Rahul Sharma, a prominent media, policy, corporate communications and public affairs expert, is managing director of APCO Worldwide’s India operations, and based out of New Delhi. He brings more than three decades of experience in media, policy, regulatory, corporate issues, and political affairs.
Mr. Sharma’s vast knowledge and understanding of the Indian polity and business landscape coupled with the international experience further bolsters APCO’s expertise. Prior to joining APCO India, Mr. Sharma was the deputy secretary general of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). At FICCI, he was responsible for sectors such as media and entertainment, e-commerce, retail and also driving the organization’s membership. Previously, Mr. Sharma was the president of Rediffusion Communications and the president of Genesis Burson-Marsteller’s public affairs practice in India. He is also a founding member and a past president of the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), the main body of public affairs professionals in India.
After a long stint in journalism across several geographies, he joined Genesis Burson-Marsteller in New Delhi and took the firm’s business into newer areas by advising a large portfolio of clients across various industry sectors. He later joined Rediffusion Communications, the public relations and public affairs arm of Rediffusion Y&R as their president, where he was leading the Tata mandate. Mr. Sharma has worked with prestigious media publications, including Reuters, Hindustan Times, Khaleej Times and The Economic Times. His global experience of working in places such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Sri Lanka includes reporting and editing political and economic stories which gives his leadership a cosmopolitan and international perspective.
Mr. Sharma holds a masters’ degree in International Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, USA, a masters’ degree in International Trade and Economy from Flinders University, Australia and a post-graduate diploma in Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. Mr. Sharma was recognized as one of exchange4media’s Top 100 Influential Game Changers in PR and Corporate Communications in 2022.