Shivaram Lakshminarayan steps up as Ruder Finn India’s MD, Malvika Sinha takes on CCO role

Ruder Finn has reshaped its India leadership at a time when integrated marketing firms are being pushed to prove both scale and specialisation. The independent communications and integrated marketing firm has elevated Shivaram Lakshminarayan as managing director, Ruder Finn India, while confirming the exit of Atul Sharma, who had led the India operations since 2018.

Lakshminarayan will be supported by Malvika Sinha, who has been appointed chief client officer for Ruder Finn India. Sinha joined the firm in January 2022 to lead the Technology Practice and brings close to two decades of experience across agency and in-house roles. Her remit now expands to overseeing client relationships and integrated delivery at a time when technology-led mandates are increasingly central to agency revenues.

The leadership change signals a generational reset rather than a routine succession. Lakshminarayan, who joined Ruder Finn India in 2024 as chief operating officer, steps into the managing director role after less than two years in the business. His appointment against the backdrop of agencies facing increased pressure to align traditional communications with data, AI and technology-led marketing models.

Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn, said the decision reflects confidence in the current leadership bench. “Shiv brings extensive market expertise, strong client relationships and valuable agency experience. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to win clients, nurture and develop talent and foster a culture of innovation that drives significant growth. I am confident that, with Shiv and Malvika’s leadership, Ruder Finn India will continue to enhance its legacy and reputation for being a trusted partner to clients whilst delivering exceptional work.”

In his statement, Lakshminarayan positioned the role within a broader economic and structural shift. “It’s an honour to lead this highly responsive results-driven team. As India’s role in the global economy grows, my focus is helping our clients seize new opportunities. I look forward to advancing Ruder Finn’s ‘What’s Next’ vision with bold, integrated solutions that empower our clients locally and globally.”

The leadership announcement also marks the departure of Atul Sharma, who had overseen Ruder Finn’s India operations since 2018 and played a role in expanding the firm’s footprint across India and the Middle East. Bloomgarden acknowledged his contribution, saying, “I’d like to extend my thanks to Atul for his contributions to Ruder Finn, for his leadership in driving our business and our teams. I wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Sharma, in his farewell note, reflected on the competitive nature of the market. “It has been an absolute honour to lead and build the Ruder Finn group in India and the Middle East. Full of gratitude for the RF global leadership team for bringing me on onboard, as well as every employee and client who chose RF in such a hyper competitive environment. Super excited to see the team being led by Shivaram, who I am certain will continue to build on the successes.”

Globally, Ruder Finn has been positioning itself around five core areas—Healthcare, Technology, Commerce, Leadership and Workplace—supported by RF. Studios and RF. TechLab. In 2025, it also launched rf.StoryLab to deepen its AI capabilities, underlining the increasing role of technology and predictive analytics in communications.

In India, the agency recently added Volkswagen India’s press communication mandate, effective May 1, 2025, covering strategic counsel, corporate storytelling and integrated campaign support. While such wins provide momentum, the leadership transition places sharper focus on execution, client retention and relevance in a crowded integrated marketing landscape.