Arun Sudhaman

Arun is a global media entrepreneur, journalist and industry analyst with a unique track record of connecting the PR and communications sector across established and emerging markets. In addition to his roles as PRomise Foundation CEO and Earned First founding editor, Arun serves as a non-executive chair at ICCO, ambassador for the Asian Communications Network, a trustee of the Institute for Public Relations and strategy advisor for the Asia-Pacific Association of Communication Directors. He's also a member of the Folgate Advisors collective. Over two decades, Arun has built and led international media platforms that serve the public relations and marketing sectors, including 14 years transforming PRovoke Media into the industry's foremost source of insight and analysis. As CEO & Editor-in-Chief of PRovoke Media, Arun led the company's evolution from its Holmes Report origins into a modern digital-first platform. This journey included launching industry-defining products like the Influence 100, Global PR Agency Rankings, and our flagship Global PR Summit - featuring speakers from Jen Psaki to Sir Martin Sorrell to Marc Pritchard. Arun's career has taken him from Hong Kong to London, Singapore to New York, and many points in between — giving him unique insight into the crucial intersection between culture, reputation and communications. He has built enduring relationships with PR leaders across markets like India, China, Southeast Asia and Africa, while maintaining strong connections with global industry hubs in New York, London, Washington DC and Brussels. This distinctive perspective has informed his commentary for media outlets including the BBC, Washington Post and Guardian, along with speaking engagements at events such as the Cannes Lions and World Economic Forum in Davos. Prior to PRovoke Media, Arun held senior editorial roles at Haymarket Media across Asia and Europe, after starting his career at the South China Morning Post. Industry recognition includes becoming the youngest-ever inductee into the ICCO Hall of Fame (2015) and being named PRCA Asia-Pacific Journalist of the Year (2022). As a rapper, meanwhile, Arun is a member of both the Site Access and Underbelly collectives from Hong Kong, and is a founding DJ and core team member for Lovewillsavetheday.fm.