Mr. Paresh Chaudhry
CEO of Madison Public Relations
Combining expertise in marketing, brand communications and reputation management spanning multiple industries, Paresh’s hands-on experience across key global markets, has set value benchmarks in global corporate communication function. Paresh is the founder President of Indian Forum of Corporate Communicators (IFCC), a large group of practicing Corporate Communications professionals from leading corporates across the country.
With over 25 years of experience, he has worked in a number of blue chipped companies including Reliance Industries Limited, Hindustan Unilever Ltd, Ranbaxy Laboratories, Smith Kline Beecham, Wockhardt and Raymonds. Paresh has been a business communication partner to Mukesh Ambani, in Reliance, to Vindi Banga, Harish Manwani and Doug Bailie in Hindustan Unilever, D.S Brar in Ranbaxy, Dan McDonald in Smith Kline Beecham and Habil Khorakiwala in Wockhardt.
Paresh is currently Chief Executive Officer of Madison Public Relations, a unit of Madison World, one of India’s largest 360 degree communication agency. Madison World is a 25 – year – old diversified communication group, with 24 units across 10 specialized functions employing over 1,000 communication professional across cities in India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The gross billing of Madison World is Rs. 30 billion. Under his leadership, Madison PR was awarded the PR Agency of the year in 2013, as the fastest growing agency in India and also the Agency of the year award at the prestigious CMO Asia Awards, 2014 . Madison PR has won many International, National & Indian industry awards for campaigns, across Brands, Corporate & Social.
Paresh had been given the honour to represent India on the Cannes Lions International PR Jury at the Dubai Lynx 2014. He also represented the Jury for the prestigious Sabre Awards 2014, Conference Chair for Global Marketing & Advertising Week, (DMAi), 2015 and is the Jury Chair, Goa Fest 2015 – Abbey Awards.
While working in Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) as Group President, Corporate Communications, he was responsible for building the Reliance Corporate brand reputation and a globally benchmarked employer brand.
Before joining Reliance, Paresh led the communications function at Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) for India, South Asia, and South East Asia. He was directly responsible for the successful and historic corporate name change from Hindustan Lever Ltd (a brand synonymous across stake holders for 75 years) to Hindustan Unilever Limited. As an integral part of the global Unilever communications team, his contribution in the transition to “One Unilever” strategy was significant.
During his stint at Hindustan Unilever Limited, amongst his key focus areas, he has hands on experience on Asia (India, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh). He has worked with various Unilever teams and formulated key messages for each market catering to country needs and environments. The one Unilever alignment weaving through each of these markets also helped build a robust corporate brand across all stakeholders.
He initiated and conducted strategy communication workshops with Asia communication country teams to bring alive “the transition to one Unilever brand”. Apart from working closely with the marketing teams, Paresh developed excellent external relations and network with the top media houses in each of these markets building long term relationships.
Paresh joined HUL from Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited where he spent five successful years spearheading the global communications function. He was largely responsible for creating and sustaining Ranbaxy’s identity as a global corporation across 25 markets. He was focused on Asia, North America and key markets in European Union.
Paresh personally coordinated and hosted Mr. Bill Clinton, former President of the United States of America during his two-day trip to the Ranbaxy facilities in India, including organizing a high level press Conference.
Paresh began his career as a Marketing professional and has been extensively involved in Brand building, Brand Management, Sales management and Market research, mainly in the Pharmaceutical industry. He has launched many international brands. The combination of marketing and communication skills and understanding, gives him an edge in overall strategic planning and execution. His involvement in creating brand identity manuals, media policies and customized crisis communication guidelines has proved a ready reference for each organization he has been associated with. His varied experience in several industries clearly reflects that his Corporate Communication skills cut across all products and services influencing Brand and Corporate PR. Paresh is also inducted in the Indy’s Hall of Fame for Excellence in Corporate Communications. An acclaimed speaker, he has been guest faculty to the top management institutes, mass media & brand educational colleges. He has also advised a few companies to develop their message house for sharp brand positioning.
Paresh’s unique approach in leveraging the aspect of Corporate Social Responsibility amongst all stakeholders in Smith Kline Beecham and HUL has been noteworthy. His keen eye to the future and insight into Brand PR and Internal Communications has helped him change perceptions and ensconce HUL in the eyes of the stakeholders.
Paresh was also an entrepreneur with business interests in hospitality management, global diary management and organic foods. The common vision hinged on the “Aspiring Indian” story.
An MBA with a specialization in Marketing, Paresh has completed a Public Affairs certification course from the Hong Kong University.
He is an active member of Round Table India, a social, non-political, cultural International organization for more than 20 years. He has held several National positions in the organization including being the Chairman of Round Table Bangalore and North India. He has also been a member of the National Executive Board for many years. His passion for Round Table’s mission to educate one million children, under the `Freedom through Education’ project allows him to make time from work for a cause he firmly believes in.
A voracious reader, Paresh is a keen sportsman with cricket being his favorite. He has captained University Cricket teams and Bombay Cricket Associations. He is married to Jayashree, an HR professional and is a doting father to Disha aged 23 years and Yash who is 17 years.
