Ruder Finn appoints Atul Sharma as MD, VP of India Operations

Atul Sharma has joined Ruder Finn Asia as Managing Director, Vice President of Ruder Finn India, responsible for overall management and operations, and establishing Ruder Finn as a major player in the India market. His role also includes Ruder Finn India positioning, business development, team development, network expansion, new offerings development and further enhancing Ruder Finn’s global network collaboration. Ruder Finn launched its first office in India’s capital, New Delhi in 2011, and has since open offices in Mumbai and Bangalore. Atul, based in New Delhi, will report directly to Elan Shou, Executive Vice President, Asia Director of Ruder Finn Asia. 

Atul’s appointment, in addition to the recent hire of Martin Alintuck to the newly created role of Managing Director of Ruder Finn Southeast Asia, further enhances Ruder Finn’s presence in the region.

Atul is a public relations industry veteran of nearly two decades. A trusted advisor to clients across a variety of industries including technology, telecom, venture capital, consulting, aviation, automobiles, retail and consumer durables, Atul has counselled diverse businesses, both Indian and multinational, on corporate and brand reputation programmes. His expertise includes storytelling for start-ups, advocacy programmes, CEO positioning, digital and media relations and integrated campaigns, with a focus on product preference and category creation, messaging, issues and crisis management. 

Prior to joining Ruder Finn, Atul was Chief Operating Officer for Genesis Burson-Marsteller. He was responsible for driving the firm’s operations including client campaigns, new business development and building efficient team structures. Atul played an instrumental role in new offerings, including GBM Live!Newsroom and GBM Digital Studio, as well as conceptualising the unique Step Up service offering.   Atul had previously been at Weber Shandwick, working with clients including Oracle, HCL Technologies, UTStarcom, Palm Inc. and Logitech. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Economics from Delhi University.

India is still the fastest growing global economy after China and has recorded consistently high rates of growth. The dynamic and continuously evolving communications industry in India has been, driven by the rapid development of digital, social media and content driven campaigns. A report by the Public Relations Consultants Associations of India has estimated that the industry may well double its current market size by 2020.

Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn, said: “We are thrilled to have Atul leading Ruder Finn India, an incredibly important growth region for us in Asia. With our continued emphasis on digital, analytics and technology, Atul’s background will help us further expand our client base, offerings and intelligence in some of the most important industries in India – and the world – today.”

Elan Shou, Executive Vice President, Asia Director of Ruder Finn Asia, said: “Ruder Finn Asia has grown exponentially with exceptional clients, revenue and talent across Asia-Pacific. India is a vital market and I am delighted to welcome an executive of Atul’s experience and skills to Ruder Finn. His outstanding reputation and leadership will add depth and value to our business in India and across the region. Atul’s appointment is sending a clear message to both corporations and the communications industry in India that Ruder Finn is a firm that attracts the best and delivers the best. We look forward to Atul taking us to the next level of growth and development in this very exciting and vibrant market.”

Atul Sharma said: “I am excited to charter the growth journey at Ruder Finn India and am looking forward to creating a compelling proposition for valued clients as well as exceptional talent. I amupbeat about replicating the momentum that Ruder Finn has maintained across other markets in Asia.”