Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
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Saraswati Salunke

Saraswati Salunke

Mumbai

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven communications professional with over 12 years of experience leading corporate and consumer-facing communication strategies for direct-to-consumer brands across diverse sectors. Recognized for delivering award-winning initiatives, providing strategic counsel to C-suite leaders, and building high-impact campaigns.

Currently leading the corporate and brand communications function for JioHotstar at JioStar, I am responsible for shaping the communication agenda that aligns with the broader strategic goals and values of Jio. My role spans across internal and external communications, media relations, crisis management, executive visibility, brand reputation, and high-impact campaigns & events. I partner with senior leadership to craft compelling, cohesive narratives that resonate with diverse audiences—from consumers and media to internal teams and industry stakeholders—ensuring JioHotstar's positioning as a category leader in India's digital and entertainment landscape.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead, Corporate & Brand Communications

JioHotstar
12.2018 - Current
  • Led Communications for India’s Landmark Merger: Spearheaded strategic messaging for the Star India & Viacom18 merger, supporting the high-profile launch of JioStar and driving cohesive narratives across stakeholders and employees. Directed end-to-end communications for launch of JioHotstar, positioning it as India’s leading streaming platform. Executed a comprehensive PR campaign encompassing media outreach, influencer engagement, and executive visibility to drive widespread awareness and adoption.
  • Developed and executed strategic communication campaigns, partnering with CEO and leadership aligning business imperatives with internal and external messaging.
  • Thought Leadership Positioning: Elevated Positioning of the CEO & Senior Leadership as thought leaders across media, industry forums, and academic platforms.
  • Crafted Executive communications including speeches, media interactions, industry dialogues and internal announcements, ensuring clarity and influence.
  • Shaped brand perception: Crafted compelling brand narratives through effective media planning, organizing impactful press events, and producing high-quality content assets.
  • High-Impact Direct-to-Consumer Campaigns: Conceptualized and executed integrated PR campaigns spotlighting marquee content, live sports, and original programming, driving massive consumer interest and app engagement.
  • Media, Trade & Influencer Relations: Cultivated strong relationships with media outlets, trade analysts, talent, influencers, blogger communities, content creators, key external stakeholders and top tier brands to drive positive brand visibility.
  • Large Scale Events & Activations: Curated high-impact press events and launch activations that resonated with both media and consumers, solidifying brand presence in the competitive media-tech landscape.
  • Crisis Management: Led the communication response during sensitive periods, mitigating risks, safeguarding brand reputation, and maintaining stakeholder confidence.
  • Forged strategic partnerships to drive social impact initiatives enhancing brand goodwill and corporate responsibility.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Worked seamlessly across marketing, legal, content, and sales functions to ensure alignment and a unified brand narrative.
  • Internal Communications: Designed and executed internal campaigns to reinforce company vision, increase employee engagement, and strengthen organizational culture.
  • Cause Led Communications: Spearheaded communication initiatives focused on behavioral change, aligning brand voice with socially relevant issues.
  • Managed PR & communications budgets, ensuring cost effective and high-impact campaigns.
  • Secured industry awards & recognition, reinforcing the brand’s leadership and excellence.
  • Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire high-performing communications teams in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Manager

Weber Shandwick
03.2015 - 11.2018
  • Led communications for a diverse portfolio of prominent clients, including Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices, Abbott India, Adani Group, Mattel India, Burger King, Amazon Prime Music, Quora, Viacom18 (specifically &TV), Cetaphil, and Dr Batra’s.
  • Spearheaded the successful launches of Amazon Prime Video and Quora in India, in addition to leading various business development projects.
  • Led communication strategies, along with campaign planning and execution for brands spanning conglomerates, retail, healthcare, Media Tech and kid’s category.
  • Mentored and trained teams fostering skill development and ensuring high performance.
  • Brand Messaging: Developed and ensured consistent communication that aligns with the brand's values, mission, and vision. This included creating key messaging and talking points for executives and spokespeople.
  • Directed press conferences and media announcements.
  • Institutionalized brand partnerships & Influencer engagement for clients across the board at the agency.
  • Managed National Mandate by supervising, and briefing network teams across India on delivery expectations to enhance client service and drive growth. Designed region specific programs to promote new offerings, establish market leadership and increased brand awareness and salience.
  • Accountable for measuring effectiveness of implemented strategies using key metrics such as media impressions, website traffic and earned value of media.
  • Maintained strong media relations and engagement to support all business initiatives through relevant communication and effective messaging.
  • Led New Business Acquisition Efforts including conducting research, preparing pitch presentations, presenting to prospective clients and client onboarding.

Sr Executive

Perfect Relations
12.2012 - 03.2015
  • Portfolio Of Clients: Shoppers Stop, Godrej Group, Mattel Group, Phoenix Malls and Residencies, Aamby Valley City, Tara Jewellers, Grover Zampa Wines, Life Ok and India Kids Fashion Week.
  • Conceptualization and execution of innovative media engagement initiatives & new media opportunities to significantly enhance brand visibility.
  • Category Defining Story-telling: In-depth analysis of consumer trends, competitor activities, and industry landscapes to create category-defining and engaging brand narratives.
  • Cultivated strong, consistent relationships with media professionals, which ensured a favorable share of voice for the brands.
  • Regional Outreach: Managed regional programmes through various initiatives-including market launches, product showcases, media workshops, and familiarization trips to educate and engage the media effectively.
  • Successful Messaging Framework & proactive press communication resulting positive brand conversations.

Education

Masters in Management Studies -

Mumbai University
06-2013

Skills

  • Executive Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Media & Influencer Counsel & Relations
  • Partnerships & Relationship Management
  • Campaign Strategy, Planning and Execution
  • Large Scale Events & Activations
  • Crafting Narratives that Connect, Engage and drive impact
  • Cost Optimization
  • Team Leadership

Websites

Timeline

Lead, Corporate & Brand Communications

JioHotstar
12.2018 - Current

Manager

Weber Shandwick
03.2015 - 11.2018

Sr Executive

Perfect Relations
12.2012 - 03.2015

Masters in Management Studies -

Mumbai University

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Saraswati Salunke