Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work that I am proud of
Timeline
Generic
Simran Kodesia

Simran Kodesia

San Francisco,United States

Summary

Global communications leader with 16+ years of experience driving brand, consumer, and product communications across North America, APAC, and India. Proven track record in launching and scaling global products, leading high-impact campaigns, and crafting compelling narratives that build cultural relevance and drive business growth. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and forging strategic partnerships with influencers and marquee brands to elevate visibility and engagement. Brings a deep understanding of diverse audiences and a visionary approach to integrated communications

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Director Global Communications & PR

DoorDash Inc
San Francisco, United States
08.2021 - Current
  • Serve as the strategic bridge between U.S. HQ and global teams, leading communications across 30+ countries with a focus on brand storytelling and product visibility.
  • Collaborate closely with Product, Marketing, and Social teams to launch and scale high-impact global products and consumer campaigns.
  • Drive brand awareness and engagement across key markets including the U.S., Canada, EMEA, and APAC.
  • Leading strategic, multi-category consumer and brand campaigns that highlights DoorDash's value proposition across groceries and retail.
  • Key regional launches include marquee partnerships with Starbucks, Walmart, Amazon Prime, and Woolies, with communications designed to drive local market penetration and support deeper partner engagements.
  • Led strategic communications for major product rollouts including DashPass Membership Programs, DashPass for Students, and the DoorDash x Chase credit card launch.
  • Drove awareness for key global partnerships such as Afterpay in Australia and DoorDash’s first-ever drone delivery pilots in Texas and Brisbane, elevating product visibility and innovation narrative across markets.
  • Successfully executing influencer-led campaigns to drive earned media across major tentpole moments.
  • Launching Annual Economic Impact Report to highlight economic empowerment of local businesses, Consumer trend reports on most ordered Dishes (DeepDish Report) and showcase 'Most Loved Merchants' on the platform.
  • Built profiles for DoorDash's C-suite, including CEO Tony Xu and CTO Andy Fang, through media opportunities at global conferences and founder visits.

PR & Comms Lead, India & APAC

Airbnb
New Delhi/Singapore
06.2016 - 08.2021
  • Partnered closely with U.S. HQ and APAC regional teams to lead market strategy and launch new product offerings—Airbnb Experiences, Homes, Luxury Homes, and Categories—in India & South Asia.
  • Pioneered Airbnb’s entry into the region by crafting a 'good for all' narrative that built trust and cultural relevance among hosts, guests, and communities.
  • Drove brand awareness and consideration through buzz-worthy earned-media campaigns, strategic partnerships, and high-profile speaking opportunities for both regional and global leadership.
  • Served as Regional Lead for Diversity & Inclusion, championing inclusive storytelling and policy internally and with external business stakeholders.
  • Spearheaded Airbnb's global comms campaign 'Only On Airbnb', to get iconic properties on Airbnb leading to disproportionate earned media in mainstream media.

Associate Director- Entertainment PR

Hill & Knowlton (WPP)
Mumbai, India
04.2010 - 07.2016
  • Led marketing, brand partnerships, and communications for major events and shows, including tentpole properties such as Indian Premier League.
  • Managed corporate reputation for C-level executives, including Mr. NP Singh (CEO, Sony Entertainment Network).
  • Launched Sony Six, Sony's flagship sports channel, and developed a comprehensive communications strategy to promote the channel's brand and programming.

Associate Director Marketing & PR

The Claridges Hotel
New Delhi, India
02.2015 - 06.2016
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships with influential food bloggers and social media personalities to promote new menus across flagship restaurants.
  • Orchestrated high-profile events, including fashion galas, art gallery launches, and cultural festivals, attracting over 1,000 guests and media representatives.
  • Designed and implemented guest engagement strategies that improved customer satisfaction ratings by 25%.
  • Launched loyalty programs that rewarded repeat guests, resulting in a 20% increase in returning customers.

Manager- Brand & Communications

ixigo.com
New Delhi, India
04.2013 - 02.2015
  • Responsible for 360 marketing campaign: integrating TV, radio, digital, OOH, and PR channels to maximize brand visibility.
  • Identified key PR opportunities for CEO & Co-Founder, managing press interviews, broadcast opportunities, and speaking engagements.
  • Curated partnerships with local travel and lifestyle influencers, leveraging social marketing and content partnerships to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.

Youth Marketing Manager

PETA
Mumbai, India
10.2008 - 10.2008
  • Created programs for youth advocacy in animal rights, boosting campaign participation and organized events to secure funding.
  • Partnered with celebrities to enhance visibility of animal rights advocacy.
  • Led social media strategies, strengthening PETA's online community and presence.

Education

EQ for Effective Leadership -

The School of Life Conference
08.2019

PG Certificate - Public Affairs, Government Relations & Advocacy

International School of Communication
London, UK
07.2009

Masters Diploma - Advertising, Marketing & PR

MICA
Ahmedabad, India

Skills

  • Strategic communications
  • Crisis management
  • Media relations
  • Influencer partnerships
  • Team leadership
  • Product Communications

Work that I am proud of

  • Catherine Reitman Partner x On-Demand Grocery Delivery Across Canada
  • Tesher x DoorDash - Holiday Activation
  • King of Jaipur on Airbnb Sharukh Khan on Airbnb
  • Only on Airbnb - Antarctic Sabbatical
  • Airbnb and SEWA: Empowerment through partnership
  • Founder visit : Brian Chesky in India
  • Biggest Sporting Event in India - IPL
  • Amazon Prime x DoorDash
  • Guest Author - The Pursuit of Reputation
  • Influencing Insider - Australia Podcast

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 Hotel
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 - 10.2008

EQ for Effective Leadership -

The School of Life Conference

PG Certificate - Public Affairs, Government Relations & Advocacy

International School of Communication

Masters Diploma - Advertising, Marketing & PR

MICA

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Simran Kodesia