Rakesh Thukral serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific at Edelman. He brings over 30 years of expertise in public relations, public affairs, and strategic communications. Rakesh has an experience in CEO advisory, media relations, policy advocacy, development communications, and communications training.
Rakesh is passionate about public affairs and societal issues. He has led communication strategies for critical initiatives in climate change, environmental sustainability, and public engagement. In 2015, he directed India’s outreach at the COP21 UN climate conference in Paris, guiding communications for government-owned entities. He has also advised many energy sector clients in India on large-scale public outreach programs.
Throughout his career, Rakesh has provided strategic counsel to corporations, NGOs, governments, and international organizations. His areas of expertise include policy advocacy, issues management, legislative affairs, and government relations. Known for his analytical skills, he excels at responding to complex challenges with well-informed solutions.
At Edelman India, Rakesh founded the public affairs and advocacy practice. He developed it into a top advisory force, integrating expertise in policy, industry affairs, and communications. This practice now creates effective strategies for clients across private, public, and development sectors.
A committed supporter of social causes, Rakesh is on the Governing Board of Action for Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI), a nonprofit dedicated to the inclusion of people with disabilities. He previously served on the Governing Board of Sarthak; an NGO focused on mental health awareness.
Earlier, Rakesh spent over a decade with IPAN, India’s first public relations and public affairs firm. There, he specialized in business development, knowledge management, and media relations. He also launched the Indian franchise of Business Wire, a global corporate newswire.