Ipan Hill+Knowlton rejigs senior leadership

PR firm Ipan Hill+Knowlton Strategies has announced a new leadership structure in India. The company says these promotions reflect a growing focus on India and Asia by H+K Strategies.

Radhika Shapoorjee, president of India operations, has been promoted as president - South Asia, which includes India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Shapoorjee joined Ipan in March 2007 as vice-president, and was elevated to lead the firm as president in March 2008.

The company has also promoted Sara Gourlay, who joined H+K Strategies in 2000, as the chief operating officer, India. She will be based in New Delhi. She was the client service director for Africa, India, the Middle East and Turkey until now, and has previously worked with H+K Strategies in Singapore, Qatar, Kuwait and the UK markets.

On the new profile, Shapoorjee said, “I am delighted 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. We have built a strong leadership team in India, and our local knowledge, experience and talent, infused with international expertise and networks, will go a long way in enhancing our service offering for our clients. I give Sara a warm Indian welcome, and wish her all the best in her new role here, as we embark on our next phase of growth as a global public relations consultancy.”

Gourlay, on her India mandate, said, “We have an established team of bright, engaged professionals and an established heritage of excellence in market, and we are looking to build on that to increase our offer for India at a pivotal point in the country's history. On a personal note, I look forward to being a part of the Ipan H+K Strategies team, a team that has always impressed me with its drive, commitment and ambition", she added.