A decade of building trust, strategic counsel and impact and a new leadership structure for the next chapter.
First Partners marks its 10th anniversary with a leadership transition that builds on the foundation established by its three co-founders and sets the firm up for its next phase of growth.
As part of the transition, Atul Ahluwalia will assume the role of Non-Executive Chairman, while Dilip Yadav will take on the role of Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer and Santanu Gogoi will serve as Managing Director.
Founded in 2016 by Atul Ahluwalia, Dilip Yadav and Santanu Gogoi, First Partners was built around a consulting-led approach to communications combining strategic counsel, high-impact campaigns and a focus on measurable business outcomes.
Over the past decade, the firm has grown its capabilities across corporate communications, public affairs, advocacy and policy communication, crisis and reputation management, stakeholder engagement, content-led communication and leadership advisory. Today, First Partners works with leading Indian and global organisations across sectors.
A Decade of Building First Partners
The past ten years have been a journey of building a firm grounded in trust, strategic thinking and meaningful client partnerships.
First Partners has continued to evolve alongside the communications landscape, helping organisations navigate increasingly complex business, policy and stakeholder environments. Its consulting-led model has remained central to this evolution, with the firm bringing together strategic counsel, communications and advocacy to address high-stakes challenges.
The firm’s growth has also been strengthened through its affiliation with SEC Newgate Group, the global strategic communications and advocacy network. As its exclusive India affiliate, First Partners is able to draw on SEC Newgate’s international footprint and capabilities across corporate affairs, reputation management, advocacy and geopolitical communications.
The firm’s work has also received international recognition. In 2025, PRovoke Media named First Partners India Agency of the Year, alongside Edelman India, while the firm was also recognised among The 100 Best PR Agencies in the World and The 100 Best Corporate PR Agencies in the World.
A Leadership Transition for the Next Chapter
The new leadership structure represents an evolution of First Partners’ founding vision, with its three co-founders continuing to play key roles in shaping the firm’s future.
Atul Ahluwalia, Non-Executive Chairman, will continue to provide strategic leadership and counsel as the firm enters its next decade.
“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 Yadav, Vice Chairman & CEO, will lead the firm’s next phase of growth, with a focus on scaling its consulting model and deepening its capabilities across corporate reputation, advocacy, public policy communication and strategic counsel.
“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.”
As Managing Director, Santanu Gogoi will focus on strengthening the organisation for sustainable growth, with priorities spanning talent, client partnerships, operational capabilities and organisational culture.
“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.”
Looking Ahead
The leadership transition comes at an important point in First Partners’ journey.
The next decade will build on the firm’s established strengths while expanding its ability to help organisations navigate complexity, manage reputation, engage stakeholders and communicate with greater clarity and impact.
With a continued focus on strategic counsel, corporate reputation, public affairs, advocacy, research, content, digital and integrated communications, First Partners enters its next chapter with the same ambition that shaped its first ten years — to make communications a meaningful driver of business and institutional impact.
Ten years built on trust. The next chapter begins.
