News Broadcasting
Genesis Burson-Marsteller Announces Marketing & Talent Leadership Developments
GURGOAN: Genesis Burson-Marsteller, leader in integrated communications, specializing in public relations, public affairs, corporate responsibility, crisis communications and digital marketing, has announced the appointment of Deepshikha Dharmaraj, in a new leadership role, as Chief Marketing and Growth Initiatives Officer and Kavita Rao, joins the firm as Chief Talent Engagement Officer.
A seasoned communications professional, Deepshikha Dharmaraj, who has been with the firm for 19 years, will focus on Genesis B-M’s Marketing and Growth Initiatives, which include new business development, partnerships, external communication and thought leadership in the industry. She will also continue to oversee the Genesis B-M Learning School, which is a one of its kind in the PR industry.
An alumnus, Kavita Rao returns to Genesis Burson-Marsteller to lead the Talent function. Kavita has over 19 years of experience and until recently, she was the Global Head of Communications at HSBC Technology & Services where she spent close to nine years leading the development and deployment of the Communication strategy across multiple geographies. Kavita played a key role in the integration of the bank focusing on Change and Transformation Communication to support the priorities and achievement of HSBC’s changing business imperatives As Chief Talent Engagement Officer, Kavita will be responsible for developing and driving the People Strategy to attract, develop and maximize potential of the talent across the firm She will also provide strategic counsel to clients on internal communication campaigns, leveraging the experience she has gained in this area over the last decade. Speaking on her return to the firm, Kavita said, “Genesis Burson-Marsteller is a firm that puts its people at the heart of its strategy which is the key reason our people like to stay and grow with us, as well as have Alumni return to us as I have done. It’s wonderful to be back and I’m looking forward to contributing to the future growth of the organization.”
Speaking on these appointments, Prema Sagar, Principal and Founder, Genesis Burson-Marsteller said, “At Genesis Burson-Marsteller, we are committed to investing in exceptional quality talent and by appointing Deepshikha and Kavita in their new roles, we are strengthening our Marketing and Talent functions. This will further accelerate our continuing growth story. Kavita’s vast experience will bolster our talent-building efforts, while with her experience and understanding of the communications industry in India, I believe Deepshikha is the right person to deliver the marketing and growth strategy for the firm.”
Nikhil Dey, President, Public Relations said “Sheena Sharma, Chief Client Studio and Corporate Responsibility Officer who has spent over 19 years in the firm will focus and lead all executive communication trainings for our clients and the firm while she continues to be Mentor South. Kriti Makhija, Chief Financial and Compliance Officer, who has spent over 10 years at Genesis Burson-Marsteller ensures the financial health, compliance, governance and IT infrastructure of our business. We continue to grow and augment the backbone of the organization to reinforce the clients business.”
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
