Genesis Burson-Marsteller has announced senior leadership changes effective January 2016.
Nikhil Dey, president, public relations, will helm both public relations and public affairs as president.
India practice chair for telecom and technology Atul Sharmahas additionally been handed a newly created COO role. He will now be a part of the India management team.
Vandana Sandhir, currently India practice chair, corporate and financial, is moving to a new leadership role in the WPP network after ten years with Genesis BM. Sanjay Arora will take on the the role from her. He was managing partner, corporate and financial practice prior.
Ajit Sahi, who joined the firm last year as director, thought leadership, will now take on the additional mandate of public affairs. He replaces Medha Girotra, who has moved on from the organisation.
In a change from the existing structure, the agency will have different leaders for its B2C and B2B technology practices in 2016.
Piyal Banerjee, managing partner – West, will now be managing partner, telecom and technology (B2C). She will additionally handle Step Up, a start-up focused practice, as business leader, and continue to co-anchor the corporate and financial practice for West.
Shivaram Lakshminarayan, managing partner – telecom and technology, has been re-designated managing partner, telecom and technology (B2B). He will also lead the corporate and financial practice for South.
Prema Sagar, vice chair, Burson-Marsteller, Asia Pacific and principal/founder, said, “Over the last 12 months, the consultancy has reinvented itself into a new-age communications firm to meet the growing requirements of our clients. As the year draws to a close, I am happy about the great leaps we have taken in 2015 and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. To support the continuing growth of our firm in 2016, we are promoting our talented and experienced leaders who have demonstrated that they make a difference to our clients business. I am confident that these leaders will further strengthen our India leadership team.”
Dey said, “Atul has been a trusted advisor to our clients across sectors and his proven expertise is a great asset for us, both as a COO as well a key member of the India management team. Sanjay, Shivaram and Piyal have consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills and clear vision for their clients and team. In their new roles, they will continue their contribution to the firm. We will certainly miss Vandana and wish her well as she moves onto a new chapter in her life. These are exciting times for the public affairs business and we are very optimistic as we go forward given that we have an experienced person like Ajit leading the charge.”
