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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.”
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UDF poised to return to power in Kerala, says Manorama-CVoter survey
Massive opinion poll projects shift in Kerala politics ahead of 2026 Assembly elections.
MUMBAI: The winds of change appear to be blowing through Kerala’s political landscape and this time, they seem to favour the United Democratic Front. A comprehensive mega opinion survey conducted by Manorama News in partnership with CVoter projects a potential comeback for the UDF in the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. The survey, covering all 140 constituencies with a massive sample size of nearly 90,000 respondents, predicts the UDF could win between 69 and 81 seats.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is expected to secure 57 to 69 seats, a significant drop from the 99 seats it won in the 2021 elections. This would mean the LDF losing 30 to 42 of its sitting seats. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which drew a blank in 2021, is projected to open its account with 1 to 5 seats.
Region-wise, the UDF is expected to make strong gains in Malabar, winning 25 to 34 out of 48 seats, and in Central Kerala, where it could bag 29 to 33 out of 53 seats. In South Kerala, the LDF is likely to retain an edge with 21 to 25 seats, while the UDF may improve to 12 to 16 seats. The NDA could pick up 1 to 3 seats in the southern region.
The survey was conducted between 14 and 26 March 2026, with additional tracker and snap polls carried out from December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 89,693 respondents participated, ensuring representation across all demographics and social segments.
Manorama News has a strong track record of accuracy, with its previous projections closely matching the actual results of the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections as well as the 2021 Kerala Assembly polls.
In Kerala’s famously fierce political battles, this survey suggests the pendulum may be swinging back. Whether the final verdict matches these numbers or throws up another surprise, one thing is clear, the 2026 Assembly elections are shaping up to be one of the most keenly watched contests in the state’s history.
