MAM
MSLGROUP makes 16 new appointments to strengthen its Asia team
MUMBAI: It is a big day for the MSLGROUP. The strategic communications and engagement consultancy of Publicis Groupe, and the largest brand and reputation advisory network in Europe, Greater China, India and Asia overall has announced 16 new hires in Asia. The new appointments have been made within corporate advisory and reputation management, marketing communications, financial communications, public affairs and social engagement across Greater China, India and Singapore.
Some of the key appointments include Amit Misra as the executive vice president and director of public affairs, MSLGROUP in Delhi; Rekha Rao has been hired as general manager, 20:20 MSL in Mumbai; Gaurav Trivedi will be working as a managing director, CNC in Delhi; Lusha Niu has been appointed at the position of director of Financial Communications and Corporate Advisory, MSLGROUP in Shanghai; Lan Jie will be working as director of Marketing Communications, MSLGROUP in Shanghai; April Chang will be taking the charge as director of Learning & People Development, MSLGROUP in Taipei; Fu Yumei has been hired as senior associate director of Healthcare, MSLGROUP in Singapore.
The appointments were planned much in advance, informs MSLGROUP Group CEO Jaideep Shergill. “Since our annual year begins from January, we wanted to be all set for the New Year. In these two months, the new hires will get enough time to get a hang of how we function and they will be ready to take complete charge of their responsibilities by the time the annual year begins,” says Shergill, also informing that most of the positions have been specially created in order to make an efficient progress.
In fact, Shergill adds that some of the appointments like Amit Misra and Rekha Rao are the senior most appointments at MSLGROUP in many years. “Plus, all the appointments are in different sections of the company and the new hires would be working out of different locations like Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, which would add to our growth as we will be capturing different markets,” he says.
In his new role, Amit Misra will serve as the overall market leader for MSLGROUP in Delhi and the practice leader for Public Affairs across India. In addition, he will work in close conjunction with 20:20 MSL in Delhi for business development, talent training, key client relationship management, and providing public affairs counseling to clients.
Amit is a seasoned communications professional with over 18 years of experience spanning corporate and consulting roles in several international agencies, and is experienced in leading operations, building portfolio of marquee clients, and strengthening the company’s strategic communications practice.
Jaideep Shergill-MSL
Shergill says that they have observed that Delhi is a very potential market and thus they needed somebody with enough experience to grow in the region. “Amit would do just that,” he says.
Rekha Rao would take up responsibilities that include operational performance, growth, profitability, talent management and client engagement. Rekha has over 17 years experience and specialises in FMCG, consumer and lifestyle PR and she has the distinction of working with global giants like Unilever & P&G. She has also managed PR campaigns for major MNCs like Monsanto (BT Cotton Seeds), Revlon, Porsche, and Right Choice. Rekha’s work has also been awarded. She has 6 India SABREs and AFAQS awards in her kitty.
The advantage for the company is that, Rao also has a strong creative background, having spent 12 years with advertisement agencies such as Leo Burnett, Lowe and Triton. “Rekha comes from a non-technology background and would really help us grow. 20:20 MSL was a tech PR agency till sometime back and thus most of the employees on board are from a technological background. Now that the focus of the company has changed, we needed somebody from the consumer background and Rekha is just apt for that position,” says Shergill.
Hitesh Malhotra would be responsible for managing the social media marketing portfolio to develop integrated communications and engagement strategy for the online community. Prior to joining MSLGROUP, he worked at MakeMyTrip.com with social media marketing.
Rahul Lakhpati has over 12 years experience in public relations and journalism, specialising in strategic communications and content-focused storytelling. Prior to joining MSLGROUP, Rahul has worked at several international agencies and Lokmat, one of the largest Indian daily newspapers as a Sub Editor and Reporter.
The company has hired Madhavi Mukherjee for its Bengaluru office and they are really looking forward to grow with this new recruit. Madhavi has 10 years of professional experience, specialising in providing advisory in marketing communication and branding, media verticals, CSR strategies and digital communications. Prior to this role, Madhavi worked for MSLGROUP in India as well as other communications agencies.
MSLGROUP Asia president Glenn Osaki said in a press release: “Our strategy of bringing together the region’s best-in-class agencies across multiple disciplines has created a highly dynamic network to drive change in our industry. Our high-value strategic communications advisory, award-winning experiential, 360-degree marketing, digital and creative hubs, and integrated solutions in tandem with our investment in career development programs have set the standard in Asia. We are happy to see that the region’s top talent from diverse backgrounds including advertising, strategic consultancy, public affairs, and social media and digital marketing, have chosen to join the MSLGROUP family.”
Starting a business is one of the most financially demanding transitions a person can make. In the early months, expenses are immediate and often unpredictable, while revenue streams may take time to stabilise. For first-time entrepreneurs, securing small business loans can feel like a paradox: lenders expect a clean financial track-record before approving a loan, but the business cannot establish that track record without funding. Understanding the start-up lending environment in India and knowing the realistic funding options make this process far less daunting, allowing entrepreneurs to plan strategically.
Why Traditional Business Loans Are Harder for Start-ups
Most financial institutions require a minimum business vintage of 2 to 3 years before approving a term loan. This is because the first two years of operations carry the highest risk of failure. For start-ups less than 12 months old, traditional loan options are limited, and lenders often ask for substantial collateral to mitigate risk.
The vintage requirement is not arbitrary. Businesses that have survived their first two operating cycles demonstrate market viability, which significantly lowers the lender’s risk. Until this milestone is reached, entrepreneurs often rely on bootstrapping, personal savings, or alternative financing to build a stable business foundation. Understanding this reality helps first-time entrepreneurs set practical expectations when seeking funding.
Government-Linked Schemes for Startups
India offers several government-backed schemes to support first-time entrepreneurs. One such scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), which provides collateral-free loans for micro and small enterprises in three categories:
● Shishu: up to Rs. 50,000
● Kishore: Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakh
● Tarun: Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh
These loans are available through eligible lending institutions, making them suitable for early-stage businesses. For first-time entrepreneurs, a Mudra loan not only provides initial working capital but also helps establish a credit history. Repaying a Mudra loan on time strengthens the entrepreneur’s profile and increases the chances of securing larger loans in the future.
Using Personal Loans to Fund Early-Stage Needs
When business loan eligibility is not yet established, a personal loan can serve as bridge funding. These loans are assessed on the individual’s credit profile and income rather than the business’s financial history, making them accessible to salaried individuals or those with a strong personal credit record.
Personal loans have limitations: the loan amount is capped based on personal income, and the interest rate is typically higher than secured business loans. Nevertheless, taking out a personal loan during the first 12 to 18 months can provide crucial support as the start-up builds its financial profile. It is especially useful for covering immediate expenses such as inventory, marketing, or office setup costs.
Alternative Financing Options for Startups
For start-ups that are not yet eligible for traditional business loans, other financing options are available through financial institutions. Many lenders offer startup-focused or small-business loans designed for early-stage businesses. These loans evaluate the entrepreneur’s personal credit profile, business plan, and projected revenue rather than relying solely on business vintage. Financial institutions such as Tata Capital provide these loans with minimal documentation and fast disbursal, enabling entrepreneurs to manage operational expenses, purchase equipment, or fund early growth initiatives without pledging collateral.
Some lenders also offer flexible loan amounts, quicker approvals, and streamlined processes, making them well-suited for first-time entrepreneurs. Exploring these options early allows start-ups to access working capital while gradually building a credit history that will support larger loans in the future.
Building the Right Financial Profile Before Applying
For entrepreneurs planning to apply for a business loan in 12 to 18 months, the preparation period is critical. Key steps include:
● Filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) consistently and accurately from the first year
● Maintaining a clean current account with regular deposits and no overdraft patterns
● Keeping the promoter’s CIBIL score above 750
Lenders assess start-ups by examining these signals. Entrepreneurs who maintain financial discipline from the start will have stronger loan applications after two years. Additionally, tracking cash flow and avoiding irregular withdrawals can further enhance the business’s credibility.
Collateral-Based Options for Larger Requirements
Startups requiring larger amounts beyond government schemes can consider loans against property. These loans allow entrepreneurs to access larger amounts of funding at lower interest rates, as the property secures the lender’s risk.
This option carries significant risk: using personal or family assets as collateral can result in a loss if the business does not perform as expected. Such loans should be considered only when the business plan is validated, the entrepreneur has clear cash flow projections, and the repayment strategy is realistic. Careful assessment of risk versus reward is essential before pledging assets.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Loan Application
To maximise the chances of approval, entrepreneurs should:
● Maintain accurate financial statements, bank records, and GST returns.
● Avoid over-borrowing; apply for realistic amounts that match business needs.
● Keep personal and business credit profiles in good standing.
● Explore lenders that offer startup-friendly products.
● Be transparent and complete in all documentation.
Taking these steps early ensures a smoother and faster loan process when the business is ready for formal financing. A well-prepared application reduces processing delays and demonstrates professionalism to the lender.
Conclusion
First-time entrepreneurs often face a funding gap in the early stages, but it is usually smaller than it appears. Maintaining clean banking records, filing ITRs consistently, and exploring personal loans, government schemes, and alternative financing options help build a strong financial profile. Entrepreneurs who plan systematically from day one are better positioned to access formal credit sooner, giving their start-ups financial stability through small business loans.
The ideal time to start building a credit-worthy business profile is the very first month of operations, not when applying for a loan. By understanding available funding options and acting proactively, first-time entrepreneurs can confidently apply for a business loan and set their businesses on a path to long-term growth.
