Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Arpita Rao

Arpita Rao

Corporate Communication Strategist
Hyderabad

Summary

20 years of overall work experience, with 17 years in public relations, branding, integrated and corporate communications (internal & external) and 3 in journalism and marketing. Expertise in global communication strategies, PR, media relations, and thought leadership across sectors like Tech, FMCG, AlcoBev, Healthcare, IT, Edutech, Fintech, E-Commerce and others, and more. Skilled in managing teams, driving employee advocacy, employee branding and curating 360-degree communication strategies. Proficient in crisis management, branding, CSR initiatives, and product launches, with a strong focus on change communication for GCC/COE business models.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Head – Corporate Communications

GUS Education India LLP
10.2021 - Current

Experienced Communications & Branding professional with expertise in Change Communication (COE to GCC). Skilled in crafting cohesive strategies and content mapping to enhance brand positioning, drive global narratives, and foster employee engagement. Proven track record in managing crisis communication, leading employee advocacy programs, and amplifying leadership visibility. Adept at traditional & digital strategy, employer branding, and aligning internal and external messaging across geographies. Proficient in digital strategy, ORM, and social media management to enhance online reputation. Collaborative partner to HR and TA teams, driving D&I, R&D, and leadership visibility programs tailored to organizational goals.

Group Head

MSL Group
11.2016 - 10.2021

Led a team of 12, managing 18 B2B and D2C clients across sectors like tech, FMCG, AlcoBev, Healthcare, IT, Edutech, Fintech, e-commerce and others. Developed integrated communication & branding strategies, executed successful launches, and managed client reputation and crisis communication. Drove impactful PR & media campaigns, handled INR 4 crore+ annual revenue, and contributed to business growth with innovative pitch proposals. Collaborated with global teams and served as a strategic advisor to clients and teams.

Head - PR

Unspun Consulting Group
04.2014 - 11.2016

Crafted integrated communication programs, strategic PR campaigns, and editorial content across sectors like tech, healthcare, and lifestyle. Enhanced digital visibility through media coordination, built strong press relations, and supported social media engagement.

Sr. Manager – PR & Media

Brand Vision
08.2010 - 03.2014

Developed and executed integrated communication and PR strategies across diverse sectors, managed media planning, digital PR, and employee engagement programs, and curated content for various platforms to enhance brand visibility and foster conversations.

Executive – PR & Events

Brand Promotions (India) Pvt. Ltd.
02.2009 - 07.2010

Developed editorial content, executed PR campaigns, managed media relations, coordinated client and media activities, organized events (ATL & BTL), supported marketing collaterals, led digital PR for online visibility, and handled social media marketing for engagement and campaigns.

Trainee – Marketing Events & News Reporting

The Times of India
08.2007 - 01.2009

Managed marketing initiatives, branding and promotional activities to enhance visibility and engagement. Gained hands-on experience as an intern field reporter, attending events, and collaborating with senior journalists. Coordinated with vendors to ensure smooth execution of campaigns and projects. Additionally, contributed to content creation by writing and editing for various channels.

Intern

Sahara TV
01.2005 - 01.2007

Led media activities focused on channel branding and marketing initiatives. Contributed to the media, advertising, and marketing sectors with impactful ideas and execution.

Education

Master of Arts - Mass Communication

School of Broadcasting & Communication
Mumbai, India
04.2007 - 01.2009

PG Diploma - Advertising, Public Relations & Marketing

Welingkar School of Management Development And Research
Mumbai, India
05.2008 - 01.2009

Bachelor of Arts - Arts

St. Aloysius College
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
04.2004 - 01.2007

Skills

  • Global communication & branding strategies
  • Regional/local communication approach
  • Content driven engagement
  • Employee branding tools & platforms
  • Messaging driven employee advocacy
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self motivated & driven individual

Timeline

Head – Corporate Communications

GUS Education India LLP
10.2021 - Current

Group Head

MSL Group
11.2016 - 10.2021

Head - PR

Unspun Consulting Group
04.2014 - 11.2016

Sr. Manager – PR & Media

Brand Vision
08.2010 - 03.2014

Executive – PR & Events

Brand Promotions (India) Pvt. Ltd.
02.2009 - 07.2010

PG Diploma - Advertising, Public Relations & Marketing

Welingkar School of Management Development And Research
05.2008 - 01.2009

Trainee – Marketing Events & News Reporting

The Times of India
08.2007 - 01.2009

Master of Arts - Mass Communication

School of Broadcasting & Communication
04.2007 - 01.2009

Intern

Sahara TV
01.2005 - 01.2007

Bachelor of Arts - Arts

St. Aloysius College
04.2004 - 01.2007
Arpita RaoCorporate Communication Strategist