Top 20 communications professionals to watch out for in 2024

In the dynamic landscape of PR and communications, there are several individuals whose phenomenal contribution have shaped narratives, innovated strategies, and drive impactful conversations in the industry. They have acted as strong influencers, mentors, and thought leaders who introducing new communications strategies and also served as catalysts for innovation for present PR practitioners.

As we step into 2024, it’s time put the spotlight on the phenomenal 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 fourth list of Top 20 communications professionals who embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking prowess and have worked relentlessly during the course of time to make a mark in the industry.

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

⦁ Nupur Chaturvedi, Independent Consultant

Nupur Chaturvedi is a PR and Corporate Communication professional with an impressive career spanning over three decades. Presently, she is working as an Independent consultant and prior to this, she was the Head of Marketing Communications at BCW India Group. Her professional journey includes notable contributions to organizations like Genesis BCW, Minerva Research and Media Services Pvt Ltd, and Cyber Media India Ltd. Throughout her esteemed career, Nupur has consistently embodied integrity and stability in each role she undertook. Her innate and compelling persuasiveness further distinguishes her as an outstanding communicator in the Communication industry.

⦁ Akanksha Jain, Head of Public Relations & Corporate Communications, Bharat Pe
Akansha Jain is a Communications professional and a leading Startup Reputation Expert in the country. She is currently serving as the Head of Public Relations & Corporate Communications at BharatPe, boasts over 15 years of extensive experience in Marketing, Branding, and Communications. With a decade-long focus on building and managing startups, she has contributed significantly to renowned entities such as MobiKwik, VLCC, ASKME.com, HCL Technologies, Archetype (formerly Text 100), and others in various capacities. Jain's proven track record and hands-on experience span the conceptualization, planning, and management of both global and India-centric public relations and communication campaigns.

⦁ Raka Khashu Razdan, Head of Marketing and Communications, CBRE
Raka Khashu Razdan is currently serving as the Head of Marketing and Communications for CBRE South East Asia, India, Middle East, and North Africa. Her portfolio encompasses innovative brand-building initiatives, with a special focus on demand generation to accelerate revenue growth for various organizations. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record in delivering successful marketing campaigns, she has worked with several blue-chip corporations, including Metlife and AMD. She also had a prior stint with CBRE. Adding more achievements to her list, she serves as the visiting faculty for marketing at some of India's leading management institutes.

⦁ Goldee Patnaik, Vice President, India Marketing and Communications Head, itel India
Goldee Patnaik is a PR professional, currently serving as the Head of Marketing & Communications for itel Mobile in India. Boasting a rich professional background spanning over 22 years, he has played pivotal roles in shaping brand growth, enhancing image and reputation, and driving consumer engagement through diverse media channels and platforms. Furthermore, he has garnered experience in renowned communication agencies, collaborating with brands such as Red & White, Four Square, Ashok Leyland, and others during his tenure at Godfrey Phillips India.

⦁ Sanjay Gupta, CEO, PR Professionals 
Sanjay Gupta is the CEO of PR Professionals Group, an integrated Communications consultancy. With over 30 years of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the Indian industry, particularly in Marketing, Corporate Communication, Strategy, and Branding. His breakneck and result-driven marketing strategies have woven numerous success stories in the industry. He leads a team that assists businesses across diverse industries and cultures in achieving their goals and growing their brands. Additionally, he serves as a trustee in the Group Company of PR Professionals, specifically in "GEPC: Global Education Promotion Council," a leading Career Counseling & Overseas Admission Consultant in India.

⦁ Apeksha Mishra, Head of Corporate Communications at Policybazaar.com
Apeksha Mishra is a communication leader cum journalist who holds nearly a decade of expertise in the Media & Communications industry. She is currently serving as the Head of Corporate Communications & Content at Policybazaar.com. With a strong foundation in analytical problem-solving, effective storytelling, and a comprehensive grasp of the media spectrum, Apeksha's skill set is well-rounded. Apeksha initiated her professional journey with TIMES NOW, working under the leadership and guidance of Arnab Goswami. Her dual experience in journalism and communications enables her to strategically package content and devise progressive campaigns, crafting brand messaging that truly resonates. 

⦁ Deebba Ali, Director Communication, Oracle
Deebba Ali currently holds the role of Director of Corporate Communications - India PR Lead for SaaS at Oracle, bringing over 24 years of hands-on experience in managing prominent Indian and global brands within the industry. Having witnessed the evolution of the communications and PR sector since the early days at Rediffusion, Deebba has been an integral part of the industry's growth, crises, and lessons over the past 24 years. With a background spanning various sectors such as IT, Telecom, FMCG, Media, Entertainment, Liquor, Handsets, Financial services, and Aviation, her core competencies include crafting communication campaigns, fostering strong media relations, leading digital programs, and managing crisis communication strategies.

⦁ Nikhil Lodaya, COO, MSL India

⦁ Manash Neog, Managing Director, Chase APAC
Manash K. Neog is the Managing Director of Chase APAC, an Avian WE company. He is a policy and government relations expert who counsels senior client stakeholders on their engagement with federal and state governments, public sector entities, and relevant agencies. With over 20 years of experience across government relations, policy advocacy, and communications, Manash is an authority on India’s regulatory environment and processes. Throughout his career, Manash has worked closely with members of Parliament (MPs) across the political spectrum, including serving as the lead campaign manager for MPs and parties.

⦁ Arun Mittal, Head of Communication, Boat PR
Arun Mittal currently holds the position of Head of Communication at Boat PR. As a renowned PR strategist, he brings extensive expertise in shaping and steering narratives for contemporary businesses and start-ups. Boasting over 13 years of professional experience, Arun has previously contributed his skills to Lenskart and PR Pundit. He has a flair of storytelling and leverages data insights to craft effective communication strategies. Known for his adept problem-solving skills, Arun excels in viewing situations from multiple perspectives, making him particularly adept at addressing challenges.

⦁ Vasundhara Singh, Sr. Vice President, Value 360
Vasundhara Singh stands as a distinguished leader in the PR and Comms industry, currently holding the role of Senior Vice President for New Business & Strategy at Value 360 Communications Private Limited. Her accolades include recognition in E4M 40under40, Reputation Today 40Under40, and Agency Reporter 40Under40. Commencing her career as a Senior Executive in Business Development at Creative Crest, she has since evolved into a seasoned professional shaping new business initiatives and strategic endeavors at the forefront of communication.

⦁ Aniket Thakur, Senior Vice President, Adfactors
Aniket Thakur holds expertise in marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement, boasting over 19 years of expertise. Currently holding the esteemed position of Senior Vice President at Adfactors, he is renowned for orchestrating and implementing comprehensive integrated marketing, communications, and public relations strategies. Beginning his journey as an Executive at Pressman PR, Aniket has traversed a remarkable path, collaborating with multinational corporations to elevate brand visibility and recognition through diverse channels including PR, field marketing initiatives, direct marketing, online platforms, and digital marketing, catering to a global audience encompassing B2B, consumers, and employees alike.

⦁ Arpit Garg, Senior Vice President, Adfactors PR
Arpit Garg is serving as Senior Vice President at Adfactors PR and boasts over 18 years in the communications industry, combining skills like creative thinking with strategic expertise in reputation management. As a trusted advisor to c-suite executives, Arpit specializes in narrative building, issues and crises counsel, leadership communication, and CXO training for effective media engagement and message delivery. Committed to achieving excellence in consulting and service delivery, Arpit is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and commenced his PR journey as a PR Executive at Concept Public Relations Pvt. Ltd., subsequently contributing to brands such as Siemens Ltd and Genesis BCW.

⦁ Karan Thakur, Vice President at Apollo Hospitals Group
Dr. Karan Thakur currently holds the position of the Vice President of Public Affairs at Apollo Hospitals Group, New Delhi. Beyond his roles, he is an esteemed healthcare administrator, public speaker, opinion writer, and healthcare policy expert, earning accolades for his contributions. With over fifteen years of diverse experience, Karan specializes in Hospital Operations, Project Management, Healthcare Policy, and Team Building. Notably, he was selected as the 2022 Global Fellow from India for the Eisenhower Fellowships and received recognition as the Thomas B. McCabe Fellow.

⦁ Nitin Yadav, Partner, First Partners
Nitin Yadav is part of the Leadership team at First Partners, working in the capacity of a Partner. Nitin has been associated with First Partners since its inception and is responsible for client management and operations, advocacy and media relations of the agency. Nitin has over two decades of experience in the field of public relations, corporate communications, media relations, issue & crisis management, content development and social media. Prior to joining First Partners, Nitin was General Manager, Corporate Communications, PepsiCo India, where he was responsible for driving the organisation’s external communications agenda.

⦁ Pooja Trehan, VP, Communications & Public Policy at Sports for All (SFA)
Pooja Trehan is a seasoned communications professional with 18+ years of experience who kickstarted her career as a Senior Associate at Genesis BCW. She is presently working as a VP, Communications & Public Policy at Sports for All. Pooja has significantly contributed to the growth of brands such as Colgate Palmolive, Castrol India, Bennett & Coleman, Sugarbox, and more with her flair of curating narratives, enhancing storytelling, and leading various facets of communication. 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.

⦁ Shivani Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, On Purpose Consultancy
Shivani Sharma is the Chief Operating Officer of On Purpose Consultancy. She boasts over two decades of expertise in communication, working in both corporates and leading agencies. She envisions steering a new communication wave with an audience and KPI-led marketing approach in the industry. Shivani has made significant contributions to global and Indian Communication consultancies, serving as Senior Partner at Ogilvy PR, leading the Delhi branch, and contributing to the holistic growth of the unit. Her journey also includes roles at Weber Shandwick and Vaishnavi Corporate Communications.

⦁ Shashikant Someshwar, Current Global
Shashikant Someshwar stands as the Managing Director of Current Global within The Weber Shandwick Collective, boasts a career spanning around two decades. Renowned for leading successful, high-profile communications campaigns across a diverse blue-chip client set, he previously served as vice president at Perfect Relations. Shashikant has played a pivotal role in developing and managing high-growth operations, dedicating himself to shaping and nurturing the public relations sector in India, making it a sought-after and flourishing profession.

⦁ Madhur Kalra, DGM Corporate Communications at Bharti Airtel
Madhur Kalra is an experienced Corporate Communications Leader, Storyteller, and Industry Expert with a rich 19-year career in reputation management, media relations, and brand storytelling. Presently, he is serving as the DGM Corporate Communications at Bharti Airtel. From spearheading social and digital initiatives, enhancing companies' online presence to building strong government relations and executing crisis communications strategies, his passion lies in weaving compelling narratives around brands, businesses, and people.

⦁ Jaya Shroff, Group Account Director, Hill & Knowlton
Jaya Shroff is the Group Account Director at Hill & Knowlton and a versatile and committed communications professional with 18+ years of experience. Her expertise spans strategic media planning, leadership communications, outreach and marketing campaigns, crisis management, brand management, stakeholder engagement, public affairs and advocacy. PR and media relations, crises communications, and writing skills are key skill areas, which make her a custom-fit for a senior corporate communications role. Prior to switching to a communications role, she was an award-winning journalist with experience spanning close to a decade.