Hill+Knowlton Strategies bolsters India operations with new leadership structure

Company Brief

Mumbai, April 12, 2013

Hill+Knowlton Strategies, one of the leading and most respected public affairs and public relations firms in the world, today announced a new leadership structure in India. These promotions reflect a growing focus on India and Asia by H+K Strategies globally.

- Radhika Shapoorjee, a member of IPAN H+K Strategies since 2007, has been promoted to President - South Asia, which includes India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. She had served as president of IPAN H+K Strategies since 2008.

- Sara Gourlay, who joined H+K Strategies in 2000, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer for IPAN H+K Strategies, based in New Delhi. She had most recently been serving as the client service director for the region encompassing Africa, India, the Middle East and Turkey, having previously worked with H+K Strategies in Singapore, Qatar, Kuwait and the UK.

Shapoorjee joined IPAN in March 2007 as Vice President, and was elevated to lead the firm as President in March 2008. In 2009, she was instrumental in the integration of IPAN with Hill+Knowlton Strategies. Since then it has been a journey of implementing global best practices, training, and winning businesses for the firm across sectors, including Technology, Telecom, Media & Entertainment, as well as government and industry associations. She has built a strong team that has grown under her leadership, and there has been consistent growth in revenues and profitability for the firm over the years.

As COO, Sara Gourlay will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the businesses across five IPAN H+K Strategies offices, including client servicing and retention, business development, practices development, talent development, and operational management. She brings invaluable experience and the ability to bring unmatched global expertise and processes into India, to strengthen the IPAN H+K Strategies team.

Shapoorjee commented: “I am delighted, and truly privileged to chart out and drive the next phase of growth for IPAN Hill+Knowlton Strategies in the region. I will also be looking at strategic business initiatives that will expand and enhance our role in the communications industry in India and the South Asian region. We have built a strong leadership team in India, and our local knowledge, experience and talent, infused with international expertise and networks, will go a long way in enhancing our service offering for our clients. I give Sara a warm Indian welcome, and wish her all the best in her new role here, as we embark on our next phase of growth as a global public relations consultancy.”

“India is a magical, intoxicating and absorbing country, and the opportunity to play a role in driving our business forward in that market is compelling,” Gourlay added. “We have an established team of bright, engaged professionals and an established heritage of excellence in market, and we are looking to build on that to increase our offer for India at a pivotal point in the country's history. On a personal note, I look forward to being a part of the IPAN H+K Strategies team, a team that has always impressed me with its drive, commitment and ambition."

For further information, contact:

IPAN Hill+Knowlton Strategies’India

Pranav Sawhney

Mobile: +919650643355

Email: pranav.sawhney@hkstrategies.com