New Delhi: Corporate communications and public affairs consultancy First Partners has announced a leadership transition as it completes a decade of operations, with co-founder Atul Ahluwalia taking over as Non-Executive Chairman, Dilip Yadav being appointed Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, and Santanu Gogoi assuming the role of Managing Director.
Founded in 2016 by former Weber Shandwick executives Atul Ahluwalia, Dilip Yadav and Santanu Gogoi, First Partners has built its business around strategic communications, public affairs, advocacy, crisis and reputation management, stakeholder engagement and leadership advisory. The firm today works with a roster of Indian and multinational clients across sectors, including Rolls-Royce, Coca-Cola, Hyundai Motor India, McDonald’s North & East, Bain & Company, Education New Zealand, ITC Ltd, HDFC Bank, Vedanta Iron & Steel, Max Healthcare and ITC Hotels.
The leadership changes come as the consultancy enters its next phase of growth following its affiliation with Milan-headquartered SEC Newgate Group in 2024 as the group’s exclusive India partner. The partnership provides First Partners access to SEC Newgate’s global network spanning five continents, strengthening its capabilities in corporate affairs, advocacy and geopolitical communications.
The firm has also earned international recognition in recent years. In 2025, PRovoke Media named First Partners India Agency of the Year, jointly with Edelman India, and included it among both The 100 Best PR Agencies in the World and The 100 Best Corporate PR Agencies in the World.
Commenting on the milestone and leadership transition, Atul Ahluwalia, Non-Executive Chairman, First Partners, said, “First Partners was built on a simple but powerful belief — that communications must go beyond visibility and create real business impact. As the firm completes 10 years, this is the right moment to institutionalise the next phase of leadership. Dilip and Santanu have been central to the firm’s journey from day one, and I am confident that under their leadership First Partners will continue to strengthen its position as a premier communications consulting firm in India.”
Dilip Yadav, Vice Chairman & CEO, First Partners, said, “The first decade of First Partners has been about building credibility, trust and a differentiated consulting model. The next decade will be about scaling that model with sharper focus, deeper specialisation and stronger impact for clients. We will continue to build on our strengths in corporate reputation, advocacy, public policy communication and high-stakes strategic counsel, while investing in content, research, digital and integrated communication capabilities.”
Santanu Gogoi, Managing Director, First Partners, said, “Our next phase is focused on building a stronger, more resilient First Partners. My focus will be on driving sustainable growth, nurturing exceptional talent, deepening client partnerships, strengthening operational capabilities, and fostering a culture of ownership and collaboration that enables long-term success.”
Ahluwalia brings more than three decades of consulting experience and previously served as Vice Chairman of Weber Shandwick India. He has played a key role in the evolution of India’s public relations industry through his association with the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) and has received industry honours, including induction into the Comms News Hall of Fame and the IPRCCA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.
Yadav has nearly three decades of experience spanning media, marketing, corporate communications and consulting. Before co-founding First Partners, he held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick India, advising business leaders on corporate reputation, public affairs, crisis communication and advocacy.
Gogoi brings over 25 years of experience in public relations and corporate communications, having previously served as Vice-President, Corporate Practice, at Weber Shandwick India. Alongside leading reputation and crisis communication mandates, he has also contributed to industry initiatives through leadership roles at PRCAI.
