Veteran strategist with three decades of experience across the Government, industry bodies and corporate India will deepen Astrum’s policy advocacy and regulatory affairs capabilities
Gurugram, June 18, 2026: Astrum, India’s first research-based strategic communications consulting firm, today announced the appointment of Harsh Shrivastava as Senior Advisor. Harsh’s appointment is part of Astrum’s continued investment in building specialised advisory capabilities to serve Indian and global clients operating in fast changing, high-stakes environments.
Joining a distinguished roster of Senior Advisors, Harsh will counsel Astrum’s clients on matters at the intersection of regulation, and reputation related stakeholder engagement, working alongside the firm’s leadership to expand its leadership bench in executive content, policy advocacy and government relations.
An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, Harsh brings more than three decades of distinguished experience spanning government, industry, media and civil society. He served in the Planning Commission and in the Prime Minister Office. He has subsequently been the CEO of the Public Affairs Forum of India and the Microfinance Institutions Network, an SRO under the Reserve Bank of India. He has represented the sector before regulators, government, investors, media, customers. His corporate career includes senior roles at the Confederation of Indian Industry, and Feedback Ventures, and other large companies, where he led mandates spanning policy advocacy, corporate affairs, and business development.
Commenting on the appointment, Ashwani Singla, Founding Managing Partner, Astrum, said, “Harsh’s unique vantage point having shaped communication at the very centre of government, led national industry bodies and operated at senior levels in corporate India gives our clients an extraordinary advantage in navigating today’s interconnected world of policy, regulation and reputation.” “What drew me to Astrum is its distinctive belief that great counsel begins with rigorous research. In a country where policy, regulation and public perception are increasingly intertwined, that discipline is more relevant than ever, “ says, Harsh Shrivastava, “I look forward to working with Astrum’s capable and committed team. And with Astrum’s clients to shape strategies that are not only effective, but built on insight, evidence and a deep understanding of India’s evolving public landscape.”
About Harsh Shivastava:
Harsh Shrivastava is a Senior Advisor at Astrum, India’s first research-based strategic communications consulting firm that helps clients successfully negotiate the complex landscape of Reputation, Risk, Regulation and ESG.
Harsh brings more than three decades of distinguished experience spanning government, industry, media and civil society. He served in the Planning Commission and in the Prime Minister Office. He has subsequently been the CEO of the Public Affairs Forum of India and the Microfinance Institutions Network, an SRO under the Reserve Bank of India.
He has represented the sector before regulators, government, investors, media, customers. His corporate career includes senior roles at the Confederation of Indian Industry, and Feedback Ventures, and other large companies, where he led mandates spanning policy advocacy, corporate affairs, and business development.
A globally recognized thought leader, he holds the GCB.D designation and has been conferred the Vivekananda Sustainability Award, the Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) Award for Excellence in Sustainability 2025, and an honorary Doctor of Letters from the Institute of Technology and Management (ITM) University, Raipur. He is also a prolific author whose works, including The Pathway to an Advanced, Green, AI-Led India, and AI Auditing, reflect his forward-thinking approach to leadership.
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].