Ellerton & Co Public Relations has expanded into India, appointing Sanil Shirsat as its India lead. 

He joins the firm after stints at Weber Shandwick, MSLGroup, Archetype, and most recently Adfactors PR, where he led the Frontier Tech Practice from Mumbai. 

With over 12 years of experience, Shirsat will be responsible for setting up Ellerton & Co’s India presence, driving growth, and delivering high-impact strategies for clients. 

The move marks the launch of the firm’s “Greater Southeast Asia” vision, designed to build a communications corridor between India and Southeast Asia.

Ellerton & Co.’s India entry is a key step in its strategy to create an integrated regional network. The firm already operates in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The consultancy advises clients across sectors such as hospitality, travel, education, energy, sustainability, technology, investment, and high-growth startups. Recent mandates include Ethiopian Airlines, Nebius, BDx Data Centers, City Energy, Taiwan Trade, and MoneyHero Group.

Oliver Ellerton, founder and director, Ellerton & Co, said, "India is one of the world's most dynamic and exciting markets, and establishing a presence here is a critical step in our growth journey. We are thrilled to welcome Sanil to our team. His extensive experience with global brands, deep understanding of the technology sector, and proven ability to craft compelling narratives make him the ideal leader to build our foundation in India and deliver exceptional value to our clients."

Prayaank Gupta, executive director, Ellerton & Co, added, “Our expansion into India is a pivotal moment for Ellerton & Co. It not only strengthens our footprint but also launches our Greater Southeast Asia vision, spanning East Asia, India, the Middle East, and ASEAN. This move follows a strong run of new business wins across key client sectors, including a number of India mandates. The goal is to connect Southeast Asia and India, two regions with strong synergies, offering our clients unparalleled access and expertise across these interconnected markets." 

Shirsat added, “I am incredibly excited to lead Ellerton & Co’s charge into India. The synergy between India and Southeast Asia presents an immense opportunity for brands to forge powerful cross-border connections. In a future-obsessed world, understanding cross-cultural dynamics is critical. I look forward to building a practice that serves as a strategic bridge between these vibrant regions, helping our clients navigate diverse audiences and achieve their most ambitious goals. I am also excited to collaborate with colleagues across other key markets, ensuring our clients benefit from truly integrated regional expertise.”