Astrum and Board Stewardship Launch Board-Level Guide to Corporate Reputation Governance

New handbook reframes corporate reputation as a measurable, board-governed discipline for Independent Directors

Mumbai, December 17, 2025 — Astrum, India’s first research-based strategic communications consulting firm, in partnership with Board Stewardship, has launched Corporate Reputation: Handbook on Effective Management for Boards, authored by Sunil Lulla, Chairman of Astrum. The handbook positions corporate reputation as a measurable, board-governed strategic discipline, equipping Independent Directors and board members with practical frameworks for crisis preparedness, ESG integration, and stakeholder stewardship.

The handbook was launched via a webinar panel featuring Mr. Shailesh Haribhakti (Non-Executive Chairman and Independent Director), Mr. Sunil Lulla (Chairman, Astrum), Mr. Ashwani Singla (Founding Managing Partner, Astrum) and Ms. Mohita Arora (Operating Partner, Quest Partners and Independent Board Member). It addresses a critical gap in board-level reputation & risk oversight despite their direct impact on market value, investor confidence, and organizational resilience. The book is now available for free download at boardstewardship.com.

Drawing on Astrum’s decade-long, pathbreaking work in research-based strategic communications across reputation, risk, regulation, and ESG, the publication provides boards with actionable tools, including:

• Reputation Health Index™ to convert perception into measurable insight
• Crisis Preparedness Playbooks with escalation protocols and board simulations
• ESG governance frameworks aligned with SEBI’s BRSR requirements
• Stakeholder mapping methodologies for dynamic expectation management
• Governance architectures aligning culture, conduct, and narrative

“Independent Directors are expected to spot risks early and protect long-term value,” said Mr. Lulla. He added, “This handbook offers practical steps for boards to stay prepared, act decisively, and govern reputation with the same rigor as financial oversight.”

In an era of hyper-transparency, AI-driven risks, and heightened stakeholder scrutiny, the handbook argues for an insight-driven, anticipatory approach to reputation stewardship, integrating governance, ESG, culture, and crisis readiness into a coherent board mandate.

“As boards move from supervision to stewardship, trust becomes the defining currency,” said Mr.  Haribhakti, Non-Executive Chairman and Independent Director.

The handbook is designed for Board Chairs, Independent Directors, Audit Committee members, CEOs, Chief Communication Officers, Chief Risk Officers, and governance professionals seeking to elevate reputation management from reactive communications to strategic board governance.

Download the handbook now: Corporate Reputation: Handbook On Effective Management For Boards – boardstewardship.com

 

About Astrum

Negotiate the landscape of Reputation, Risk, Regulation & ESG successfully.

Astrum is India’s first research-based strategic communications consulting firm that helps clients successfully negotiate the complex landscape of Reputation, Risk, Regulation & ESG. Our programmes are rooted in the Science of Persuasion, a unique approach that combines data science, social science and neuroscience, help our clients understand and shape public opinion ethically.

Astrum is the next progression of public relations. Founded in 2015 by Ashwani Singla, with the belief that “deep insights are often the fountainhead of breakthrough thinking and data supported decisions have a greater probability of success”, Astrum is a pioneer of this convergence of science and creativity.

A work ethic founded on ownership and accountability to solve our clients’ toughest challenges. Our team of multi-disciplinary professionals apply their collective acumen to help our C Suite sustain their reputation and license to operate. Applying the same principles of insights-led thinking, we advise Political leaders to win the mandate of their voters.

Astrum is consistently ranked among top strategic communications consulting firms in India and counted amongst most respected by leading industry outlets. Our services include Bespoke Market Research, 3i Multi-Disciplinary Strategic Communication Programmes, Policy Advocacy, Crisis Preparedness Planning, Crisis Communications, ESG Consulting and Election Strategy. Our C Suite workshops include Message Development, Media Training, Crisis Preparedness.

We serve clients through our presence in the NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore and reach 60 cities and towns in all major states of India and 100 cities across 30 countries in five continents across the globe through our network of partners and exclusive affiliates.

For more information, please visit our website at www.astrum.in or [email protected].