaningful conversation. Balancing the strengths of AI with the human element ensures that our communication strategies resonate effectively, delivering not just information but a connection that goes beyond the capabilities of technology alone.

    On exponential growth of Adgcraft Communication-

    It’s been quite a journey – a real roller coaster ride. Right from the start, we had three clear goals. First, we wanted to contribute to the New Bharat and support the Make in India movement by crafting communications for businesses. Second, our incredible team played a pivotal role. We instilled a sense of responsibility in our leadership and built a team of 33 people whose vision aligns perfectly with the company’s goals. They not only work with Indian clients but also with international ones. Our ability to understand and fulfil the unique needs of our clients, combined with our commitment to storytelling and effective communication, has led to this remarkable growth. In just two years, we expanded our

    clientele from three to over 25, and it’s been an exhilarating ride.

    On start-ups have an edge over contemporary businesses or not –

    Yes, startups have a unique edge. They bring in fresh technology and aren’t afraid to embrace the latest innovations. Interestingly, established companies are catching on and realizing the importance of technology, and integrating it into their operations. Nowadays, startups and contemporary companies are often working hand-in-hand, supporting each other as mutual partners. Startups leverage new technology, while established companies share their knowledge and expertise in building a business. Rather than being competitors, they are more like supporters of each other.

    Their business and goals align, and this synergy is vital for India’s goal of becoming a 5 trillion economy, as envisioned by the Honourable prime minister. This ambitious target can only be achieved when startups and contemporary businesses join forces.

    On right blend of media mapping –

    At Adgcraft Communication, our approach to media mapping is all about providing a comprehensive solution for our clients. Currently, we are in Phase 1, having focused on PR for the past 2.5 years. Our aim is to be a one-stop-shop, offering a full range of services from a single agency. As we progress into the next phases, which are in the pipeline, we plan to leverage all social media channels to meet the diverse requirements of our clients. While we are currently concentrating on PR; we are gearing up to expand our services to include digital marketing, including social media, in the coming months.

    8) On priority objectives of Adgcraft –

    At Adgcraft, we firmly believe in the mantra that the product is king, closely followed by effective communication. Our top priority is to educate our clients on how to share their stories in a way that resonates with their target audience. It’s all about using the right medium, ensuring that consumers not only understand but also accept the message. We are proud to share that we have successfully closed almost 100 projects so far, and one of our primary objectives is to ensure zero crisis for our clients.We emphasize simple communication to deliver a clear message to end-users, allowing them to understand the brand effortlessly. This approach not only helps in reaching the audience successfully but also encourages feedback. For us, client reputation takes precedence, and we are dedicated to earning the trust of our customers.

    We recognize that a strong product, combined with transparent and compelling communication, is the key to achieving success in reaching end-users

    Comment about your upcoming brand campaigns or brand association?

    We had an exciting year in 2023, and the upcoming year promises to be even more thrilling. In the past, we launched campaigns like The Kulhad Man of India& for CSB, among others. This year, too, we have plans for new campaigns, collaborating with different brands, with a target of 50+ brand associations. Our core focus will be to educate the audience through these PR campaigns. As we look ahead, our ambitious projection for the end of this fiscal year includes establishing an office in Dubai.