India – Edelman has announced a series of leadership elevations across its India team, aligning with the firm’s strategic vision for the next phase of growth and continued commitment to integrated client solutions.
Among the key changes, Ashutosh Munshi, previously lead advisor for brand marketing and communications, will take on the expanded role of lead advisor for integrated communications.
In this position, Munshi will oversee the integration of practices, sectors, and capabilities to support the delivery of comprehensive marketing solutions. Over his 22-year tenure at Edelman, he has played a key role in building the brand marketing practice and establishing the firm’s strategic planning and creative functions in India.
Karishma Gupte has been promoted to India brand lead, moving up from her current role as brand lead for Delhi and food and beverage sector lead. She will also take on additional responsibilities as head of the Delhi office. Over the past seven years, Gupte has led award-winning campaigns and contributed to the growth of the firm’s food and beverage portfolio.
Meanwhile, Vasudevan Rangarajan, formerly SVP for public and government affairs, has been named managing director of the practice. Rangarajan has spent over 13 years with the firm and, in recent years, has focused on strengthening Edelman’s policy advisory and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
Also part of the leadership changes is Pankaj Suri, who will relocate to Dubai to serve as EVP, people partner for the Middle East.
Suri, who has led the people function for Edelman India for more than 13 years while supporting APAC operations, will transition his India responsibilities to Ashutosh Thatte. Thatte will be elevated to vice president, people partner, effective June 1, 2025. Over his nine years at the firm, he has contributed to business alignment and culture-building efforts across the India team.
Speaking on the appointments, Bhavna Jagtiani, CEO of Edelman India, says, “Our clients and teams have placed deep trust in these leaders over the last decade. Together, we have built a culture of collaboration, quality and innovation that has been at the core of our client and people relationships. I am confident that together, we will unlock new dimensions of value for our clients and teams as we chart our next phase of growth in India.”
