Rossari Biotech Strengthens Leadership with Sunil Nair as CHRO
India, 8th May: Rossari Biotech Limited, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals, enzymes, and other products for various industries including home, personal care and performance chemicals, textiles specialty chemicals, animal health & nutrition products, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sunil Nair as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Rossari Biotech and its esteemed Group Companies.
Based in the dynamic hub of Mumbai, Mr. Nair steps into this pivotal role with a dedication not only to lead the Human Resources function but also to oversee corporate communications. With a strategic focus, he will be instrumental in aligning with organizational goals across Rossari and its Group’s diverse operational units and locations.
With a legacy spanning over two and a half decades, Rossari Biotech has emerged as a frontrunner in the specialty chemical sector in India. Its relentless pursuit of talent development aims to nurture an environment characterized by excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Welcoming Mr. Nair to the team, Mr. Sunil Chari MD of Rossari Biotech said, “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Sunil Nair as our team’s Chief Human Resource Officer. With his wealth of experience and expertise in HR management, we are confident that he will be instrumental in shaping our people strategy and supporting our continued growth. We look forward to his leadership in enhancing our talent management initiatives and driving organizational development at Rossari.”
With a remarkable career spanning over 26 years, Mr. Nair brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Rossari Biotech. Having served as the Head of HR at Ashok Leyland Limited for eight years, he adeptly aligned HR strategies with the overarching objectives of the company. Mr. Nair’s professional journey includes diverse sectors, including automotive and garment manufacturing, immigration consultancy, and recruitment consultancy. His career trajectory has seen him undertake pivotal roles in both Dubai, UAE, and Chennai, showcasing his adaptability and expertise in navigating varied professional environments.
Mr. Nair’s proficiency in strategic HR management is exemplified by his achievements in talent acquisition, organizational design, performance management, compensation and benefits, career and succession planning, and employee engagement. His adeptness in crafting and executing HR processes and policies, combined with his capability to lead sizable teams, will play a central role in propelling Rossari Biotech’s growth trajectory.
Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Mr. Nair remarked, “As I assume the role of CHRO at Rossari Biotech, I am deeply honoured to be part of such a prestigious organization. I look forward to leveraging my experience and enthusiasm to contribute to the company’s continued success. Together with the exceptional team here, I am eager to push boundaries, make a meaningful impact, and achieve remarkable accomplishments.”
Mr Nair is an alumnus of IIM Kolkata where he completed his Executive Program in Human Resources Management. He holds a degree in Bachelor of Science (Computer Science). He further expanded his skill set with a Professional Diploma in Software Technology & Systems Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in International Trade. He is a certified CII HR Excellence Assessor and is also certified in Thomas Psychometric Assessment and Harrison Psychometric Assessment.
As Rossari Biotech fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, prioritizing empowerment, creativity, and initiative among its employees, Nair’s appointment is a strategic cornerstone in developing open communication, mutual respect, and collaborative initiatives.
About Rossari:
Since the inception in 2003, Rossari Biotech has focused on providing customized solutions to our customers in a cost and time efficient manner. Rossari Biotech Limited has a storied history of pioneering innovation and sustainable practices in the specialty chemicals industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a global leader, established with a vision to make a positive impact, Rossari Biotech Limited has become a trusted name in the industry. Rossari Biotech Limited boasts state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities that enable them to produce a wide range of high-quality specialty chemicals. Their manufacturing facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology and adhere to stringent quality standards to ensure the consistency and reliability of our products.
Please visit the website for more details: https://www.rossari.com/
Carlsberg Onboards UK PR Agency Hope&Glory For Global PR Work
Carlsberg has appointed Hope&Glory, a UK public relations agency, to lead strategic planning and creative development for the brewer’s global brand PR and influencer work following a competitive pitch. Its purview encompasses executive work in the UK as well as influencer work for the Carlsberg Masterbrand.
The agency will help Carlsberg with global brand PR and Influencer work
The London-based firm announced that it has been chosen to help Carlsberg “amp up the brand presence” in conjunction with the brewer’s introduction of a new creative platform centered around the question, “Do the best things begin with curiosity? Probably?” According to the agency, its main goal will be to raise consumer awareness of the fact that curiosity is at the heart of everything Carlsberg has always done, from developing novel brews to coming up with creative solutions for a more sustainable future to supporting some of the biggest scientific discoveries.
Carlsberg’s previous PR agency appointments
At the time of the appointment, Carlsberg did not have a PR agency on retainer for its UK operations. For the first time, Carlsberg UK unified its corporate PR and brand under a single agency in 2019 when it selected Golin as its PR partner. Richmond & Towers was also recently appointed by the brewery to oversee social media and PR for its Brooklyn Brewery brand. As a “central creative hub,” Hope&Glory also serves clients like Pepsi, Adidas, The Pokémon Company International, and Polestar, a manufacturer of electric vehicles.
Read More: OMG Implements Samsung Ads’ Native Advertising Solutions For Luxury Advertisers In ANZ Market
Here’s what they said
Carlsberg global brand director Lynsey Woods said,
“After a highly engaged and inspiring pitch process with some of the best in the business, Hope&Glory’s capabilities, creativity and ability to deliver on both a global and UK perspective across PR and influencer work shone through. We are really happy to welcome them to the Carlsberg family, we know that are going to help us share so many of the great stories that will bring a little joy to people’s day and can’t wait to see where they help us take our brand in 2024 and beyond.”
Dominique Daly, who will lead the account at Hope&Glory, added,
“Carlsberg is the most iconic brand in its category. Probably. So, we jumped at the opportunity to bring a new platform of curiosity to life for today’s consumers, helping them not just fall in love with the brand but also understand the richness of its brand story.”
Read More: Vistar Media Partners with PRODOOH to Bring Programmatic DOOH Advertising to Latin America
LS Digital Selects Kaizzen To Handle Its PR and Communications Mandate
LS Digital, a leading independent digital marketing transformation (DMT) company, selected Kaizzen, a leading integrated communications agency, to handle its public relations and communications. The announcement follows a multi-agency pitch. The responsibility of Kaizzen includes overseeing media relations, corporate reputation, and LS Digital’s communication strategy. Kaizzen will make use of its experience to support LS Digital’s aggressive growth plans. Furthermore, it will establish the company’s presence in important markets through targeted campaigns and strategic initiatives.
Specialized business unit from LS Digital
By putting digital marketing transformation (DMT) at the core of its brand identity, LS Digital, along with its specialized business units Langoor (a CX & Web 3.0 company), f1studioz (a UI/UX company), and Social Panga (a digital-first creative company), is dedicated to revolutionizing the digital landscape. LS Digital strives to build industry-best solutions that will reshape global business in the future. It will do so by adhering to its guiding mantra, #ChallengeTheNow. The company’s vision is to drive innovation and redefine digital marketing standards to grow the industry.
Read More: Omnicom’s PHD Secures Integrated Media Mandate for OPPO
Here’s what they said
Anshuman Misra, SVP of strategic partnerships, marketing & PR said,
“As India takes the centre stage in developing and delivering tech-enabled, innovative services to the world, LS Digital is geared-up in spirit and strength to lead this conversation, we are happy to welcome Kaizzen on board as our PR partner. We are confident that this collaboration will further strengthen our position as a pioneering force in business transformation; In this new era of digital innovation and transformation, joining forces with young and dynamic team of Kaizzen, will help us in our journey of redefining industry standards, inspire change and shape the future by transforming businesses digitally.”
Nikhil Pavithran, group president of Kaizzen, stated,
“We firmly believe in the immense potential of this collaboration, especially in alignment with the honourable Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative, which sets the stage for substantial market growth. This partnership signifies a synergy of expertise and gives us a great opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to drive meaningful impact and foster impactful dialogues.”
Read More: K2 Communications Bags PR and Social Media Mandate for Zeno Health
K2 Communications Bags PR and Social Media Mandate for Zeno Health
Zeno Health has selected K2 Communications as its integrated communication partner. Zeno Health is an omni-channel platform for generic medications. The announcement of the brand’s successful acquisition of $25 million in Series C funding last month was made possible in large part by the legacy firm.
Zeno Health appoints K2 Communications as an integrated communications partner
Under this new partnership, K2 Communications will work closely with the marketing and corporate communications teams at Zeno Health to implement comprehensive strategies that will improve the company’s brand positioning in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries in India.
Read More: GOZOOP Group Awarded Love Depot’s Creative and Social Media Mandate
Here’s what they said
Kush Jain, head of growth at Zeno Health, stated,
“Zeno Health has been in search of a trusted partner with a proven track record in our niche to initiate our communication journey. K2 Communications is renowned and respected for their innovative and out-of-the-box ideas. They also have a dedicated vertical team for health care sector and this works in our favor. Moreover, the healthcare sector, and especially the pharmaceutical market in India, is poised for a revolution in the coming years. We believe this is the opportune moment to accelerate our efforts in educating the masses about generic medicine. K2’s approach aligns with our objectives, and we are delighted to have them on board. We are confident that our shared vision of democratising healthcare in India will soon become a reality.”
Shiv Shankar Devaraaj, founder and CEO of K2 Communications, commented,
“While K2 Communications caters to various segments, it also specialises in healthcare and its ancillary sectors. In addition, we have a fully functional and adept Mumbai branch to cater to clients in the region. We have a legacy of 21 years and most of our clients have been with us since the beginning. We are grateful to Siddharth Gadia, CEO and co-founder and Mr. Girish Agrawal, founder of Zeno Health for reposing their faith in us. We are committed to seeing them achieve their goals using grounded PR narratives that will sync with the pulse of all stakeholders.”
Read More: Omnicom’s PHD Secures Integrated Media Mandate for OPPO
Ameer Ismail’s Decades-Long PR Odyssey: Navigating a Dynamic Landscape
In the whirlwind world of PR, Ameer Ismail, President, Lintas Live, MullenLowe Lintas Group is the maestro orchestrating a symphony of success. Leading Lintas Live with visionary finesse, he’s transformed the game, turning campaigns into global resonances. Clients like Etihad and Starbucks are a testament to his strategic brilliance. Awards adorn his journey—CMO Asia, Reputation Today’s magazine’s list of top 10 PR leaders. Beyond boardrooms, he mentors and shapes the industry’s future. In the dynamic dance of communications, he’s not just rewriting the playbook; he’s setting the stage ablaze.
It was a pleasure to talk to him. Straight-forward, candid, and fair evaluations of the industry and business and great insights into the world of PR.
Your career trajectory within the group is quite dynamic. What principles have guided your career decisions and how has your leadership style evolved from Chief Growth Officer to President?
Firstly, a warm welcome to Lintas. I’m delighted to meet you. It’s been 27 years in the company and I’m not sure if it’s considered dynamic in this age of quick changes, but it’s certainly rare. Commitment, professionalism, and embracing core values—staying true to my profession and dedicated to the world of brands. These principles have been my anchor, keeping me in good stead throughout the journey.
I started as Associate Vice President when I joined the company in 1996, making me the youngest AVP in the company’s history. So, I’ve always held a senior role since day one, and there have been multiple other roles along the way. It’s been quite a trajectory!
Absolutely! What’s been the driving force behind your enduring commitment to this company over the years?
Lintas is an esteemed institution and continues to be one of the leading advertising and communications businesses. The roots of Lintas trace back over 75 years when it started as an advertising division of Unilever. The decision to diversify our offering stemmed from having a blue-chip client base primarily in advertising. Our management team led by former MD (and my boss at that time) Prem Mehta, envisioned offering clients newer and diversified services like PR. This strategic shift aimed to evolve the group’s offering and empower clients to build integrated campaigns. The PR brand (LINOpinion) came into the picture slightly before my time, around 1994. Back then, the PR landscape was small, both in terms of size and industry presence. Fast forward to today, and the scale of PR has grown tremendously, not just globally but also become significant in India.
You’ve pointed out PR has become quite huge now—could you share more, especially considering its substantial growth over the years?
To share perspective on this, globally, the largest PR agency generates over a billion dollars in revenue which is impressive, to say the least.
There are five major holding companies globally: Omnicom, Dentsu, WPP, Publicis, and IPG—we belong to IPG. These giants have multiple PR and advertising brands in markets all over the globe. The largest PR firm in IPG Weber Shandwick alone is also close to a billion dollars in revenue, surpassing some large global advertising networks. In essence, PR constitutes nearly 10 to 15% of the total advertising revenue globally. And it’s growing faster than advertising.
In your opinion, how has PR evolved over the years?
As things grow and evolve, they gain more significance in both business and visibility. Today, PR commands more respect than when I first started. I got into the business at an early stage as saw a chance for success and career growth then, and I still believe in the potential of PR. Now the game is specialist focus in PR with healthcare and pharma and technology focussed PR agencies that still have so much potential to grow.
Unlike advertising, PR campaigns don’t require large budgets and can create significant impact and there is the possibility of doing multi-market work or work for global brands while being based in India. For example, we manage clients in the Middle East, representing brands like Five Hospitality and Etihad Airways in the UAE. My vision for Lintas Live is to grow this space and create impactful global PR campaigns. We’ve taken many steps in this area and a few years ago we won a large global business – the Lagos Free Zone, in Nigeria. These are just a few examples of global brands and work.
How do you see the distinction between PR for Indian brands and that for international brands?
Our creative capability, execution skills, and teams are best in class. We excel in producing global work from India, backed by world-class talent, and are known for generating brilliant ideas that are effective for our clients. I have also had the privilege of working with Golin, a top-ten global PR agency, and was a part of the global management team where I experienced the best of global standards in PR. The challenge in India is in the difference between intuition and insight. In evolved markets clients rely on data and research that gives you clear and sharp insights, while in India as clients are hesitant to invest in research and data driven insights. New-age PR campaigns even utilize behavioural science and AI and its predictive capabilities. It’s a constantly evolving and exciting landscape.
Is the growth of PR in brands now comparable to marketing and advertising, with similar budget allocations, or does it still vary?
No, it’s not similar budgets for PR, but it is improving as clients see more value. We focus on a certain value of business that allows us to deploy the best resources and refuse business below a certain level.
AI is gaining prominence. How do you envision AI technology transforming the field of PR and brand communications in the near future?
I expect AI to transform our business significantly and it starts with the incredible ability to research back data and then the capabilities to generate content so fast. However, I don’t believe that it can replace human intervention like creative ideation and can never replace depth of insight and ideas ingrained in our years of experience. Considering the prevalence of CGI ads, some clients opt for quick, budget-friendly solutions, but AI can never replace the human touch so even if one uses AI generated content, we make sure it is aligned to the brand DNA by oversight from our creative team.
Can you share some examples of innovative PR campaigns or strategies that you have been involved in and their impact?
As an extension of its marquee campaign, H for Handwashing, Lifebuoy used the power of play this year and co-created ‘H for Handwashing Games’ with Imagimake to encourage children to adopt good hygiene practice. To help Lifebuoy take its social mission to the masses, we strategically leveraged owned, earned, and paid media to deliver the right message to the right audience. We drove thought leadership with HUL leadership, initiated regional media outreach, tapped into the social media platforms of media giants like The Times of India, Hindustan Times and Mad Over Marketing, and leveraged owned channels.
With this, we were successful in educating parents and caregivers across India about the importance of healthy hand hygiene and made them aware about how kids can learn about these essential hygiene habits through play. We also used different types of content including visual images, articles, and reels to further cater to the consumer’s content consumption preferences.
The campaign received significant traction among the traditional and new-age media platforms with media articles garnering a potential reach of over 150 million and reels garnering over 1.8 million views in less than a week.
Managing a global portfolio of clients requires a nuanced understanding of different markets. How do you tailor PR strategies to suit diverse cultural and regional contexts, especially in the case of international clients?
Traveling was the first thing I did when I was young, I took every opportunity to do this. I’m a big believer in exploring cultures as a best form of learning, and I push my team to do the same. Recently, a team member got the chance to visit Melbourne, courtesy of our long-standing client, Visit Victoria. Another colleague went on a media FAM to Singapore visit with one of our clients based there. These experiences give you a whole new outlook on life and culture, which is vital for understanding a global audience. You can’t get this knowledge solely from YouTube or Instagram reels.
Being recognized as one of the leading personalities in the PR industry comes with expectations. How do you stay ahead of the curve in terms of industry knowledge and innovation, and how do you encourage a culture of continuous learning within your team?
I recognize my strengths and long experience that have bought recognition, but I stay humble about my position in life. Incredibly proud of my achievements and am still enjoying my journey. I don’t measure success by others’ yardstick, there is always someone who seems to appear better, more successful. I believe you should be happy, positive, and committed to your own path in life.
Continuous learning is crucial—I listen/learn from colleagues every day and am involved with industry leaders, agency heads and some associations to further the development of the industry. Currently, I am involved with PRCAI to improve the win rate of Indian PR agencies in Cannes. There are learning sessions that aim to upgrade thinking for Cannes-worthy campaigns. I also encourage continuous learning with all teams and our HR team helps with an active learning program that provides training across all levels of the company.
Lastly, for those entering the PR field, what unique piece of advice or encouragement do you have to offer as they embark on their professional journey?
At this age and stage, my advice is simple: stick to your profession. Even if you need a change, stay in the same stream, and connect the dots. Many people get bored easily. I’ve spent 27 years in the same agency, despite offers and numerous opportunities to explore other paths. Even today when I can afford to do nothing, I choose to get up every morning, feel motivated, and come to work because I love what I do. So, my advice is stick with it, and stay committed. Over time, you will achieve success and professional growth.