Genesis Burson-marsteller Augments India Leadership Team; Focuses On Building Domain Expertise

Rahul Sharma, former Editor, Delhi, Hindustan Times, appointed President, Public Affairs Practice & The Resource Centre. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) July 07, 2010 - New Delhi - Genesis Burson-Marsteller, India's leading public relations and public affairs consultancy, today announced key organisational developments to align itself with the domain-led structure of Burson-Marsteller globally and the appointment of Rahul Sharma as President of its Public Affairs business while Nikhil Dey continues to lead the Public Relations business as its President.

Rahul is a senior journalist and researcher with nearly 25 years of experience in the media. Till recently he was Editor, Khaleej Times, Dubai and was formerly Editor, Delhi, Hindustan Times. He has held several key positions with Reuters across India, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Singapore. Rahul has a Master of Arts in International Relations from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA as well as a Master of Arts in International Relations, Economy and Trade, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.

From a low-key launch in 2007, public affairs at Genesis Burson-Marsteller has evolved into a dynamic high-growth business. "The openness of the government to transparent and consultative processes in policymaking and regulation has provided ample scope for professional public affairs practice, which is our forte", said Prema Sagar. "I am delighted with Rahul Sharma joining the firm as his vast knowledge and understanding of the Indian polity and business landscape will be invaluable to our clients. His experience will help grow our public affairs consulting on the changing policy and regulatory environment in the country."

Rahul will also head The Resource Centre at Genesis Burson-Marsteller, which will integrate existing specialists in research, content, media and design and enhance its capabilities to provide outstanding anchorage to the firm's communication and advocacy programmes which are core to what its teams deliver to clients every day.

The firm also announced the appointment of four India Practice Chairs who have the required skills, insights and experience to lead the practice areas of Corporate, Marketing, Technology and Corporate Responsibility in keeping with the global footprint of Burson-Marsteller Worldwide to provide greater value to clients and teams across the country.

Sheena Sharma, India Practice Chair, Technology with over 15 years experience focuses largely in information technology, consumer technology & durables, telecom and ITES/development centres.

Vandana Sandhir, India Practice Chair, Corporate has over 16 years of experience in the domain and will continue to lead large clients in the areas of consulting, automobile, defence & aviation, infrastructure & engineering, energy & education.

Papri Dev Sharma, India Practice Chair, Marketing has spent eight out of the 10 years of experience working with FMCG, retail, fashion & lifestyle, entertainment and travel & hospitality at Genesis Burson-Marsteller.

Poonam Madan, India Practice Chair, Corporate Responsibility has more than 15 years of experience in research, development sector consulting and journalism and has held key editorial positions with The Financial Express and Mint. The practice focuses on corporate strategies for sustainability and community impact programming.

The objective of these developments is to enhance the company's intellectual capital in both public relations and public affairs.

"We have always been pioneers in building service capabilities that are aligned to emerging client needs", said Ashwani Singla, Chief Executive, Genesis Burson-Marsteller. "The Practice Chairs will bring alive our proposition of providing insight- led, ideas rich, integrated and measurable campaigns that make a difference to the business of our clients."

Added Bob Pickard, President & CEO, Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific, "Burson-Marsteller globally has greatly benefitted from the experience and domain expertise of practice leaders. I am pleased that our India office is bringing alive our global strategy which will fuel greater collaborations amongst the teams and offer clients access to best-in-class knowledge and expertise."

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