Rakesh Thukral Named Edelman’s New Asia Pacific CEO as Warren Fernandez Transitions

Edelman has appointed Rakesh Thukral as its new CEO for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region following Warren Fernandez’s decision to step down to pursue a new opportunity. Fernandez will remain with Edelman until year-end to facilitate a smooth transition.

Thukral, currently Edelman’s APAC Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of India, brings a long-standing tenure with the firm. His leadership has been instrumental in driving growth through client focus, talent development, and the diversification of Edelman’s specialties and services across its portfolio.

Ed Williams, Edelman’s President for International, expressed gratitude for Fernandez’s contributions, noting his regional and global leadership and his work in expanding Edelman’s APAC capabilities. Williams emphasized that Fernandez’s experience in the news and media sectors has been valuable for clients and wished him well in his next role.

Williams also highlighted the APAC region’s significance for Edelman and its clients, stressing that Thukral’s expertise in guiding global companies entering the Indian market—and supporting Indian businesses in their international expansion—would serve the firm well across the region. He added that Thukral’s understanding of APAC’s complex business, political, and societal landscapes would position Edelman for continued success.

Thukral will report to Williams, and his appointment is effective immediately.

Reflecting on his departure, Fernandez expressed gratitude for his time at Edelman and acknowledged the opportunity to work with talented colleagues. He shared that his new role would align closely with his longstanding interests in public policy and allow him to engage with significant political and geopolitical issues.

Thukral, commenting on his new role, noted that under Fernandez and Williams’ leadership, Edelman has built a strong, integrated reputation in Asia. He highlighted the firm’s achievements, including multiple recognitions at Cannes for Creative Effectiveness and PRovoke’s Global SABRE Awards for consecutive “#1 campaign in the World” titles. Thukral expressed eagerness to build on this momentum, collaborating with teams and clients to provide impactful solutions that drive growth amid complex global challenges.

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