Ruder Finn bolsters Asia operations with new Managing Director for India
New-York-based market relations consultancy Ruder Finn has appointed Atul Sharma as its new Managing Director and Vice President for its Indian operations. Sharma will primarily be responsible for helping Ruder Finn achieve maximum integration into the lucrative Indian market.
To this end, Sharma is expected to work on the firm’s posturing in the Indian market, in addition to managing a number of other functions such as expanding its business portfolio, establishing a competent team of professionals, and expanding the firm’s network in and around the country.
The move comes at a time when the digital marketing services are rapidly growing in demand across India, with a host of international firms establishing operations in the country, while those with an existing presence look to build specifically on their marketing capabilities.
The firm also hopes to better integrate its India operations with its global network, which also comes under Sharma’s mandate, in addition to expanding the scope of Ruder Finn’s solutions portfolio in India. His appointment comes alongside new additions to the firm’s Asia operations at a senior level, with hopes to expand the firm’s overall presence in the region.
Sharma is a highly qualified senior executive with a Masters in Business Economics. He began his professional career as an associate at Clea Public Relations in New Delhi, following which he joined Weber Shandwick as a Consultant, where he remained for a spell of two years.
Sharma then joined PR giant Genesis Burson-Marsteller at the Partner level, ascending through the positions of Partner, Managing Partner, Co-Chair of the India Practice and Chair of the India Practice for Telecom & Technology, before eventually winning the position of Chief Operating Officer at the firm in 2015.
Sharma joins Ruder Finn directly from his position at Genesis Burson-Marsteller, and will be working in a field of operations that fits well within his domain of expertise. Ruder Finn offers a host of services to it clients across the globe, including solutions in public relations, marketing, communications, investor relations, media relations and several others.
Commenting on Sharma’s appointment, Elan Shou, Executive Vice President and Asia Director of Ruder Finn 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,” he added.
Sharma himself commented, “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 am upbeat about replicating the momentum that Ruder Finn has maintained across other markets in Asia.”