By Our Staff

Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) has announced the appointment of Deeptie Sethi as CEO. This is the first time the association has appointed a CEO in its two-decade history.

Said Atul Sharma, President, PRCAI shared: “At PRCAI, we believe in leadership that inspires, drives results and encourages our members and communities. We are happy to have Deeptie as the first CEO of PRCAI, as we look forward to expand our footprint, and scale PRCAI to newer heights. Moreover, as the role of public relations takes centerstage in all facets of business, we are excited to have an experienced communications professional like Deeptie to build the future roadmap for PRCAI.”

Added Sethi on her appointment: “The scope and reach of public relations have seen exponential growth in the last few years. Today, effective communication is integral to every business. These are exciting times for the industry and I am honoured and thrilled to take up this opportunity to build, grow and serve our community. I am equally optimistic about the prospect and look forward to adding value for PRCAI members and the larger communication fraternity.”

Well, we are sure Sethi will have her hands full. But first the objective would be do some PR for PRCAI. And help rid it of the perception that it’s a Delhi agencies’ club. Also, ensure it’s inclusive. Not just a club of PR agency folk. How about the next president being a corporate/marketing communications professional? Sethie should know what the view is. She has spent a lifetime in corp comm, many of which were at Ford, and we interacted with her around the time of the Ford Figo ad controversy.

Also, the PRCAI should work towards having its members as well knit as those of the Advertising Club (the Mumbai-based one, not the Delhi Ad Club). Where despite the egos of the adfolk being 100x larger than that of PR professionals, they speak in one voice, whenever needed.

Well, we think she needn’t go too far to start with. Perhaps speak with a certain Mr Dilip Cherian and ask him for his views. And then ask the big Bombay-based folk. Rajesh Chaturvedi, Madan Bahal, Sunil Gautam. Jaideep Shergill, Valerie Pinto… that list is not too long.