Akanksha Mehrotra
Winona
Summary
Strategic Communications, Public Relations & Media professional with 14+ years of experience driving executive communications, media strategy, and brand positioning for global organizations. Expertise in AP Style writing, copy editing, and executive thought leadership content. Proven ability to increase executive visibility, strengthen media presence, and deliver measurable engagement growth across internal and external channels.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
Persistent Systems
12.2022 - 07.2025
- Volunteered to facilitate marketing team efforts by crafting informative tech blog posts and thought leadership articles on emerging trends, products, and innovations in the tech industry.
- Conducted thorough research and crafted detailed documents to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to professional and B2B audiences.
- Facilitated documentation of practical technology solutions addressing business challenges, enhancing collaboration with clients and product teams.
- Developed and published press releases highlighting new product partnerships and innovations to enhance brand visibility.
Senior Specialist - Leadership Communication
QuEST Global
Bengaluru, India
02.2019 - 07.2021
- Developed and executed a content strategy focused on trends and thought leadership to enhance CEO LinkedIn engagement by 40–60%.
- Crafted and implemented crisis communication strategies to ensure clear stakeholder messaging during critical organizational events.
- Executed comprehensive authorship and editing of more than 50 executive articles in AP style, maintaining clarity, consistency, and alignment with brand identity.
- Designed detailed crisis communication frameworks during COVID-19, emphasizing clear messaging and robust employee support initiatives.
- Created and executed comprehensive quarterly messaging from CEO to promote engagement and inclusivity within a diverse workforce.
- Produced and polished press releases and corporate announcements, reinforcing a cohesive brand voice across communications.
- Developed and executed social media initiatives for executives to reinforce digital reputation and engage key stakeholders.
- Coordinated efforts of cross-functional teams to elevate project delivery standards and boost operational effectiveness.
- Designed and instituted process improvements aimed at elevating workflow effectiveness by refining communication pathways.
PR and Communications Manager
Texila American University Consortium
Bengaluru, India
07.2018 - 02.2019
- Developed and implemented integrated public relations strategies, leveraging print, digital, and broadcast channels to elevate brand presence.
- Developed and maintained relationships with media outlets to promote sales objectives and ensure consistent brand presence.
- Designed and delivered 20+ targeted media pitches, resulting in favorable press coverage across prominent national platforms.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of marketing and editorial content, ensuring alignment with AP style and precision in messaging.
- Analyzed and refined media buying strategies and budget allocations to drive improved ROI outcomes.
Associate Consultant
Ogilvy Public Relations
Bangalore
04.2013 - 11.2015
- Managed comprehensive PR portfolios for various clients, achieving a significant increase in earned media coverage exceeding 25%.
- Developed and edited press releases, crisis communications, and campaign messaging to effectively convey organizational objectives.
- Cultivated strategic relationships with journalists to enhance media outreach and elevate coverage standards.
- Developed and executed strategies for social media content planning to enhance audience engagement and track performance metrics.
- Crafted targeted messaging strategies to support client growth initiatives and reinforce brand objectives.
News Reporter
Deccan Chronicle Holdings ltd
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
04.2008 - 12.2012
- Authored and published a diverse range of 500+ articles, emphasizing critical topics in civic infrastructure and investigative reporting.
- Maintained rigorous adherence to established editorial standards and AP Style guidelines to ensure quality content.
- Analyzed and validated information through meticulous research and fact-checking processes, consistently adhering to tight deadlines.
- Received national recognition for impactful journalism that elevated public awareness and stimulated policy discussions.
News Reporter
Times Of India Group, Bangalore Mirror
Bengaluru
04.2007 - 04.2008
- Collaborated with metro newsroom team to deliver timely and relevant coverage of local politics, civic issues, crime, and social affairs.
- Captured and reported critical information during public events, government briefings, and breaking news scenes to enhance audience awareness.
- Engaged with officials, eyewitnesses, and community members through interviews to collect valuable insights.
- Conducted thorough research and contributed to reporting processes for the publication of 50+ city news stories.
- Implemented rigorous fact-checking and source verification protocols to enhance credibility and reliability of published content.
- Executed editorial style guidelines and newsroom ethics to uphold journalistic standards in fast-paced environments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Media Studies
Manipal Institute of Communication
04-2007
Skills
- Executive & CEO Communications
- Thought Leadership Development
- Technology Writing
- Media Relations & Press Outreach
- Public Relations Strategy
- Crisis Communications
- AP Style Writing
- Copy Editing & Proofreading
- Corporate Messaging & Brand Positioning
- Internal Communications
- Social Media Strategy & Management
- Content Development & Editorial Planning
- Media Buying & Campaign Execution
Languages
English
Hindi
Honors-Awards
Laadli Media National Award (2012)
Times of India Group Award for Outstanding Journalism (2007)
Performance Excellence Award – QuEST Global (2020)
Timeline
Consultant
Persistent Systems
12.2022 - 07.2025
Senior Specialist - Leadership Communication
QuEST Global
02.2019 - 07.2021
PR and Communications Manager
Texila American University Consortium
07.2018 - 02.2019
Associate Consultant
Ogilvy Public Relations
04.2013 - 11.2015
News Reporter
Deccan Chronicle Holdings ltd
04.2008 - 12.2012
News Reporter
Times Of India Group, Bangalore Mirror
04.2007 - 04.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Media Studies
Manipal Institute of Communication