Mumbai: Deloitte South Asia has elevated Rohit Varier, its Corporate and Marketing Communications Leader, to the position of Executive Director, marking a significant milestone in his communications career and a Partner-level leadership appointment within one of the world’s leading professional services firms.
Varier announced the elevation through a LinkedIn post, reflecting on his journey in communications and the opportunities the profession has provided over the years.
A communications veteran with more than two decades of experience, Varier has been associated with Deloitte for the past eight years, leading corporate and marketing communications across South Asia. During his tenure, he has played a key role in strengthening the firm’s brand positioning, reputation management and stakeholder engagement initiatives in a rapidly evolving business environment.
Prior to joining Deloitte, Varier spent over a decade in the public relations industry, advising clients across sectors including technology, automotive, FMCG, aviation, financial services, infrastructure, energy and professional services. His experience spans brand and marketing communications, media relations, digital strategy, leadership positioning, product launches, as well as issues and crisis management.
Commenting on the appointment, Romal Shetty, Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte South Asia, welcomed Varier to the firm’s senior leadership ranks. Responding to his LinkedIn announcement, Shetty said, “Hearty congratulations Rohit on a tremendous achievement. Welcome to the leadership.”
The elevation comes at a time when Deloitte is accelerating its growth ambitions in India and expanding its presence across industries. As businesses navigate an increasingly complex and fast-changing operating landscape, strategic communications has emerged as a critical function in shaping reputation, building trust and driving business outcomes.
In his new role as Executive Director, Varier is expected to focus on aligning business priorities, marketing initiatives and communications strategies into cohesive narratives that support the firm’s growth agenda while engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
Reflecting on his professional journey, Varier wrote on LinkedIn, “PR and Communications gave me a front-row seat to business, leadership, reputation building, public affairs, media, and countless stories. It opened doors I never knew existed and introduced me to some of the most remarkable people I have met. For that, my first thank you goes to the profession itself.”
He also acknowledged Deloitte’s role in shaping his career trajectory, adding, “As a Mass Media graduate, I could never have imagined building a career at the #1 professional services firm in the world. Deloitte gave me the space to build, experiment, challenge conventions, and contribute beyond the boundaries of a traditional communications role.”
Industry observers view the appointment as recognition of the growing importance of communications leadership in supporting business transformation, reputation management and stakeholder trust. As organisations face increasing scrutiny from regulators, investors, employees and the public, communications functions are becoming more closely integrated with business strategy and leadership decision-making.
Varier’s elevation further underscores the expanding influence of strategic communications within corporate leadership structures and highlights the role of communications professionals in driving long-term business growth and reputation management.
