NS Rajan, Ketchum Sampark global partner and managing director is retiring from the company along with co-founder Bela Rajan by mid-September. 

When contacted by PRmoment India Rajan declined to comment on the development. 

However, it is understood that he will be focusing his attention on his family, health and social sector.

Initial news from sources said that Ketchum International president and partner, Esty Pujadas, will oversee India with a committee for now. 

Esty Pujadas, partner and president, International, Ketchum further clarified the leadership model in a statement to PRmoment India saying, “As Rajan and Bela transition to retirement, Ketchum Sampark and FleishmanHillard are establishing a collaborative services model in India that leverages the agencies’ individual strengths to provide clients with broader access to talent and expertise in India’s fast-changing environment."

The statement further outlined that, "While the two agencies will continue to distinctly operate under their individual brands and will continue to service their clients and the marketplace through their respective core services, FleishmanHillard and Ketchum Sampark have created a combined India management committee comprised of seasoned leaders from both brands who will work together in concert to design the next chapter of growth ahead."

Pujadas also said, "We thank Rajan and Bela for their steadfast leadership and for building a strong and winning team at Ketchum Sampark. We look forward to celebrating their many accomplishments in the coming weeks and congratulating them on their well-earned retirement.”

A financial services specialist, Sampark sold 51% of its stake to Omnicom's Ketchum in April, 2011. Sampark was set up on August 1, 1994 in an office space lent by a client and has been one of the leading PR firms in the country.

Developing story. Will update as we receive fresh information.