New Delhi, July 15, 2026: First Partners, one of India’s leading corporate communications and public affairs consulting firms, today announced key leadership updates as it marks 10 years since its inception in 2016.
As part of the transition, Atul Ahluwalia will move into the role of Non-Executive Chairman, while Dilip Yadav has been named Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Santanu Gogoi has been named Managing Director of the firm.
First Partners was founded by former Weber Shandwick leadership team Atul Ahluwalia, Dilip Yadav and Santanu Gogoi, with the objective of building a consulting-led communications firm focused on strategic counsel, high-impact campaigns and measurable business outcomes. Over the past decade, the firm has built a strong reputation for corporate PR, public affairs, advocacy and policy communication, crisis and reputation management, stakeholder engagement, content-led communication and leadership advisory.
First Partners works with a portfolio of leading global and Indian brands across sectors, including Rolls-Royce, Coca-Cola, Hyundai Motor India, McDonald’s North & East, Bain & Company, Education New Zealand, ITC Ltd, HDFC Bank, Vedanta Iron & Steel, Max Healthcare, ITC Hotels among others.
Two years ago, First Partners joined SEC Newgate Group, the Milan-headquartered global strategic communications and advocacy group, as its exclusive affiliate in India. The affiliation allows First Partners to partner with a very dynamic pioneer in strategic advice on corporate affairs and have access to its a global footprint across 5 continents with deep capabilities. SEC Newgate is the corporate affairs partner that combines proprietary research, AI-powered technology, and a local-to-global operating model to support organizations navigating complexity. Its global platform strengthens First Partners’ ability to support Indian and international clients on complex reputation, advocacy and geopolitical communication mandates.
In 2025, First Partners was named by PRovoke Media as the India Agency of the Year 2025 alongside Edelman India. The firm was also included by PRovoke Media among The 100 Best PR Agencies in the World and The 100 Best Corporate PR Agencies in the World, reinforcing its position as one of India’s most respected independent communications consultancies.
Commenting on the milestone and leadership transition, Atul Ahluwalia, Non-Executive Chairman, First Partners, said: “First Partners was built on a simple but powerful belief — that communications must go beyond visibility and create real business impact. As the firm completes 10 years, this is the right moment to institutionalise the next phase of leadership. Dilip and Santanu have been central to the firm’s journey from day one, and I am confident that under their leadership First Partners will continue to strengthen its position as a premier communications consulting firm in India.”
Dilip Yadav, Vice Chairman & CEO, First Partners, said: “The first decade of First Partners has been about building credibility, trust and a differentiated consulting model. The next decade will be about scaling that model with sharper focus, deeper specialisation and stronger impact for clients. We will continue to build on our strengths in corporate reputation, advocacy, public policy communication and high-stakes strategic counsel, while investing in content, research, digital and integrated communication capabilities.”
Santanu Gogoi, Managing Director, First Partners, said: “Our next phase is focused on building a stronger, more resilient First Partners. My focus will be on driving sustainable growth, nurturing exceptional talent, deepening client partnerships, strengthening operational capabilities, and fostering a culture of ownership and collaboration that enables long-term success.”
Atul Ahluwalia brings more than three and a half decades of consulting experience and has led several award-winning campaigns recognised on Indian and global platforms. Prior to co-founding First Partners, he spent over two decades at Weber Shandwick and was Vice-Chairman of its India operations. He has also been closely associated with the development of the Indian PR industry, including as a founding member of the Public Relations Consultants Association of India and Chairman of its Constitutional and Advisory Committee. Atul has been inducted into the Comms News Hall of Fame and was bestowed the IPRCCA Lifetime Achievement Award by exchange4media in 2023. Earlier, he was named PR Professional of the Year — Agency by IPRCCA in 2011.
Dilip Yadav has three decades of experience across media, marketing, corporate communications and consulting. Before co-founding First Partners, he spent two decades at Weber Shandwick, where he held senior leadership roles including Managing Director, Client Services India, and Managing Director for Creation, India, which was later rechristened Current Global. He has advised business leaders of large organisations, built award-winning public opinion campaigns and coached senior executives on media and crisis management. His areas of expertise include corporate reputation, public affairs, issue management, leadership communication, advocacy and business-linked communication strategy.
Santanu Gogoi brings two and a half decades of experience in public relations and corporate communications. Before co-founding First Partners, he spent over 12 years at Weber Shandwick India, where he was Vice-President, Corporate Practice. He has led corporate reputation programmes, crisis communication mandates and public discourse campaigns for leading Indian and multinational organisations. Santanu currently serves as Associate Vice President of PRCAI and has earlier served as National Chair, Learning and Thought Leadership, contributing to industry initiatives focused on professionalisation, talent development and thought leadership within India’s public relations sector.
