NEW DELHI—Genesis Burson-Marsteller (GBM) has expanded Nikhil Dey's leadership role, one of several appointments at the Indian PR firm.

Dey's position as president now covers PR and public affairs, which will see him continue to oversee the firm’s client growth strategy and  its recently-launched centres of expertise, along with also mentoring its public affairs business. He continues to report to Prema Sagar, Burson-Marsteller Asia-Pacific vice-chair, and principal/founder of GBM.

In addition, 12-year GBM veteran Atul Sharma is promoted to chief operating officer and Sanjay Arora takes on the India corporate and financial practice chair role from Vandana Sandhir, who is moving to a new leadership role in the WPP network after ten years with GBM.

Former journalist Ajit Sahi, who joined the firm last year as director of thought leadership becomes public affairs director. And there are two new leaders for technology: B2C is led by managing partner Piyal Banerjee, who will retain her role as Western region corporate and financial co-leader, and also takes on the newly-created position as business leader of startup-focused offering Step Up.

B2B tech, meanwhile, will be led by Shivaram Lakshminarayan, who has been with the firm in Bengaluru for over a decade and has served as the technology lead in the southern markets.

“Atul has been a trusted advisor to our clients across sectors and his proven expertise is a great asset for us, both as a chief operating officer as well a key member of the India management team," said Dey. "Sanjay, Shivaram and Piyal have consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills and clear vision for their clients and team. In their new roles, they will continue their contribution to the firm."