A highly respected figure in the media and PR fraternity, Shri Rao is widely recognized for his helpful nature and supportive approach toward journalists and corporate communication professionals alike. He began his career with the Indian Express group in Hyderabad, building a strong foundational expertise that would later define his professional journey in the national capital. For over a decade, he masterfully managed PFC’s media relations, press releases, and public affairs, earning a distinguished and special place within the industry.

Shri Rao’s immense contributions have also earned him stellar national recognition. He was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame by the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) and has served as the Chairman of the Public Relations Society (PRSI), Delhi Chapter, where he actively guided and mentored the PR community. As he steps into a new chapter of retirement, the entire PFC family expressed deep gratitude for his lasting legacy, wishing him a future filled with good health, happiness, and fulfillment.

Akshat brings with him close to two decades of experience in strategic communications, reputation management and media relations across the automotive, corporate, FMCG and consumer sectors. Over the years, he has worked with leading brands including Tata Motors, Yamaha, Jaguar Land Rover, Jeep, FIAT, Kinetic Green, Simple Energy, Castrol and Greaves Cotton, among others.

Prior to joining Storytellers 101, Akshat served as Vice President at Weber Shandwick India, where he led key mobility and corporate mandates over an eight-and-a-half-year tenure with the agency. During this period, he played an instrumental role in shaping integrated communication strategies, leadership positioning, product launches, crisis communication and reputation management initiatives for some of India’s most recognised brands. Before Weber Shandwick, he worked with Perfect Relations and Allied Blenders & Distillers, building expertise across corporate communications, crisis management and media engagement.

At Storytellers 101, Akshat will focus on strengthening the agency’s communications capabilities, scaling integrated mandates, mentoring teams and driving growth across emerging and high-impact sectors.

Commenting on the appointment, Leon De Souza, Founder & CEO, Storytellers 101 Communications, said, “Storytellers 101 has grown steadily over the past 12 years, and bringing Akshat on board is an important step in strengthening our senior leadership team. His experience will further add depth to the agency as we continue to grow. We are excited to have him with us, and this is also part of a larger plan to bring in more senior industry talent in the near future. “

Devendra Singh, COO, Storytellers 101 Communications, added, “Akshat has built strong knowledge of the communications ecosystem across sectors over the years, and we are happy to have him on board. As we look at expanding into new verticals, his experience will be key in further strengthening our communications capabilities and ensuring we continue to build on the strong foundation we have created.”

Speaking on his new role, Akshat Jain, Managing Director, Storytellers 101 Communications, said, “What excited me most about Storytellers 101 is its entrepreneurial energy, creative mindset and strong focus on impactful storytelling. The communications landscape today demands authenticity, agility and culturally relevant narratives, and that is something the agency strongly believes in. I look forward to working closely with Leon and the team to build meaningful communication strategies, nurture talent and create impactful stories that drive both brand reputation and business growth.”

With this appointment, Storytellers 101 aims to further strengthen its presence across sectors while continuing to tell stories that create impact through its work.