Arun Thankappan

I am a self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and high-energy team player, with excellent communication skills. A consolidated experience of 24 years across sectors viz. corporate, auto, aviation, manufacturing, defence, healthcare, entertainment and FMCG gives me the unique advantage to help brands successfully navigate business challenges and deliver bottom-line impacting results led by strategic communication programs and counsel. 

I continue to strive for excellence and firmly believe that learning never stops. I spend most of my free time keeping myself up-to-speed on the latest business, technology, and economic developments. This significantly helps my decision-making, which usually is well informed and helps me better align with my clients to address broader ecosystem challenges beyond what we see on the periphery.

Presently working with Adfactors PR, as Senior Account Director, and part of the corporate division for almost 9 years. Since October 2014, I have handled over 20 clients across industries, providing an enriching experience for developing corporate branding and reputation risk management strategies. A quick glance-

• Managing a P&L account of 5 Cr, ensuring growth through new business development and upsell with existing clients, upgrading the team skillsets with constant knowledge sharing sessions, induction of new programs to enhance competencies 

• SPOC at Mahindra Corporate, working closely with the brand team to augment corporate reputation through Mahindra Rise and Good business philosophy. Leverage their experience at Formula E to create a strong narrative for Mahindra electric mobility   

• Transformed the positioning of a 36-year-old organisation as a progressive brand, Morepen Laboratories, from Zero communications to consistent growth stories, building narratives to establish growth potential, industry trends, and organisational vision. 

• Created a niche segment within the healthcare delivery reporting for IVF industry and established Indira IVF as the leader in the segment, working closely with the management and the industry to influence ART bill 

• Positioned Bharat Forge’s Defence business as a leading indigenous player working in line with India’s self-reliance approach.  

Prior joining Adfactors PR was associated with MSL Group as Senior Account Manager, for almost 5 years, during this tenure, set up automotive practice at MSLGROUP and was responsible for all automotive client communications across India region, and supported global clients for India specific needs. A quick glance-

• Identified the brand issue, created a unique proposition for Volkswagen in India, within a span of 4 years established them as a challenger brand, one of the top 3 car player in the executive saloon segment in India

• Supported in the consolidation of ZF Group and establish the brand as one of the largest component player in India  

• Introduction of Hyosung bikes in India, position Garware Motors as a serious player in high-end biking segment, smooth management transition to DSK moto-wheels without impacting the product positioning. Supporting and building an entire network across five states

• Launch of Daimler trucks in India, driving technology conversation in the truck segment to establish the brand differentiator to challenge the existing market leadership  

Post working in the hospitality industry for almost a decade, I decided to reorient my career and started the communications journey with Perfect Relations. Though, it was a short stint of 2 years but laid the bedrock. I was promoted to Senior Image Executive within a year and managed a range of clients across automotive, media & entertainment, and consumer verticals

• National University of Singapore – Social Media in Public Relations 
• ISB, Hyderabad – Stepping into Leadership
• Johnson & Whales University – Management in Cruise Industry
• IHM Chandigarh – Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition
• Meerut University – Bachelor in Arts (English Literature)