Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Hobbies and Interests
Training
Personal Information
Timeline
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Simran Kodesia

Simran Kodesia

San Francisco,United States

Summary

Results-driven Global Communications & PR Leader with over 15 years of experience enhancing brand visibility and reputation across North America, Canada, APAC, and India. Skilled in devising and implementing strategic communication campaigns to achieve organizational goals. Proficient in fostering key relationships to drive business growth and improve brand perception. Experienced in managing brand partnerships, overseeing international teams and agencies, and developing unique brand differentiators for success. My strong leadership skills enable me to inspire and guide teams effectively. I have a deep passion for storytelling, brand building, and mentoring young talent. My creativity and successful execution of projects underscore my ability to deliver impactful results.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Director Global Communications & PR

DoorDash Inc
08.2021 - Current
  • Building & Leading teams across North America & APAC
  • Leading communications launch plans from start to finish across global markets, as the goto International comms leader and liaison for global team members and PR agencies
  • Leading Global influencer campaigns with Global icons like Priyanka Chopra, Catherine Reitman (Working Mom's) and Superbowl Campaigns
  • Leading Consumer PR, Influencer & Social first campaigns tailored to culturally align with local markets
  • Build strong strategic brand partnerships which help build trust by association and strengthen brand halo
  • Direct local market media strategy and launches for DoorDash's suite of products, innovations and new products that help serve our consumers, merchants, Dashers and the (Social Impact)communities in which we operate
  • Build Global reputation with a special focus on DEI initiatives and campaigns
  • Work across cross-functional partners across Marketing, Social & brand to create and lead social first campaigns
  • Developing crisis communications playbooks to support local markets


PR & Comms Lead, India & APAC

Airbnb
06.2016 - 08.2021
  • Hiring & Leading teams across India & APAC

( Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Korea & ANZ)

  • Led Global consumer + Influencer communications campaigns that keep Airbnb top of mind, stimulate word-of-mouth, and drive positive sentiment for the brand
  • Acted as a connective tissue between the Global Consumer & Entertainment team and regional teams for all international consumer campaigns, including Icons, Celebrity Hosting, and Local Consumer Campaigns
  • Partnered closely with Channel Communications, including social, influencer, and creative leads, to ensure the international team is adequately resourced to execute their roadmaps
  • Served as a founding member of Airbnb's India launch team, driving expansion across emerging APAC markets
  • Managed multiple visits by Founder & E staff to APAC, securing front-page news in leading national dailies, Brian Chesky-CEO & Co Founder, Airbnb, Nate Blecharczyk CTO & Co- Founder, Airbnb & Chris Lehane, Head of Global Public Policy & Communications, Airbnb
  • Managed new product launches for Airbnb across APAC.

Associate Director- Entertainment PR

Hill & Knowlton (WPP)
04.2010 - 07.2016
  • Served as the Entertainment PR Lead for Sony Network in India, crafting and executing dynamic public relations strategies that elevated brand visibility and reputation
  • Positioned Sony Network as a premier entertainment destination by successfully promoting its diverse range of shows, films, and events
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with key media outlets, influencers, and industry stakeholders to ensure prominent coverage and audience engagement
  • Conceptualized and implemented high-impact PR campaigns that generated buzz, resonated with target audiences, and drove viewership and brand loyalty
  • Managed crisis communications and media inquiries, skillfully navigating challenges to protect and enhance the brand's image
  • Leveraged digital and social media platforms to amplify PR efforts and connect with audiences in real-time, showcasing Sony Network's commitment to innovation and entertainment excellence
  • Continuously adapted PR strategies based on audience preferences and market trends, ensuring the brand remained relevant and appealing
  • Contributed significantly to establishing Sony Network as a trusted name in the Indian entertainment industry, creating memorable experiences that captivated viewers and built long-term relationships with fans.

Manager- Brand & Communications

ixigo.com
04.2013 - 02.2015
  • I was hired as the Brand Marketing Manager, shaping ixigo's brand identity and enhancing its market presence in the travel industry
  • Developed and executed innovative marketing strategies that positioned ixigo as a leading travel companion for millions of users across India
  • Spearheaded impactful brand initiatives that increased brand awareness and fostered deep connections with target audiences
  • Utilized data-driven insights to refine marketing strategies, ensuring campaigns resonated with diverse consumer segments
  • Managed cross-functional teams and collaborated with external agencies for seamless execution of integrated marketing communications
  • Blended traditional and digital marketing channels to heighten visibility for the ixigo brand, significantly contributing to user acquisition and retention
  • Adapted marketing tactics to emerging trends in the dynamic travel landscape, solidifying ixigo's reputation as an innovative, customer-centric brand.

Associate Director Marketing & PR

The Claridges
02.2015 - 06.2016
  • Spearheaded the development and execution of comprehensive marketing strategies, positioning The Claridges as a leading luxury hotel in New Delhi
  • Led PR initiatives that garnered international recognition, elevating the hotel's brand image on a global scale
  • Managed high-profile events and fostered relationships with global media outlets, luxury brands, influencers, and dignitaries
  • Drove brand loyalty and guest engagement by creating memorable guest experiences and positioning the hotel as a cultural landmark in India
  • Developed and executed emotion-driven marketing campaigns that enhanced brand presence and guest satisfaction
  • Built strategic partnerships to drive revenue growth and enhance the hotel's reputation among elite social and business circles
  • Innovated traditional marketing approaches, ensuring alignment with the luxury standards of The Claridges.

Youth Marketing Manager

PETA
10.2008
  • In my role as the Marketing Manager at PETA, I had the incredible opportunity to advance the organization's mission of promoting animal rights and welfare through innovative marketing strategies
  • I led creative marketing initiatives that not only raised awareness about important animal rights issues but also inspired community engagement and activism
  • I managed our digital marketing and social media efforts, which helped amplify PETA's online presence and build a strong, supportive community
  • By forging partnerships with influencers, celebrities, and like-minded organizations, I was able to expand PETA's reach and influence in the conversation around animal rights
  • I'm proud to say that my contributions led to significant increases in donations, volunteer participation, and overall brand loyalty, helping further PETA's mission to create a more humane world for animals.

Education

PG Certificate in Public Affairs, Government Relations & Advocacy -

International School of Communication
08.2019

Masters Diploma in Advertising, Marketing & PR - undefined

MICA
07.2009

Bachelors in Mass Media & Communication - undefined

IP College for Women, Delhi University
04.2007

Skills

  • Executive Communications- C Suite/ CEO's
  • Team Building -Hiring & Managing Global Teams
  • Leading Global Campaigns with local playbooks
  • Brand Story Telling
  • Crisis Communications
  • Public Affairs Policy Campaigns
  • Celebrity & Influencer Campaigns

Accomplishments

  • PR Aces Award (2021): Named among the top 50 communication professionals in APAC.
  • Top 50 Women Achievers in Communications (2021): Recognized for leadership in corporate communications.
  • 40 Under 40, Exchange4Media (2020): Honored as a top talent in PR & communication in India.
  • Adgully Women Disruptors Award (2020): Awarded as a top 50 disruptor in marketing and communications for creativity and impact.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Travelling
  • Reading
  • Trying New Recipes
  • Hiking
  • Journaling

Training

School of Life Conference - EQ for Effective Leadership

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 01/21
  • Nationality: Indian

Timeline

Director Global Communications & PR

DoorDash Inc
08.2021 - Current

PR & Comms Lead, India & APAC

Airbnb
06.2016 - 08.2021

Associate Director Marketing & PR

The Claridges
02.2015 - 06.2016

Manager- Brand & Communications

ixigo.com
04.2013 - 02.2015

Associate Director- Entertainment PR

Hill & Knowlton (WPP)
04.2010 - 07.2016

Youth Marketing Manager

PETA
10.2008

Masters Diploma in Advertising, Marketing & PR - undefined

MICA

Bachelors in Mass Media & Communication - undefined

IP College for Women, Delhi University

PG Certificate in Public Affairs, Government Relations & Advocacy -

International School of Communication
Simran Kodesia