Niira Radia, 48, Chairperson, Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
Because she decides what the world knows of India's two largest business groups the Tatas and the Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani Group. Because her companies have handled the two groups' PR through very challenging times the Singur episode for the Tatas and the ongoing feud with the younger brother for the Ambani. Because despite being a late entrant in the PR business, she notched up the top clients for her agencies. Because she did not let twice-failed attempts to set up her own airline flag her entrepreneurial spirits. Because even though she may not be building industrial empires, in a world where image is everything, Niira Radia sits as the Queen of the hill. For these reasons, and some more, Radia, Chairperson, Vaishnavi Corporate Communications, makes a debut on the BT's power women list. However, she doesn't think she should be part of this list not as yet. "I don't understand why I'm on this list. Yes, we are fortunate to be working with some of the finest companies in the world. Any recognition they enjoy comes from the positive change they bring to stakeholders and the nation. Our helping them communicate this does not make us powerful; meaningful yes, but not powerful. While we are proud to have brought new standards of excellence to our industry, I think a place on your list is hardly relevant or justified, she told Business Today. How Radia deals with the challenges of handling the communication of two of India's biggest business groups each facing its own unique challenges will determine whether she stays on in the Most Powerful listings in the years to come. - Kushan Mitra
Resource: Business Today