Asian Communications Network launches the inaugural ACN British Asian Changemakers List

Nominations open for the first list of its kind to celebrate 21 British Asian leaders across Public Relations, Marketing and Media who combine career excellence with real impact

London, 6 October 2026: The Asian Communications Network (ACN) has opened nominations for the inaugural ACN British Asian Changemakers List. The list will recognise 21 British Asian leaders who are shaping a new era of communications in the UK.

The list celebrates professionals who succeed in their careers and also put real effort into helping others succeed, through mentoring, championing inclusion, leading change and building community. Seven leaders will be recognised in each of three categories: Public Relations, Marketing and Media.

British Asians are a significant part of the UK's communications industry, yet their leadership, and the contribution so many make beyond their day jobs, is often under-recognised. The ACN British Asian Changemakers List aims to make that impact visible, give the industry new role models, and recognise the people opening doors for the next generation.

Created in xxx, the Asian Communications Network (ACN) is an organisation dedicated to energising, empowering, and elevating Asian professionals working across the public relations, marketing, and media industries. It focuses on building an inclusive community that fosters professional support, enhances industry visibility, and creates meaningful opportunities for British Asian talent.

A list led by the industry, for the industry

The working group behind the list is led by Operational Co-Chair Nikki Sehgal, General Manager of MEFA (Media for All), and Strategic Co-Chair Emb Hashmi, Founder of Storytelling for CEOs. They are joined by:

• Farzana Baduel, Founder and CEO, Curzon PR: Secretariat, Operations and Partnerships Lead
• Rishini Weeraratne, Head of Strategic Partnerships and External Communications, D3 Collective: Marketing Category Lead
• Aarti Bulsara, Director, Hope&Glory PR: PR Category Lead
• Ashitha Nagesh, Reporter and Writer, BBC News: Media Category Lead
• Dinesh Halai, Head of Design, DRAMB2B: Creative Lead
• Hanisha Ganwani, Senior Group Communications Manager at Global University Systems: Content and Campaign Coordinator
  

An independent judging panel

An independent senior judge for each category will choose the 21 leaders:

• Marketing: Nonita Kalra, Chief Creative Officer (Luxury, Fashion and Lifestyle), Times of India Group, and former Editor-in-Chief of Elle India and Harper's Bazaar India
• Public Relations: Anisa Missaghi, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Pladis Global
• Media: Sima Kotecha, Senior UK Correspondent, BBC News
  

Nikki Sehgal, Operational Co-Chair, said:
"So many British Asian professionals in our industry are doing remarkable work, and many are quietly lifting others up as they go, through mentoring, opening doors and building community. This list is about putting those people in the spotlight. As the first ACN British Asian Changemakers List, it sets a benchmark for the kind of leadership we want to see more of, and it shows the next generation what's possible."

Key dates

• Monday 5 October: Nominations open
• Friday 16 October: Nominations close
• 19 to 23 October: Independent judging
• Week commencing 26 October: Selected leaders informed
• Thursday 19 November: The 21 leaders are revealed at a launch celebration in London, hosted by Lloyds Banking Group [subject to confirmation]. Each judge will present the seven leaders in their category
  

How to nominate

Nominations are open to everyone, and nominees do not need to be ACN members. To nominate, submit the nominee's full name, organisation and job title, their LinkedIn profile, with a short sentence about their contribution, via hello@asiancommsnetwork.com. Nominations close on Friday 16 October 2026.